(RECORD PHOTO)

(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – As spring semester open, Madison secondary principals expect their schools to continue progressing steadily in 2014.

Principal Robby Parker said Bob Jones High School displays “continued excellence daily by students and staff in all areas, including academics, arts and athletics.”

In 2014, Parker looks forward to “being with the best kids and teachers in the state and seeing what challenges and blessings the Lord puts in front of us.”

Dr. Brian Clayton, James Clemens High School principal, said the school’s “culture is one dedicated to learning.”

In 2013, James Clemens graduated its first senior class. Six students were the school’s first National Merit Semi-finalists. ” Sunny Chennupati had our first perfect ’36’ on the ACT,” Clayton said.

James Clemens celebrated its first varsity football win. The volleyball team advanced to the ‘Sweet Sixteen’ for the second consecutive year. Ryan Stenger won the 6A heavyweight wrestling championship.

Amy Patel was named Alabama Theatre Teacher of the Year. James Clemens cheerleaders finished second in the state, after winning in 2012.

Advanced-placement numbers exploded over 400 percent and Clayton predicts more growth. “We should open at around 1,600 students with about 85 teachers.”

James Clemens will be “competitive across the board in athletics. Our arts program will definitely grow and continue to be a stalwart in the state,” Clayton said. To “grow our learning culture, we have high expectations in academics, arts and athletics.”

Principal Melanie Barkley said Discovery Middle School said, “Our school year so far has been great. Students and teachers have had many accomplishments this first semester.”

“We have much to be proud of — from Discovery’s math and LEGO teams’ wins to our undefeated football teams and state champion cheerleaders. I believe 2014 will only be better,” Barkley said.

In particular, Barkley is excited about “the vision our district and middle-school teams have regarding schedules. We’re mapping a plan to possibly revamp the seventh- and eighth-grade schedules to strengthen the students’ overall six-year plan in producing a strong Madison City graduate.”