Dr. Shane Barnette
Superintendent

March has certainly reminded us that in Alabama, you can experience all four seasons in a single week. From 80-degree sunshine to severe thunderstorms—and even a little snow mixed in—it has kept us all on our toes! While the weather may be unpredictable, one thing remains constant: the incredible accomplishments of our students and schools.

As we look forward to spring break just one week away, it is a great time to pause and celebrate the many successes happening across Cullman County Schools. We are incredibly proud of the Good Hope Lady Raiders for capturing a State Basketball Championship and the Cold Springs Lady Eagles for finishing as State Runner-Up. These achievements reflect hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.

In addition, congratulations to West Point Middle School for earning the County Championship in middle school math and West Point High School JV Scholars Bowl Team for winning the State Championship—another example of the academic excellence we value so highly. Across our district, students continue to shine in countless areas, from state band honors to outstanding performances in soccer, track, archery, softball, baseball, and cheerleading. Our students are also excelling in math competitions, Scholars Bowl, CTE competitions, agriscience, and even drone technology—proof that there truly is something for everyone in Cullman County Schools.

If your child is not currently involved in an activity, I encourage you to reach out to your school. Whether it’s athletics, academics, or the arts, getting involved helps students grow, connect, and thrive. Across our district, we are proud to offer opportunities that meet a wide range of interests and passions.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools. We are looking forward to a strong finish to the school year and all that lies ahead this spring.

Dr. Shane Barnette
Superintendent
Cullman County Schools

Congratulations to the Good Hope Lady Raiders, Coach Justin Aby, and the entire coaching staff on winning the 2026 Class 4A State Championship! The Lady Raiders battled to an exciting 59–54 victory over the Plainview Bears in a thrilling championship game.

Special congratulations to Ella Davis for being named Tournament MVP, and to Sophie Conrad and Ella Gossett for being selected to the 4A All-State Tournament Team. What an incredible accomplishment for these Lady Raiders! 🏆

History made! The West Point Scholars Bowl JV Team captured the program’s first-ever JV State Championship today with a dominant 420–220 victory over New Century in the final match. What an incredible accomplishment for these Warriors and Mr. Henry! 

What an amazing season for the Cold Springs Lady Eagles! Congratulations to Coach Paige Adams and the entire coaching staff for leading the team to an incredible finish as the Class 2A State Runner-Up.

Special Congratulations to Ella Dickerson & Paizley Whitlow for being selected to the 2026 2A All Tournament Team.

Last week, Wallace State Community College hosted the Cullman County Middle School Math Tournament, where students from across the county competed in a day of challenging math competition. Congratulations to West Point Middle School, which earned the title of Grand Champions of this year’s tournament!

We are proud of all the students who represented their schools and showcased their incredible math skills today.

6th Grade 1st Place
West Point Middle

6th Grade 2nd Place
Fairview Middle

6th Grade 3rd Place
Good Hope Middle

7th Grade 1st Place
West Point Middle

7th Grade 2nd Place
Hanceville Middle

7th Grade 3rd Place
Good Hope Middle

8th Grade 1st Place
West Point Middle

8th Grade 2nd Place
Vinemont Middle

8th Grade 3rd Place
Good Hope Middle

6th Grade

(1st) Ashlynn Erklenz – West Point, (2nd) Cayden McCauley – West Point, (3rd) Ameya Harper – Hanceville, (4th) Noah Kessler – Fairview, (5th) Kinsley Hamm – West Point, (6th) Ava Collum – West Point, (7th) Kinleigh Floyd – West Point, (8th) Sam Kessler – Fairview, (9th) Ava Moore – West Point, & (10th) Dawson Davis – Parkside.

7th Grade

(1st) Kyle Grant – West Point, (2nd) Brianna Gray – West Point, (3rd) Hudson Mann – West Point,(4th) Nathanial Davenport – Hanceville, (5th) Beckitt Nunnelley – West Point, (6th) Molly Jenkins – Parkside, (7th) Chase Phillips – West Point, (8th) Jayden Watts – West Point, (9th) Lucas Adcock – West Point, & (10th) Usher Mena – Hanceville.

8th Grade

(1st) Colton Campbell - West Point, (2nd) Adon Graves – Hanceville, (3rd) Mason Girardi – West Point, (4th) Isabella Neighbors – West Point, (5th) LillyKate Bryant – West Point, (6th) Mylee Malchow – Vinemont, (7th) Gracie Horton – West Point, (8th) Briar Brown – Vinemont, (9th) Mackenzie Phillips – Vinemont, (10th) Damien (Kort) Freeman – Holly Pond.

April 14th: Harmony
April 16th: Welti
April 17th: Parkside
April 21st: Cold Springs
April 22nd: Fairview
April 23rd: Good Hope Primary
April 28th: Hanceville Primary
April 29th: Holly Pond
April 30th: Vinemont

What to bring with you:
Your Child
Birth Certificate
Parent/Guardian Driver's License
Social Security Card
Immunization Records
Proof of Residency, such as a current utility bill

Congratulations to our Cullman County Bands for excellent performances at the State Music Performance Assessments at the University of North Alabama. A special thanks to Ty Watwood, our Media & Communications Director, for livestreaming all of these performances.

We celebrated School Social Worker Week this month! We believe we have the very best! 

School Social Workers act as crucial links between home, school, and community, focusing on removing barriers to education to boost student academic, social, and emotional success.

Thank you to Sesaria Calderon, Breanna Palmer, Janna White & Scott Carpenter for all they do for our students and families of Cullman County Schools!

We want to recognize our amazing Child Nutrition teams at all of our schools! They celebrated Built by School Breakfast week as well as celebrating Dr. Seuss Birthday by providing green eggs and ham! We are so thankful to have an amazing staff that provides multiple meals to our students each and every day!

Agriculture Mechanics CDE Team
Jackson Miller, Ty Harrison, Travis Barnett,
and Jesse Morton.

Horse Evaluation CDE Team
Adalynn Tapscott, Bryanna Holloway, Dailynne Nelson, and Macy Arthur.

Prepared Speech
Lexi Jones
West Point High

Compact Tractor
Franklin Bailey
Hanceville High

Girls Highest Score
Zella Creel
Good Hope High

Boys Highest Score
Jackson Miller 
Holly Pond
Carson Cain
Hanceville High

Cybersecurity Students
1st Place in the Promotional Bulletin Board

Precision Machine Students
1st & 2nd Place in Job Skill Demo A & Open

Carpentry Students
Gold Medal Winners in Quiz Bowl

Utility Line Worker Students
Silver Medal Winners in Quiz Bowl

Caroline Neighbors
2nd Place, Healthy Living
Good Hope High

Belen Callejas-Andablo
Top 6, Pharmacy Science
Hanceville High

Francisco Garatachea
Top 6, Dental Science
West Point High

Over 1,900 Alabama students and teachers traveled to Montgomery to participate in two days of competitive events and advanced leadership study at the 2026 HOSA Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference, February 26-27. Each of our competitors earned their place on the state stage by successfully qualifying during the competitive events held back in November, a feat that required months of preparation and focus. Joining the best future health professionals from across the state, our students put their skills to the test, and their performance was nothing short of inspiring. We are so proud of you all!

Congratulations to Tonya Cupp, CCBOE Director of Instructional Programs, for receiving the "Dr. Sue B. Adams Leadership Award" from the The Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services. The award is in recognition for Tonya's work supporting the needs of at-risk students in our school system. Thank you, Tonya for all you do for our students and families.

Gweniviere "G-Bolt" Marks, a 6th grader at Good Hope Middle, frequently attends our media events and helps us out! During Spring Sports Media Day, Dr. Barnette presented her with a bag of goodies, including a CCBOE.TV jacket! It's never too early to chase your dreams.

Pictured with students L to R: Robert Strane (Welti Principal), Amanda Bailey (AmFirst Teacher of the Month), Dr. Shane Barnette (Cullman County School Superintendent), Daniel Boggan (AmFirst Cullman Branch Manager)

Amanda Bailey teaches Kindergarten at Welti. "Mrs. Bailey is exceptional," said Robert Strane, Welti Principal. "She demonstrates what it means to teach with heart, creativity, and purpose every day."

Pictured L to R: Elizabeth Watwood (Hanceville Middle Principal), Brent Barnett (Hanceville Middle Assistant Principal), Amber Jones (AmFirst Staff Member of the Month), Dr. Shane Barnette (Cullman County School Superintendent), Daniel Boggan (AmFirst Cullman Branch Manager)

Amber Jones is the secretary at Hanceville Middle School. "She is truly the heart of our front office and our school - always smiling, even on the toughest days, and greeting everyone who walks in with kindness and warmth," said Elizabeth Watwood, Hanceville Middle School Principal. Assistant Principal Brent Barnett added, "She is a real asset to Mrs. Watwood and myself, and plays a big part in our successes."

Cullman County Schools thanks AmFirst for donating a $100 gift card to each employee of the month. Congratulations Amanda and Amber!

Vinemont High

Hanceville High

Cold Springs High

Holly Pond High

Good Hope High

West Point High

Fairview High

We had a great Spring Sports Media Days! Each of our schools was well represented, and our student-athletes and coaches represented their schools with great class.

 HMS 7th Graders and HMS Student Ambassadors participated in a Service Learning Day  this Month. Students participated in various activities off campus as well as on campus. Activities included reading to Hanceville Primary School and Hanceville Elementary School students, cleaning school campuses, donating pet supplies to the shelter, Anti Vaping videos, delivering cards to the assisted living, and so much more!

March 24th-26th: ACAP for 2nd & 3rd Grades
March 27th-28th: Baseball Co. Tournament
March 30th: April 3rd: Spring Break
April 6th-9th: Softball Co. Tournament
April 8th: County Track Meet
April 14th-17th: ACAP for 4th-8th Grades
April 14th: Kindergarten Registration-Harmony
April 16th: Kindergarten Registration-Welti
April 17: Progress Reports will go home
April 17th: Kindergarten Registration-Parkside
April 21st: Kindergarten Registration-Cold Springs
April 22nd: Kindergarten Registration- Fairview
April 23rd: Kindergarten Registration-Good Hope Primary