Madison County Schools highlight academic gains and student programs during Newmarket roadshow

Madison County Schools board members heard district highlights and student presentations Tuesday evening during the system's roadshow stop at Newmarket School in District 2.

District officials and school leaders summarized recent academic results, extracurricular milestones and community partnerships that administrators said underscore steady progress across multiple feeder schools.

The presentations opened at Newmarket School, where Principal Carrie Smith said the campus serves pre-K through sixth grade with an enrollment she gave as 436 students and described the school's historic campus buildings, including a main building opened in 1940 and a Rock Building constructed by the Works Progress Administration.

Buckhorn High School principal Lavelle Everett reported several academic measures. He said 71 percent of students who took Advanced Placement exams last year earned qualifying scores of 3 or higher and that the school recorded its highest AP passing rate to date and 101 AP scholars. Everett also said Buckhorn will distribute $7,300 to students through a college-readiness program (the program name was not clearly stated in the meeting).

Buckhorn Middle School principal Chad described the school's Blue Ribbon Lighthouse of Excellence Award and highlighted the peer-helper program. Students who participate in that program spoke to the board about its goals: Renly Turley, a Buckhorn Middle peer helper, told the board, "By working together, we can build a school where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued." Students said peer helpers meet regularly, support students' social-emotional needs and run activities such as spirit weeks and welcome programs for new students.

Riverton Intermediate administrators reported academic measures above state averages. A district presenter said Riverton ranks in the top 20 percent of Alabama schools on combined achievement metrics and cited reading proficiency of 62 percent compared with a statewide average of about 47 percent. The school also reported a drop in chronic absenteeism and fundraising that included a color run that raised more than $50,000. Riverton announced an academic night and book fair scheduled for Oct. 21 and a fall festival on Oct. 25, plus plans for a sensory playground and a new LED sign on Homerance Road.

Mount Carmel principal Julie Norden described staffing and school culture, saying the school serves about 640 students with roughly 85 employees and that weekly professional learning communities focus on proficiency scales and sustaining instructional practices when staff change. Other schools reported recent grants and recognitions: one school was awarded a $1,000 classroom grant and a $10,000 grant from the Alabama Mountains, Rivers and Valleys Council for a Flint River Outlook project (school identified during the meeting as Ribton Elementary).

Board members praised the roadshow format for allowing trustees to see schools in their communities. Several board members noted athletics and arts achievements across the district and reiterated appreciation for teachers, parents and volunteers who support school programs.

The district did not take formal action on these highlights; the presentations were for information and community engagement.