Competitions, testing, projects keep Franklin County Schools busy

By FCS Superintendent Greg Hamilton, guest columnist

Franklin County Schools are rolling right along into spring. Our system is very busy preparing students for state testing next month and making sure everything is in place for testing.

We are glad to see upgrade projects advancing and several being completed.

Several building improvement projects have been completed, such as a new roof on the Career Tech Center’s office building and the old cafeteria building at Belgreen High School. The Vina High School elementary building that was damaged when a vehicle hit the building has been completely restored. Vina’s gym roof was repaired from damage it received in the December 2016 tornado. Belgreen High School and Vina High School’s gyms passed state building inspection, as well.

Our system has partnered with the University of North Alabama LEAD Initiative. It provides educators in our system the opportunity to work on higher education degrees through UNA at a discounted rate. We are very delighted to be able to offer this to our employees.

Elementary robotics clubs are beginning to come together in our schools. Tharptown Elementary has been the first elementary school to compete in a robotics competition this school year, and they won first place. Several other elementary grade levels in our district are gearing up to begin competing in robotics competitions in the near future.

The Red Bay High School and the Franklin County Career Tech HOSA (future health professionals) Chapters placed in the state competition in Health Care Display, HOSA Happenings, Medical Innovation–Existing and Prepared Speaking events. Contestants will advance to the International Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas in June.

Also, the Skills USA Chapter of FCCTC had Maegan Cain place first in the Prepared Speaking event at the Skills USA district competition. She will compete in the state Skills USA contest in April.