Here’s what’s happening in Mobile County Public Schools this week …

BEST ROBOTICS COMPETITIONS: Robots are returning to the competition floor! On Saturday, 12 middle and high school teams from Alabama and Florida will compete in Gulf Coast BEST Robotics Game Day at Davidson High School. The event is free and open to the public. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; recommended times for filming are from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held at 3 p.m.

The BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Robotics program is a workforce development initiative designed to introduce students to engineering, technology, manufacturing, marketing, and business through real-world challenges. BEST Robotics is supported by industry and community partners.

The 2026 competition, “Byte to Bite,” challenges students to explore automation in the farm-to-market industry, demonstrating how robotics and technology are transforming the way food moves from farms to consumers. The competition also includes the addition of AI technology. Students will use intelligent sensors in the robots to help the machines respond to their surroundings, in much the same way that automated robots complete processes in business and industry. “BEST is back in our community, and the excitement has been incredible!” said Robin Fenton, Gulf Coast BEST Hub Director, who noted that there is a waiting list of schools interested in competing at the next Game Day. “That’s a powerful reminder of how much our students and schools value opportunities like this.” 

AWARD-WINNING ADMINISTRATORS: Congratulations to Faith Belle-Lucy, Principal at Gilliard Elementary, and Talia Johnson, Assistant Principal at Hutchens Elementary and Dawes Intermediate, who were named the District II Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year, respectively, by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators. Photos attached.

YOUTH SERVICES AMBASSADORS: The Mobile County Board of School Commissioners introduced the Crittenton Youth Services Ambassadors recently. These students were nominated by their school counselors to participate in the program. They assist Crittenton in teaching life skills to students in grades 5-8, including decision-making, self-management, and strong interpersonal communication. The MCPSS students serving as Crittenton Youth Services Ambassadors are: Nyla Bendolph, Daniela Colocho, Sanaa Williams and Brenda Whitton of Baker; James Cobb, Kennedy Dailey, Larry Roberton, Deonna Stephens and Herbert Wilson of Blount; Victoria Dailey of Davidson; Zoi Cooper of LeFlore Magnet; Colt Lovelace, Avery Smith and Nathan Williams of Mary G. Montgomery; Tim Brown, Douglas Chestang, Laighla Hartley, O’Brien Jones, Jazzlyne Jackson, Kaden Prowell, Phebe Nguyen and Piper Velaski of Murphy; Madison Bragg, Rhianna Johnson, Lauryn Madise and Demi Stephen of Vigor; and Kenyelle Frazier and Wynter Hawkins of Williamson. Photo attached.

LITERACY AWARDS: The Metro Mobile Literacy Council honored three of Mobile County’s outstanding educators for their exceptional contributions to literacy. Deidre Hall of Teaching, Learning and Assessment was named Outstanding Reading Specialist; Deborah Bosarge of Morningside Elementary was named Outstanding Literacy Teacher; and Tiffani Wells, Principal of Ella Grant Elementary, was named Outstanding Literacy Administrator. Photos attached.

MOCK INTERVIEWS: #TeamMCPSS invites volunteers to sign up for mock interview sessions with our high school seniors. Representatives from regional businesses and industries are encouraged to help our seniors practice their interview skills as they prepare for college and careers. The MCPSS Career Coaches, in partnership with the Mobile Chamber’s Workforce Development team, organized the sessions. The final sessions will be held November 16-19. Here is the link to view the schedule and register. Photo attached. 

BOARD MEETINGS AND CALENDAR ITEMS:

• Schools will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day.
• The Mobile County Board of School Commissioners will have a work session at noon on November 18 and a regular meeting at 10 a.m. on November 20.