Congratulations to @LBlevins_, TCS 21st CCLC Program Director, and @NakamiTownsell, @Southview_TCS 21st CCLC Site Coordinator, on this exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and connect alongside out-of-school time leaders from across Alabama. The XL Leadership Academy brings together leaders in the out-of-school time field to strengthen leadership, expand professional networks, and advance the impact of expanded learning opportunities for students and families across our state. We’re proud to see TCS represented in this inaugural cohort and look forward to the leadership, learning, and collaboration that will come from this experience! 👏 Congratulations, Lindsey and Nakami! We’re excited to see you represent TCS and continue growing as leaders in the field of expanded learning. @MikeDaria @tidecam @TerriCeleste1 @AlabamaELA @AlabamaAchieves @GovernorKayIvey @ESPNupe @GilesVertis @ronikaam1 @egmackey @bamaEMW @GRANTE1 #TuscaloosaCitySchools #TCS #21stCCLC #ExpandedLearning #OutOfSchoolTime #Leadership #AELA #XLLeadershipAcademy

Hello can sound different, but its message is universal! piped.video/0H66RI9wjX0?si=7M-r… via @YouTube As part of Start With Hello Week, students at @RockQuarryElem learned how to say “hello” in many different languages. With students representing a variety of cultures and countries, it was a fun way to celebrate the school’s diversity while learning how to make everyone feel welcome and included. Start With Hello Week, an initiative of @sandyhook, encourages students to reach out, build connections and help create a school community where everyone feels like they belong. Sometimes, creating a connection starts with just two simple words: Hello! @MikeDaria @csparks04 @ESPNupe @bamaEMW @TerriCeleste1 @MathNEWelS @tidecam #StartWithHello #SandyHookPromise #RockQuarryElementary #TCS #TuscaloosaCitySchools #Inclusion #Belonging #SchoolCommunity

Fun family night @CentralESChamps! @MikeDaria @tidecam @ESPNupe @TerriCeleste1

Happy Arts in Education Week! As we close this week, we’re celebrating the incredible TCS arts teachers who inspire creativity, encourage self-expression, and help students discover their unique talents and abilities. Through art, music, dance, and theatre, these dedicated educators create meaningful opportunities for students to explore new ideas, build confidence, collaborate with others, and see the world from different perspectives. The arts do more than enrich the classroom—they spark imagination, nurture passion, and create experiences that students carry with them far beyond the school day. We are grateful for the creativity, dedication, and heart our arts teachers bring to our schools each day. Thank you for helping our students find their voices, share their gifts, and shine! @MikeDaria @mikey_tolliver @bamaEMW @GRANTE1 @TCSArts @MathNEWelS @GilesVertis @TerriCeleste1 @TuscaloosaEduc1 @ArcadiaStampede @CentralESChamps @GoCHSFalcons @emsstampede @MLK_Elem_TCS @nhs_jaguars @NMSJags @oakdaleelement @BryantStampede @RockQuarryElem @TCSSkyland @Southview_TCS @TASPA_TCS @STARS_TCS @TCTATuscaloosa @TMSElementary @TuscMagnet @UPES_Leads @tcsverner @WestlawnTCS @WoodlandForrest @AlabamaAchieves

The Tuscaloosa City Schools is proposing a $201 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with approximately $122 million dedicated to instruction and instructional support. The proposed budget reflects several years of careful financial planning while continuing to invest in classrooms, programs and services that support TCS students. The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education is set to vote on the proposed budget tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the Tuscaloosa City Schools Central Office. For more information, go to: tinyurl.com/bdzd7y5p

Just a reminder that all schools and offices will be CLOSED on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day! Enjoy the long weekend! #laborday @ArcadiaStampede @CentralESChamps @GoCHSFalcons @emsstampede @MLK_Elem_TCS @nhs_jaguars @NMSJags @oakdaleelement @BryantStampede @RockQuarryElem @TCSSkyland @Southview_TCS @TASPA_TCS @STARS_TCS @TCTATuscaloosa @TMSElementary @TuscMagnet @UPES_Leads @tcsverner @WestlawnTCS @WoodlandForrest

This is AMAZING!! @MikeDaria @ESPNupe @bamaEMW @GilesVertis @MathNEWelS @wvua23 @TuscaloosaPatch

From Uncertainty to Confidence: Raleigh Sorrells Embraces a New Challenge Representing Tuscaloosa County as the 2027 Distinguished Young Woman, Raleigh Sorrells has gained more than a title. Her experience with the Distinguished Young Women program has given her a new perspective on her own abilities and encouraged her to pursue opportunities she once believed were outside her comfort zone. For Sorrells, who has traditionally focused heavily on academics and personal growth, participating in the Distinguished Young Women program was not an obvious choice. Pageants were unfamiliar territory, and she initially questioned whether she had the qualities needed to succeed. The experience, however, quickly challenged those doubts. Through the program, Sorrells discovered that the skills and talents she had already developed could serve her well in a setting she had never envisioned herself entering. Her success ultimately reinforced an important lesson: confidence does not always come from becoming someone different, but from recognizing the strengths that are already there. When Sorrells first registered for Distinguished Young Women, she wasn't even sure she would complete the program. She entered feeling nervous and uncertain about whether she would fit in among the other participants. Those concerns soon faded as she developed relationships with the other young women and discovered that many shared similar feelings about stepping into unfamiliar territory. Rather than focusing solely on competition, the participants developed a strong sense of camaraderie and encouraged one another throughout the process. Each young woman brought her own experiences, talents and strengths to the program, creating an environment centered as much on personal growth and encouragement as it was on achievement. Program leaders Vickie Brown, Lisa Pradat, McKinley Hubbard and Shresta Majeti played an important role in Sorrells' experience, providing guidance, encouragement and support throughout the two-month preparation process. The weeks leading up to the program became some of Sorrells' most memorable experiences of the past year. Practices and challenging moments were balanced by excitement, friendship and a growing sense of pride in the progress each participant was making. By the time the program concluded, the experience had become about much more than a title or competition. It had helped Sorrells and her fellow participants recognize their individual strengths, celebrate one another's accomplishments and develop greater confidence in what they could achieve. For Sorrells, becoming the Tuscaloosa County Distinguished Young Woman of 2027 is a reminder to continue pursuing her passions, embracing challenges and striving to become the best version of herself. What began as an opportunity that once seemed unfamiliar ultimately became a defining experience—one that showed Sorrells that sometimes the greatest opportunities are found just beyond the boundaries of what we believe is possible. #AMAZINGtotheCORE @MikeDaria @tidecam @Uah055 @TaliethaW @wvua23 @ESPNupe @JayDuke49456304 @GRANTE1 @bamaEMW @TerriCeleste1 @TuscaloosaEduc1 @GoCHSFalcons @CHutchinsJr @AngieFMorrison @NickieFost89512

Turning the business community into a classroom! A new CEO entrepreneurship class at @TCTATuscaloosa is giving 13 students from @GoCHSFalcons, @nhs_jaguars and @BryantStampede, a firsthand look at what it takes to turn an idea into a business—and ultimately start, operate and grow a company. Throughout the year, students will visit about 40 local businesses and learn from about 40 guest speakers. This week, they went behind the scenes at Krispy Kreme Tuscaloosa, Al to hear directly from owner Evan Smith. In the spring, students will take what they've learned and develop their own business plans before showcasing their ideas to the community. As Tuscaloosa AL CEO facilitator Lauren Jamison puts it, “It is career day every day for these children.” To read the full article, visit: tinyurl.com/ytnd86zv @MikeDaria @tidecam @ESPNupe @DrJWilliams1 @ericfhines @Uah055 @MarkhamTCS @kknorstrom @krispykreme @NickieFost89512 @BranchJetta

Preparing to support another great year of teaching and learning! Tuscaloosa City Schools’ Elementary Math and Literacy Coaches came together for their back-to-school coaching meeting, bringing their expertise, ideas, and enthusiasm to the table as they prepare for the 2026–2027 school year. The day was filled with collaboration, professional learning, reflection, and planning focused on strengthening instruction and providing meaningful support to teachers and students across the district. These instructional coaches play an important role in helping educators grow, implementing effective teaching strategies, analyzing student learning, and ensuring students have the tools and support they need to succeed. By working together and sharing best practices, our Math and Literacy Coaches are ready to partner with teachers and school leaders to strengthen instruction, inspire learning, and help every student reach their full potential. Here's to a new year of collaboration, growth and Choosing Excellence! #choosingexcellence #InstructionalCoaches #literacymatters #MathMatters #teachingandlearning #professionallearning #EveryStudentEveryDay @MikeDaria @tidecam @TerriCeleste1 @ESPNupe @MathNEWelS @ChelseaBarton_ @tuscaloosacity @GilesVertis @GWrightArcadia @CyntMillerHuff @MLK_DannonB @KieraSEzell @csparks04 @KeontaMelton @ronikaam1 @ctaylormaye @Pewee001 @nakelya @teresa_biv81443

The road to a successful season starts long before game day! Today at TCS Fall Sports Media Day, student-athletes from @GoCHSFalcons, @nhs_jaguars and @BryantStampede shared their expectations, personal goals, and team goals for the upcoming fall seasons. Players from football, girls flag football, volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, and swimming talked about what it takes to compete at a high level—from staying disciplined and focused to putting in the work, supporting their teammates, and persevering through challenges. Their message was clear: success doesn't happen by accident. It takes preparation, commitment, teamwork and a determination to be better every day. As these student-athletes prepare to take the field, court, course and pool, we can't wait to see what they accomplish this season! Let's go, TCS! #tcsathletics #fallsports #teamtcs #StudentAthleteSuccess #choosingexcellence #WeAreCentral #GoJags #OneStampede #CompeteWithPurpose @MikeDaria @tidecam @TCSAthletics_1 @DeMario_Pippen @Uah055 @CHutchinsJr @TaliethaW @DrJWilliams1 @coachcameron13 @jagsyearbook @LoudBrarian @jonessboyy @peck_love @WVUA23Sports @tuscaloosanews @TuscaloosaPatch @townsquaremedia

The halls were buzzing with excitement as teachers welcomed their students back to the classroom today!! From big smiles and warm greetings to the excitement of a brand-new school year, it was clear that everyone was ready to get back to learning, growing, and making memories together! Visit our TCS Facebook page to see all the first day pics!! facebook.com/TCSBoardofEd #FirstDayOfSchool #BackToSchool @MikeDaria @tidecam @tcsverner @oakdaleelement @TASPA_TCS @TMSElementary @wvua23 @TuscaloosaPatch @ESPNupe @GilesVertis @MathNEWelS @Pewee001 @KieraSEzell @MrsBryant_3rd @Dfedwards88 @JayDuke49456304

The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education has approved the appointment of veteran educator Nakelya Mullins as interim principal of @WestlawnTCS. Mullins brings 21 years of experience in the Tuscaloosa City Schools and most recently served as principal of University Place Elementary School. She succeeds Dr. Darlene Atkins, who is leaving Westlawn to serve in an administrative role with the Tuscaloosa County School System. Westlawn has experienced tremendous success in recent years, earning designation as both a State and National School of Character, recognition as a @clasleaders School of Distinction, the Tuscaloosa City Schools' Moving the Needle Award, and its highest Alabama School Report Card score in school history. The school was also removed from both the state's Priority (Failing) Schools list and the Targeted Support Schools list. Please join us in congratulating @nakelya on her new role! To read more, visit: tinyurl.com/2sr8eynt @MikeDaria @tidecam @gtidwell1 @KRQuarles @MarvinLLucas @GRANTE1 @bamaEMW @JayDuke49456304 @TuscaloosaPatch @tuscaloosanews @wvua23 @ESPNupe @GilesVertis @AngieFMorrison

Explore the Tuscaloosa City Schools 2025–2026 Annual Report and discover how our students, educators, staff, and community partners are Choosing Excellence every day. From academic achievement and innovation to the arts, athletics, and career readiness, this report highlights the people and programs that continue to shape bright futures for every student. Read here: 👉shorturl.at/2jQAN👈 @MikeDaria @JayDuke49456304 @ESPNupe @tidecam @scottpmn @ArcadiaElement1 @CentralESChamps @GoCHSFalcons @emsstampede @MLK_Elem_TCS @nhs_jaguars @NMSJags @oakdaleelement @BryantStampede @RockQuarryElem @TCSSkyland @Southview_TCS @STARS_TCS @TASPA_TCS @TCTATuscaloosa @TMSElementary @TuscMagnet @UPES_Leads @tcsverner @WestlawnTCS @WoodlandForrest @AngieFMorrison @LBlevins_ @westalchamber @clasleaders @MarvinLLucas @GRANTE1 @bamaEMW @egmackey @AlabamaAchieves @LesleyP3838 @tuscaloosacity @WaltMaddox @UCP_WA #ChoosingExcellence #AMAZINGtotheCORE

Leadership Appointments for Northridge Middle School and Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools. The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education on Monday approved the appointment of @60614Pan as principal of @NMSJags . Dr. Preeti Nichani has served as principal of @TMSElementary since 2017. Under her leadership, the school has become known for its commitment to educational excellence, innovative teaching, and rigorous, hands-on learning experiences. Those efforts culminated in Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary earning a perfect score of 100 on the 2024–2025 Alabama State Report Card. In addition, the school was recognized as both a State and National School of Character in 2022. Prior to serving as principal, Dr. Nichani was a teacher at @ArcadiaStampede and an assistant principal at both @tcsverner and @RockQuarryElem. Most recently, she was recognized as Alabama's 2026 National Distinguished Principal by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators. Reflecting on her transition, Dr. Nichani shared: "After 24 years in education, I remain committed to building relationships, supporting educators, and ensuring every student is known, challenged, and inspired. I leave Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary with immense gratitude and begin this new chapter at Northridge Middle School with excitement, purpose, and pride. I am honored to join the Jag family." With Dr. Nichani's transition to Northridge Middle School, current @TuscMagnet Principal @Pewee001 will expand her leadership responsibilities by serving as interim principal of Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary while continuing to lead the middle school. She previously served as the school counselor for both magnet schools, which share a campus, giving her a strong understanding of the students, staff, and school community. Under Dr. Pewee-Childs' leadership, Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Middle was recognized as both a State and National School of Character in 2022. The school also earned a score of 99 on the most recent Alabama State Report Card. She is committed to maintaining the tradition of excellence at both schools. "My goal is to continue building on the strong foundation already established, cultivate meaningful relationships, and work alongside our students, staff, and families to ensure every child experiences a seamless journey of excellence from elementary through middle school," said Dr. Pewee-Childs. Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria said the leadership transitions position both schools for continued success. "We are excited about the future of Northridge Middle School and Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary and Middle with two outstanding leaders at the helm. Dr. Preeti Nichani and Dr. Pewee-Childs are accomplished principals with proven records of success, a passion for student achievement, and a genuine commitment to the students, families, and staff they serve. Their leadership reflects the high expectations we have for every school, and I am confident that great things are ahead as they begin these new roles and continue building on the strong foundations already in place." @MikeDaria @tidecam @AASSP_Alabama @AAESP @NAESP @ESPNupe @MathNEWelS @TerriCeleste1 @JayDuke49456304 @GilesVertis @AlabamaAchieves @tuscaloosacity