Bob Jones honored as CLAS School of Distinction

MADISON -The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools or CLAS has distinguished Bob Jones High School as a CLAS School of Distinction for campuses in Alabama State Board of Education’s District 8.

Superintendent Robert V. Parker nominated Bob Jones for the award.

This award recognizes schools that serve as outstanding educational models for other Alabama schools. Officials will recognize these exemplary schools at a luncheon on Feb. 25 in Prattville and announce the CLAS Banner School for District 8. Educators have nominated 160 schools.

“Bob Jones was chosen as a School of Distinction for their Patriot Path, a student initiative that develops marketable skills, such as leadership development, relationship building, project development and networking with community partners,” Bob Jones Assistant Principal Amy Thaxton said.

These new skills depend on student-to-student, student-to-faculty and student-to-community connections. “Our main focus became more than helping students to de-stress or have an activity block,” Thaxton said.

More than 80 options are available. One student developed an extensive dashboard site to sign up for Patriot Path sessions and to offer ideas.

Several students have led sessions for topics in which they have experience. One group organized a male vocal ensemble. Students know that they can lead a session and thus apply collaboration and creativity.

“We’re fortunate to have support of a diverse community, willing to share its talents and experiences,” Thaxton said. Guest presenters have discussed building strong resumes, not-so-distant NASA missions, knitting, outreach to homeless veterans and sign language.

“Our primary focus in the creation and implementation of Patriot Path has been to develop relationships between students and faculty. That goal has been achieved,” Thaxton said.

A Bob Jones student named Thomas enrolled in a session about the business side of sports. “This is a subject I’m very interested in, but it’s not offered as a class. I learned more about it during Patriot Path,” Thomas said.

Kaylee took a photography class and “learned about how taking pictures from certain angles can improve the shot.”

“Patriot Path will continue to improve the academic and social lives of Bob Jones students in the future,” Thaxton said.

Founded in 1969, CLAS provides targeted professional development and support for Alabama’s public school administrators. For more information, visit clasleaders.org.