Dr. Shane Barnette

As the Christmas season approaches, I am filled with gratitude for the students, staff, and families who make our school community such a special place. This time of year invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the hope, joy, and peace that Christmas brings. The words of Scripture remind us of the true meaning of the season: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Throughout this semester, our teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to support and inspire our students, and our families have partnered with us in meaningful ways. I am deeply thankful for your dedication, generosity, and commitment to excellence. As we celebrate Christmas, may your homes be filled with joy, your hearts with peace, and your days with renewed hope as we look ahead to a bright new year together.

Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your family.

Mark and Kym Hilinski of Hilinski's Hope once again returned to Cullman County Schools to share their "Tyler Talk"  with students in grades 9-11th.  The purpose of their assemblies is to remind students that there is hope and a community that supports them if they should need the support. 

The “Tyler Talk” program is the precursor to the researched based “Game Plan” and the H3H Mental Health Support Series modules created by Hilinski’s Hope and in partnership with the NCAA and Prevention Strategies. 

Congratulations to the West Point High Scholar’s Bowl Team for winning the 2025 Cullman County Scholar’s Bowl Tournament. This win secures their 14th consecutive County Championship, a true testament to their dedication and excellence.

(Pictured L to R: Dr. Brad Stapler/Fairview High Principal, Dr. Shane Barnette/Cullman County School Superintendent, Elizabeth Lockhart/AmFirst Teacher of the Month, Daniel Boggan/AmFirst Cullman Branch Manager, Beverly Cochran/AmFirst Membership Development Coordinator)

Ms. Lockhart goes above and beyond to provide exceptional educational experiences for everyone every day. Not only does she do this for her students, but she hosts a spooky science day at Parkside and Fairview Elementary for the entire school. She works diligently with her students to create engaging science experiments and stations for the schools and devotes so much time and effort to making this day an unforgettable experience for PreK-12 graders.

(Pictured L to R: Daniel Wakefield/Hanceville High Principal, Maggie Barnett/Paraprofessional, Zane Barnett/AmFirst Staff of the Month, Dr. Shane Barnette/Cullman County School Superintendent, Daniel Boggan/AmFirst Cullman Branch Manager, Angela Clark-Blair/AmFirst Regional Development Coordinator)

Zane Barnett handles maintenance for all Hanceville schools. "He is a jack of all trades at our campus," says Daniel Wakefield, Hanceville High Principal. "He not only handles all maintenance issues, but he tiles restrooms, frames new rooms for our projects, builds picnic tables, and has completed multiple other projects. He helps unload buses in the mornings and helps control traffic in the afternoons. I cannot think of anybody in Cullman County that would be more deserving of this award than Zane Barnett."

Pictured L to R with Students: Dr. Susan Patrick/CTE Director, Daniel Boggan/AmFirst Cullman Branch Manager, Beverly Cochran/AmFirst Membership Development Manager, Derrick Woodall/AmFirst Teacher of the Month, Dr. Shane Barnette/Cullman County School Superintendent, Adam Edmondson/CATA Principal)

"Derrick exemplifies dedication, professionalism, and a genuine passion for student success," said Adam Edmondson, CATA Principal. "As the HVAC instructor, he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure his students gain both technical expertise and real-world employability skills."

(Pictured L to R: Robin Netherton/Vinemont High Principal, Karen Butts/AmFirst Staff of the Month, Dr. Shane Barnette/Cullman County School Superintendent, Beverly Cochran/AmFirst Membership Development Manager, Daniel Boggan/AmFirst Cullman Branch Manager)

"In 2025 with all the regulations and laws on educational institutions the job of a local school bookkeeper is a monumental task - and Karen Butts is the most dependable and hardworking employee in our office," said Dr. Robin Netherton, Vinemont High Principal. "She exemplifies what it means to be an Eagle."

This quote from Helen Keller reminds us that the most meaningful things in life aren’t physical objects, but the feelings and experiences that connect us — kindness, support, growth, and shared moments. Within our schools and community, we see these “beautiful things” every day: a caring teacher guiding a student, families supporting learning at home, staff working behind the scenes, and students celebrating big and small successes. These moments can’t be touched or purchased — they are felt with the heart, and they are what make our school district such a special place to learn, work, and grow together.

Congratulations to the Hanceville (Team A) Robotics Team for receiving the Excellence Award at the recent Cullman County Robotics Tournament,
held at Wallace State College. This team also earned the title of
Overall Champions for the event.

Congratulations to Vinemont and Hanceville (Team B) Robotics Teams for being named Tournament Champions at the Cullman County Robotics Tournament.

Congratulations to CATA Team 1 for earning the Design Award, and to
CATA Team 2 for being selected as the Robot Skills Champion at the
Cullman County Robotics Tournament! 

Cullman County Schools proudly recognizes our students who have shown perfect attendance through a shared partnership with HFI and the district attorney’s office.

Their commitment to showing up every day reflects responsibility, perseverance, and a true love for learning.

 Why attendance matters? Showing up consistently builds strong habits, keeps students connected to their classmates and teachers, and helps them succeed academically. These students are setting an incredible example for our entire school community.  Congratulations!

The Sheriff's Special Needs Rodeo is one of our favorite events of the school year. Our students had so much fun! A huge Thank you to Sheriff Matt Gentry and his staff for putting this rodeo on each year.

Christmas cheer is everywhere in our schools! From festive outfits and Elf on the Shelf fun to smiles and laughter in the halls, our campuses are full of holiday spirit and joy this season.

Our Career Coaches are hosting FAFSA Nights for seniors and their parents! Whether you have questions or need help completing your FAFSA, support will be available at each high school during basketball games and designated non-game evenings. Families may walk in for assistance or use the QR code to schedule an appointment for one of the non-game dates. We look forward to helping our students take the next step toward college and career readiness!

December 22nd - January 6th - Christmas Break
January 6th - Students Return
January 9th - Report Cards Go Home
January 19th - No School (MLK Day)