As we continue our tailgating safety series, it is important for the safety article to start narrowing its focus on one of the most popular and major aspects of tailgating – grilling. Grilled food is a beloved favorite with regards to tailgating.
Some of your guests will want to eat continuously while others will eat and run. Therefore, it is great to have options for both. Different types of grilled meats, as well as vegetables on hand, support these options. So as we stated last week, pre-planning is critical. Safety awareness must be a part of this pre-planning.
Grilled food is a beloved favorite with regards to tailgating. (Adobe Stock)
Let’s review some grilling safety measures to incorporate in this process before, during and afterwards:
Grilling accessories are a requirement such as tongs, a spatula and a meat thermometer. Always wash utensils, cutting boards, and other surfaces every time raw meat comes in contact with them.
Wash your hands before and after touching raw meat and dry them with paper towels versus a dishtowel which will hold germs. Whether you’re the cook or a guest, make sure you wash your hands multiple times during the day. If there is a restroom on-site, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If there is not a bathroom nearby, use hand sanitizer. It helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Stock up on paper goods such as towels, plates, napkins, cups and utensils. You want to have lots of paper plates on hands, so you never make the mistake of placing grilled meat on a plated that once held raw meat.
Pack your raw meat into individual containers. This avoids you accidentally mixing, for example, the beef with the chicken. Place the containers in an ice-packed cooler until you are ready to grill.
Designate one cooler to store extra bags of ice so you will always have enough on hand to keep your raw meats cold. The desired temperature for your meat is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe!
Keep drinks and other snacks in a separate cooler.
Throw away spoiled foods that have been sitting out for longer than 2 hours because food safety is key, especially when you are hosting a party (tailgating) outdoors in warm weather. Perishable foods have a short shelf life before bacteria develops that could cause food poisoning to grow.
Grilled foods are extremely delicious and a sports fan’s favorite at a tailgate but, it is vitally important you Keep an Eye on Safety throughout the entire grilling process.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s campaign reported about $121,000 in cash contributions in March, bringing his total for cash raised in 2025 to about $350,000. (File)
By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin on Tuesday proposed a $15.8 million plan for recruiting and retaining officers for the Birmingham Police Department, a step he told the City Council was “necessary” in light of the growing number of homicides in the city, including a recent mass shooting in Five Points South that left four dead and 17 others wounded.
Woodfin said Tuesday “a lot of numbers out there that are just false.” Ideally, the city would have 851 sworn officers, 440 of whom would be available to work patrol, the mayor said. Currently, there are 377 officers available to patrol, Woodfin said. “We’re only short 63 patrol officers.”
Nevertheless, in order for the city to be the best version of itself “we need Birmingham police officers, not just new recruits,” he told the council.
His nearly $16 million plan – with funding from the city’s general reserve fund, which had $290 million as of June 23, 2023 – would increase the city’s hiring bonus from $5,000 to $10,000 for new officers and offer bonuses of $5,000 to help officers relocate to a residence in Birmingham.
(Woodin said the $16 million would not be recurring).
To attract and retain more officers, he proposed spending $4.5 million for a take-home vehicle program, with money going to purchase 75 patrol cars; 50 to initiate the program and 25 to sustain the current fleet.
He proposed increased signing bonuses for new recruits to $10,000, up from the currently $5,000. He also proposed a retention bonus of $10,000 a year to keep officers in the department.
The proposal includes $600,000 for media marketing and a recruitment campaign and spending $200,000 on recruiting consultants.
It calls for a new policy of eight hours a month of mental health observance leave, which would be taken like an extra day of vacation.
The proposal includes nearly $1.2 million for a part-time reserve officer program, and $561,600 for a police trainee program that allows for immediately hiring future police officers to begin academy preparation.
The plan calls for spending $100,000 to pay 20 out-of-state candidates per year relocation assistance to help them move to Birmingham. It includes a $1,000 referral incentive for referring future police officers.
The price tag might have some sticker shock, he told the council “but y’all asked me to do something.”
Addressing the issue is going to take a unified front, said Councilor LaTonya Tate, chair of the public safety committee. “I’m not in the business of pointing fingers about how we got here, but I know that Birmingham is a resilient and beautiful city,” she said. “We’re committed to giving our law enforcement officials the tools they need to succeed here and help Birmingham reach its full potential.”
It was unclear whether the plan would be presented to the full Council at next week’s Oct. 8 meeting.
Kelvin Datcher will represent Birmingham in the Alabama State House after winning the third and final race to claim the seat formerly held by John Rogers.
Datcher, an aide to Mayor Randall Woodfin, handily defeated Republican challenger Erskine Brown Jr.
Datcher earned 1,174 votes to Brown’s 218 votes, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.
“It’s super exciting, it’s overwhelming, and it’s a bit of a relief,” Datcher said shortly after the results arrived.
Just under 1,499 of the district’s 34,452 voters cast ballots. That’s less than 5 percent turnout. Provisional ballots will be opened and counted later.
District 52 is heavily Democratic and includes parts of Birmingham, Fairfield, Homewood and Mountain Brook.
Datcher tonight gathered with his supporters and other Democrats at Elysian Gardens in Avondale for a dual election night party and a vice presidential debate watch party presented by the Jefferson County Democrats.
Datcher while campaigning stressed the need to secure District 52 under Democratic leadership against a Republican challenge. Brown, the Republican, had no campaign website or social media presence. Brown on Monday told AL.com that he knew his candidacy was a longshot, but he urged voters to consider the platform of the GOP and how it aligned with their needs.
Datcher is deputy director of community development for the city of Birmingham. The race was Datcher’s first time seeking elected office after two decades in public service behind the scenes.
The 54-year-old previously served as a chief of staff to Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson when she was on the Birmingham City Council. He also worked as a policy analyst for the Jefferson County Department of Health.
Woodfin and Tyson endorsed his candidacy for the House seat.
Tyson said she and others worked to get voters until the final moments they were open.
“Kelvin knows local government, county government and state government,” said while standing near her former aide. “I guarantee you, when he gets to Montgomery, he’s going to be 100 percent serving the community.”
Datcher’s platform included support for public education, more affordable housing and community development, and expanding access to healthcare.
Datcher this evening said his first priority in the Statehouse would be to call for unity among the Jefferson County delegation. The delegation over the years has become known for often fractious relationships.
“With event door knock, and every candidate forum we listened to people and connected with folks,” he said. “It shows what you can do with the power of listening.”
Birmingham native Robert Jones, Jr. on guitar during singer-songwriter October London's set. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
Story and Photos By Marika N. Johnson | For The Birmingham Times
On Saturday evening, Birmingham was treated to an unforgettable night of Neo Soul and R&B as Grammy Award-winning singer Maxwell took the stage at the Legacy Arena. The Serenade Tour made its stop in the Magic City, where Maxwell captivated fans with his signature smooth vocals and soulful hits.
Joining Maxwell were two incredible talents: singer-songwriter October London and R&B powerhouse Jazmine Sullivan. Both artists set the stage with their unique styles, adding to the evening’s rich blend of soul, passion, and musical artistry.
However, the star for the hometown crowd was Birmingham native and guitarist Robert Jones Jr. who is on tour with London. Jones’ smooth, skillful guitar playing complemented London’s vocals, bringing a soul stirring performance to the Birmingham crowd.
A current resident of Birmingham, Jones Jr. grew up in the Jones Valley area and attended Wenonah High School. His performance at the Legacy Arena was a heartfelt reminder of his local roots. As he continues to tour and share his musical talent on national stages, Jones encourages other artists, “to never give up on your dreams” and “what is for you is for you.”
Maxwell’s Serenade Tour is a celebration of his career, known for timeless tracks like “Pretty Wings,” “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder),” and “Fortunate,” which continue to resonate with audiences. With the addition of Sullivan’s powerful voice and London’s smooth melodies, the show embodied R&B excellence, proving Maxwell’s sentiments that he shared onstage, “The mic is on!”
Maxwell’s Serenade Tour made its stop in the Magic City.Jazmine Sullivan brought her unique style to the evening.Birmingham native Robert Jones, Jr. on guitar during singer-songwriter October London’s set.
BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY | Special to the Birmingham Times
CARRIE & LARRY WOODEN
Live: Hoover
Married: March 22, 2008
Met: October 2003, during Magic City Classic weekend, at Smitty City nightclub in Birmingham. Carrie and a group of friends were en route to an Omega party when they pulled over at Smitty City to use the restroom. Carrie said she was wearing a pair of very high heels that were difficult to walk in when Larry came to her rescue.
“He was parked outside of the club and I asked him if I could sit on his car and wait for my friends to come out of the restroom, and he helped me get up on the back of his car and that’s how we started talking,” Carrie recalled. “And when he smiled I told my friend ‘he’s gonna be my husband’. We exchanged numbers, but I didn’t know he was just visiting from Michigan. His brother went to Alabama State and played in the band, so Larry came down here to see him play [at the Classic].”
Larry said he and some friends landed outside of Smitty City nightclub because the streets were crowded and they wanted to get stationary in the midst of the action.
Larry said Carrie made the first move. “She actually asked me for my number, and I was thinking I don’t know what for because I don’t live here, but I gave it to her,” he said.
Despite the miles that would be between them, Larry called Carrie the next day to see if they could meet before heading back to Michigan, but she missed his call.
“I didn’t know he wasn’t [living] in Birmingham, or I would’ve made other arrangements… by the time I called him back, he had already passed through Birmingham.”
The pair made a connection over the phone that December after Carried reached out for a late-night conversation. It lasted for hours and became the first of many to come.
First date: February 2004, Larry drove down from Michigan the week after Valentine’s Day to take Carrie, who was a student at Samford University at the time, on a date. They went to the movies and O’Charley’s on Lakeshore Drive. They saw Barbershop 2. On Valentine’s Day, “he sent me a dozen coral roses with a cute little coral teddy bear. I cherished that teddy bear for so long, and when he would come to visit, I would spray his cologne on my bear,” Carrie laughed.
As for how their first date went, Carrie said Larry was as cute as she remembered. “He had really pretty teeth and a nice smile. He didn’t have a lot to say because he’s pretty quiet, but he was nice and respectful and he didn’t try to force anything on me so I was interested in what it could be,” she said.
“She was cool, she was easy to be around,” said Larry. “I wasn’t looking for anything serious, but my curiosity pulled me toward her.”
The turn: Larry and Carrie dated long-distance from 2004-2007 when she moved to Michigan after graduating college. Larry spent uncountable weekends on a 10-hour road trip driving from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Birmingham to visit Carrie. Eventually, they began taking turns flying back and forth to see each other for monthly visits, and they’d also opt to meet halfway in Louisville, Kentucky to spend the weekend together. Carrie spent her college summer breaks in Michigan, and they’d alternate spending holidays with each other’s families. After Carrie graduated from Samford University in 2007, she moved to Michigan with Larry to start their family,” she said.
Carrie and Larry Wooden met in October 2003 during the magic City Classic weekend here in Birmingham. They married five years later. (Provided Photos)
The proposal: February 2007, at their apartment in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Carrie had been in Michigan for one month and was pregnant with their first child from their union.
Carrie said the proposal was low-key. “It wasn’t a fancy love story, we were just at home chilling, laying in the bed talking about life and family when he asked,” she said.
“It was straight to the point. She said something about marriage, and I said ‘You wanna go ahead and do it?’ and she said ‘Yeah’.
“We had been talking about marriage since a year into our relationship because he asked me if I going to move to Michigan because [if I wasn’t] it didn’t make sense for us to keep talking if we didn’t have an end goal,” Carrie said.
By 2008, they had their first child, and Larry had built their first home, but in March of 2009, they sold it and moved back to Birmingham due to Carrie’s “lack of driving skills in snow, I couldn’t take the winters,” she said.
The wedding: On Carrie’s birthday in Mobile, Ala. at her home church, Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. It was officiated by her pastor, Reverend Ralph C. Jones, and their colors were coral and white. “The same color as the dozen roses, he sent me on our first Valentine’s Day,” Carrie said.
Most memorable for the bride was their horse and carriage ride after their nuptials. “We rode on a horse and carriage to the wedding reception, and we both realized we were really married now. It was so sweet. It was like the first moment to breathe after all the hustle and bustle and it gave us a chance to recapture the moment. People were blowing their horns and congratulating us as we rode to the reception, it was pretty cool and exciting,” Carrie said. “Also, when I was coming down the aisle… it was the way he was looking at me that I’ll never forget.”
Most memorable for the groom was also the horse and carriage ride. “The carriage ride was my favorite part too. It gave us time to soak in everything without everybody being around. It was just us, the man driving the carriage and the horse,” Larry said.
Carrie joked that the honeymoon was the drive back to Michigan with all the gifts, and their new baby, Kye in the car. The couple went on a honeymoon in 2018 after their 10-year anniversary vow renewal in St. Lucia. They stayed behind and honeymooned for a week.
Words of wisdom: “Keep God first and surround yourself with positive, like-minded people. Have effective communication and keep your family out of your business. Pray, and love each other in the other person’s love language. And you have to make time to date each other. You have to be intentional with putting in time because life gets busy with work, kids, and their sports, and if you don’t make time for one another it will not be so great,” Carrie said.
Larry said ‘ditto.’
Happily ever after: The Woodens attend Rock City Church on Valleydale in Hoover, and have three children: Larry Jr., 25, Kye, 17, Karrington, 13, and granddaughter, Tatum, 6 months.
Carrie, 40 is a Mobile Ala. Native, and John L. LaFlore Magnent High School gard. She attended Samford University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing, and Grand Canyon University, in Phoenix, AZ where she obtained a master’s of science in nursing, with an emphasis in health administration and leadership. Carrie works for a major insurance company and owns her own business, Transitions of Life LLC.
Larry, 45, is a Benton Harbor, Michigan native, and a Benton Harbor High School grad. He works for Alabama Power as part of the line crew.
“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.
Breast cancer survivors, families and supporters gathered for the annual Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies (BBBB) Sistah Strut at Legion Field to bring awareness and help raise funds to continue providing resources to fight the disease. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham News
Birmingham’s Legion Field was a sea of pink this weekend as elected officials, civic leaders, breast cancer survivors, families and supporters gathered for the annual Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies (BBBB) Sistah Strut which brings awareness to the disease, while also helping raise funds to continue providing resources.
To kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month hundreds showed up to promote early detection of breast cancer especially in minority, low-income and underserved communities.
“This is a movement. It’s not about the organization. It’s about how people feel about helping each other,” said Brenda Phillips-Hong, founder and Executive Director of BBBB, and a breast cancer survivor.
According to the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), African American women face both disproportionate exposure to breast carcinogens and the highest risk of serious health impacts from the disease. A U.S. woman’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is 1 in 8. African American women have a 40 percent breast cancer mortality rate – the highest of any U.S. racial or ethnic group.
Women of color often face significant disparities in breast cancer outcomes which include diagnosis at later stages when treatment is often more complex and less effective and aggressive types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer.
First Lady Deidra “Dee” Green, widely known for her ministry at More Than Conquerors Faith Church (MTC) in Southwest Birmingham, left, served as Ambassador of Hope for the 2024 Sistah Strut. She is pictured with Brenda Phillips-Hong, founder and Executive Director of BBBB, and a breast cancer survivor. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
“Breast cancer is not a respecter of persons. It knows no racial divide. [It’s important] to recognize this, even if you’re young,” she said. “I have a goddaughter who’s 18 now, and the doctor found a little benign mass in her breast [when she was 15]. It just doesn’t discriminate—even if you’re 15-years-old. So, it’s just as important for a young person as it is an older woman to understand her body,” she said.
“We’re praying that we’ll see a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime, but until then, we’ll continue to push toward awareness and testing,” added Green.
For more on BBBB: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 310532. Birmingham, AL 35231 205.588.0703 brendasbrnbosbuddies@gmail.com icuhong@outlook.com.
Leasing and financing both provide you with a vehicle, but the payments yield different results. Think of leasing like renting an apartment while financing is like buying a house. (Provided)
Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase
Should I buy or lease a vehicle? As with many major purchases, there’s no definitive answer, but both options have specific pros – and cons – depending on your transportation needs and financial situation. Here, we help you break it all down.
The differences between leasing and financing
Leasing and financing both provide you with a vehicle, but the payments yield different results. Think of leasing like renting an apartment while financing is like buying a house.
When you lease a car, you borrow it for a certain amount of time and make monthly payments for its use. Once the term is over, you return the car or opt to buy it, if buying is permitted under the lease contract.
When you finance a car, you take out a loan or installment financing and make monthly payments to a lender until it’s paid off. Once all payments are made, the vehicle is yours to keep for however long you please.
Leasing a car: Five pros and cons
Pro: Leases can sometimes come with lower monthly payments and down payments (if needed). Plus, many new leased vehicles often include maintenance and repair coverage under the manufacturer or dealer. As long as you avoid penalty fees (more on that below), you can likely save some money.
Pro: Leases could be beneficial if you stay local. Your contract will have a set number of miles you’re allowed to drive during your lease term — if you know you’ll stay under that number and minimize wear and tear on your car, you’ll avoid penalties for excess use.
Pro: Leases are ideal for car enthusiasts who enjoy new makes and models. The average lease is 36 months (3 years), and when your lease is up, you simply return the vehicle and look for a new one.
Con: You might have to pay additional fees. If you go over the mileage limit, you’ll face a penalty at the end of your lease. There are also early termination fees, as well as fees for any damage incurred.
Con: You’ll always have a monthly payment, but unlike financing, you won’t end up with the vehicle when your term ends. You’ll make payments through the end of your lease term, and if you decide on another one, you’ll start a new monthly payment cycle.
Buying a car: Five pros and cons
Pro: The car is yours to keep once you pay it off. You don’t have to worry about getting another vehicle and negotiating another lease.
Pro: You’ll enjoy unlimited mileage. If you plan to go on a lot of road trips or relocating in the future, you might rack up mileage more quickly than expected. By purchasing your car, you’ll avoid possible mileage fees or damage fees at the end of a lease.
Pro: Your car payments end. Once your financing is paid off, you no longer have a monthly car payment to worry about, giving you more room in your budget for other financial goals. Plus, buying a car gives you control over your new asset, so you can even sell it for cash if your plans change in the future.
Con: Financing may be more expensive. Car prices today are relatively high, and you may have to make a down payment even before your monthly payments begin.
Con: You’ll have to pay for maintenance, inspections and other costs that may have been covered in a lease agreement.
How to decide between buying or leasing a car
Some people might choose to lease because they don’t drive a lot, or because they like having the option to get a new car in a few years. Others might like the permanency of financing a car to purchase, especially if they find deals on an older used car and can pay it off quickly.
Whether leasing or buying a car, it’s always a good idea to do your research, set a budget, and improve your credit score (if necessary) to ensure you’re getting into a car you can afford. Assess both your short-term and long-term financial goals and be sure to understand the terms of your lease or loan so you aren’t surprised by unexpected costs. Then, the choice is yours – happy driving!
E.P.I.C. Alternative Elementary School has earned the elite distinction of being named one of the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools. (Birmingham City Schools)
birminghamcityschools.org
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recently recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools, which includes E.P.I.C. Alternative Elementary School from Birmingham City Schools.
This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.
The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
The Alabama House of Representatives voted to pass a contentious bill that takes control of the Birmingham Water Works Board from the city. (File)
By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times
Birmingham Water Works’s executive committee met last week to consider spending $120 million for automated meters that will replace meters being read by hand.
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System is designed to automatically read customer meters and measure water consumption which will lead to accurately billing customers for water consumed, according to BWW.
The move comes after some frustrated residents faced missed bills and bills significantly higher than usual as a result of mass estimations. Water systems in the metro area that have already installed self-reading smart meters say they are the most effective way to improve accuracy and reduce cost.
Installing AMI would benefit BWWB customers by raising the percentage of accurate bills to nearly 100 percent and enhancing the utility’s ability to detect leaks, BWW officials say.
Tereshia Huffman, chair of the Birmingham Water Works Board. (Provided)
“Our Advanced Metering Infrastructure initiative enables us to eventually move away from the traditional manual meter reading process,” said Tereshia Huffman, chair of the Birmingham Water Works Board. “Above all else, this new system will be more efficient and manageable while improving the customer experience overall.”
Managers have said it could be a four-to-five-year process to get the automated meters turned or changed out, but it could pay for itself long term without a rate increase by reducing “monetary forgiveness” due to the inability to detect and fix leaks in a timely manner and eliminating manual meter reading expenses, including staff time for normal reading activities including re-readings.
As outlined to the BWW’s executive committee last week, key benefits to implementing an integrated (AMI) program with capital expenditures of $119,328,050, include:
Meter replacement: The replacement of existing meters will help accurately measure water consumption and improve customer service.
Leak detection: AMI systems have the ability to read meters several times a day, which could help detect continuous water consumption (leaks) which can be used notify customers that there may be issues at their home affecting water usage.
Eliminate manual meter reading: AMI systems eliminate the need for employees to manually read meters, improving operational efficiencies. This allows for staff to investigate problems and resolve customer account issues in a timely manner.
Establish customer accounts: The system will enable the utility to establish new accounts and shut off old accounts to improve operational efficiencies.
BWW management will consider three implementation scenarios and could make a recommendation to the board as soon as in October. The one question, according to staff is how to minimize customer and service disruptions moving forward.
Founded in 1951, Birmingham Water Works (BWW) serves nearly 770,000 people in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair, and Walker counties. The BWWB operates four filtration plants, a certified testing laboratory, and has more than 4,000 miles of pipe in its distribution network.
Birmingham City Schools, along with community partners the City of Birmingham, Leadership Birmingham, and Scholastic, have launched a city-wide initiative aimed at furthering gains in reading achievement among elementary students.
During a press conference held recently at Henry J. Oliver Elementary School, Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan revealed that the district will establish classroom libraries in more than 500 elementary classrooms. The presence of these book collections will increase access to books and provide additional opportunities for reading.
Among the books in those libraries is “Morning in the Magic City,” written and published by members of Leadership Birmingham. (Birmingham City Schools)
Among the books in those libraries is “Morning in the Magic City,” written and published by members of Leadership Birmingham. Scholastic also provided backpacks loaded with books for students to take home.
The City of Birmingham, through the Department of Youth Services, will continue its Page Pals program, which recruits volunteers to read to students. Volunteers are encouraged to visit bhamyouthfirst.org to sign up.
After the press conference, Mayor Randall Woodfin and members of Leadership Birmingham spent time reading “Morning in the Magic City” to classes at Oliver. Clifford the Big Red Dog also made a special appearance!
Behind these efforts, Birmingham City Schools expects to make additional strides in reading achievement among third graders. Last school year, the first under the full implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act, Birmingham City Schools saw 81 percent of third grade students testing on reading level during Spring assessments, up from 53 percent in the Fall. Additional enrichment brought the share up to 86 percent after Summer assessments.
More on the Birmingham Reading Initiative Launch here.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
