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City of Irondale back-to-school pep rally — The City of Irondale hosted a back-to-school pep rally on Aug. 4, 2026, to welcome local families. Mayor James Stewart, Jr. and his wife, Kimberly Myles-Stewart, are pictured in the center. (City of Irondale)

If your kitchen counter is currently piled with back-to-school supplies, registration forms and a backpack waiting to be packed, you’re not alone. As a parent, I know back-to-school season can be exciting, overwhelming and expensive, and finding resources that make family life a little easier is always a win.

Luckily, Irondale families have several resources right in their community—from programs that support students and teachers to activities that keep kids connected throughout the year.

Here’s a look at five local programs to know before that first bell rings.

1. Irondale helps students feel supported

Two Heidi's Kids volunteers pose with a giant teddy bear wearing a Heidi's Kids shirt at the Irondale Back to School Pep Rally — Heidi’s Kids brought resources—and a friendly face—to the City of Irondale’s Back-to-School Pep Rally on Aug. 4, 2026, helping connect families with programs that support students year-round. (City of Irondale)

Back-to-school season is about more than new shoes and school supplies. It’s also about making sure students feel cared for, confident and ready for whatever the year brings.

Heidi’s Kids is a community-rooted nonprofit that works with schools and families across Greater Birmingham to provide resources, comfort and encouragement for children.

For Irondale students, programs include:

Blessing Sacks: Food-filled bags that support students experiencing food insecurity at home
Emotional Support Resource Rooms: Safe spaces in Title I schools where students can find encouragement + a moment to reset during the school day
Heidi’s Closet: Offers clothing + resources to help support students + families in need
Comfort Toys: Items that provide comfort during stressful moments

Click here to donate, access food pantry info + more.

2. Irondale’s Education Focus Group gives families a voice

Four attendees pose beside a City of Irondale Education Focus Group sign listing goals: increasing parental involvement, closing the achievement gap, and collaborating with school administrators to support student success — Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. (third from left) and his wife, Kimberly Myles-Stewart (second from left), join members of Irondale’s Education Focus Group, which helps increase parent involvement and collaboration with local schools. (City of Irondale)

Parents know their kids best, and Irondale is creating more opportunities for families to be part of the conversation.

Chaired by First Lady Kimberly Myles-Stewart, the Education Focus Group brings together two parents from each school selected by school leadership to help increase parent involvement and identify opportunities for stronger collaboration.

During Irondale’s Back-to-School Pep Rally on August 4, students and parents were able to share their ideas through a dream school vision board. The goal: to give families a chance to share what they hope to see for the future of education in Irondale.

3. Irondale’s Education and Youth Fund supports teachers

_{Irondale’s Education and Youth Fund provides grants to local teachers for classroom projects, educational materials, technology and more. (City of Irondale)}

Teachers do so much behind the scenes to make the school year a success. From creating engaging lessons to finding new ways to help students learn, they’re always looking for ways to make their classrooms better.

The Education and Youth Fund helps make that possible by providing grants of up to $500 for special classroom projects.

The program is led by Irondale residents who are retired educators and supports projects like:

Classroom supplies + educational materials
Student projects + enrichment opportunities
Technology + learning tools
STEM + robotics equipment
Sensory resources

Fun fact: This year, the fund has awarded nearly $11,000 to teachers in Irondale schools.

Learn how to apply for an Irondale Education and Youth Fund grant.

4. Irondale after-school programs help students learn + grow

Two adults and a young child smile at the Irondale Back-to-School Pep Rally, one carrying a Democracy Trailblazers tote bag

A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club representative seated at an outdoor information table during Irondale's Back-to-School Pep Rally

_{The A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club gives Irondale families access to after-school programs, academic support and enrichment activities. (City of Irondale)}

Once the school day ends, many families still need a safe, engaging place for kids to learn, play and connect. That’s where the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club comes in. Located in the former Irondale Public Library, the club offers:

Academic support
Enrichment activities
Opportunities to build friendships + confidence
A place for students to explore new interests

Registration is now open for the 2026-27 school year. Fall semester memberships are $50 per month. Learn more and sign up.

5. Irondale Youth Sports return this fall with new flag football programs

team of youth softball players participating in youth sports in Irondale — Irondale youth sports teams give local kids the chance to make friends and grow their skills on and off the field. (City of Irondale)

Finding ways to keep our kids active that actually fit into everyone’s schedule can be tough. The good news: Irondale’s Youth Sports return to Ruffner Sports Complex this fall!

Here’s what’s being offered:

Flag football (ages 6-14): Registration closes Aug. 24; practices begin Aug. 31; games begin in Sept.
Baseball (ages 5-14): Registration closes Aug. 31; practices begin Sept. 21; games begin in Oct.
Softball (ages 5-13): Registration closes Aug. 31; practices begin Sept. 21; games begin in Oct.
T-ball (ages 4-12): Registration closes Aug. 31; practices begin Sept. 21; games begin in Oct.

Visit the City of Irondale’s website to find more resources, register for programs and stay up to date on what’s happening around the city.

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