Words by Jenny Lynn | Images by Jenny Lynn Davis and courtesy of Valley Jr. High
Valley Jr. High School has achieved several noteworthy accomplishments this school year, demonstrating a commitment to providing a transformative school environment that encourages growth, excellence, and safety.
Principal Joe Harrison and Assistant Principal Amy Lockhart shared the following updates.
Marzano Highly Reliable Schools Level 1 Certification
Valley’s strategic plan, called “The B.U.C. Way,” played a significant role in achieving this certification. It laid the foundation for a transformative school environment that encourages students and faculty to believe in themselves, uplift those around them, and commit to growth and excellence in all that they do. Several Valley team members played instrumental roles in the implementation of this plan, including Sydney Atkins, Jerica Freeman, Ericalyn Hulsey, Cadie Matthews, and Leah McCollum.
“As administrators, we lay the framework, but it is the hard work of our teachers and students that makes us successful and propels our growth,” Lockhart says.
School Rankings
Valley received a score of 85 on the Alabama State Department of Education Report Card, the second-highest score in the Walker County School District. The school also placed among the top 100 of Alabama Public Middle Schools, according to SchoolDigger – a database that contributes to school rankings on the Federal Report Card.
“The past few years have been challenging in every regard, but especially for schools. Our teachers and students have overcome a lot of challenges and still maintain a high level of performance, and we’re proud of them,” says Harrison.
SRO Amy Garrison
Valley’s commitment to safety and security is demonstrated by the commendable efforts of School Resource Officer, Deputy Amy Garrison. She has made positive contributions to the school’s safety and security, and she was recently selected to attend DARE training this summer.
Lockhart says, “deputy Garrison is such a blessing to our school, and we appreciate all she does to keep our school community safe!”
Baseball Champions
Finally, the Valley Jr. High baseball team, coached by Jace Cordell and Jamie Walls, won the 2023 County Championship – an impressive accomplishment that highlights the school’s commitment to excellence in all areas.
“We are very proud of this team. They started the season as underdogs and finished as champions. Their progress this season was very apparent, and they represented our school so well,” Harrison says.
Congratulations to the school’s leadership, faculty, staff, and students on these remarkable accomplishments! WL
