School Spotlight: Booker T. Washington K-8

For nearly a decade, Principal Dr. Antonia Ishman has led Booker T. Washington K‑8 with a clear vision: transforming school culture in a way that not only strengthens academic outcomes but also shapes students into compassionate, capable young people. After joining the Hope Leadership Academy, Dr. Ishman and her team began crafting core values that would anchor this cultural shift. Their values (trustworthy, respectful, integrity, brave, and empathetic) form the acronym TRIBE, which has become a unifying touchstone for the school.

Initially, the school promoted TRIBE through student success journals, Monday morning homeroom meetings, and various school‑wide programs and assemblies. This year, however, the team committed to going deeper. They spent the first two weeks of school intentionally embedding the core values into every activity, making sure the language was shared and understood and welcoming students to the new school year grounded in shared expectations and purpose.

To extend TRIBE beyond the classroom, the school launched a new initiative: every middle‑school student joins a club of their choice, with meetings held on Fridays during the school day. Adusting the school schedule to incorporate this club time guarantees all students, regardless of transportation or after‑school availability, can participate. Community members and teachers lead the clubs, which range from the Fire Department’s Explorer’s Club to an aviation club facilitated by a retired pilot and a nursing club provided in partnership with UAB. One of the most popular offerings is the Hispanic Dance Club, taught by paraprofessional Iris Hood.

This emphasis on belonging directly supports Principle 4 of the 11 Principles Framework from Character.org, which recognizes national and state Schools of Character. Dr. Ishman had this principle in mind when she expanded the club model school‑wide. Within the first nine weeks, the impact was unmistakable: discipline referrals began trending downward, and with three months remaining in the school year, suspensions sit at one‑third of last year’s total.

Dr. Ishman shared that the expanded club program was inspired by her school team’s participation in Hope Leadership Academy and grew from the desire to ignite passion in her students. “The Hope Institute has helped us create an environment where our educators feel comfortable sharing ideas and working together to solve problems,” she said. “We want to cultivate hope in our students. Creating a program with a club for all has fostered the sense of belonging that moves us closer to that goal.”

Booker K. Washington K-8 Principal, Dr. Antonia Ishman and paraprofessional, Iris Hood, who leads the popular Hispanic Dance Club

Booker T. Washington K‑8’s success extends well beyond school culture. The school was recently recognized by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey during her State of the State Address in January for its impressive academic turnaround, climbing from a D to a B on the state’s school report card.

Through intentional culture‑building, meaningful partnerships, and a relentless commitment to student growth, Booker T. Washington K‑8 is actively shaping a community where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.