MUSIC TO OUR EARS: Big things happening for the Cass Middle School Band this semester!
The CMS Honor Band started their semester performing at Reinhardt University on October 22 as the guest performing ensemble at their annual middle school honor band clinic. The CMS Honor Band was selected from a blind audition tape of their 2021 LGPE performance.
Last week, the CMS Honor Band was at the University of Alabama as their guest performing ensemble at their middle school honor band clinic. The CMS Honor Band was also chosen from a blind audition for this performance. They are only the 8th band in the southeast to ever be chosen for this performance!
Cass Middle School band is sealing its reputation as one of the best middle school band programs in the state by having 22 students make the Georgia Music Education association. This is the most out of all the middle schools in GMEA district 7 and a record year for CMS!
“Our students have achieved so much through dedication to their studies, the Cass Middle School Band program, and each other. They should be proud of their accomplishments this semester and the music they have made together.” - CMS Band Director Abigail Russom
REMINDER: Friday, December 17, is an Early Release Day! Elementary schools dismiss at 11:30 a.m. and middle/high schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will still be served, and buses will run on an early dismissal schedule. After School programs will continue to operate. Students return to school from their holiday break on January 5.
KINDNESS CAUGHT ON CAMERA:
Bartow County School System Family,
On behalf of the Bartow County School System Police Department, we want to thank our schools for helping us raise $6,360.99 for the Shop with a Hero Program.
A little over one month ago, we ask for their help in raising $2,000.00. With the assistance of administrators, staff, students, and parents, we are excited to announce that our community tripled that amount!
We would like to recognize the elementary, middle, and high schools that raised the most money.
-Cloverleaf Elementary School - $1,325.91
-Bartow College and Career Academy- $615.78
-Red Top Middle School - $420.00
Each of these schools received the “HERO CUP” trophy, which administrators will display for one year and then pass on to next year's top contributors.
We are so grateful to work for a system and community that is always willing to step up when there is a need for our children.
Again, thank you for this generous donation that will help so many of our less fortunate children experience the joy of Christmas.
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Billy Henson
Major, Bartow County School Police
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: We appreciate our custodians, as they play an integral part in keeping our schools and facilities clean and safe! Thank you!
GA STEM SCHOLAR: Red Top Middle School Teacher James Conaway has been selected as a 2022 Georgia STEM Scholar by the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center! GYSTC is recognizing Conaway for his outstanding efforts to engage and improve student learning in STEM disciplines. As part of this special recognition, he will be receiving a $500 grant to purchase STEM education materials for his classroom! Congratulations!
DONATION: We appreciate Mr. William Strickland and the Rotary Club of Bartow County for their donation of 7,000 hospital grade KN95 masks for Bartow County School System employees to use as needed.
IN THE NEWS: We love seeing Mr. Michael Kobito, our Woodland High School teacher, band director, and SYSTEM TEACHER OF THE YEAR on the front page of the newspaper! #BetterInBartow
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM YOUR EXCEPTIONAL ED DEPT: Click the link below to learn more about available Waiver Application assistance.
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1734960/NOW_COMP_Waiver_Description.pdf
RSVP: ESOL Parent Instructional Meeting
NEW: Christmas officially came early for White Elementary School, Cass High School, and the Bartow County School System! School and district leaders were presented with a $100,000 check this week from Mr. Harry E. Kitchen, Jr., Mrs. Charlotte S. Kitchen, and The Foxfield Company.
“What a tremendous gift from our partners in education!,” said Bartow County School System Superintendent Dr. Phillip Page. “We are incredibly thankful! The money will be used to advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math initiatives at WES and strengthen the football, athletics, and band programs at CHS. Additionally, a portion of the money will be allocated for professional development. The key to improved learning for students is on-going, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students.”
The Foxfield Company, based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, is a family owned commercial real estate company. Their scope of work covers commercial land development, brokerage services, and general construction. Nearly four years ago, The Foxfield Company purchased 724 acres from Anheuser Busch in Bartow County and received the green light to build five million square feet of industrial buildings. Some of those facilities are in close proximity to WES and CHS.
“When we decide to invest our capital and time in a community, we look for opportunities to make an impact, outside of our real estate project,” added Foxfield Company President Harry Kitchen. “Quality education is vital to the development of our children and their future. The Foxfield Company is very pleased to make a $100,000 donation to the Bartow County School System. Our wish is that the money will benefit as many students as possible and that it will make a lasting impact on their lives.”
TOP-NOTCH LEADERS: Superintendent Page is back in the classroom, this time speaking to Kathy Shofner's Leadership class at Cass High School!
This dynamic class historically organizes pep rallies, campus wide clean-ups, toy drives, and many other events throughout the academic year. These students also serve as administrators "go-to's" when they look for guidance on school issues.
Recently, they've looking into how their values drive their leadership style. That's where Superintendent Page steps in. He spoke to the class about how to value the right work and lead your team to the highest point of success. Students said the discussion was motivating and inspiring!
REMEMBERING OUR OWN: Calm, gentle, and patient; they’re all characteristics that made Taylor Hammonds an extraordinary special needs pre-kindergarten paraprofessional at Pine Log Elementary School. Her unexpected passing instantly left a void in her classroom and school community that can never be filled.
“She was a young mother and loved her daughter, Lennon, more than anything,” said Sharon Hibberts, Hammonds’ friend and colleague. “I think her strong maternal instincts helped her with her relationships with the pre-K children.”
“Taylor was so good at what she did,” added Jannell Atkins, another close friend and colleague. “Being a natural nurturer to these sweet kids and our team is what completed our team. Taylor loved these kids as her own.”
Hammonds, an Adairsville High School graduate, had roots in Bartow County and quickly found her second home at PLES this year when she was offered the paraprofessional position.
PLES Principal Tracey Alford remembers her sweet, soft-spoken demeanor and unconditional kindness.
If there was a need, she jumped in to help without asking.
Those closest to her say, “To know Taylor was such a special treat.”
“We loved her and quickly became close to her,” said Hibberts. “She will be missed, but we all know she is where she would have wanted to be...with her baby girl.”
Four extra counselors helped staff care centers Monday morning at PLES so students and staff had extra support during this difficult time. Additional resources will be available as needed throughout the week.
HELPFUL HANDOUT: Need help checking grades in PowerSchool? Follow this step-by-step guide!
NOW HIRING: Be a part of an award-winning school system! Details below.
LETTERS TO SANTA: Get them in before Dec. 14!
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR: Polar Express Day at Clear Creek Elementary School wouldn't be complete without a golden ticket punched at the door, hot chocolate, Christmas carols, and SANTA!
THE BUZZ AROUND BARTOW: And the 2021 District Spelling Bee winner is...Ethan Rollax! He is unstoppable! Ethan also won last year, so this makes him our back-to-back district spelling champ! Today, he spelled wakame and allelopathy to win! Congratulations, Ethan!
THE BUZZ AROUND BARTOW: Our 2021 District Spelling Bee runner-up is Coulson Stegall from Pine Log Elementary School! He is just incredible! Congratulations, Coulson!
SMALL TOWN TRADITION: Our Division of Student Achievement and Academic Support is at it again! They're playing the role of "Santa's Helper" and handing out FREE books tonight at the Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade! Come visit; they're located downtown by Santa!
COLLEGE BOUND: Nearly 30 Cass High School Magnet students attended college visits this week at Georgia State University and Oglethorpe University!
Students participated in admissions information sessions and campus tours at both schools.
Georgia State is a large public university, while Oglethorpe is a small private university. By visiting these schools, students were able to compare and contrast to see which size campus is a fit for them.
Students also had lunch at the iconic Mary Mac’s Tea Room, where they learned some Atlanta history!
