SMS School Counselors
Here's to a GREAT 2024-2025 School Year!
Mrs. Ashlee Greek, 6th Grade School Counselor: agreek@hoover.k12.al.us (205) 439-2123
Ms. Zaneta Heard, 7th Grade School Counselor: zheard@hoover.k12.al.us (205) 439-2180
Mrs. Erika Berryhill, 8th Grade School Counselor: eberryhill@hoover.k12.al.us (205) 439-2122
(Left to Right: Mrs. Berryhill, Mrs. Greek, and Ms. Heard)
Please continue to scroll down for posts/updates from the school counselors. Please check our blog often for updates.
Homewood Church of Christ: Onsite Food Pantry will be November 20th and December 18th at 9:30 AM. 265 W. Oxmoor Road Birmingham, AL 35209
2025 BIRMINGHAM SQUADRON “Student Intern For A Day”
The Birmingham Squadron is currently planning the First Annual "Student Intern For A Day” for junior high and high school students to have the opportunity to “step foot” in the Legacy Arena for EARLY ENTRY and attend the Squadron vs Mad Ants Game on February 13, 2025. Tip off 7:00 pm.
The program will feature the following phenomenal opportunities:
EDUCATIONAL WORKBOOK FOR RESUMES
"STUDENT INTERN FOR A DAY" RECOGNITION
PANEL DISCUSSION WITH FRONT OFFICE STAFF
HIGHLIGHTS OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND GAME DAY PROCESS
TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE AND CAREER
TOUR OF LEGACY ARENA PRIOR TO GAME
BASKETBALL GAME
If you are interested in having your students visit the Legacy Arena, participate in this EXCITING event and attend a Birmingham Squadron basketball game, please contact vicki@vlpproductions.com for more specific information and details.
The Pathway to Success: Admissions, Scholarships, Safety, and Athlete Guidance will be held at the BJCC on October 20th from 1pm-5pm. The event is free and open to the public. Open to students and their families, this event is an opportunity for those interested in enhancing their college readiness.
Topics Covered:
● How to Apply for College
● Campus and College Safety
● The Impact of Social Media on Your Future
● Applying to College as an Athlete
● Early College Scholarship Opportunities
● Speed Networking
● Information Booths
● Scholarships and Prize Drawings
Why Attend: This event offers a unique opportunity to gain critical knowledge on college application processes, scholarship opportunities, and best practices for college success. It is also a family-friendly event, encouraging students and their families to engage and benefit from expert guidance. The aim is to inspire young individuals to explore a broad range of career options, while leveraging the support of community-based nonprofits to achieve academic and career success.
Spring Valley School (SVS) serves K-12 students with specific learning differences (such as dyslexia,dyscalculia, dysgraphia, high functioning autism, and ADHD) from 46+ zip codes in the Birmingham area. The specially trained faculty at SVS are dedicated to empowering neurodiverse learners and facilitating their integration into the workforce. This fall, SVS is hosting an inaugural event - Birmingham Employs Neurodiversity - designed to pilot career-connected opportunities for neurodiverse learners throughout Birmingham and equip employers to transform their workspaces by giving ample access to exceptional talent. The event will take place on November 19, 2024 at Regions Field.
Event Details:
● November 19, 2024 (Career & Internship Expo for Students)
○ Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
○ Location: Regions Field
○ Details: Neurodiverse students will attend a keynote presentation on the topic of Finding Success Through Advocacy, and participate in an expo where they will engage with employers to explore career paths and apply for internship opportunities. Students pursuing internships for the Spring/Summer semester (averaging 4-6 hours/week) will receive advising services, provided by United Ability, to ensure success. Complimentary professional headshots will also be available on-site.
Registration: This event is free of cost to attend and is capped at 150 students, ages 16-22. A current or former teacher, school counselor, employment adviser, ADRS counselor, or mental health provider is encouraged to complete the registration form on behalf of the student. The official recommendation confirms the student’s readiness to engage in career-connected learning opportunities. For those students participating to earn experiential learning credits, official documentation can be provided upon request.
Q&A: Have questions? You may contact info@springvalleyschool.org or sign up for a virtual information session with the event host.
ALL Kids hopes your 2024-2025 school year is off to a great start! Families may be surprised to learn how much they can earn and qualify for ALL Kids. Please see the link below for more information.
Posts/Updates for the 2024-2025 School Year are Above
Get ready to inspire the next generation of innovators and trailblazers! We are thrilled to announce the Annual iCan Girls Engineering Conference, and you're invited to spread the word about this electrifying event. Please find the attached flyer for more details and the registration link that will open on July 15th.
What to Expect?
Prepare for a day filled with exhilaration and enlightenment, exclusively designed for girls with a keen interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This FREE event is packed with fun, engaging activities, and competitions that encourage our young participants to envision themselves in these roles.
Event Details:
When: August 17, 2024
Where: Alabama Power Headquarters, 600 18th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Who is Invited: Girls in 6th to 8th grade
For the Parents:
We understand the crucial role parents play in nurturing their child's educational and career aspirations. That's why we've arranged special sessions aimed at providing you with valuable insights on educational and personal development opportunities available for your daughters.
What's Included?
Every participant will enjoy:
A delicious Chick-Fil-A Lunch
An exclusive iCan Girls Engineering Conference T-Shirt
A Goodie Bag filled with surprises to remember the day
This event is not just an opportunity for young ladies to learn and grow; it's a chance for them to see firsthand the endless possibilities that await them in the world of STEM. Let's come together to support and encourage the next generation of female engineers, scientists, and leaders.
Please find the attached flyer for more details. We encourage you to share this with friends and family who might be interested in this wonderful opportunity.
Don't miss out on this empowering event. Let's ignite the flame of curiosity and passion for STEM in our young girls. We look forward to seeing you and your daughters at the iCan Girls Engineering Conference!
Click Here for Registration Information
Get ready to inspire the next generation of innovators and trailblazers! We are thrilled to announce the Annual iCan Girls Engineering Conference, and you're invited to spread the word about this electrifying event. Please find the attached flyer for more details and the registration link that will open on July 15th.
What to Expect?
Prepare for a day filled with exhilaration and enlightenment, exclusively designed for girls with a keen interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This FREE event is packed with fun, engaging activities, and competitions that encourage our young participants to envision themselves in these roles.
Event Details:
When: August 17, 2024
Where: Alabama Power Headquarters, 600 18th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Who is Invited: Girls in 6th to 8th grade
For the Parents:
We understand the crucial role parents play in nurturing their child's educational and career aspirations. That's why we've arranged special sessions aimed at providing you with valuable insights on educational and personal development opportunities available for your daughters.
What's Included?
Every participant will enjoy:
A delicious Chick-Fil-A Lunch
An exclusive iCan Girls Engineering Conference T-Shirt
A Goodie Bag filled with surprises to remember the day
This event is not just an opportunity for young ladies to learn and grow; it's a chance for them to see firsthand the endless possibilities that await them in the world of STEM. Let's come together to support and encourage the next generation of female engineers, scientists, and leaders.
Please find the attached flyer for more details. We encourage you to share this with friends and family who might be interested in this wonderful opportunity.
Don't miss out on this empowering event. Let's ignite the flame of curiosity and passion for STEM in our young girls. We look forward to seeing you and your daughters at the iCan Girls Engineering Conference!
Click Here for Registration Information
Opportunities below from the Birmingham Zoo
BRIDGES FAMILY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM SESSIONS STARTING SOON
Hoover City Schools proudly presents the Bridges Program, a remarkable Family Intervention Program offered at no cost. Led by our district's skilled counselors and social workers, this four-session program covers essential topics for parents. From fostering healthy communication and trust-building to promoting emotional wellness, addressing alcohol and substance use, and navigating social media and technology, each session provides valuable insights. Attendees not only benefit from the sessions but also receive a participant workbook filled with additional tools and information. Sessions commence on February 6th at the Hoover City Schools Board of Education building from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. To secure your spot for you and your middle or high-school-aged child, contact your child's school counselor today. Don't miss this opportunity for meaningful discussions and valuable resources.
The Birmingham Zoo is happy to announce that the Teen Volunteer Program is accepting new volunteers starting TODAY, January 1st, 2024! This program is open to students who are currently enrolled in seventh grade all the way up to students who are currently in eleventh grade(will be 8th-12th graders during the 2024-2025 school year). Please let students know about this wonderful opportunity!
If you would like to forward a pdf to interested students, see document: Digital/PDF copy or attached document
If you would like to print out fliers for students to take home, see document: Hardcopy or attached document
In short, the Teen Volunteer Application can be found on the Birmingham Zoo website by following this sequence of clicks:
Get Involved > Volunteer > Teen Volunteer Opportunities > Apply HERE
2023 AUBURN UNIVERSITY "Student For A Day"
Auburn University Athletics is currently planning the First Annual College Visit
"Student For A Day” for students K-8 to have the opportunity to step foot on a COLLEGE CAMPUS on Saturday,
November 18, 2023 and attend the NCAA Football game vs New Mexico State University. Time TBA
The program will feature the following phenomenal opportunities:
EDUCATIONAL WORKBOOK
"STUDENT FOR THE DAY" RECOGNITION
CUSTOM SELF GUIDED CAMPUS HIGHLIGHT TOUR
PREGAME PHOTO ON FIELD AT JORDAN-HARE STADIUM
FOOTBALL GAME
Individual parents are welcome to attend with their children.
If you are interested in having your students visit AUBURN UNIVERSITY and
participate in this EXCITING program, please email vicki@vlpproductions.com for information and details.
2023-2024 School Year Updates from the School Counselors Begin Above
For more information and to register: https://homewoodpubliclibrary.org/event/7915046
2023 Summer Teen Program McWane Center
McWane volunteers gain valuable leadership skills in a fun, hands-on environment and get to strengthen their public speaking skills while developing a strong work ethic. This volunteer program emphasizes the professional development of its participants and is a unique opportunity for students to see how STEM can apply to everyday situations.
If you have students interested in improving their communication skills, learning how to work with a team, and want to pursue their STEM related interests, you should encourage them to apply! To apply for the program, candidates will submit an online application with an attached resume and two letters of recommendation. All new candidates will participate in an interview after they apply. The application deadline is April 1, 2023.
For more information about the program and the link to the application, check out our website: mcwane.org/volunteer/teen
Community Service Opportunity: https://www.justserve.org/projects/e30307e1-954f-4ffb-8764-0f8d45d7141d
Pediatric leaders in Alabama are warning families about unusually high and severe influenza activity occurring throughout the state, especially in children.
ALL Kids Alabama covers vital health care services including flu vaccines, preventive care, and prescriptions. Please go to https://www.facebook.com/ALLKidsAlabama for more information.
The BRIDGES Program is a free, dynamic, interactive program offered to any Hoover City Schools student (grades 6 – 12) and their parent/guardian(s). It focuses on helping students make positive life choices toward overall success. This early intervention family education program utilizes trained masters-level counselors to help coach students and families to improve family communication, and build healthy, trusting relationships. In a fun and relaxed environment, this four-week program allows teens and families to support and encourage one another to resolve problems that may interfere with a teen’s educational, social, or emotional success. Contact your school counselor for more information:
Ashlee Webster (6th) awebster@hoover.k12.al.us
Winnie Davis (7th) widavis@hoover.k12.al.us
Erika Berryhill (8th) eberryhill@hoover.k12.al.us
2022-2023 School Year Updates from the School Counselors Begin Above
HOMEWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST FOOD PANTRY
Our monthly food pantry takes place on the third Wednesday (Sept. 21) of each month at our building located at 265 W. Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, 35209 (corner of Lakeshore and W. Oxmoor). Distribution begins at 9:30am and continues as long as food supplies last. No registration is required. For more information, call (205) 942-6854.
All Alabama K-12 students and parents can use these fun learning resources this summer – See the official Alabama Summer Learning Challenge webpage at: https://www.alabamaachieves.org/communication/summer-learning-program/ Starting next week (on Monday, May 23rd) this website will be fully updated/active, and will have great reading, math, science, and other learning resources that Alabama parents and students can use throughout the summer.
1) SPRINGBOARDERS Teen Leadership for girls entering 8th-12th grades in the 2022-2023 school year. Deadline to Apply -- May 31. Do you like to write, make videos and podcasts, and meet girls from other schools? Springboarders are the driving force behind GirlSpring's website and online magazine for girls, GirlSpring.com. They meet monthly to plan monthly content for the website, help plan public programs for their peers, get access to female mentors, serve in leadership positions as committee heads for Youtube, Interview, and Podcast, and TikTok committees, and volunteer for group projects to help others in the community. Apply today if you think this is a good fit for you! Most meetings occur via Zoom, so girls can attend from any geographic location. https://www.girlspring.com/springboarders/
2) **NEW PROGRAM**Girls at the Center. For girls ages 14-17, with a focus on girls of color and girls from marginalized communities. A max of 20 girls will be accepted for this program. This program will start with a kick-off party in mid-June, and in August will begin meeting every 2 weeks to address issues that girls of color and girls from marginalized communities face. Over the course of 12 sessions, in-person, facilitated by author and journalist, Javacia Harris Bowser, girls will learn about mental health, confidence and public speaking, safety, mentorship, and other issues. The goal of this program is for girls to learn how these become challenging issues for girls in the first place, to learn how to advocate for themselves, and to use GirlSpring's digital platform, girlspring.com as a vehicle for awareness and dialog around the issues that girls face. The program will conclude with a group project on girlspring.com and a public program for the girls to present their findings and share what they learned. Apply by May 31 here:
https://www.girlspring.com/springboarders/girls-at-the-center-new-teen-program-for-girls/
The HCSF is seeking Hoover High School and Spain Park High School students to serve as representatives of this organization. Student Board members will represent the HCSF at various functions and events, assist with marketing to alumni and city leaders and occasionally assist the HSCF in supporting Hoover City Schools with community service efforts. Deadline for applications is Wednesday, May 25th. More details are found in the following application link: https://forms.gle/zcerQZ9Z9acajyEC
Teen Leadership Program Manager at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama: This summer we are expanding our enrichment services and hosting a #SmartGoals 2-week College and Career Summer Summit at Jeff State Community College (Shelby/Hoover campus) on June 6th-17th. Registration is open for additional rising 9th grade girls.
This is for students who would be interested in going on college tours, exploring different career fields, preparing for the ACT/SAT, strengthening their diversity inclusion skills through community service, and engaging in fun team building field trips this summer. Please see the link for more information along with registration.
The Lawson State STEM Program hosts STEM programs in the summer. The following programs are expected to be held on the Birmingham campus for 2022.
STEM Enrichment Institute (SEI) – For current 8th graders through 11th graders; Must have at least a 3.0 grade point average to be admitted.
Girls IMPACT – For girls who are current 7th graders through current 11th graders; No minimum GPA is required.
How to apply/more information:
SEI and Bridge (both held in June): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhJJFAA_1J8aOzfVtef4jiU25JMX9WZ14zBO607MoxQgFmDw/viewform
Girls IMPACT (held in July): https://girlsimpactalabama.org/
EUREKA! At Girls Inc.: https://girlsinccentral-al.org/programs/eureka/
Middle-school students living in Alabama are eligible to attend a special Space Camp program free of charge. Students ages 12 to 14 may apply for Space Academy for Leading Students in Alabama, or SALSA, a Space Camp program funded by the Alabama legislature. Two students in each Alabama legislative district will receive a scholarship to attend SALSA, which promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education along with leadership skills.
To be eligible for SALSA, students must apply for the scholarship. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center will then forward a notice of application to the members of the Alabama House of Representatives or the Alabama Senate representing the district in which the students reside. Each member will nominate two students to receive a scholarship to attend SALSA.
Travel to and from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is not included.
To learn more, visit www.spacecamp.com/salsa.
The SALSA 2022 application is now open at https://spacecamp.smapply.io/
Follow this link to download or print a brochure: https://www.spacecamp.com/docs/SALSA2022.pdf
The deadline to apply is February 21, 2022.
Red Ribbon Week Dress Up Days 2021!
Monday: Drugs are stupider like Jupiter!- Dress wacky/tacky
Tuesday: Wear Red for RRW
Wednesday: Reach for the stars with a drug free bright future!- Wear neon or stars
Thursday: Say NO to peer pressure. Keep good friends in your orbit!- Matching Friend Day/Copy Cat Day
Friday: Send drugs to outer space!- Wear space/alien themed clothing
Congratulations to our new 2021-2022 SHIPMATES and S.A.I.L CLUB Members!!
SHIPMATES will welcome and orient new students to SMS throughout the year, facilitate Red Ribbon Week activities , and assist with any other peer helping activities. S.A.I.L. Club (Students Assisting In Learning) help these students work with peers assisting with organization, homework, quiz/test preparation, and study strategies.
Summer Learning Resources from the Alabama Department of Education
https://www.alsde.edu/sec/comm/Pages/summer-learning.aspx
Simmons Dance Team:
Are you 6th or 7th grader interested in joining our 2021-2022 Dance Team?
Join our Google Classroom for all Dance Team Info! CODE: txbmtkt
Also, check our our Dance Team Website: http://bit.ly/simmonsdanceteam
Student Interest Meeting:
Thursday and Friday, Jan. 28th and Jan. 29th
Upper Deck of Lower Gym during Homebase
Parent Interest Meeting (Mandatory):
Tuesday, February 2nd
Lower Gym, 5:30pm
Virtual Student: We will provide a Google Meet during these meetings through the Google Classroom so parents and students can join.
Dance Team Clinic:
Monday-Wednesday, March 1st-3rd
Lower Gym, 3:30-5:00pm
Dance Team Tryouts
Thursday, March 4th
Lower Gym, after school
Contact Mrs. Odom & Ms. Jones for any additional questions, kodom@hoover.k12.al.us & emjones@hoover.k12.al.us.
Please join us for this FREE informative and potentially life-saving suicide prevention training on Zoom, Thursday, January 21 at 1 PM. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Interpreters will be provided to assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
You will learn:
How to create a safe space for someone to talk
Myths surrounding suicide vs. the facts
The importance of gun and medication safety
How to help those thinking about suicide
Email Kierston Withrow for more info: Kwithrow@crisiscenterbham.org
September 21 - 25, 2020
Throughout the year the school counseling team will use this blog to post announcements related to our counseling program. We will also post articles and resources that relate to the social and emotional development of middle school students.
Ashlee Webster, 6th Grade Counselor, awebster@hoover.k12.al.us
Winnie Davis, 7th Grade Counselor, widavis@hoover.k12.al.us
Erika Berryhill, 8th Grade Counselor, eberryhill@hoover.k12.al.us
2021-2022 School Year Updates from the School Counselors Begin Above
L-R (Erika Berryhill, Ashlee Webster, Winnie Davis)
Ashlee Webster, 6th Grade Counselor
(205) 439-2123
Winnie Davis, 7th Grade Counselor
(205) 439-2124
Erika Berryhill, 8th Grade Counselor
(205) 439-2122
1) SPRINGBOARDERS Teen Leadership for girls entering 8th-12th grades in the 2022-2023 school year. Deadline to Apply -- May 31. Do you like to write, make videos and podcasts, and meet girls from other schools? Springboarders are the driving force behind GirlSpring's website and online magazine for girls, GirlSpring.com. They meet monthly to plan monthly content for the website, help plan public programs for their peers, get access to female mentors, serve in leadership positions as committee heads for Youtube, Interview, and Podcast, and TikTok committees, and volunteer for group projects to help others in the community. Apply today if you think this is a good fit for you! Most meetings occur via Zoom, so girls can attend from any geographic location. https://www.girlspring.com/springboarders/
2) **NEW PROGRAM**Girls at the Center. For girls ages 14-17, with a focus on girls of color and girls from marginalized communities. A max of 20 girls will be accepted for this program. This program will start with a kick-off party in mid-June, and in August will begin meeting every 2 weeks to address issues that girls of color and girls from marginalized communities face. Over the course of 12 sessions, in-person, facilitated by author and journalist, Javacia Harris Bowser, girls will learn about mental health, confidence and public speaking, safety, mentorship, and other issues. The goal of this program is for girls to learn how these become challenging issues for girls in the first place, to learn how to advocate for themselves, and to use GirlSpring's digital platform, girlspring.com as a vehicle for awareness and dialog around the issues that girls face. The program will conclude with a group project on girlspring.com and a public program for the girls to present their findings and share what they learned. Apply by May 31 here:
https://www.girlspring.com/springboarders/girls-at-the-center-new-teen-program-for-girls/
All Alabama K-12 students and parents can use these fun learning resources this summer – See the official Alabama Summer Learning Challenge webpage at: https://www.alabamaachieves.org/communication/summer-learning-program/ Starting next week (on Monday, May 23rd) this website will be fully updated/active, and will have great reading, math, science, and other learning resources that Alabama parents and students can use throughout the summer.