Bartow County School System

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!

THE BUZZ AROUND BARTOW: After seven rounds of spelling in the 64th Annual Bartow County Spelling Bee, Kingston Elementary School fourth grader, Fallon Frye, spelled “ambiguous” and then "anachronism” to WIN! This year's amazing runner-up is Michael Tavernier, a fifth grader from Taylorsville Elementary School! They actually battled it out for about 13 additional rounds at the very end! Congratulations! Fallon now advances to the regional spelling bee on February 22, 2025. As always, special thanks to the Bartow Education Foundation, Bartow County Association of Educators, Mayor Matt Santini & Anthia McStatts-Santini, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Heather Carter, Charley Walper, Amanda Creel, Jennifer Mauldin, Dr. Davis Nelson, Janet Queen, Kerrie Roberson, and Dawn Wood.

THE BUZZ AROUND BARTOW: Congratulations to our 2024 District Spelling Bee contestants! Adairsville Elementary – America Flores Adairsville Middle – Aiden Hamlin Allatoona Elementary – Keyla Lopez Cass Middle – Alvin Lasme Clear Creek Elementary – Lyric East Cloverleaf Elementary – Molly McEntire Emerson Elementary – Noah McDurmon Euharlee Elementary – Kennedy Williams Hamilton Crossing Elementary – Louis Young Kingston Elementary – Fallon Frye Mission Road Elementary – Joseph Milam Pine Log Elementary – Emmett Schilling Red Top Middle – Morgan Donnelly Taylorsville Elementary – Michael Tavernier White Elementary – Jay Patel

The Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade is always a magical event! We loved seeing the smiles and bright eyes of students as our superintendent and staff handed out free books! It was also wonderful to hear our award-winning bands and watch our impressive JROTC, cheerleaders, and Magnet students light up the night sky! Simply put; we live in the best community!

NEW NICU: Superintendent Clint Terza and Deputy Superintendent Christian Suttle were there as the ribbon was cut today at Piedmont Cartersville’s brand-new NICU/Special Care Nursery! Piedmont Cartersville is a phenomenal partner in education. CEO Lori Rakes and her team provide invaluable support through various initiatives, including Project SEARCH. This innovative program offers our young adults with disabilities the chance to gain valuable work experience and skills. We are excited to see the positive impact these new developments will have on our amazing community!

DON'T MISS OUT: The application window for our exclusive Magnet programs closes next Monday! Unmatched opportunities await! Apply today!

GIVING TUESDAY: Shout from the rooftop news -- Vista Metals in Adairsville generously donated $10,000 to the Bartow Education Foundation!! Every last cent will be used in our classrooms through the Teacher Grant Program. THANK YOU!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Get ready, one of our favorite events is right around the corner! This Thursday, before the legendary Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade, we will host our BOOK GIVEAWAY! FREE BOOKS! Just stop by the BCSS table, which will be located next to Santa in the Plaza. We'll be out there from about 3:30 p.m. until supplies last! See you there! 📚🎅📚

BALLOONS OVER AES: No shortage of smiles today at Adairsville Elementary School as Kindergarten and third grade students paraded through the hallways in their very own Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, inspired by the book Balloons over Broadway! Teachers integrated STEM projects into the festivities, and it was clear that the staff enjoyed the day just as much as the students! #betterinbartow

SWEET SNAPSHOTS: Friendsgiving at Mission Road Elementary School was made even sweeter by the firefighters from Sugar Valley Fire Station, who volunteered in the kitchen to serve up Thanksgiving favorites like turkey, dressing, casserole, and cobbler!

BIG BCSS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bartow County School System has been selected to host the 2024 GHSA Esports State Championship Games in our very own arena on December 14, 2024‼️‼️‼️‼️ 🎉🎉 This is HUGE as teams from around the state will be coming here, and our seven Esports teams in Bartow County will get a front row seat to see the excitement and learn what it takes to excel in top-tier competition! #betterinbartow #GameOn

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 Heather Brown, our School Nutrition Program Operations Supervisor. Her extensive knowledge of school nutrition and operations, exceptional customer service, servant's heart, and quick-witted personality are just a few of the many reasons we love and appreciate Mrs. Heather Brown. She truly makes our team better!