Families gathered at the MPS Leadership Center to build custom academic toolkits, discuss effective study habits—including busting the "20 Minute Myth"—and prepare for a successful school year ahead. Thank you to all the parents, students, and staff who came out to make our first workshop such a great success!
Missed this session? Join us for our next Make-and-Take Monday on September 28th for Parent-Teacher Roadmaps!
#OurSchoolsOurCommunitiesOurFuture



We need your input. Please complete the survey by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.
Thank you for your partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin

Dear BTW Families,
We Need Your Voice!
Montgomery Public Schools values the partnership we share with our parents and families. We are asking you to take a few minutes to complete the Family and Community Engagement Needs Assessment.
Your feedback is important because it helps us understand what our families need, how we can better support you, and how we can strengthen the connection between home, school, and community. The information collected will help guide decisions regarding family programs, resources, communication, workshops, and other supports designed to promote scholar success.
Every response matters. The more families who participate, the better we can ensure that our plans and resources reflect the needs of the families we serve.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey. Your voice helps us make informed decisions that support our scholars, families, and schools.
Thank you for your time, feedback, and continued partnership with MPS and Booker T. Washington Magnet High School.
Together, we are stronger!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin
https://forms.gle/jmeS8DBCgebb9ChcA
As we work together to prepare every scholar for graduation and success beyond high school, it is important that families remain actively engaged in their scholar’s graduation pathway, course selections, and College and Career Readiness (CCR) progress.
Please work closely with us to ensure your scholar is:
Following the appropriate Alabama Graduation Pathway—Option A or Option B;
Enrolled in and successfully completing the courses required for graduation;
Making satisfactory progress toward meeting all graduation requirements; and
Working toward earning at least one College and Career Readiness Indicator (CCRI).
For your review, we have included the following resources:
Alabama Graduation Pathway – Option A
Alabama Graduation Pathway – Option B
College and Career Readiness Indicators (CCRIs)
We strongly encourage you to review these documents with your scholar and contact us with any questions regarding your scholar’s individual graduation plan or CCRI progress.
Graduation is the goal, and preparation begins now. Your continued partnership will help ensure your scholar remains on track and prepared for college, career, and life beyond high school.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to your scholar’s success.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin
OPTION B:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17QDuqhlxMYjNGkQaWRmFNHxdkYrnSY76/view?usp=sharing
OPTION A:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tQ49pCN9EtVFv-VUTsMX2Nf8pR9d1YHy/view?usp=sharing
CCRIs:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Abh8Bv1SvbKbKvxrf8MPa9Ow2Ie6CJRl/view?usp=sharing
What do your family and student need from Montgomery Public Schools this year?
Take the 2026–2027 Parent Needs Assessment and tell us what matters most. Your feedback will help MPS identify the supports, resources, and family engagement opportunities that can better serve our families.
TAKE THE SURVEY: https://forms.gle/5fSJcYmX1S9deZMP8
Survey closes September 4, 2026
Don't miss your chance to be heard. Take the survey today and help shape the 2026–2027 school year!
#MPSFamilies #YourVoiceMatters #MontgomeryPublicSchools
Join us for the first Make-and-Take Mondays Family Workshop!
Monday, August 24
5:30–7:00 p.m.
MPS Leadership Center – Building B
720 Grove Street
Topic: Homework Toolkits
Learn practical strategies and create resources you can use at home to support your student's success.
Register Now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA_gZQ595gMN73ZX-w4uxAtpIIl0EeNuxFBrO4_XtBUU6-4g/viewform

I hope this message finds you and your family well as we continue the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year.
I am writing to officially share an important leadership transition at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School. As previously communicated, I have transitioned from my role as Principal of BTW to serve Montgomery Public Schools in a different capacity. It has been an extraordinary honor and privilege to serve the scholars, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and community of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School.
As Montgomery Public Schools continues the process of finalizing the selection of the next principal of BTW, Dr. Quesha Starks will serve as Substitute Principal and provide leadership and support to the school during this transition period.
Dr. Starks brings a wealth of experience and, most importantly, a deep understanding of the BTW community. Having previously served as Principal of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School for over 20 years, Dr. Starks is no stranger to the rich history, traditions, expectations, and legacy that make our school such a special place. Her longstanding connection to BTW will provide valuable stability and continuity as the district works to finalize the school's permanent leadership.
During this transition, our priorities remain unchanged: providing a safe and supportive learning environment, maintaining high expectations for teaching and learning, supporting the academic and artistic development of every scholar, and ensuring that the daily operations of the school continue effectively.
I ask our BTW families to extend their continued support and partnership to Dr. Starks, our administrative team, faculty, and staff as they work together to ensure our scholars continue to receive the exceptional educational experience they deserve.
Although my role has changed, my commitment to Booker T. Washington Magnet High School has not. I remain committed to supporting Dr. Starks, the faculty and staff, our scholars and families, and ultimately the incoming principal to help ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Thank you for the tremendous support you have extended to me during my tenure as principal. Serving the BTW community has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional journey, and I will forever value the relationships, accomplishments, and memories we have created together.
We will continue to keep families informed as additional information regarding the permanent principal selection and transition becomes available.
Thank you for your continued partnership, patience, and unwavering support of our scholars and the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School legacy.
With sincere appreciation,
Courtney Ruffin, Ed.D., Ph.D.
Good afternoon, BTW Family,
We want to take this moment to celebrate a wonderful first week of the 2026–2027 school year at BTW!
As we continue making necessary schedule adjustments and completing our beginning-of-year procedures, we would like to recognize and thank our scholars and families for your patience, cooperation, and commitment to following MPS and BTW rules and expectations. Your partnership has helped us begin the school year on a positive note.
As a gentle reminder and in preparation for Week 2, please remember that the following are required for all scholars each day:
Yondr pouches
School-issued ID badges, worn and visible
Clear bags/purses, in accordance with school expectations
Compliance with the BTW uniform procedures and MPS Dress Code
We ask families to help scholars establish the habit of checking for these required items each morning before leaving home. Arriving prepared allows us to begin each school day efficiently and remain focused on what matters most—teaching, learning, and the success of every BTW scholar.
Schedule Adjustments for Dual Enrollment, Trenholm CTE & Early College-
As we enter Week 2, please be aware that we are continuing to make schedule adjustments for scholars participating in dual enrollment opportunities through our partnering colleges and universities. These adjustments are necessary as we work to align scholars' high school schedules with their college courses while ensuring they remain on track to meet all graduation requirements.
Additionally, scholars participating in Trenholm College CTE/Dual Enrollment and the Early College Program should anticipate schedule adjustments during the upcoming week. Classes for these programs will begin Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Our counseling and scheduling teams will continue working diligently to ensure participating scholars are appropriately scheduled and prepared for the start of their college coursework. Because dual enrollment schedules involve coordination between BTW and our partnering postsecondary institutions, we appreciate the continued patience and flexibility of our scholars and families as these schedules are finalized.
Student Driver Parking Decals-
As we continue completing our beginning-of-year procedures, please be reminded that all student drivers who park on the BTW campus are required to purchase a parking decal no later than Friday, August 28, 2026.
Parking decal payments should be made through MySchoolBucks. Once payment has been completed, scholars should provide proof of payment to our Bookkeeper, Ms. Bell, to receive their parking decal.
We encourage families of student drivers to complete this process as soon as possible and not wait until the deadline. Beginning after the deadline, all student vehicles parked on campus should display the appropriate BTW parking decal.
Thank you again for your patience, cooperation, and continued partnership as we prepare for an even stronger Week 2.
We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to continuing our journey toward Excellence In All Things!
Sincerely,
Courtney Ruffin, Ed.D., Ph.D.
Bring them out to Engineering Day 2026 hosted by NSBE Montgomery Professionals! It’s a completely FREE event packed with hands-on STEM activities, exciting demos, free food, prizes, and fun for the whole family!
🗓 Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Morningview Elementary School (2849 Pelzer Ave)
🎟 For K-12 Students
📲 Scan the QR code in the flyer or head to www.nsbe-mp.org to register today!
#NSBEMP #EngineeringDay2026 #MontgomeryAL #BackToSchool #STEM #FamilyFun #MontgomeryEvents

Please see the information regarding registration this week.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin

Yesterday was a great first day back, and we are excited for a successful school year!
Please allow me to remind all families of the BTW Uniform Procedures, which are governed by the Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) Dress Code Policy. It is important that all scholars arrive at school in the appropriate uniform each day.
Please remember these specific expectations:
Skirts should be no more than 3 inches above the knee.
All scholars are required to have their Yondr pouches with them each day.
All scholars must have their school ID badges daily.
ID badges must be worn with a lanyard and visible throughout the school day.
Leggings and athletic pants are not permitted.
Purses must be clear.
Only the uniform colors outlined in the BTW Uniform Procedures may be worn. Other colors are not permitted.
For your convenience, a copy of the BTW Uniform Procedures is included with this message for your review.
Scholars who are not in compliance with the uniform expectations may be asked to contact a parent or guardian to bring an appropriate change of clothing.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us maintain a positive, professional, and school-ready environment at BTW. Together, we can ensure that our scholars are prepared for success each day!
Have a wonderful day!
Dr. Ruffin,
Principal
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AFkqsvqi-qtWCXr72le5Gq7Hkhv72az3/view?usp=sharing
Centralized Registration Is Open for the First Week of School
Montgomery Public Schools is offering standard and extended hours across all locations during the first week of school (Monday–Friday).
For more information, visit mps.k12.al.us.

As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2026–2027 school year, we want to make you aware of traffic conditions that may affect arrival and dismissal.
Due to the number of schools on Bell Road, families should anticipate increased traffic and possible delays during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, particularly during the first week of school. The safety of our scholars, staff, and families remains our highest priority. We ask that everyone help us maintain a safe environment by:
-Allowing extra travel time
-Exercising additional caution while driving near campus
-Following all posted traffic signs and directions
-Obeying school zone speed limits
-Watch carefully for scholars crossing the street/lots
-Following the directions of crossing guards, school personnel, and/or law enforcement officers assisting with traffic
We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and partnership as we work together to ensure a safe and successful start to the school year. Please review the attached campus traffic information for arrival and dismissal procedures.
We look forward to welcoming our scholars back for another outstanding school year!
Thank you,
Dr. Ruffin
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bNJxTuPcRr7c8Xd3uphL1Bzp-EK9auBg/view?usp=sharing
The Montgomery Youth Orchestra will be registering scholars and hosting auditions soon. Details are included in the link.
Professionally,
Dr. Ruffin
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jSTXwOJDa1AI2qHc-MHrTTDym2EVpoEw/view?usp=drive_link
In case you missed it, please join us for our annual Orientation Night. Details are included in the attached flyer.
We look forward to seeing you.
Dr. Ruffin

Please see a very important message from our MPS Transportation Department:
Montgomery Public Schools is here to ensure your student’s ride to and from school is smooth and stress-free. Here are two ways to stay connected with transportation this school year:
1. Download the My Ride K-12 App
Track your child’s bus in real-time and access bus routes directly from your phone. Available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
2. Contact the Transportation Hotline
Have questions about routing or schedules? Our hotline team is ready to help.
Phone: (334) 851-4829
Email: transportationinfo@mps.k12.alus
Hotline Operating Hours (Closed Fridays):
Before School (July 27 – August 7): Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
After School Starts (August 10 – August 24): Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Please note: After August 24th, the hotline will close. You can reach the main transportation department at (334) 851-4833. Visit mps.k12.al.us for more information.
Montgomery Public Schools is proud to highlight our latest Superintendent Evaluation results. Demonstrating strong evidence of results and exceeding expectations across key domains, our leadership remains committed to driving excellence for our students and community.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.mps.k12.al.us/article/3054052
📈 Overall Score: 87.5% (4.38 out of 5)
🏆 Performance Rating: Accomplished
Thank you, MPS family, for your continued support as we strive for success together! 💙 #OurSchoolsOurCommunitiesOurFuture #LeadershipInAction

Dear Booker T. Washington High School Magnet Families,
As we prepare to begin another exciting school year, I want to take a moment to share some personal news with our school community.
It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve as Principal of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School. Together, we have celebrated accomplishments, overcome challenges, and continued our tradition of "Excellence in All Things". I am deeply grateful for the trust, support, and partnership you have shown throughout my time here.
I have accepted a new opportunity to serve Montgomery Public Schools. While I am excited about this new role and the opportunity to support schools across our district, Booker T. Washington Magnet High School will always hold a special place in my heart.
Although I am transitioning into a new position, I remain fully committed to ensuring a successful opening of the school year. I will work closely with our incoming principal to provide a smooth and seamless transition for our scholars, families, faculty, and staff. My goal is to help ensure that the school year begins with stability, organization, and a continued focus on academic and arts excellence that our community has come to expect.
Throughout the school year, I will continue to support the new principal in my district leadership role, providing guidance and assistance as needed to ensure Booker T. Washington continues to thrive. I have every confidence that our talented faculty, dedicated staff, supportive families, and outstanding scholars will continue to build upon the strong foundation we have established together.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this incredible school community. Your partnership, encouragement, and commitment to our scholars have made this journey truly rewarding. I look forward to continuing to serve you and our district in my new capacity while cheering on the continued success of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School.
I look forward to seeing everyone at our BTW Orientation Night, Tuesday, August 4, 2026, @ 5:30 p.m. Together, we will continue to pursue "Excellence in All Things".
With sincere appreciation,
Dr. Courtney Ruffin
1. Download the My Ride K-12 App
Track your child’s bus in real-time and access bus routes directly from your phone! Available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
2. Contact the Transportation Hotline
Have questions about routing or schedules? Our hotline team is ready to help!
📞 Phone: (334) 851-4829
📧 Email: transportationinfo@mps.k12.alus
Hotline Operating Hours (Closed Fridays):
🗓️ Before School (July 27 – August 7): Mon–Thu | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🗓️ After School Starts (August 10 – August 24): Mon–Thu | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Note: After August 24th, please contact the main transportation department at (334) 851-4833. Visit mps.k12.al.us for more information!


Attention Scholar Athletes,
Please see the attached flyer referencing free physicals. Remember, all scholar-athletes must have an updated physical to participate in athletic programs.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin

