🌱 Patch AM: How did Hoover schools land among Alabama’s top-performing districts again?

Good day Hoover! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How did Hoover schools land among Alabama’s top-performing districts again?
• Which Simmons teacher will now represent Hoover statewide for top honors?
• How Hoover police plan to protect your holiday shopping trips

Also on today's calendar: Storytime: Holiday Edition and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 66 and low of 40 degrees.
• Saturday: A brief shower or two, temps: high: 66, low: 30.
• Sunday: Sunshine, breezy and colder, with a high of 37 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. 15 of 16 Hoover schools get A on 2025 state report card (hooversun.com) — Hoover City Schools just earned a 95 and 15 A-rated campuses on Alabama’s 2025 state report card, putting the district among the top performers statewide. Local leaders say students have more than recovered from pandemic learning loss, though they’re still targeting improvements for English learners, high school performance, and chronic absenteeism to keep Hoover’s schools moving forward.
   

2. Simmons Middle School educator wins Hoover Secondary Teacher of the Year (hooversun.com) — A longtime Simmons Middle School science teacher has been named Hoover City Schools’ Secondary Teacher of the Year, earning surprise recognition in front of her students and colleagues. With decades of experience and multiple STEM honors, she’ll now represent Hoover in the statewide Alabama Teacher of the Year competition, spotlighting the strength of Hoover’s middle and high school educators.
   

3. Alabaster and Hoover increasing safety measures during holiday shopping season (cbs42.com) — Hoover police are stepping up their visible presence around Riverchase Galleria and nearby shopping areas through the holiday season to deter theft and keep shoppers safe. Officers urge you to stay aware walking to and from your car, lock your vehicle, and report anything suspicious. Similar extra patrols are also underway in nearby Alabaster.
   

4. Hoover's new Riverchase Greenway Trail extension opens to the public (bhamnow.com) — Hoover residents now have a longer Riverchase Greenway Trail to explore, with a new extension along the Cahaba River officially opened by city leaders. The added segment, part of the Red Rock Trail System, sits on about 30 acres behind the existing loop near Riverchase Elementary and includes a “surprise view” at the end for walkers to discover.
   

5. SIU provides Air Force ROTC cadets with innovative mental health training (siu.edu) — A Hoover native is among the Air Force ROTC cadets at Southern Illinois University Carbondale testing an innovative AI-driven program that practices tough mental health conversations. The training uses realistic avatars and grant funding to help future officers handle crises, reduce stigma, and better support fellow cadets under stress. It’s an example of how a Hoover student is engaging with cutting-edge leadership preparation.
   

📸 Around Hoover

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Hoover

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Saturday December 13

• Holiday DIY Gift Shop
  Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover
  10:30 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday December 13

• Breakfast with Santa
  Vestavia Hills Civic Center , 1090 Montgomery Highway , Vestavia Hills
  7:30 am
• Megan Montgomery Foundation: Gingerbread Jam
  Vestavia Hills Civic Center , 1090 Montgomery Highway , Vestavia Hills
  8:00 am
• Brunch & Bubbly
  Board In Birmingham , 5426 Hwy 280, Suite 6 , Hoover
  9:00 am
• Storytime: Holiday Edition
  Hoover Public Library , 200 Municipal Dr , Hoover
  10:30 am
• Learning Express Toys-Santa Visit
  Learning Express Toys , 3132 Heights Village , Vestavia Hills
  11:00 am
• The R & B Brunch Experience
  StarDome Comedy Club , 1818 Data Dr , Hoover
  1:00 pm

Monday December 15

• Libby Meet & Greet
  Hoover Public Library - Circulation Lobby
  10:30 am

📣 Hoover Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Friday December 12

• Center Stage School Performance
  Mt Laurel Elementary School Birmingham, AL 35242
  8:30 am
• Women's Frosty Doubles league
  Pelham, AL Calendar , 100 Racquet Club Parkway , Pelham
  10:00 am
• Tai Chi
  Pelham, AL Calendar , 50 Racquet Club Parkway , Pelham
  10:00 am
• Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Home Instead
  Homewood Chamber of Commerce , 2059 Columbiana Rd. , Birmingham
  10:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Hoover PatchAM possible:

• Refine Weight and Wellness — (205) 223-3215
  New Medically subscribed Weight Loss Clinic in Hoover

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Hi neighbors.
  Just wanted to infrom yall that our mail box was knocked over tonight. We dont think it was hit by a vehicle becaue only the mail box was impacted… (Nextdoor Pinewood-Birchtree)
• Hmm...
  A Musing (1) http://newdayinklings.com/2025/12/11/hmm-a-musing-1/ (Nextdoor Bluff Park)

Ok Hoover! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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