YOUNG AES AUTHOR: Struggling to find the perfect costume for Adairsville Elementary School’s iconic Book Character Parade, 9-year-old Hadleigh Ehrhardt did what no other student had done before.
“I wrote a book and had it published, so I could be my own, original character in the parade,” said Hadleigh.
Dressed in yellow overalls and holding her furry sidekick, Sid, Hadleigh had students and staff talking.
“Hadleigh's desire to not promote just any book during our school's character parade showed real tenacity and enthusiasm,” said AES Principal Melissa Zarefoss.
“Hadleigh is an amazing student who allows her creativity to soar,” added Candis Roberson, Hadleigh’s English Language Arts teacher. “When she faces a situation where she cannot find a path that will lead her where she wants to go, she puts in the work and creates her own path.”
It is a common saying in the publishing industry to "write the book you want to read but can't find on the shelves.” Hadleigh did just that when she created Zoey’s Quest for Her Lost Dog, a story about a young girl who loses her dog and goes on an adventure to find him. The book even contains illustrations created by Hadleigh and revamped by a graphic designer.
“It took a day to write it, five days for dad to get the graphic design done, and three days to get it published on Amazon,” said Hadleigh.
Hadleigh, new to AES, had been a part of a Writing Club before but did not know her imaginative personality could take her this far at such a young age.
“She was very excited,” said Justin Ehrhardt, Hadleigh’s father. “I was excited for her to do it and accomplish this goal. I was grateful to help be a part of it.”
Throughout the writing process and in her future endeavors, Hadleigh said she hopes other children will realize that “it’s ok to ask for help” like the character in her book and that it is possible to publish a book in elementary school.
“Hadleigh’s dedication and commitment to personal growth is evident through her consistent critical thinking and determination,” said Roberson. “I proudly bought her book and had her sign it! I am thrilled to know I own her first publication and look forward to seeing where she goes from here. It will be an honor to tell future students, ‘I know that world changer!’
Zoey’s Quest for Her Lost Dog is available now on Amazon. There are two five-star ratings already, and a second manuscript is in the works for this imaginative, intelligent “world changer” who is also wise beyond her years.
LINK TO BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Zoeys.../dp/B0BCSFB2H5/ref=sr_1_1...
TRIP OF A LIFETIME: It's dubbed "The Greatest Event in the Greatest City in the World!" We're talking about London's New Year's Day Parade and Festival, and in a few short weeks, our Woodland High School Band will be performing in it! Only 24 marching bands in the USA were invited to perform after a rigorous audition.
From the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2018 to London's News Year's Day Parade in 2023, quite a few musicians from WHS have resumes that can't be beat!
For more information on the parade and performers, follow this link https://lnydp.com/lnydp-participants/...
BOOK GIVEAWAY: About 2,500 books came and went at the Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade! Thank you for coming out to see us and thank you to Dodge Learning Resources for donating the bags! Another successful event to promote literacy in our great county!
SECRET'S OUT: Bartow County School System Deputy Superintendent David Chiprany will take to the stage and participate in Cartersville Dances with the Stars! Dr. Chiprany has a passion for helping children succeed, so this was a natural fit as all proceeds from this event benefit Backpack Buddies and the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter!
But the question remains, can he dance? We know he can run; we know he can chase after those chickens he has on his farm, but is he coordinated enough to win the big "mirror ball trophy?" We shall see! 😉 🎫🏆🎼
To vote, text DavidChiprany to 41444.
$1 = 1 vote
WE’RE PARADE READY: Get your FREE books! Come one, come all, or until supplies last 📚🎅🎄
REMINDER: We're giving away FREE books tonight before the BIG CARTERSVILLE EXCHANGE CLUB CHRISTMAS PARADE! We'll be located right next to Santa!
YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST: Ms. Dot Frasier and the Bartow Education Foundation just finished approving this year's teacher grants and tallying the numbers! Out of more than 245 grants that were submitted, about 210 have been approved! That's roughly $95,000 that will go into our classrooms districtwide!
Here are the schools that earned the most grants this year:
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL - ADAIRSVILLE
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL - RED TOP
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL - EMERSON
UPDATE: Your new Mission Road Elementary School continues to take shape!
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Add “life saver” to Adairsville Elementary School Nurse Carla Hardy’s already long list of titles.
Recently, as the hustle and bustle of a busy school day came to an end, Nurse Hardy was notified of a parent on campus whose vein was bleeding profusely.
Without skipping a beat, Nurse Hardy sprang into action and performed the necessary steps to control the bleed.
But the bleeding did not stop.
Thinking back to her Stop the Bleed training with Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center in August, Nurse Hardy raced to grab a Stop the Bleed kit. She applied the device and was able to stop the bleeding until paramedics could arrive.
On the scene, paramedics commented on the great job that was done in applying the device and asked who performed these life-saving measures.
Of course, it was our very own Nurse Hardy.
“I am very proud of the Stop the Bleed training provided by Piedmont Hospital in August,” said Nurse Hardy. “The training and kit made the process of stopping the bleeding of a vein go smoother. There was no hesitation as the situation was assessed and determined the bleeding was not stopping by direct pressure and the risk of shock was imminent. The parent was a little less anxious during the transfer to the hospital.”
Now, add “quiet hero” to Nurse Hardy’s growing list of titles.
We are immeasurably thankful for her and the collaborative efforts of our community partners. Together, lives are truly changed.
WOW: Five Bartow County students earn the opportunity to attend a Georgia college, university, or technical school nearly cost-free upon graduation and completion of the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program!
The 2022 REACH Georgia Scholars are Kyleigh Gunter and Alexis Scott from Adairsville Middle School, Rainey Parham from Cass Middle School, Wyatt Burch from Red Top Middle School, and Alex Tello from Woodland Middle School. This sixth cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars officially signed their commitment letters at the Bartow County College and Career Academy in front of school leaders, board members, and area representatives.
The REACH Georgia Scholars were nominated by their counselors and teachers in the spring of their seventh-grade year, based on grades, attendance, and behavior. After completing the application, students were interviewed, and then selected to join 24 other REACH Georgia Scholars already admitted into the program.
Through REACH Georgia, students are given academic and social support to ensure they graduate from high school and attain a college degree or certificate. Part of this support includes pairing each scholar with a mentor.
"Every year, we interview 16 candidates nominated by middle school teachers and counselors,” said REACH Georgia Coordinator Kristy Mitchell. “This year's group was exceptional. They even asked us some great questions. It is so difficult to narrow the pool to five, but I know the students in this year's cohort are appreciative and excited to be a part of REACH Georgia. It is evident by the showing we had at the commitment ceremony that they have the support and encouragement needed to be successful. I can't wait to get to know these students better over the next few years."
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 11-year-old program serves more than 3,600 scholars in all 180 school systems in the state.
A-TEAM AWARD: Superintendent Page and system leaders present Pine Log Elementary School and its third grade team, which consists of Nelia Card, Louise Gammon, and Julia West with the most prestigious award given by the District, the A-Team Award!
Nelia Card, Louise Gammon, and Julia West exemplify the three big ideas of our Professional Learning Communities culture as they continually demonstrate a focus on learning, collaboration, and results.
Through observations and conversations with each team member, it is evident this team uses the PLC process to work together with collective responsibility for student learning. They ensure a guaranteed and viable curriculum for all third grade students, use common formative assessments to monitor student learning, use common assessment data to improve teaching and learning practices, and support the RTI process by providing systematic interventions and extensions for all students.
It is also evident that Principal Tracey Alford and the Pine Log Elementary School Guiding Coalition have played a significant role in the development of this A-Team. Its Guiding Coalition was mentioned many times as a source of strength for the PLC process and as the means for the professional development which resulted in the efficacy of this collaborative team. Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement!
Nelia Card, Louise Gammon, and Julia West will now present at a future school board meeting, New Teacher Institute, and serve as role models for future A-Teams throughout our school system.
This is our 15th collaboration team to earn an A-Team Award!
BARTOW CARES CAMPAIGN: Appreciation; let's talk about it! It's our relational word of the month through our new #BartowCares4U Campaign!
Bartow Cares is a countywide, year-long initiative through a partnership with Relational Values Alliance that unites Bartow County Schools, Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, Bartow Collaborative, government and media leadership, the faith community, and many others.
Bartow commits to live out relational values such as respect, support, and appreciation in multiple places: at home, at work, at school, and in faith. With caring connections, great things happen. So, in Bartow County, we want to know everybody’s story and show that somebody cares!
MORE INFO: https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/article/783187
CENTRAL OFFICE CELEBRATIONS: When you work in a school system and community like this, you have a lot to celebrate! And, if you know Superintendent Page, then you know he likes to celebrate the RIGHT WORK. In the Bartow County School System, the right work supports learning, collaboration, and results. That's what we value.
Today, we celebrate and honor Betty Adcock, an accounting specialist in our Finance Department! Betty is extremely detail-oriented, dedicated, and loyal. She goes above and beyond and makes us all better! Congratulations, Betty!
LET'S GOOOO: BIG day at Cass High School as students and staff accept the coveted High 5 Hand Trophy from FOX 5's Paul Milliken on-air! 🖐From academics to sports...truly UNPRECEDENTED TIMES IN COLONEL NATION! 🏆🎶💙💛🏈
Give it up for the TEAM OF THE WEEK!!! They're coming off a HUGE UPSET last week against Jefferson to advance in the playoffs! Tomorrow, they take on the Raiders at Mays High School in Atlanta! Show our football players, cheerleaders, and band some love before they hit the field!
Thirty Bartow County students are named 2022-2023 Georgia Governor’s Honors District Nominees!
Congratulations to Adairsville High School students Madison Abernathy (Science: Biology), Darby Adams (Music: Piano), Lilith Affolder (Science: Biology), Ella Baker (Science: Chemistry), James Carnes (Visual Arts), Caroline Gossett (Visual Arts), Kyoshi Harmon (Engineering), Emma Higueras (Mathematics), Braden Mathis (Science: Biology), Skyla Rowland (Mathematics), Michael Spinks (Science: Chemistry), David Tarver (Computer Science), Callie Viktora (Science: Biology), Cass High School students Michelle Lin (World Languages: Chinese), Niah Alexis (World Languages: French), Aubrey Herring (Communicative Arts), Joseph Loh (Communicative Arts), Jayce Bradford (Computer Science), Hayden Mize (Music: Tenor), Damaya Norwood (Music: French Horn), Natalie Tucker (Theatre Performance), Woodland High School students Keeghan Bevars (Science: Biology), Talal Tariq (Mathematics), Kylie Agan (Social Studies), Knox Koontz (Visual Arts), Destiny Sanchez (Visual Arts), Emily Stockinger (Dance), William Doerfler (Music: French Horn), Delany Matthews (Music: Saxophone), and Hannah Willoughby (Music: Soprano).
These intellectually gifted and artistically talented students are now invited to complete an online state-level application by January 11, 2023. The semifinalists selected from that group will have the opportunity to interview or audition at Georgia Southern University on March 11, 2023. Finalists will be announced April 7, 2023.
Upon acceptance, finalists will participate in the elite, four-week, summer residential program at Georgia Southern University starting June 18, 2023. Students will attend classes in the mornings and afternoons in specific areas of study and discover life-changing instructional opportunities not found in a traditional classroom.
“Many of our students advancing in the program were also nominated on the District-level last year,” says GHP Coordinator Paula Camp. “So, this group already has a lot of experience with the application process. I’m confident we will be well represented come June when the finalists make their way to Georgia Southern University to experience a unique summer program that you really have to see to believe.”
The Governor’s Honors Program remains fully funded by the Georgia General Assembly.
SURPRISE: Tune in to FOX 5 tomorrow between 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. to see FOX 5 present the coveted High 5 Hand Trophy to the Cass High School Football Team! Not only will you see our players, but you’ll also see our coaches, cheerleaders, and band! Congratulations, CHS, on being named the SPORTS TEAM OF THE WEEK!
PURE HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: The Bartow County Exceptional Education Department, with the help of BCSS educators, community members, Tabernacle Baptist Church, and the Bridge Ministry, hosted a MAGICAL breakfast with Santa event for our special needs pre-K students!
Warm pancakes, crafts, ornaments, music, and pictures with jolly ol' Saint Nick were JUST what we needed!
Special thanks to the Howards and Ozments for capturing the joy of the season with their pictures.
BOARD RECOGNITIONS: HIGHEST GRADUATION RATE – CLASS OF 2022
• Adairsville High – 96.6%
BOARD RECOGNITIONS: HIGHEST SAT SCORE – CLASS OF 2022
• Woodland High – 1079 (mean total score)
BOARD RECOGNITIONS: HIGHEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE / GEORGIA MILESTONES 2021-22
• Elementary School – Mission Road Elementary
• Middle School – Cass Middle
• High School – Cass High
