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NMS eighth graders spent Jan. 23 exploring future career possibilities during a day of hands-on learning at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy (TCTA).

The "What's Your E" event, held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowed students to tour TCTA’s program areas and take part in interactive activities designed to help them begin thinking about their next steps after middle school—and beyond.

Students rotated through a wide range of career-focused programs, including Health Science, Welding, Modern Manufacturing, Electrical, Veterinary Science, Culinary Arts, Computer Science, Sports Medicine, Education and Training, Engineering, Building Construction, English as a Second Language, and Plumbing. Many students also explored options such as animal science and agriculture, engineering, and other technical fields.

“This experience helps students start imagining what’s possible,” said Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Mike Daria. “When students explore their options early—whether college, the military, or the workforce—they gain clarity, confidence, and direction for the future.”

Counselors and staff said the experience gave students valuable exposure before entering high school, when they will begin making decisions about course pathways and career training opportunities.

“Today’s event is all about our eighth graders,” said Paige Yeager, a counselor at Central High School who helped coordinate the visit. “They get to explore every program there is at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy, so that when they get to high school and are meeting with their counselors, they know which program they would like to pursue.”

Yeager said the day offered more than a tour—it provided a chance for students to connect what they enjoy with real-world opportunities.

“I always tell kids, you can’t pick something that you don’t know about,” Yeager said. “So if they explore a program, maybe, just maybe, they’ll pick that program and turn it into a profession one day. It is never too early to start thinking about your future.”

Yeager compared the experience to a place built for discovery.

“It’s like a giant children’s hands-on museum, where they get to explore all there is to offer,” she said.

Students echoed that sense of excitement and possibility. Braylon Taylor, an eighth grader from Northridge Middle School, said the day helped him think more intentionally about what comes next.

“The event is a good thing for kids our age to be a part of,” Taylor said. “You don’t know what the future holds, and so it’s important to start thinking about what do I want to be when I grow up, and how do I want people to see me? There are so many options here, and I want to say thank you to TCTA.”

District leaders said the event reflects Tuscaloosa City Schools’ ongoing commitment to helping students explore their interests, plan early, and build a strong foundation for success through enrollment, enlistment, or employment after graduation.

 

Northridge Middle School was honored to host the CLAS (Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools) AASSP/AAMSP District 5 Meeting recently.

Principals from Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, and Walker Counties gathered for this special event. We are proud to celebrate our own Tuscaloosa City Schools administrators who received well-deserved recognition:

✨ Dr. Jessica Williams – AASSP District 5 High School Principal of the Year Nominee
✨ Sonia Drake-Blunt – AAMSP District 5 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year Nominee
✨ Dr. Jami Rainey – AAMSP District 5 Middle School Principal of the Year Nominee

Congratulations to these outstanding leaders for their dedication and service to students, schools, and communities! 💙🖤 

Last spring Northridge Middle School was named a State and National School of Character. Community supporters and central office administration joined faculty and staff to celebrate the achievement. Principal Dr. Jami Rainey says the character traits that make up a Northridge Middle School Jag is respectful, supportive, dedicated to community and committed to excellence. There are now eight TCS schools that are State Schools of Character, and seven of those are also National Schools of Characer.

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Northridge Middle School to Be Named A+ School of Excellence Following Significant Academic Gains

 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Northridge Middle School will soon be officially designated as an A+ School of Excellence, following significant academic gains demonstrated on the spring PSAT 8/9 assessment.

The recognition comes after Northridge eighth-grade students posted an average growth of 70 points on the PSAT, a key benchmark tied to the A+ College Ready Middle School Training and Incentive Program (MSTIP). The school’s original goal was 60 points of growth from fall of the students’ seventh-grade year—a target that was not only met, but exceeded.

“This is a proud moment for our school,” said Dr. Jami Rainey, principal of Northridge Middle. “Being named an A+ School of Excellence reflects the hard work of our students and teachers, and the strong support we’ve received from our community.”

The school will be recognized at the A+ College Ready Summer Leadership training in early June.

In addition to schoolwide recognition, more than 30 teachers who participated in the program and signed Letters of Agreement will receive $500 bonuses as part of the grant’s reward structure.

Northridge students are also seeing direct benefits. Approximately 120 current eighth graders met their academic growth goals, benchmarked in reading or math, or achieved both. Each qualifying student will receive a $50 gift card in the fall.

“This designation is more than a title—it represents a culture of achievement and a commitment to excellence,” Dr. Rainey said. “We expect these gains will also be reflected in our upcoming ACAP scores and continue to move our school forward.”