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Dear MCSS Families,

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news with you! The Madison County School System has partnered with Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) to revolutionize your mornings and afternoons. HCTB is a mobile app and website that provides real-time school bus arrival and departure notifications to your phone or email.
Say goodbye to long waits in the heat, rain, or cold – you’ll know exactly when the bus is nearby, and we couldn’t be more excited for you to experience this convenience!

How to Sign Up:
1. Download the “Here Comes the Bus” app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Click the “Sign Up” button.
3. Enter school code 86771 and click “Next,” then “Confirm.”
4. Complete the “User Profile” box.
5. Under “My Students,” click “Add.” Enter your child’s last name and student ID number.
6. Confirm your information, and you’re all set!

MCSS plans to “Go Live” with HCTB on August 12, 2024. This date will give our Transportation Department time to adjust bus routes during the first two weeks of school to accommodate enrollment changes.

We might encounter a few bumps as we roll out this new program, but we’re committed to making this a smooth experience for everyone. If you need help using Here Comes the Bus, contact the MCSS Transportation Department or your child’s school.

We encourage you to download the app and start using it as soon as possible to make your school bus experience more convenient and efficient. Here’s to a fantastic school year!

Best regards,

Daniel Spears 
Director of Transportation, Madison County School System

The Madison County Career Technical Center is thrilled to present a unique and exciting opportunity with the launch of our Fire Science program in collaboration with the esteemed Alabama Fire College. This partnership will provide students within the Madison County School System with an exceptional chance to receive comprehensive training and education in fire science, equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in the firefighting industry.

Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the Fire Science program at the Madison County Career Technical Center will open its doors to a select group of eight high school students. These students, driven by their passion for community service, will use a robust curriculum featuring courses such as Volunteer Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness and Operations. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to apply for scholarships to attend Alabama Fire College’s six-week bridge program, highlighting the value of their dedication and hard work.

"As the Principal of the Madison County Career Technical Center, I am thrilled to introduce our Fire Science program, offering a unique hands-on learning experience. By merging practical training exercises with classroom instruction, our students will have access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment, providing realistic simulations of firefighting scenarios,” shared Principal Michael Counts. “This immersive learning environment not only helps students develop crucial skills in fire prevention, fire suppression, vehicle extrication, and emergency response but also instills a deep sense of preparedness and confidence."

Our partnership with the renowned Alabama Fire College ensures that our students receive a comprehensive and high-quality education in fire science. With a reputation for training top-notch firefighters and emergency responders, Alabama Fire College’s involvement enhances our program, covering all aspects from prevention to suppression and emergency response, and instilling confidence in the quality of education our students will receive.

Madison County Board of Education Vice President and District Four Board Member Heath Jones has played a pivotal role in establishing the first Fire Science program by any school district in Madison County. A career and volunteer firefighter in Huntsville and Madison County, Jones has witnessed the critical need for a new generation of firefighters.

"This program will provide students with a solid foundation in fire science, preparing them for a rewarding career as firefighters,” stated Jones. “We are confident that our partnership with Alabama Fire College will develop skilled and dedicated firefighters who will serve our community with utmost professionalism."

The Madison County Career Technical Center's Fire Science program welcomes students with a genuine interest in fire science and a commitment to positively impacting their community. Through this program, students will gain valuable knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry certifications, preparing them for a fulfilling career in the fire service.
 

Good Evening, MCSS Family.

The Madison County School System makes the safety and well-being of our students and staff members a top priority, which is why we always look to improve the security of our campuses and events throughout the district.

Over the last year, our district security team has been researching ways to detect weapons at our doors and admission gates. And like many districts nationwide, the OpenGate Detection System has proven itself to us. In the coming days, MCSS will install these detection systems on every campus. This enhancement is fully funded by a Safe Schools Grant issued by the Alabama State Department of Education. As we roll it out, we want to share with you the perks of the OpenGate system and how it will work.  

If you have attended a concert or sporting event in recent years, you have likely already been scanned with this system. Two freestanding pillars quickly screen people with bags, backpacks, and purses. Its design detects metal objects that match pre-programmed characteristics. 

The OpenGate systems are mobile and can move around campus as needed. During the morning drop-off, the system will check students as they enter the building and then be transported for use at additional entrances on campus.  

So, how will it work? As someone enters a school building, they will enter a lane to walk through the detection system. A campus administrator will supervise each point of entry. A visual and audible alert will sound if the OpenGate system detects something abnormal. The person entering will then be asked to place any bags, backpacks, or boxes on a nearby table and return to the scanner. Personnel will check the item left on the table if the person successfully passes through the system. 

If, for some reason, the person being scanned fails to go through successfully a second time, a campus administrator, at their discretion, can check them with a portable scanning unit. This will be done in a location that is discreet and out of view of other students.  

In addition to scanning for prohibited items entering a school building, these systems can be used at campus events where the general public will attend. Administrators can use them for sporting events, parent nights, and other extra-curricular activities. MCSS employees who supervise the OpenGate Systems are being trained in their operation. 

These detection systems represent an additional layer of protection for the students and staff of MCSS. We want to assure you that we are doing everything within our means to safeguard those entrusted to us. We acknowledge that there may be initial challenges with introducing this system, but we remain committed to our safety mission. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding in advance.

Warm regards,

Mr. Ken Kubik

Superintendent, Madison County School System