
Visit [https://www.mps.k12.al.us/page/save-our-penny] to support Montgomery Public Schools

Visit [https://www.mps.k12.al.us/page/save-our-penny] to support Montgomery Public Schools.

Every penny counts. One cent helps pay for teachers, programs, and schools so students can learn and grow. Click here to learn more and take action.

New Episode Alert! Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd joins us to discuss Montgomery Public Schools’ bold new initiatives. Learn how MPS is expanding student opportunities, strengthening academic excellence, and creating career ready pathways for every student. Listen now: https://www.mps.k12.al.us/page/stronger-together-mps-podcast #MontgomeryPublicSchools #MPSPodcast #StudentSuccess

Good evening, BTW Families,
Attention Parents of 10th and 11th Graders:
As an effort to improve performance on the ACT, we are requiring all scholars in 10th and 11th Grade at BTW to engage in preparatory exercises using MasteryPrep (Ready Platform). MasteryPrep is a strategic partner for ACT, that provides test preparation programs for schools and districts, focusing on improving student achievement on the ACT, Digital SAT, and WorkKeys. MasteryPrep specializes in helping underserved students and underperforming districts boost scores through curriculum, diagnostic testing, online courses, and boot camps. MasteryPrep was founded to close the achievement gap and focuses on raising scores for those scoring below college-readiness standards. MasteryPrep programs include 40 hours of online course material, daily "bell ringer" exercises, full-length practice tests, and teacher professional development and provides ready-to-use lesson plans, PowerPoints, and workbooks to assist educators.
All BTW 10th and 11th graders have been provided with access to this platform. Please support your sophomore or Junior in completing MasteryPrep exercises over the holiday break and beyond. The questions and testing opportunities presented in the platform will surely provide your scholar with real-time engagement with ACT materials. As the saying goes...PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Your scholar's ACT score matters!!!
Please note that usage will be monitored. Should you have any additional questions about MasteryPrep, please reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin
As our scholars are diligently preparing for Showcase 2026, it is important that all participating scholar-artists report to school tomorrow, Thursday, December 18, 2025, for mandatory rehearsal. Please check Schoology for details.
Thank you for your support of our preparation for Showcase 2026!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin
MPS releases 2025–2026 Family & Community Engagement Needs Assessment – District Analysis
Montgomery Public Schools received 1,855 parent responses, representing 7.2% of district enrollment.
Survey highlights include:
• Preferred communication: Text (85%), Email (69.7%), Phone (47.1%)
• 75.1% of parents feel confident supporting their child’s learning
• Preferred event times: Evenings (5:00–7:00 p.m.) – 64.1% and Virtual options – 48.3%
These insights will guide future MPS Family and Community Engagement efforts.








Winter Break Reminder!
Schools closed Fri, Dec 19th for teacher PD.
Student winter break: Dec 19th – Jan 5th.
Students return Jan 6th.
Wishing all our families a joyful and restful holiday!

Attention Parents of current Sophomores and Juniors:
Does your scholar desire to have a career in the skilled trades before he/she graduates? The Academy of Craft Training has a partnership between ALSDE and private industry that provides 11th and 12th grade scholars with hands on training in skilled trades. Representatives will be visiting our campus to visit our current Sophomores and Juniors in January.
Please see the information in the link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w9raQaABPhzV5bgAauv_q0dZ_6DilCj0/view?usp=sharing
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin
As you know, we are preparing for Showcase 2026!!! Scholars that are participating in the BTW Showcase know that we will be filming tomorrow, beginning at 8:30 A.M. outside for the show. Participating scholars, please be sure you are dressed in BTW uniform, but no BTW paraphernalia may be worn. As relative to your Magnet, if required, please have props (ballet shoes, instruments, etc.) Again, you must be in uniform (preferably royal blue and gold with black or khaki bottoms).
Also, all scholar-artists participants are to be present next Thursday, December 18, 2025, for rehearsal. This includes scholars exempt from mid-terms. We will practice in the Blackbox on this date.
Thank you,
Dr. Ruffin & Director Lambert
Attention Seniors and Parents of Seniors:
Please check out Schoology for in-depth information on the National Society of Black Engineers Scholarships Program 2026.
Thank you,
Dr. Ruffin
Alex’e Edwards, 1ST PLACE
Acting Comedic, 2005-present, Intermediate
Kinsley Weathersby, 1ST PLACE
Musical Dramatic, 1980-2015, Intermediate
Ava Hampton, 1ST PLACE
Acting Dramatic, 2005-present, Novice
Trinity Wilson, 3RD PLACE
Makeup Design (for Aladdin Jr.), Novice
Mysterious Ways from The Color Purple, 1ST PLACE/BEST IN SHOW
Group Musical
Alex'e Edwards, Courtney Taylor, Nia Mitchell, Trinity Wilson, Kinsley Weathersby, Kylah Petty, Amari Epkins, Ava Hampton, Jaden Young, Jaida Stinson, & Olivia Graham
SUPERIOR RATINGS
Zoë Ledyard x2 (Dramatic Monologues)
Arielle Dorsey x2 (Dramatic Monologue & Dramatic Song)
Kiley Tatum x2 (Dramatic Monologue & Dramatic Song)
Destinie Jordan (Dramatic Monologue)
Braxton Love (Dramatic Monologue)
Nia Mitchell (Pre1980 Song)
Trinity Wilson (Comedic Song)
Courtney Taylor (Dramatic Song)
Judah Austin & Layla Jones (Comedic Duet)
Courtney Taylor & Destinie Jordan (Comedic Duet)
Kylah Petty (Comedic Monologue)
Olivia Graham (Dramatic Song)
Money from CABARET (Group Musical)
Kiley Tatum, Amirya Howard, Arielle Dorsey, Deonna Ross, Eden Gay, Kaitlyne Lowe, Naima Thomas, & Judah Austin
EXCELLENT RATINGS
Kaitlyne Lowe (Dramatic Monologue)
Deonna Ross (Dramatic Monologue)
Zorri Calhoun (Comedic Monologue)
Noah Hollinger (Self-Written Monologue)
Kerrigan Garner (Dramatic Song)
Mrs. Reid...we thank you so much for all you do for our scholar-artists!
"Effective Parenting" Workshop hosted by Mrs. Sheyann Webb-Christburg. Please check out the flyer. This is one you won't want to miss!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin

ATTN : Parents of Seniors @ BTW
Seniors will be receiving a copy of their ACT WorkKeys Skills Report. We will distribute reports today and tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin
I am writing to share information about the MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering & Science (MITES) programs, a set of free, transformative STEM opportunities run through the MIT School of Engineering. For over 50 years, MITES has supported talented middle and high school students nationwide—especially those with limited access to advanced STEM opportunities.
The application has been opened for our national programs, MITES Summer and MITES Semester, and this is for eligible 11th graders, parents, teachers, counselors, and whoever else may be interested in opportunities for students who are interested in exploring engineering, science, and technology. Please keep in mind that there is one application for both programs, and the deadline is February 1st, 2026.
https://mites.mit.edu/
A short overview of the programs with application deadlines is below.
If you need further assistance about the program, please reach out to Lucas Mitchell whose contact information is below.
MITES National Programs at a Glance:
MITES Summer
· Six weeks, residential program from mid-June to late July/early August
· For 11th graders nationwide
· Application deadline: February 1, 2026
MITES Semester
· Virtual, 6 months: 5 weeks of summer coursework starting in June, followed by fall engagement in senior year
· For 11th graders nationwide
· Application deadline: February 1, 2026
Lucas Mitchell
on behalf of Reimi Hicks, Associate Director
Lucas Mitchell (he/him)
Program and Recruitment Assistant
MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science
MIT School of Engineering
617-258-6291 | lmitch@mit.edu | http://mites.mit.edu
Best regards,
dollar scholarship to three graduating high school senior’s planning to enroll in civil
engineering. This organization wishes to recognize key individuals who actively
participate in extra-curricular activities and/or community service while excelling
academically.
In order for a student to be eligible for this scholarship, they must be a graduating high
school senior planning to enroll in civil engineering and enrolled in a high school in the
geographic area of the Montgomery ASCE Branch. This area includes Autauga, Elmore,
Lowndes, and Montgomery Counties.
If you have any
questions, please contact the Scholarship Committee Chair, Ms. Cameron DuBois at
duboisc@alabama-asce.org or 334-242-6885 or visit our website at
https://montgomery.alabama-asce.org/branch-scholarship/. The application form must
be received (postmarked / emailed) by the Scholarship Committee Chair on or before
March 2nd, 2026. Awards will be announced in March, and winners will be recognized at
the Montgomery ASCE Branch Meeting on April 14th, 2026.
https://montgomery.alabama-asce.org/branch-scholarship/

Attention 11th Graders:
I will be meeting with all 11th grader scholars tomorrow at 8:15 A.M. in the Blackbox. Please wait until you are called to report to the Blackbox. Please bring your fully charged Chromebook.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ruffin
Attached is the 2026 Dixie Electric Cooperative Scholarship Application. We are also accepting applications online this year if students prefer to submit them electronically. Below is the link to the online application:
https://bit.ly/2026ECFScholarship
The scholarship is open to high school seniors who are the dependent children of cooperative members (those who receive power from Dixie).
Dixie Electric is excited to announce that this year, we will be awarding 12 - $5,000 scholarships. Applications, including all support documentation, must be received by the Electric Cooperative Foundation no later than 5 p.m. on February 20, 2026.
