Shades Valley History

Shades Valley has a rich heritage dating back to 1948.  At that time, it was the only over-the-mountain high school.  As the years passed, many new high schools were formed from the Shades Valley zone which changed the Shades Valley population.

Shades Valley's old campus started with dirt parking lots in the fifties.  The old Tower, an historic symbol for all alumni, actually worked at one time.  A tree planted in 1948 when the old school was built, grew and flourished until 1979 when a senior prank destroyed the tree.

In the fifties and sixties, school dances were held in the gym after football and basketball games.  Students would cruise Eastwood Mall, go to the Starlite Drive-in, The Pig Trail Inn, Ed Salem's, or Dale's Hideaway.  

Clothes and hair styles have changed dramatically over these last fifty years.  School policy has had to constantly update dress code violations.

The former Shades Valley building is gone, but memories will last for a lifetime.  In 1996, the new Shades Valley was ready to house more than two thousand students and teachers.  Shades Valley has definitely experienced a variety of changes  since it opened in 1948, but many solid symbols of tradition remain. 

Shades Valley High School now has three campuses--the main building, JCIB, and the technical academy.    There are 78 classrooms, three science labs,  nine computer labs , two gymnasiums,  a weight room, a colossal theatre with a state-of-the-art technical booth, a Family Consumer Science kitchen and living area, a band suite, and choral suite. Shades Valley High School now has three campuses--the main building, JCIB, and the technical academy.   

Jefferson County Schools

The Jefferson County School System located in the greater metropolitan area of Birmingham is Alabama’s second largest school district.  With 52 schools, 2,564 teachers, and 35,843 students, the system offers a multitude of academic, career technical, and extracurricular opportunities for students. 

VISION STATEMENT:
 “Our vision is to be recognized as a district characterized by  educational excellence at the State, Regional, National, and International levels.”

MISSION STATEMENT:
The Jefferson county School System is committed to excellence in teaching and learning for all.

As a Professional Learning Community, we have a collective commitment to the following:

·         Ensure achievement for all students by offering a challenging curriculum along with career tech pathways.

·         ·         Utilize data to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.

·         ·         Establish collaborative teaming focused on teaching and learning.

·         ·         Support faculty, administrators, and staff through relevant professional learning opportunities.

·        ·          Value skills and expertise of all employees.

·         ·         Build and maintain effective communication with families and communities.