🌱 HBOE Appoints New Superintendent + New Learning Programs In Schools

Good morning, friends! It's Saturday in Hoover and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 92 Low: 68.
• Sunday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 95 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories in Hoover today:

1. On Thursday, the Hoover Board of Education (HBOE) announced the selection of the new superintendent of education for the Hoover City Schools District, Dr. Kevin Maddox. Maddox will lead the district, succeeding Dr. Dee O. Fowler, who is retiring. After considering seven candidates for the position, the HBOE unanimously appointed Maddox, who is currently the assistant superintendent of Homewood City Schools with over 29 years of experience as an educator. (Hoover City Schools via Facebook)
2. Following learning setbacks caused by the pandemic, Bluff Park Elementary School is adding social and emotional learning to its curriculum this year. Educators are starting to implement a 12-step handbook to help kids with communication skills. The program includes teaching young children about the importance of eye contact, hand shaking, and good body language. (WVTM13 Birmingham)
3. The "Park at Hoover" apartment complex is facing criticism after some residents claim they’ve gone without hot water and without power for nearly a week. Residents have cited a lack of communication from property management about the situation and stated this is not the first time their utilities have been cut off by the building. Residents are frustrated because utilities are included in their monthly rent. (WVTM13 Birmingham)

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Today and tomorrow in Hoover:

Saturday, August 19

• 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Race and Festival At East Lane Park (8:00 AM)
• Write Club At Hoover Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Greater Birmingham Humane Society Adoptions At Petsmart (12:00 PM)

Sunday, August 20

• Seth Jernigan Live At Bluff Park Community Church (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• When you donate blood or platelets this month, The Red Cross will thank you for helping by gifting donors a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of your choice. (American Red Cross of Alabama via Facebook)
• The City of Hoover announced numerous street milling and resurfacing projects taking place now, which can impact traffic and commutes. Most recent work is taking place at the Woodlands Subdivision, but review the City's full list to see if your street or community is included. (City of Hoover via Facebook)
• Fall is just around the corner! The Hoover Library has lots of exciting events coming up, including book clubs, writing groups, technology courses, and more. Check out their event calendars to see what’s going on this Fall. (Hoover Public Library, Hoover, Alabama via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.