Bartow County School System

LUNCH AND LEARN: The Bartow County School System shone brightly at Georgia’s Workforce Conference! BCSS CTAE Director Lisa DiPrima, along with Work-Based Learning Coordinators Deanna Boughton and Lori Kilgo, had the exciting opportunity to meet Governor Brian Kemp. They also discovered cutting-edge strategies and programs that Georgia companies, communities, and organizations are using to tackle talent development needs and build robust, long-term workforce pipelines. #betterinbartow

WOW: We are absolutely ecstatic to see Woodland High School’s new Athletic Hall of Fame! This incredible tribute celebrates the outstanding contributions of our former athletes and coaches to our athletic programs! Check out the inaugural 2024-2025 WHS Hall of Fame inductees: Kenn Baker, founding Athletic Director of Woodland High School Responsible for creation and implementation of the Woodland Athletics mission and vision; hired all initial coaches who started the programs; Coach Baker held many positions as a Wildcat including Middle School Girls Track Coach, Middle School Boys Basketball Coach, 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, 9th Grade Boys Basketball Coach, 9th Grade Football Coach, Varsity Football Linebackers Coach, Varsity Football Offensive Line Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, Director of the Ninth Grade Academy, Coordinator IB and AP Programs, and Bartow County student mentor. Derrick Broom, Basketball 1998-2002 Awards/Recognitions: Retired Jersey, Bartow County POY (01 and 02), NWGA POY (02), Second Team All-State (02), Street and Smiths Honorable Mention All-American, WHS MVP, most points all time (2,128), most points in a game (50), most assists all time (260), most rebounds in a game (18), most blocked shots (158), member of the National Honor Society, signed scholarship to play for University Alabama Birmingham. Jake Brumbelow, Wrestling 1998-2002 Awards/Recognitions: 3x Georgia High School State Finalist, 2x State Champion, 2000 AAA State Runner Up 103lbs, 2001 AAAA State Champion 112lbs, 2002 AAAA State Champion 119lbs, 2002 NHSCA High School National Open Runner-Up 125lbs, 3x NHSCA High School All-American, Career Record 169-4, Senior Year Record: 68-0 Georgia state record for most wins without a loss and third nationally. Jamie Jones (Fitzpatrick), Softball 2000-2004 Awards/Recognitions: All Region Honors, County Player of the Year, 4-year starter (softball), 3-year starter (basketball), All State Honors, Wendy’s Heisman Athlete of the Year; Career Batting Stats: scored 100 runs, 147 hits, 12 homeruns, 108 RBI’s, 375 Avg; Career Pitching Stats: 71 Wins, 926 Strikeouts, 1.51. ERA. Received scholarship to play at Kent State University and inducted into the Kent State Hall of Fame. Bradley Scott, Wrestling 1998-2002 Awards/Recognitions: 3x state champion, 4x state placer, Bradley signed a scholarship to wrestle with Missouri after his senior year. He wrestled there for one year. Bradley died in a traffic accident coming home from a Fire Fighter Training in Atlanta a couple years after he graduated from WHS. He was a firefighter with the City of Cartersville Fire Department.

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION: We are proud to celebrate Communications Coordinator Alisha Evans for her outstanding achievements through the Georgia School Public Relations Association! She recently earned the following EIGHT awards: - Three GOLD awards of excellence in writing, videography, & photography - Three SILVER awards of excellence in videography & photography - Two BRONZE awards of excellence in videography & photography Congratulations on this outstanding recognition of your work!

TECH TRAILBLAZERS: The judges' scores from the District Technology Competition are in, and we're excited to announce the students advancing to the regional competition in Rome on January 31st! (see graphics below)🎉🎉🎉 A total of 351 students from grades three through twelve presented 232 projects to our judges. Participants from all 19 schools competed, and judges selected the top three projects per category and grade band to award medals. Congratulations to all our future innovators! From code to creation, these students showcased exceptional technology skills, public speaking abilities, and teamwork! FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS: https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/article/1888434 Special thanks to our sponsor, Shaw!

DON'T BE LATE: Magnet Program applications are pouring in from our eighth graders! However, the window closes Dec. 9th. Make sure you get them in; this is an exclusive opportunity you won't want to miss!

ANOTHER MILESTONE MOMENT: State School Superintendent Richard Woods will be making an in-person visit next month to honor our whopping 12 Math and Literacy Leader Schools!! READ MORE HERE: Twelve Bartow County schools have garnered attention for being recognized as Literacy and/or Math Leader Schools by the Georgia Department of Education, celebrating their remarkable growth and achievements in reading and math. Bartow County Literacy Leader Schools are as follows: • Cloverleaf Elementary School (3rd Grade Gateway Growth) • Mission Road Elementary School (3rd Grade Gateway Growth) • Pine Log Elementary School (3rd Grade Gateway Growth; 5th Grade Growth) The Literacy Leader qualifications are determined by the Georgia Milestones Reading Status indicator, which utilizes Lexile scores from the ELA assessment. Schools were honored for their growth in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level, with a special focus on third and sixth-grade reading. Additionally, ten Math Leader Schools have been named by the state. They are as follows: • Woodland High School (HS Growth) • Woodland Middle School (8th Grade Gateway Growth; HS Achievement; HS Growth) • Adairsville Middle School (8th Grade Gateway Growth; HS Achievement; HS Growth) • Cass Middle School (HS Outstanding Achievement) • Red Top Middle School (8th Grade Gateway Growth; HS Growth) • Euharlee Elementary School (5th Grade Gateway Growth) • Hamilton Crossing Elementary School (4th Grade Growth; 5th Grade Gateway Growth) • Cloverleaf Elementary School (3rd Grade Growth; 4th Grade Growth; 5th Grade Gateway Growth) • White Elementary School (5th Grade Gateway Growth) • Kingston Elementary School (5th Grade Gateway Growth) Schools were recognized for achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above in math. Awards were given at the elementary and middle-school levels, and at the high-school level based on the Algebra: Concepts and Connections EOC, which is the state test for math in high school. "Only about 14% of public schools statewide received the literacy award, and 26% earned the math award," said Bartow County School System Superintendent Clint Terza. "This is a tremendous honor and a testament to our sharp focus on learning, collaboration, and results-oriented thinking. While three of our schools were honored with the literacy award last year, the math leader award is a new state recognition. We are thrilled to receive it and to see such a large percentage of our students surpassing state benchmarks." State School Superintendent Richard Woods is slated to visit the Bartow County College and Career Academy on December 10 to officially present both Literacy and Math Leader awards to all 12 Bartow County schools.

MEET THE ELITE: Twenty-nine Bartow County students have been named 2024-2025 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program District Nominees! Congratulations to the following Adairsville High School students: Abigail Britton (Engineering), Drake Bunce (Engineering), Amelia Carter (Music: Soprano), Hayden Erickson (Social Studies), Nathaniel Fortier (Computer Science), Alivia Joslin (Agricultural Research, Biotechnology, and Science), Emma Phillips (Theatre), Allison Potter (Dance), Aiden Ramlow (Engineering), Vivian Reyes (Social Studies), Bailee Scott (Engineering), Bailee Slusser (Science: Biology/Environmental Science), John Sprayberry (Music: Tenor), Chandler Stephens (Computer Science), Mark Story (Engineering), Gary Styles (Computer Science), Sophia Vasquez-Munguia (Engineering), and Savannah Viktora (Agricultural Research, Biotechnology, and Science). Cass High School students: Jackson Armona (Theatre), Emma Brown (Music: Oboe), Charlotte Langhans (Music: Flute), and Hailey Sullins (Social Studies). Woodland High School students: Emery Holt (Social Studies), Makayla Rieske (Science), Madelyn Weightman (Social Studies), Gabrielle Edmonds (Music: Flute), Gabrielle Hudson (Dance), Makai Messier (Music: Euphonium), and Hylan Westberry-Davis (Music: Saxophone). These intellectually gifted and artistically talented students are now invited to complete an online state-level application by January 10, 2025. Semifinalists will be announced on February 7, 2025, and will have the opportunity to interview or audition at Georgia Southern University on March 1 and March 15, 2025. Finalists and alternates will be announced on March 21, 2025. Upon acceptance, finalists will participate in the elite, four-week summer residential program at Georgia Southern University starting June 15, 2025. Students will attend classes in the mornings and afternoons in their specific areas of study, discovering life-changing instructional opportunities not found in a traditional classroom. “What a phenomenal group of GHP District Nominees,” said GHP Coordinator Paula Camp. “Once again, nomination areas vary greatly, from Dance and Theatre to Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. The talent is truly remarkable. I cannot wait to see them advance in this highly prestigious program.” The Governor’s Honors Program remains fully funded by the Georgia General Assembly.

TECH-SAVVY STUDENTS: We’re inspiring students to become leaders in the digital age at our second annual GEORGIA STUDENT TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION! Today, at the Bartow County College and Career Academy, over 350 students are showcasing their skills in categories such as Animation and Robotics. Stay tuned for the announcement of first, second, and third place winners tomorrow, along with the names of those advancing to the regional competition on January 31 in Rome, Georgia. A special thanks to our judges, event organizers, and teachers for making this another highly successful BCSS technology competition!

GET READY: In just a few short minutes, the Cass Band will be performing on the biggest stage the marching arts has to offer! Good luck at the Grand National Championships, Colonels! 💙💛

LET'S CELEBRATE: This post gives new meaning to the old saying, "Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!" Congratulations to Adairsville High School Teacher and Basketball Coach Melissa Winters on being named Jefferson's Adairsville Coach of the Year! Coach Winters will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, as well as her picture on a commemorative plaque inside the restaurant! “The game of basketball has so many life lessons that can be taught along the way and watching kids develop skills they didn't know they could have is an amazing journey. One thing I love about coaching is the relationships that we get to build. I love my girls and have lifelong relationships with them. It's awesome when they graduate and then call or text me updates about their lives! I can only hope that everything that we try to instill in them, in the time we have with them, sticks for a lifetime. Also, we hope that they build memories that last forever, and they can go on to positively impact the lives of others. I am grateful for everyone in Adairsville and beyond that helps to support the Lady Tigers!” - Coach Winters

FREE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE: Join us for a Community Workshop tomorrow! Organized by our ESOL Department, but open to ALL families! It will be offered in English and Spanish and will take place at Georgia Highlands College in Academic Building A, room A160. See you there ☑️

APPRECIATION POST: 🌟Happy National School Psychology Week! 🌟 We are incredibly grateful for our amazing Bartow County school psychologists! Their dedication, compassion, and expertise make a world of difference in the lives of our students every day. Thank you for all you do to support our school community! 💙📚✨ * Gene Lopp, Lead School Psychologist * Grace Kriz * Alan Brue * Chana Heard * Meagan Nalls * Maura Hammond * David Freeman (not pictured) #SchoolPsychWeek #betterinbartow #thankyouforyoursupport

REACH GEORGIA SIGNING CEREMONY: Four exceptional Bartow County students have earned the opportunity to attend a Georgia college, university, or technical school nearly cost-free upon graduating and completing the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program! The 2024 REACH Georgia Scholars are Juana Abigail Tzun Parral from Adairsville Middle School, Kari Snow from Cass Middle School, Monserrath Diaz Salazar from Red Top Middle School, and Halyn Neely from Woodland Middle School. This eighth cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars officially signed their commitment letters Tuesday at the Bartow County College and Career Academy, in the presence of school leaders, board members, and area representatives. Nominated by their counselors and teachers in the spring of their seventh-grade year based on grades, attendance, and behavior, these students completed an application process that included interviews. They were then selected to join 34 other REACH Georgia Scholars already in the program. Through REACH Georgia, students receive academic and social support to ensure they graduate from high school and attain a college degree or certificate. This support includes pairing each scholar with a mentor. "I look forward to getting to know this next cohort of REACH Scholars,” said Program Coordinator Kristy Mitchell. “They are hard-working, motivated young adults, and I’m honored to share this experience with them as they work toward graduation. Mentors are needed this academic year to visit our Scholars once a month at school and support them as they work to earn the prestigious REACH Georgia scholarship. Anyone interested can email me at Kristy.Mitchell@bartow.k12.ga.us.” Upon successful program completion, students earn a $10,000 scholarship. Certain schools will match or even double match the scholarship, increasing the amount they can earn to $30,000. Students can also qualify for other scholarships. The 12-year-old program serves more than 4,000 scholars in all 180 school systems across the state.

APPRECIATION POST: 🌟Shoutout to the Bartow County School System Technology Department!🌟 We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of our amazing Technology Department! Your tireless efforts ensure that our students and staff have access to the best tools and resources, making learning and teaching more effective and enjoyable. From troubleshooting tech issues to implementing innovative solutions, you are the backbone of our digital success. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to excellence!

HONORING HEROES: From the captivating art displays to the heartfelt speeches, the solemn taps, stirring songs, and the dignified presentation of colors, Hamilton Crossing Elementary School had a remarkable day dedicated to honoring our Veterans! Students and staff came together to pay tribute to those who have served our nation with bravery and dedication!

HONORING HEROES: Happy Veteran’s Day! Check out Clear Creek Elementary School’s heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women, past and present, who have fought for the freedoms we cherish. Our special guest, US Army Staff Sergeant and CCES parent, Justin “Tyler” Cummings, delivered an inspiring speech. The school chorus performed beautiful songs, veterans in attendance were honored, and the Adairsville High School JROTC presented the colors and conducted impressive rifle demonstrations!

SWEET CONNECTIONS: Giggles and excitement filled the halls of Clear Creek Elementary School, thanks to the Bartow County School Police officers and other local law enforcement! They gathered in the cafeteria with fourth graders, serving up one scoop of ice cream, two scoops of love, and three scoops of wisdom during our Ice Cream with a Cop event, organized by Bartow County School Police Officer Donnie Scott. Building these SWEET connections is what it’s all about! #betterinbartow SPECIAL THANKS: * Lt. Megan Kinser, Bartow County Sheriff's Office * Lt. Matt Pifer, Bartow County Sheriff's Office * Deputy Caleb Black, Bartow County Sheriff's Office * Sgt. Andy Page, Emerson Police Department * Officer Adam Rogers, White Police Department * Officer Pat Reagan, Bartow County School Police * Officer Donnie Scott, Bartow County School Police * Chief Billy Henson, Bartow County School Police

HONORING HEROES: Today, our Veterans entered the Woodland Middle gymnasium to a standing ovation from hundreds of students and staff, who erupted in cheers. WMS Principal Michael Blankenship captured the sentiment perfectly: “Words are never enough but THANK YOU.” The program, filled with love and respect, featured a Presentation of Colors by the Cass High School JROTC, moving performances by the WMS Band & Chorus, an essay winner presentation, a slide show, the POW/MIA Table Ceremony, and a display of military vehicles courtesy of the Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter 525. It was a truly special event leading up to Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 11.

BARTOW VIRTUAL ACADEMY: The application window for our Bartow Virtual Academy is now OPEN exclusively for high school students! You can apply for the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year until November 30, 2024. For the online application link and criteria information, please visit the BVA website: https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/page/bartow-virtual-academy

LEADING & LEARNING: Representatives from 16 districts attended a recent training on building literacy for English learners, hosted by the Bartow and Gilmer County School Systems! Dr. Kate Kinsella, an expert in second language development, shared numerous practical tools and strategies that teachers can easily implement to enhance student success.