Bartow County School System

WOW: Christmas came early for Bartow County School Bus Driver Jimmy Chappell! He won a $500 cash prize at our Transportation luncheon from our partners in education -- Carla Fowler with Caldwell Banker Kinard Reality! Wonderful surprise for a dedicated member of Team Bartow! #HappyHolidays2024

ENJOY YOUR BREAK: Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from the Bartow County School System! Make sure you pick up your phone tonight to hear a special message from Superintendent Terza! Enjoy some rest and relaxation, and we'll see our students back on January 7, 2025!

FESTIVE FINALE: What better way for Cass Middle school to end a half day than with a festive Christmas Pep Rally! Cheers could be heard from the Cass Middle School parking lot as students, teachers, and even cafeteria staff battled it out in the gym for bragging rights in holiday-themed games. A flash mob ensued; and Deputy Superintendent Christian Suttle was there with a smile on his face to see it all! #betterinbartow #peprallyfun #magic #weloveourkids

FOND FAREWELL: We are delighted to announce the retirement of our beloved Mrs. Vicky Wade, who has dedicated an incredible 27 years to the Bartow County School System! Throughout her remarkable career, Vicky has worn many hats, including serving as a bookkeeper at Emerson and Taylorsville Elementary Schools, and as an assistant to the assistant principal at Woodland High School. Her contributions have also been invaluable in the Curriculum, Technology, and School Nutrition Departments. Vicky's unwavering commitment and versatile skills have made a lasting impact on our community. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement!

CENTRAL OFFICE CELEBRATIONS: When you work in a school system and community like this, you have a lot to celebrate! This month, we proudly celebrate and honor David VanHook, our Director of Maintenance and Construction. If you want something done quickly and efficiently, you go directly to Mr. VanHook! His knowledge is vast, and his timeliness and response to questions or concerns is unmatched. He's an asset to our System and we're glad to have him!

ELF FINDER 2024: We'd like to report an Elf on the Shelf sighting at 116 Hamilton Crossing Road👀 Wait, is that an Elf or HCES Principal Lindsay Perry?!! #betterinbartow #holidaycheer #magic #weloveourstudents

REMINDER: Tomorrow, December 20, will be an Early Release Day! Elementary schools dismiss at 11:30 a.m. and middle/high schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be served, and buses will run on an early dismissal schedule. After School programs will continue to operate.

CASS CAROLERS: Spreading holiday cheer for all to hear...at Central Office! These Cass Carolers, also known as the 8th Grade Cass Middle School Chorus, delivered an outstanding performance of our favorite holiday songs under the direction of Chorus Teacher Tiffany Hunt! You might have even caught Superintendent Terza joining in for a rendition of "Jingle Bells"! 🎼

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Vivian Reyes, Adairsville High School Senior Vivian is once again making history as the first student from Bartow County to be selected for the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program! USSYPis a distinguished, merit-based initiative that selects two high school juniors or seniors from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. These students participate in an intensive, week-long program in Washington, D.C., where they engage in an in-depth study of the federal government. Delegates have the opportunity to meet with key leaders, including senators, the president, Cabinet secretaries, Supreme Court justices, and senior members of the national media. These events feature detailed, closed-door Q&A sessions, inspiring students to make a difference in their communities and beyond. Each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship in the name of the U.S. Senate, encouraging further studies in history, government, and public affairs. Funded and administered by The Hearst Foundations since its inception, the program operates without government funding. Military officers, selected competitively by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, serve as elite chaperones and mentors during the program.

WILDCATS' WINTER WONDERLAND: More than 120 spirited Woodland High School students transformed into holiday heroes, giving 49 future Wildcats an unforgettable Christmas adventure during the 4th annual Shop with a Wildcat event! The day was brimming with joy and laughter as they indulged in face painting, crafted festive masterpieces, created heartfelt cards, and, of course, SHOPPED! ☃️❄️🎅🎁

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: What an incredible GHSA State Championship event at our very own Esports Arena! Our students worked alongside the professionals, learning and participating in shout casting the games, running production, and supporting technology in so many ways! Our Esports coaches were able to coach alongside state finalist schools and learn firsthand what it takes to be competitive enough to WIN at the championship games! #betterinbartow

EXEMPLARY SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION: The Bartow County School System is proud to announce that its Board of Education has earned the Georgia School Boards Association's (GSBA) 2024 Exemplary School Board recognition! This recognition highlights the board’s commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and collaboration, all of which play a key role in enhancing educational opportunities for every student in the district. The GSBA honors school boards that demonstrate strong governance, helping to create a positive educational culture that supports student learning and achievement. The Bartow County Board of Education exceeded the criteria set forth by GSBA to earn the honor of a 2024 Exemplary Board. Congratulations: Chairman Tony Ross (District 1), Vice Chairman Butch Emerson (District 4), Matt Shultz (District 3), Anna Sullivan (District 5), and Darla Williams (District 2). The GSBA Board recognition program is a three-tiered program. For more information on the GSBA award categories, click the link below. https://gsba.com/awards/

IT'S A MATCH: Congratulations to Cass High School Senior Stephanie Johnson! We are thrilled to announce her full-tuition scholarship to the University of Southern California through QuestBridge! “Starting the QuestBridge application many months ago was something that was both terrifying and exhilarating," said Stephanie. "I knew how challenging the application process was going to be and how selective the scholarship award committee was, but I also knew I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t just try — so I did. I am so thankful I took the leap of faith! Matching with USC is such an honor.” Stephanie plans to begin her studies at USC next fall, pursuing a double major in International Affairs and Political Science. A proud Colonel All-Star, Stephanie has made an indelible mark during her four years at CHS. As Senior Class President and a leader in the International Studies Magnet program, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to service and leadership. Her involvement in Model UN, Beta Club, the National Spanish Honor Society, and the cheerleading team reflects her well-rounded dedication to academic excellence, teamwork, and community engagement. The QuestBridge Scholarship is a respected program designed to connect high-achieving high school seniors with full four-year scholarships to some of the nation's top colleges. It covers tuition, room and board, and additional fees, ensuring that students can focus on their education without financial worries.

PARTNERING UP: We're collaborating with Georgia Tech! This time to discuss K-12 student and teacher success resources with Rick Clark, Executive Director of Strategic Student Success, and Dr. Sirocus Barnes, Director of Expanded Learning Programs!

STEM SUCCESS: Woodland Middle School proudly received the State STEM Certification banner today from State School Superintendent Richard Woods! This achievement reflects years of dedication and hard work from students, teachers, and community partners. Principal Michael Blankenship emphasized the school's commitment to providing top-notch, relevant education that prepares students for future careers. The certification process, which began about seven years ago, included numerous STEM initiatives such as Science Nights and STEM Walks, even adapting through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition highlights WMS's focus on transforming classrooms into student-centered, learning-focused environments! After presenting the STEM certification banner, Superintendent Woods, along with GaDOE Program Manager Cherri Nix, toured the science classrooms. Congratulations, WMS!

ACADEMIC ACCOLADES: It’s always a “super” day when State School Superintendent Richard Woods visits from Atlanta and recognizes 12 of our schools with Literacy and/or Math Leader awards! This prestigious honor underscores the Bartow County School System’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and dedication to student success! Congratulations to the following schools: *Adairsville Middle (Math Award) *Cass Middle (Math Award) *Cloverleaf Elementary (Math & Literacy Awards) *Euharlee Elementary (Math Award) *Hamilton Crossing Elementary (Math Award) *Kingston Elementary (Math Award) *Mission Road Elementary (Literacy Award) *Pine Log Elementary (Literacy Award) *Red Top Middle (Math Award) *White Elementary (Math Award) *Woodland Middle (Math Award) *Woodland High (Math Award) For more information on the state award, click the link below! https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/article/1886182

STAGE SUCCESS: We are thrilled to announce that Adairsville High School's one-act show, Macbeth, has been chosen to perform at the 2025 Georgia Thespian Conference! This is a historic first for AHS and all Bartow County Schools! The dedicated members of Troupe 6316 will showcase their talents to honors theatre students from hundreds of schools across Georgia at the world's largest gathering of inducted Thespians. Stay tuned for details on additional public performances!

IT’S A MATCH: Woodland High School has another QuestBridge Scholar! Two in one year; that has never happened before! Congratulations to Woodland High School Senior Sarah Smith on earning a full-ride scholarship to Brown University through the QuestBridge Scholarship Program! Brown is an Ivy League research university in Providence, Rhode Island. "I was so shocked and relieved to see that I matched to Brown,” said Sarah. “This scholarship means I am able to obtain a world-class education without worrying about any financial burdens, and as a first-generational student, this means so much to me and my family. I plan to go pre-med with a major in biology and eventually become a pediatrician. The QuestBridge scholarship makes this dream an actual possibility! QuestBridge has set me up for a bright future where I can broaden my academic, geographical, and social horizons." Sarah already completed the College Prep Scholars Program and participated in the Simons Summer Research Program, where she studied potential immunotherapy targets in cancer! The QuestBridge Scholarship is a respected program designed to connect high-achieving high school seniors with full four-year scholarships to some of the nation's top colleges. It covers tuition, room and board, and additional fees, ensuring that students can focus on their education without financial worries. The program also provides extensive support throughout the college application process, helping students navigate their path to higher education and achieve their academic goals.

IT’S A MATCH: Congratulations to Woodland High School Senior Talal Tariq on earning a full-ride scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through the QuestBridge Scholarship Program! Each year, around 25,500 students across the United States apply, and only about 2,500 are awarded this prestigious scholarship. "QuestBridge means that I will be able to get a good education through a good college without my family being burdened by any monetary worries," said Talal. "I haven't finalized my major yet, so there is a lot of uncertainty about what will happen during and after college. I can't really make many predictions of my life after college since that period in a person's life is so unpredictable." The QuestBridge Scholarship is a respected program designed to connect high-achieving high school seniors with full four-year scholarships to some of the nation's top colleges. It covers tuition, room and board, and additional fees, ensuring that students can focus on their education without financial worries. The program also provides extensive support throughout the college application process, helping students navigate their path to higher education and achieve their academic goals. Talal also earned a coveted seat in the Georgia Governor's Honors Program last academic year for his outstanding work in mathematics!

JOLLY JAMBOREE: Hamilton Crossing is “decking those halls,” walls, and everything in between thanks to the incredible efforts of staff, students, parents, and our amazing community! What a special treat for these Knights! Whose hall do you think WON? The judges, Board Member Matt Shultz, Chief HR Officer David Robinson, and our Academic Team members Amanda Creel and Charley Walper had a hard decision to make!