Testing is focus of spring semester

RUSSELLVILLE — Local students return to the classroom for the second semester this week with city schools reopening on Wednesday and county schools beginning on Thursday.

As they gear up for the second half of the 2025-26 school year, two major topics are on the minds of city schools Superintendent Tim Guinn and county schools Superintendent Greg Hamilton — spring testing and the flu.

“We are looking for a smooth transition back to begin the second semester,” Hamilton said on Friday. “Second semester is an extremely busy time. At the high schools, we will have our valedictorian, salutatorian and top 10 announcements, and we will continue prepping for state testing county-wide.”

Likewise, Guinn said he intends for his district to “start the spring semester renewed, refreshed and optimistic for these final fine months of the school year.”

“We are excited to welcome students and staff back from winter break,” he said. “We look forward to starting the new semester healthy, focused and ready to learn.”

Guinn said prior to Christmas break, Russellville City Schools experienced an increase in seasonal illnesses like stomach viruses, strep and flu. He hopes the holiday break provided students and staff with the opportunity to fully recuperate from those illnesses, even as flu cases surge statewide.

The Centers for Disease Control currently lists Alabama’s flu level as “high.” It was “moderate” the week of Christmas.

The Alabama Department of Public Health reported 47% more individuals visited emergency rooms due to reported respiratory illness last week than the week prior.

Of the 10.76% of patients in the state who visited an emergency room last week due to respiratory illness, 9.52% tested positive for flu.

“As always, we encourage families to keep students home if they are ill and to communicate with schools,” Guinn said. “Our priority is maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.”