May 2024 Student Spotlights – Prattville, Autauga, & Elmore County

Prattville Primary School has been named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey Education, one of only 22 schools in Alabama. Leader in Me is a framework centered around leadership, academics, and culture, and the Lighthouse School designation is a highly-regarded national standard. A lighthouse is defined as “a secure structure shining a beacon of light providing guidance, direction, and hope, and that’s just what PPS is for its nearly 700 students and their families, teachers & staff. This certification is evidence that the school has produced outstanding results in school and student outcomes by implementing the Leader in Me process with fidelity and excellence. It is also because of the school’s extraordinary impact on staff, students, parents, and the greater community.

Our 6th graders took part in the Beyond the Horizon Air & Space Show & STEM Expo held at Maxwell Air Force base in April. What a great learning experience for our students!

During our virtual learning days back in January, one of our 1st graders decided he’d like to write a letter to the White House. He wrote about himself and how he’d love to visit one day. He also asked for a picture.
Recently, he was so excited to have a letter from the White House addressed straight to him! He received a picture of the president, personalized letter, and a White House activity book. This definitely made his day and is something he can hold on to forever! We are so proud of you, Warren!

Spring had us enjoying the sunshine & learning to value and protect our planet! Our students were picking up trash, learning about how to recycle, reduce, & reuse, exploring in the outdoor classroom and learning about seedlings and the parts of a plant.

The Alabama Department of Education recognized several Autauga County schools as 2024 Purple Star Schools recipients or renewals. This year’s recipients are among nearly 250 schools state-wide earning this designation for their commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military.
2024 Purple Star School Recipient
Pine Level Elementary School
2024 Purple Star School Renewals
Daniel Pratt Elementary
Prattville High School
Prattville Junior High School
“We want to ensure every student who moves to Alabama is given every opportunity for academic growth and achievement – and the Purple Star School Program helps families identify military-friendly schools and helps local schools become more prepared to address the challenges facing these students,” said State Superintendent Dr. Eric G. Mackey.
The 2024 Purple Star School recipients and renewals join Marbury High School, Prattville Elementary School, Prattville Intermediate School, Prattville Kindergarten School, and Prattville Primary School in affirming their commitment to the district’s military-connected students and families.

The District FFA Competitions were held at Southern Union State Community College on Friday, April 19.
Jerry Cunningham has been a part of the Tallassee FFA Quartet as a student, coach, or choral director for 50 years. This year, his 50th FFA Quartet won 1st place and now moves on to State. The 2nd place FFA Quartet was from Pike Road High School — also coached by Mr. Cunningham!
Pike Road FFA Quartet: Reese Graydon, Carlee McFarland, Morgan Dozier, and Phoebe Cole
Tallassee FFA Quartet: Anna Griggs, Emily Hacker, Sarah Jane Patterson, Draven Haynes

PLES Pre-K students toured the lunchroom kitchen during National Nutrition Month. Students were able to see where their food is prepared and stored. They also learned how the dishwasher cleans the dishes. Students talked about how the school kitchen is different that their kitchen at home. It was a fun learning experience for our Pre-K students!

The third-grade students from Victory Christian Academy recently went on a field trip to the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. They were taught about diverse animal tracks and had the chance to create track castings to bring back home. Exploring the forest, they also learned to identify different plant species. Venturing to the pond, they searched for various pond-dwelling creatures. Later, they attended a live animal presentation and watched a movie about different animal habitats. It was a thrilling and educational day for the students, as they discovered more about the wildlife native to Alabama.

Have you heard about the HIPPY program? HIPPY stands for the Home Instruction of the Parents of Preschool Youngsters. It is a school readiness program that helps parents prepare their preschool child for academic success. HIPPY is a home-based, family-focused program that is provided for parents of two, three, and four-year old children in English and Spanish, free of charge. The program empowers parents to teach their children at home with fun and easy activities. Children who participate in the HIPPY program start elementary school ready to learn and prepared to excel.
How does HIPPY work? Lessons are delivered by Home Visitors who are active parents from the community. These instructors are trained to cover a highly structured, 30-week curriculum in English or Spanish in the parent’s home. Home Visitor’s schedule a time to meet with parents once a week for about an hour visit. They provide parents with educational materials, review and role-play the lessons, and provide encouragement and support.
What happens in a typical HIPPY lesson? Lessons feature a wide variety of activities for parent and child, such as: reading stories together and answering questions about these stories, counting and grouping, learning sounds, increasing vocabulary, and identifying opposites. Parents will work with their child approximately 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week to complete the lessons. The HIPPY program provides parents with the materials they need to complete the weekly lessons.
What might a parent gain by signing their child up for the HIPPY program? The satisfaction of teaching their own children and watching them flourish. Parents who participate in the program can experience the joy of learning with their children while getting the support and help of trained HIPPY Home Visitors. Parents who participate in the HIPPY program will also have the opportunity to socialize with other participating families at HIPPY group meetings held throughout the academic year.
HIPPY is a FREE program that is offered to the families of Elmore County by the Elmore County Board of Education. If you would like more information about the program or would like to enroll your child, please contact the HIPPY Coordinator for Elmore County Mrs. Sherry Spigener at (334) 567-1200 ext. 24009 or email Mrs. Spigener at sherry.spigener@elmoreco.com.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful free learning program in Elmore County.

Nico Bologna, a Prattville High School freshman and stand-out soccer player, traveled to Düsseldorf, Germany, earlier this year to pursue his professional soccer dreams. As just a teenager, making plans to leave behind the life he knew was not an easy decision, but the opportunity to possibly play soccer professionally one day was not something he could pass up. When reflecting back on this momentous decision, Nico’s mom, Tina Bologna, said, “It took a lot of prayers, faith in God, support, and having the right village surround us.”
Nico plans to remain in-country for at least three months, playing with his current team. During this time, he is going on trials, hoping to sign with a club for the 2024-2025 season. Knowing that he can continue his studies through the district’s virtual learning platform has been a huge relief to Luca and Tina Bologna, Nico’s parents. Without the ability to go virtual, this opportunity may have been out of reach as he would have been required to attend a private, international school that could be quite costly, according to the family. In partnership with Autauga County Schools and CDM Sports Management, Nico will remain a virtual student until he returns home. In addition to his Prattville High School studies, Nico is also taking German through his sports management agency.
If Nico were to advance in these trials, he could possibly go “pro” before he even graduates high school. While Nico wouldn’t be able to sign professionally until his 17th birthday, he’s giving it everything he’s got to achieve his dreams. In the meantime, he appreciates the opportunity to become more independent, mature as a young man and soccer player, and eagerly anticipates his future.

Students in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Stanhope Elmore High School participated in the Reality Check budgeting simulation where each was assigned a career and family situation to navigate a monthly budget of real-world expenses.

All students in grades 9-12 at Holtville High School participated in a career fair with local employers in April showcasing a variety opportunities for part-time, summer, and full-time work as well as educational programs available to them through the school system.

Career Coaches led a resume workshop during Holtville High School’s Adulting 101 series educating students about proper resume formatting, content, and length.

Welding Technology students at the Elmore County Technical Center were asked to repair the airplane teeter totter from Wetumpka Elementary School. Not only did they repair the needed welds, but students also tested the safety of the teeter totter before putting it back in service with the students on the playground.

Four seniors from Wetumpka High School (Bubba, Brody, Dalton, Parker) passed the 3G Stick Welding industry certification exam this spring.