Liberty, James Clemens busy with camps, scheduling and training

Balancing classes is one task for summer, Liberty Principal Nelson Brown said. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The calendar says ‘July’ but two campuses on Madison’s western edge have a business-as-usual summer routine.

Liberty Middle School Principal Nelson Brown said most ‘summer vacation’ days are focused on the upcoming year. “We’ve (spoken) with and interviewed great candidates for open staff positions we had.”

Summer schools classes met during June. “Many of our student groups and teams have been involved with camps and practices,” Brown said.

A group of Liberty teachers attended the Middle School Best Practices Summit. “Several of our language arts teachers have been working with other district teachers on plans for the new English language arts standards (associated with Common Core),” Brown said. “Most teachers are involved in some type of professional development during summer.”

The Liberty staff is reviewing schedule requests from students and parents and “balancing the classes,” Brown said. “We also develop schedules for our new students as they enroll.”

Workers have added technology access to two conference areas for teachers and parents. Painting and a few minor repairs have been completed on the Lions’ campus.

At James Clemens, Principal Dr. Brian Clayton is overseeing a few adjustments at the new facility and addition of storage units for athletics. “Our teachers are in training for Project Lead the Way (biomedical program) and Laying the Foundation for advanced-placement courses,” Clayton said.

James Clemens has hired 14 teachers “because our squadron grew by 400 Jets,” Principal Dr. Brian Clayton said. (CONTRIBUTED)

During summer, James Clemens’ staff continues to have conferences with students and parents. “We also have met with our PTA to plan for the school year. We have 58 kids in summer school in health, driver’s education and credit recovery,” Clayton said.

Throughout summer, James Clemens is hosting camps “in every sport. Our kids are also involved In national academic competitions in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and robotics,” Clayton said. The first Madison Music Camps gathered band directors and young instrumentalists from across North Alabama.

“We had 14 opportunities to hire great teachers because our squadron grew by 400 Jets. We will build 1,500 schedules for students,” Clayton said.