ECS Parents,
Download our new bus tracking application today! Available for iOS and Android devices in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
🏀🐊 **CALLING ALL 7TH & 8TH GRADE HOOPERS!** 🐊🏀
It’s time to hit the court! **Empower Gators Girls & Boys Basketball Tryouts** are coming up! 💜🧡
📅 **Monday, August 17th**
⏰ **6:00 PM – 7:00 PM**
📍 **Empower Upper Campus Gym**
🎓 **7th & 8th Grade Girls & Boys**
Come ready to **RUN, HUSTLE, and SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!** 💪🏾🔥
💧 Bring water
👟 Wear athletic shoes
🏀 Come dressed and ready to WORK!
Whether you’ve been hooping for years or you’re ready to show us something new, we want to see you on that court!
**LET’S GO GATORS! 🐊🏀💜**
Questions? Please reach out to **Coach Capehart or Coach Burnett.**
It’s time to hit the court! **Empower Gators Girls & Boys Basketball Tryouts** are coming up! 💜🧡
📅 **Monday, August 17th**
⏰ **6:00 PM – 7:00 PM**
📍 **Empower Upper Campus Gym**
🎓 **7th & 8th Grade Girls & Boys**
Come ready to **RUN, HUSTLE, and SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!** 💪🏾🔥
💧 Bring water
👟 Wear athletic shoes
🏀 Come dressed and ready to WORK!
Whether you’ve been hooping for years or you’re ready to show us something new, we want to see you on that court!
**LET’S GO GATORS! 🐊🏀💜**
Questions? Please reach out to **Coach Capehart or Coach Burnett.**
🏐💜 **LADY GATORS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS!** 💜🏐
Calling all future Lady Gators! 🐊🔥 Think you’ve got what it takes to hit the court? Come ready to **WORK, HUSTLE, and SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT!**
📅 **Tuesday, August 18th**
⏰ **4:30 PM – 5:45 PM**
**WHAT TO KNOW:**
🏥 **A current physical is REQUIRED prior to tryouts.**
👕 White shirt
🩳 Black shorts
👟 **ATHLETIC SHOES ONLY!**
🚫 No Jordans, Converse, or other non-athletic shoes.
Come ready. Play hard. **BE A GATOR!** 🐊🏐💜
Questions? Contact **Mrs. Oliver-Curry, Head Coach** at **[toliver-curry@empoweral.org](mailto:toliver-curry@empoweral.org)**.
#LadyGators #GatorVolleyball #VolleyballTryouts #EmpowerAthletics #OneTeamOneVoiceOneEmpower
Calling all future Lady Gators! 🐊🔥 Think you’ve got what it takes to hit the court? Come ready to **WORK, HUSTLE, and SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT!**
📅 **Tuesday, August 18th**
⏰ **4:30 PM – 5:45 PM**
**WHAT TO KNOW:**
🏥 **A current physical is REQUIRED prior to tryouts.**
👕 White shirt
🩳 Black shorts
👟 **ATHLETIC SHOES ONLY!**
🚫 No Jordans, Converse, or other non-athletic shoes.
Come ready. Play hard. **BE A GATOR!** 🐊🏐💜
Questions? Contact **Mrs. Oliver-Curry, Head Coach** at **[toliver-curry@empoweral.org](mailto:toliver-curry@empoweral.org)**.
#LadyGators #GatorVolleyball #VolleyballTryouts #EmpowerAthletics #OneTeamOneVoiceOneEmpower
Please review the attached flyer for the complete list of stops and scheduled drop-off times. We encourage families to arrive at their designated stop a few minutes early, as times may vary slightly due to traffic and loading. Please note that the green route is canceled for today (Piggly Wiggly, Carriage Hills and Aldi).
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to safely transport our Gators home! 💜🐊
Together. Relentless. Empowered.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to safely transport our Gators home! 💜🐊
Together. Relentless. Empowered.
Empower families, please be reminded that Fridays are EARLY RELEASE DAYS! 🏫 Lower Campus Dismissal: 1:15 PM 🏫 Upper Campus Dismissal: 1:30 PM Please make arrangements to have your student picked up on time. We appreciate your cooperation in helping dismissal run smoothly and safely. 💜🤍 Thank you, Empower families! GO GATORS! 🐊
Thank you all for your patience!!!!
HOW TO ADD MONEY TO YOUR STUDENT’S LINQ CONNECT ACCOUNT
Quick & Easy Steps for Parents & Guardians
Use LINQ Connect to add money for your student’s cafeteria a la carte purchases.
STEP 1 — OPEN LINQ CONNECT
Download the LINQ Connect app or log in to your LINQ Connect account.
STEP 2 — SELECT YOUR STUDENT
From the home screen, slide your screen to the left and select Add Account.
Choose Student and select Empower Community School as the district.
STEP 3 — ADD FUNDS
Once your student is connected to your account:
Select your student.
Choose Add Funds or Make a Payment.
Enter the amount you would like to add.
Enter your payment information.
Review the amount and submit your payment.
✅ STEP 4 — YOU’RE ALL SET!
Funds added to the student’s LINQ account can be used for a la carte cafeteria purchases.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Every student receives 1 FREE breakfast and 1 FREE lunch each school day.
A la carte items are optional and may be purchased after the student has received their free meal.
Empower Community School is completely cashless in the cafeteria.
⚠️ SEEING A NEGATIVE BALANCE?
DO NOT ADD FUNDS TO COVER THE NEGATIVE BALANCE.
Empower Community School is currently working to zero out incorrect balances. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition.
NEED HELP?
Please contact Empower Community School for assistance with your student’s LINQ Connect account.
Thank you for helping us make the transition to LINQ Connect smooth and successful!
ECS Parents,
All buses are headed to their stops and should begin their routes on time. Thanks for your patience and flexibility.
-ECS Transportation Team
All buses are headed to their stops and should begin their routes on time. Thanks for your patience and flexibility.
-ECS Transportation Team
Important Update for Families
It has been brought to our attention that Linq is currently not allowing users to add money to their accounts. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and are actively working to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible.
Once the issue has been resolved, we will provide additional information and instructions.
In the meantime, please know that your babies will continue to receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch as usual. However, they will not be able to purchase a la carte items until the issue is resolved.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this issue. Again, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
CNP Director
It has been brought to our attention that Linq is currently not allowing users to add money to their accounts. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and are actively working to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible.
Once the issue has been resolved, we will provide additional information and instructions.
In the meantime, please know that your babies will continue to receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch as usual. However, they will not be able to purchase a la carte items until the issue is resolved.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this issue. Again, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
CNP Director
We can’t wait to meet our Upper Campus families! Join us for Open House tonight at 5:30pm! Come meet your teachers, see your classrooms, and get ready for an amazing year!
📍Upper Campus: 751 Academy Dr.
See you later, Empower Gator!🐊💜
Good morning,
The blue/green route bus will be delayed by 15 minutes this morning. Please exercise patience as we transport students safely to campus.
-Administration
Important Update for Families
It has been brought to our attention that Linq is currently not allowing users to add money to their accounts. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and are actively working to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible.
Once the issue has been resolved, we will provide additional information and instructions.
In the meantime, please know that your babies will continue to receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch as usual. However, they will not be able to purchase a la carte items until the issue is resolved.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this issue. Again, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
🏰 HOUSE PARTY: 4 HOUSES, 1 EMPOWER! 🏰
We’re kicking off the new school year with some HOUSE SPIRIT! 🎉💜 Students, come ready to represent Rêveur, Amistad, Isibindi, or Altruismo and show everybody which house brings the MOST energy! 📣🔥
📅 Monday, August 10, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
📍 Upper Campus Gym
👔 Students MUST be in school uniform.
Bring the energy, bring the excitement, and most importantly… BRING THAT HOUSE PRIDE! 🗣️💥
💙 RÊVEUR | ❤️ AMISTAD | 💚 ISIBINDI | 🖤 ALTRUISMO
4 Houses. 1 Empower. LET’S GO! 🏰🎉
🐊🚌 GATOR ROUTES UPDATE — WEEK OF AUGUST 10–14
Dear Empower Community School Families,
We have an important Gator Routes update for this week, Monday, August 10–Friday, August 14.
🚌 Blue & Green Routes will be combined into ONE route (09-68). Families who normally ride the Blue or Green Route should carefully review the updated route information.
Please pay close attention to the updated pickup and drop-off times for ALL routes. There have been changes to the scheduled times, so we ask all families to review the attached Gator Routes flyer to make sure you have the correct information for your child.
A few important reminders:
Please have your child at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.
Pickup and drop-off times are estimates and may vary due to traffic and other transportation factors.
Please review the route, location, and updated times before Monday morning.
If you have questions about your child's route, please contact the school at 205-413-8600.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and partnership as we make these transportation adjustments.
Let’s roll, Gators! 🐊💜💛
Together. Relentless. Empowered.
Dear Empower Community School Families,
We have an important Gator Routes update for this week, Monday, August 10–Friday, August 14.
🚌 Blue & Green Routes will be combined into ONE route (09-68). Families who normally ride the Blue or Green Route should carefully review the updated route information.
Please pay close attention to the updated pickup and drop-off times for ALL routes. There have been changes to the scheduled times, so we ask all families to review the attached Gator Routes flyer to make sure you have the correct information for your child.
A few important reminders:
Please have your child at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.
Pickup and drop-off times are estimates and may vary due to traffic and other transportation factors.
Please review the route, location, and updated times before Monday morning.
If you have questions about your child's route, please contact the school at 205-413-8600.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and partnership as we make these transportation adjustments.
Let’s roll, Gators! 🐊💜💛
Together. Relentless. Empowered.
🎉 BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH! 🎉
Join Us TOMORROW!
📅 Date: Tomorrow
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Empower Community Schools – Upper Campus
751 Academy Dr.
✨ All Parents & Students Are Welcome!
Come celebrate the start of an exciting new school year with the Empower family!
* 🎈 Meet our staff
* 📚 Get ready for the school year
* 🤝 Connect with other families
* 💜 Have fun and show your Gator pride!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Stay connected with our Empower Community School App!!
The countdown to the first day of school is on, and we can't wait to welcome our Empower families back!
Join us for an afternoon of fun, connection, and excitement as we kick off an amazing school year together. Come meet our incredible teachers, enjoy music and family-friendly activities, reconnect with friends, and get ready for a successful year at Empower!
📅 Friday, August 7, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Empower Community School
751 Academy Drive
Bessemer, AL 35022
✨ Meet the Teachers
🎶 Music & Fun
🤝 Community Connection
This event is FREE and open to all families!
We can't wait to see our returning families and welcome our newest Gators to the Empower family. Let's start the school year with energy, excitement, and community!
💜 Together, We Empower. Together, We Succeed.
#EmpowerSchoolsAL #BackToSchoolBash #EmpowerGators #MeetTheTeachers #BackToSchool #BessemerAL #FamilyFun #TogetherWeEmpower #TogetherWeSucceed
How Will Your Student(s) Get Home?
Parents and Guardians,
As we prepare for an amazing school year, we're working to finalize our transportation routes and bus rosters. To help us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal process, please take a few moments to complete our Transportation Survey.
The information you provide lets us know how your child will arrive at school and how they will be getting home each day. Having accurate transportation information is essential for creating bus rosters and ensuring every student gets to the right place safely.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete the survey. Your prompt response helps us prepare for a successful start to the school year! Here's the link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLhhOYSBYSsdiDTRMTeJAvp48GuYHlnS4DMt5SgQ3cMddFtA/viewform?usp=header
Scan The 2026-2027 Transportation Survey Below
🚨🚨🚨IMPORTANT UPDATE LAST ORIENTATION FOR NEW FAMILIES AUGUST 7, 2026 10:00AM🚨🚨🚨
Empower families, this one is for you! 💜
Parent/Student Orientation is mandatory for all new students for the 2026-2027 school year.
Please choose one orientation session to attend. A parent or guardian must be present so your scholar can begin school on the first day, August 10, 2026.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. Sessions will begin on time.
📍 Location: Upper Campus 751-A Academy Drive Bessemer, AL 35022
Questions or unable to attend?
Contact Mr. Demarcus Rodgers at :drodgers@empoweral.org
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Empower Community School family! ✨
EMPOWER COMMUNITY SCHOOL
URGENT REMINDER TO PARENTS!
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
JULY 20, 2026 @ 11:59 PM
⚠️ Don’t wait and lose your child’s seat!
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE
Families are welcome to come in person for dedicated, hands-on support with our enrollment staff:
Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
ACT NOW!
56 FAMILIES ARE NOT YET REGISTERED!
Don’t lose your student’s spot!
Please Note: Failure to finalize registration by the July 20th 11:59 PM deadline will result in the immediate forfeiture of your student's placement.
SCHOOL CONTACT & REGISTRATION DETAILS
School Location:
751 Academy Dr
Bessemer, AL 35022
Online Enrollment Link:
www.empoweral.org/page/enrollment
Phone Support:
(205) 413-8600
Support Email:
cmurillo@empoweral.org
