## *The Way We Speak to a Child*## *Becomes Their Inner Voice.***An Email Interview**## **Principal Courtney Nelson, Avondale Elementary**## Ms. Nelson is originally from New Orleans, and attended Samford University for her Bachelor’s Degree and earned her Master’s Degree from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. She is going into her 17th year in education. She married her high school sweetheart and they have four children.
On June 29, at 8:04 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote: What’s unique about Avondale Elementary?***Ms. Nelson: It’s unique in that we have multiple partnerships throughout the community. We have that “old neighborhood school” feel. All of our students visit our Farm Lab weekly, sponsored by Jones Valley Teaching Farm and are provided hands-on learning experiences through cultivation and harvesting. Avondale is one of 5 schools in the district to be in the Woodlawn Innovation Network community. This offers students a chance to explore learning through a variety of project-based learning experiences to community-based opportunities for both students and parents.***
On June 30, at 9:02 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote: What are some of your proudest moments from your time at Avondale?***Ms. Nelson: My proudest moment at Avondale was being recognized at the Woodlawn Innovation Network as the school with the most dramatic gains in literacy, moving 21 students 3+ grade levels in one year of instruction in either Reading or Math.***
July 2, at 7:42 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote: Our Birmingham school system hasn’t always had the best reputation at times. As someone in the trenches, what are some realistic goals and improvements the city can make?***Ms. Nelson: One of the most needed things around schools in the Birmingham City System is wrap-around services for children. Children with social and emotional issues need support beyond our current capacity and training as educators. This is a need the district recognizes and is working diligently to establish processes in this area for the children we serve.***
July 3, at 3:40 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote: What kind of support have you seen from the surrounding neighborhood who may not have children at Avondale?***Ms. Nelson: Avondale Elementary is fortunate to have multiple community partnerships and community members who are invested in the school. Many of our contributors don’t have children in the school, but feel connected to their local neighborhood school. Our local partners and community member’s contributions range from volunteer tutoring, book buddies, school supply donations and monetary donations for items such as: student uniforms, school-wide field trips, field day support, teacher incentives and after-school activities support. Our success is absolutely a result of the community-at-large in conjunction with our local school efforts joining forces to make Avondale the optimal learning environment for the children we serve.***
On July 5, at 7:38 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote. What would you say to the parents zoned for Avondale who are apprehensive about sending their child to a Birmingham City School?***Ms. Nelson: Avondale is a true neighborhood school. We are a family that cares for, and supports each other. Our teachers are all certified in the content area or grade levels they teach, and are required to keep abreast of all the best-practices in education. We are in the business of children at Avondale. They come first with every decision we make and that will never change.***
