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Dear Parents:

Please review the attached 2026–2027 Vacation Planner to help you plan family vacations around scheduled school breaks. Planning ahead helps reduce absences and ensures that students stay on track with their learning.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s success!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Estimadas familias:

Por favor, revisen el Planificador de Vacaciones 2026–2027 adjunto para ayudarles a planificar sus vacaciones familiares durante los recesos escolares programados. Planificar con anticipación ayuda a reducir las ausencias y garantiza que los estudiantes se mantengan al día con su aprendizaje.

¡Gracias por trabajar junto a nosotros para apoyar el éxito de sus hijos!
2 months ago, Christina Murillo
Updated Vacation Planner
vacation planner spanish
Empower Schools of Alabama will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

There will be no school for students or staff on this day. Students and staff will return to school on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing Labor Day!

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Empower Schools of Alabama permanecerá cerrado el lunes 7 de septiembre de 2026, en conmemoración del Día del Trabajo.

No habrá clases para los estudiantes ni labores para el personal ese día. Los estudiantes y el personal regresarán a la escuela el martes 8 de septiembre de 2026.

¡Esperamos que todos disfruten de un Día seguro y agradable!
2 months ago, Christina Murillo
Labor Day
Dia Del Trabajo
What’s on the menu this week, Gators? Fueling our scholars for a great day of learning, growing, and achieving starts with a nutritious meal! Check out our Breakfast & Lunch Menu for August 31–September 4 and see what’s cooking at Empower! Menu items are subject to change based on availability. Healthy meals. Happy students. Stronger together!
2 months ago, Empower Schools of Alabama
week of Aug. 31st menu
🚨 IMPORTANT REMINDER: STUDENT CHECK-IN PROCEDURES 🚨

Parents and Guardians,

Please be advised that ANY student arriving after 8:00 AM MUST be accompanied INSIDE the building by a parent or guardian to be checked in through the front office.

🚫 Students may NOT be dropped off at the door, curb, or parking lot after 8:00 AM.
🚫 Students may NOT enter the building alone to check themselves in.

A parent or guardian MUST come inside the building and complete the check-in process.

This procedure is NON-NEGOTIABLE. If a student is dropped off after 8:00 AM without a parent or guardian entering the building to check them in, a phone call will be made home.

This procedure is in place to ensure that all students are properly accounted for and that our attendance records remain accurate.

We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you plan accordingly when bringing your student to school after 8:00 AM.

💜🐊 Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and accounted for!

🚨 RECORDATORIO IMPORTANTE: PROCEDIMIENTO PARA REGISTRAR LA LLEGADA DE ESTUDIANTES 🚨

Padres, madres y tutores:

Les informamos que TODO estudiante que llegue después de las 8:00 a. m. DEBE estar acompañado por uno de sus padres o tutores DENTRO del edificio para registrar su llegada en la oficina principal.

🚫 Los estudiantes NO pueden ser dejados en la puerta, en la acera ni en el estacionamiento después de las 8:00 a. m.
🚫 Los estudiantes NO pueden entrar solos al edificio para registrar su llegada.

Uno de los padres o tutores DEBE entrar al edificio y completar el proceso de registro.

Este procedimiento NO ES NEGOCIABLE. Si un estudiante es dejado después de las 8:00 a. m. sin que uno de sus padres o tutores entre al edificio para registrarlo, se realizará una llamada a casa.

Este procedimiento se ha establecido para garantizar que todos los estudiantes estén debidamente registrados y que nuestros registros de asistencia sean precisos.

Agradecemos su cooperación y les pedimos que hagan los arreglos necesarios al traer a su estudiante a la escuela después de las 8:00 a. m.

💜🐊 ¡Gracias por ayudarnos a mantener a nuestros estudiantes seguros y debidamente registrados!
2 months ago, Victoria Peake
Empower Gators VS Corner-Stone Eagles Time: 5:00pm Location: 751 Academy Dr. Bessemer, AL 35022 Hora: 5:00 p. m. Lugar: 751 Academy Dr., Bessemer, AL 35022 ¡Ven a apoyar a los Empower Gators!
2 months ago, Christina Murillo
Volleyball Game
Partido
Gofan
Gofan
🎶💜 CALLING ALL FUTURE EMPOWER MUSICIANS! 💜🎶

Does your student have an interest in music but isn’t quite sure which instrument is right for them? Come find their sound! 🎺🥁🎷🎶

Empower Community School is excited to host our Beginner Band Instrument Tryout & Rental Information Night for students in 5th–8th grade!

📅 Thursday, September 3, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Upper Campus Gymnasium

Students will have the opportunity to try different instruments, explore woodwinds, brass, and percussion, and get guidance from our band staff to help determine which instrument is the best fit! 🎷🎺🥁

Parents will also be able to learn about the instrument rental process, pricing, payment options, and next steps for getting their student started.

✨ No previous musical experience is needed! This is the perfect opportunity for students who are curious about band but don’t know where to begin.

📲 Interested in joining? Scan the QR code on the flyer to complete the application!

Questions? Contact Ms. Shaw, Music Instructor, at cshaw@empoweral.org.

🎵 PLAY. LEARN. INSPIRE.
We can’t wait to help our Gators take their first step toward an amazing musical journey! 💜🐊🎶


🎶💜 ¡LLAMANDO A TODOS LOS FUTUROS MÚSICOS DE EMPOWER! 💜🎶

¿Su estudiante tiene interés en la música pero no está seguro de qué instrumento es el adecuado para él o ella? ¡Vengan a encontrar su sonido! 🎺🥁🎷🎶

Empower Community School se complace en organizar nuestra Noche de Prueba de Instrumentos para Banda Principiante e Información sobre Alquiler para estudiantes de 5.º a 8.º grado.

📅 Jueves, 3 de septiembre de 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Gimnasio del Campus Superior

Los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de probar diferentes instrumentos, explorar instrumentos de viento madera, viento metal y percusión, y recibir orientación de nuestro personal de banda para ayudarles a determinar cuál es el instrumento que mejor se adapta a ellos. 🎷🎺🥁

Los padres también podrán conocer el proceso de alquiler de instrumentos, precios, opciones de pago y los siguientes pasos para que su estudiante comience.

✨ ¡No se necesita experiencia musical previa! Esta es la oportunidad perfecta para los estudiantes que sienten curiosidad por la banda pero no saben por dónde empezar.

📲 ¿Interesado en participar? Escanee el código QR en el folleto para completar la solicitud.

¿Preguntas? Contacte a la Sra. Shaw, Instructora de Música, en cshaw@empoweral.org.

🎵 TOCA. APRENDE. INSPIRA.
¡Estamos emocionados de ayudar a nuestros Gators a dar su primer paso hacia un increíble viaje musical! 💜🐊🎶
3 months ago, Victoria Peake
English
Spanish
Stay Connected With The Empower Community School App! Please see the attached flyer for more information.
3 months ago, Christina Murillo
Stay Connected
📢 IMPORTANT REMINDER: STUDENT CHECK-IN, CHECK-OUT & UNIFORM POLICY

Empower Families,

Please review the following important procedures regarding student arrival, check-in, check-out, and dress code.

⏰ MORNING CHECK-IN
Students arriving after 8:00 AM must be checked in through the Front Office by a parent or guardian. Students may not be dropped off or sent inside alone after 8:00 AM.

🚫 LATEST CHECK-IN TIMES

Monday–Thursday: No student check-ins after 11:30 AM
Friday: No student check-ins after 10:00 AM

🚗 LATEST CHECK-OUT TIMES

Monday–Thursday: Students may not be checked out after 3:00 PM
Friday: Students may not be checked out after 12:30 PM

👕 UNIFORM & DRESS CODE — EFFECTIVE MONDAY, AUGUST 24

All students are expected to be in full school uniform and in compliance with the school dress code beginning Monday, August 24.

⚠️ Students who are not in dress code will be sent home.

Parents and guardians, please make the necessary arrangements to ensure your student arrives on time, follows all check-in/check-out procedures, and reports to school in the proper uniform each day.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a safe, orderly, and productive school environment.

Dr. L. Riley
Principal

📢 AVISO IMPORTANTE: ENTRADA, SALIDA Y POLÍTICA DE UNIFORMES

Familias de Empower:

Por favor, revisen los siguientes procedimientos importantes relacionados con la llegada, entrada, salida y código de vestimenta de los estudiantes.

⏰ ENTRADA POR LA MAÑANA
Todos los estudiantes que lleguen después de las 8:00 a. m. deberán ser registrados en la Oficina Principal por su padre, madre o tutor legal. Después de las 8:00 a. m., los estudiantes no podrán ser dejados en la escuela ni entrar solos.

🚫 HORARIOS LÍMITE PARA LA ENTRADA

Lunes a jueves: No se permitirá la entrada de estudiantes después de las 11:30 a. m.
Viernes: No se permitirá la entrada de estudiantes después de las 10:00 a. m.

🚗 HORARIOS LÍMITE PARA LA SALIDA

Lunes a jueves: Los estudiantes no podrán salir después de las 3:00 p. m.
Viernes: Los estudiantes no podrán salir después de las 12:30 p. m.

👕 UNIFORME Y CÓDIGO DE VESTIMENTA — A PARTIR DEL LUNES 24 DE AGOSTO

A partir del lunes 24 de agosto, todos los estudiantes deberán asistir a la escuela con el uniforme escolar completo y cumplir con el código de vestimenta de la escuela.

⚠️ Los estudiantes que no cumplan con el código de vestimenta serán enviados a casa.

Padres y tutores, por favor hagan los arreglos necesarios para asegurarse de que sus estudiantes lleguen a tiempo, sigan todos los procedimientos de entrada y salida, y asistan a la escuela con el uniforme apropiado todos los días.

Gracias por su cooperación y por ayudarnos a mantener un ambiente escolar seguro, ordenado y productivo.

Dr. L. Riley
Director
3 months ago, Victoria Peake
Uniform Inspiration Guide
English
Spanish
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
3 months ago, Christina Murillo
3 months ago, Christina Murillo
Transportation Routes

Stay connected with our Empower Community School App!!

3 months ago, Christina Murillo
Stay Connected!
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
3 months ago, Christina Murillo
Bash

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

3 months ago, Christina Murillo
Transportation Survey

🚨🚨🚨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! ✨

3 months ago, Christina Murillo
Last Orientation

We're thrilled to announce the new app for Empower Schools of Alabama!

It's everything Empower Schools of Alabama in your pocket.

With the new app, you can access documents, events, news
updates, and important alerts.

Download for Android https://aptg.co/LTL2LL
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/SrQGbs

Ms. Christina Murillo
Director of Technology

4 months ago, Christina Murillo
Empower App
Dear Empower Community School Families, Below you will find instructions for setting up and adding funds to your student's LINQ account. LINQ is the system our cafeteria will use for all à la carte purchases, including snacks and other optional food items. Please note that our cafeteria is completely cashless, so students will not be able to use cash or cards to purchase these items. It is important that you create your student's LINQ account and add funds before the school year begins if you would like your child to have the option to purchase à la carte items. Please remember that every student will continue to receive one free school meal each day. Adding funds to a LINQ account is only necessary for students who wish to purchase additional à la carte items beyond their free meal. If you have any questions or need assistance setting up your account, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Thank you for your partnership and support as we prepare for a successful school year! Sincerely, Empower Community School
4 months ago, Christina Murillo
Linq Family Account
Linq Family Account
Linq Family Account
Linq Family Account
Linq Family Account
Linq Family Account
Linq Family Account
Linq Family Account
Free Summer Program
4 months ago, Christina Murillo
Free Summer Program
🎉 You're Invited to Empower Community School's Back-to-School Bash! 🎉

Empower families, we can't wait to welcome you back for another amazing school year!

Join us on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: 751 Academy Drive, Bessemer, AL 35022 for our annual Back-to-School Bash!

Come out and:
✅ Meet your teachers
✅Learn more about our NEW House System
✅ Enjoy family-friendly fun and activities
✅ Visit with food trucks and community vendors

This is a great opportunity for students and families to meet and greet our new and returning faculty members, reconnect with friends, and become familiar with important information before the first day of school.

We look forward to seeing all of our NEW & RETURNING Empower Knights there!

For more information, visit www.empoweral.org.
4 months ago, Christina Murillo
Back to School Bash
Dear Empower Families,

As we prepare for another outstanding school year, we want to share an important update regarding our student uniform expectations.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Empower collared uniform shirts (polo shirts and approved oxford/blouse shirts) are the required daily uniform.
​
Please note the following changes:
✅ Required Daily Attire
Students must wear an approved Empower collared uniform shirt each day.

Approved bottoms include school-approved pants, shorts, skirts, and jumpers as outlined in the uniform guide.

Belts (Girls/Boys)
Closed Toe Shoes
Black Sweaters

🚫 Empower T-Shirts
Empower T-shirts may not be worn as the daily school uniform.
T-shirts may be worn only on designated school spirit days or other special occasions announced by the school.

🛍️ T-Shirt Sales
Empower T-shirts will NO longer be sold through the school.
These updates help maintain a consistent, professional learning environment while ensuring all students are dressed for success each day.

Families can shop for approved uniforms through French Toast using School Code QS614SD.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to uphold high expectations for all Empower scholars.

Dress with Pride. Learn with Purpose. Lead with Confidence.
4 months ago, Christina Murillo
New Uniform Updates

Let's Keep Our School Bus A Safe Place

4 months ago, Christina Murillo
School Bus A Safe Place