Welcome Back to Class

Did you know that as of last school year there are 163,814 students in 270 schools across Greater Birmingham? First Priority represents 93 of those schools. That means there are 177 schools without a First Priority/Priority Kids club. We are working hard to expand this fall and start new clubs. The vision of First Priority is to share the hope of Christ with every student before they graduate high school. First Priority unites the local body of Christ with a plan of action to influence the school with the Gospel.

Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers? Students are depressed, lonely and looking for a safe place to belong. Christ’s love is the answer and First Priority gives them a great outlet to connect with others who may be going through similar situations. Launching new clubs will allow more students the opportunity to hear the life-changing Gospel of Christ, develop leaders and connect local churches to mentor students.

Priority Kids is a strategy for churches and parents to partner together around schools to empower elementary and intermediate students to influence their school with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We do this by teaching them “What Jesus Said” in the Bible. We believe as they READ IT, SEE IT and LIVE IT for themselves they will have a desire to TELL IT to everyone they meet. A young boy recently told his mom the only reason he wants to attend school is to go to Priority Kids.

First Priority and Priority Kids clubs are much needed on school campuses as they provide a safe environment and positive peer group for students. Will you help us expand this year and launch new clubs? There are multiple ways you can be involved. Visit www.firstpriorityal.com for more information or email us directly at [email protected]. If you would like your elementary student to participate in Priority Kids this fall or if you would like to volunteer, visit www.prioritykids.com. We hope you’ll be a part of this unique movement to reach every last student with the hope of Christ! †

Welcome Back to Class

Banks Academy partnered with Huffman Baptist Church for a new location! “We are excited to have such a great Christian high school utilizing our facility enabling our church to further serve the surrounding community,” says Rob Paul, Pastor of Huffman Baptist Church. “The Huffman Baptist facility has everything we need to grow the school to 300-400 students and fulfill our mission of empowering Birmingham area students to fulfill their potential through delivering excellence in education, character, and life skills to live productively in a diverse community,” says Darryl White, Board president and school founder. Banks Academy was founded in 2015 by alumni of the old Banks High School in Eastlake. The school has grown and just celebrated its fourth graduating class continuing its 100% graduation rate and 70% attending higher education. 

The school is run by Dr. Cathy Trimble, a nationally recognized and awarded educator. “Our mantra for the next five years as the Banks Academy Jets is ‘to Soar to Higher Heights.’ Soaring means continual improvement in character, faith, academics, and athletics.” Banks Academy offers a dual curriculum of college prep and technical and trade through a dual enrollment program with area colleges. Banks Academy is accredited by ACSI and Cognia and is a member of the Alabama Independent Schools Association. The school offers football, girls’ and boys’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, cheering, and track and field. Applications are still being received for the 2022-23 school year. To apply, go to www.banksacademy.org. Come celebrate with the board and faculty at the Open House on September 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. at 700 Huffman Road. Free event, RSVP requested, [email protected]. For more information visit www.banksacademy.org. † 

Welcome Back to Class

The American Village in Montevallo invites students to experience the stories of America’s journey for independence, liberty and self-government. Step into the scene and experience the risks, uncertainties, and dramatic events as they unfolded during America’s revolutionary decision to declare its independence. The American Village offers an opportunity for students to become active participants in “Securing the Blessings of Liberty” and leave with a better foundation for good citizenship.

More than a field trip, the American Village educational programs are tied directly to objectives in state courses of study in history, citizenship (civics) and government, as well as graduation standards. Students from every grade level benefit as they participate in experiential learning. Unique in its mission to strengthen and renew the foundations of American liberty and self-government through citizenship education, the American Village is an educational experience like no other. Coming to the American Village is a great adventure! Students are stepping into an immersive experience that is impactful, engaging, inspiring,…and FUN! Learn more here.

Education Extra

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School(OLS) recently celebrated Catholic Schools Week focusing on the school’s high-quality, faith-filled education while honoring those who contribute to the school’s success. The week included theme-filled days as they celebrated students, families, faculty and staff, in addition to volunteers, community supporters, and local leaders. 

OLS takes pride in providing the opportunity for academic excellence and achievement, orienting its students toward service and love of neighbor, and establishing a family-friendly environment. As a part of the week’s festivities, the students participated in a special service project. They performed chores at home to earn money for the purchase of books for Better Basics. The nonprofit organization provides books, literacy intervention, and enrichment programs to Birmingham and Fairfield City Schools and Talladega Schools. The children and staff also decorated two trees on the school campus with handwritten notes. Their prayer petitions were written on paper petals and placed on a Prayer Tree, while notes of thanks and blessings were place on another, they call the “OLS Tree.” †

Education Extra

Since 1980 Briarwood Ballet has been offering excellent instruction in classical ballet and dance education within a Christ-centered environment. 

This is no ordinary dance school! Why else would parents drive from as far away as Gadsden and Sylacauga to bring their children to a dance class? It is true that some students have received dance scholarships to major universities as well as to nationally recognized summer ballet programs; some have gone on to dance professionally or even start their own ballet schools. But the uniqueness of Briarwood Ballet is found in every classroom – from creative movement for three-year-olds to intensive workshops – where each student learns that the gift of dance is from God and can be used for His glory.  

Each year Briarwood Ballet serves over 400 students of all ages and abilities with varying goals and aspirations. The school includes a preschool division, a graded division for first through fourth graders, and a two-track program for fifth through twelfth graders to concentrate on either contemporary or classical dance. Ballet performances, unlike recitals, are story ballets written as a vehicle for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Briarwood’s performing companies have also had the privilege of using dance to spread the gospel in many foreign countries including Russia, Cuba, and China. 

This Christmas, you are invited to experience the unique telling of the drama of redemption through dance at Briarwood Ballet’s Christmas production. Light Eternal will be presented at Briarwood Church on Sunday, December 12 at 6 p.m. †