MEET THE ELITE: Four exceptional students from the Bartow County School System have been selected as semifinalists for the highly competitive and prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP). These standout scholars represent some of the district’s most dedicated and high-achieving learners in both engineering and the arts. The 2026 BCSS semifinalists are:
• Sophia Vasquez-Munguia, Adairsville High School junior — Civil Engineering
• Francisco Flores III, Adairsville High School junior — Civil Engineering
• Jordon Goodwin, Adairsville High School sophomore — Electrical & Computational Engineering
• Nathan Loveless, Cass High School junior — Music: Percussion
The 2026 GHP semifinalists will now move forward to interviews or auditions at Georgia Southern University or Kennesaw State University on February 28 or March 14.
Finalists and alternates will be announced on March 20, and selected finalists will participate in the four-week summer residential program at Georgia Southern University beginning June 14.
• Sophia Vasquez-Munguia, Adairsville High School junior — Civil Engineering
• Francisco Flores III, Adairsville High School junior — Civil Engineering
• Jordon Goodwin, Adairsville High School sophomore — Electrical & Computational Engineering
• Nathan Loveless, Cass High School junior — Music: Percussion
The 2026 GHP semifinalists will now move forward to interviews or auditions at Georgia Southern University or Kennesaw State University on February 28 or March 14.
Finalists and alternates will be announced on March 20, and selected finalists will participate in the four-week summer residential program at Georgia Southern University beginning June 14.
WOW: Check out our EXCITING 2025 AP School Honor Roll results!
🎉Adairsville High School – Silver
Silver in College Culture: 55% completed at least one AP course
Silver in College Credit: 33% scored 3+
Platinum in College Optimization: 26% completed five AP courses, including one in 9th or 10th grade
🎉Woodland High School – Bronze
Bronze in College Culture: 41% completed at least one AP course
Bronze in College Credit: 26% scored 3+
Platinum in College Optimization: 17% completed five AP courses, including one in 9th or 10th grade
🎉Cass High School
Gold in College Optimization: 11% completed five AP courses, including one in 9th or 10th grade
Demonstrated continued growth in advanced academics
Congratulations to all students, staff, and families for advancing AP achievement and college readiness across our district!
🎉Adairsville High School – Silver
Silver in College Culture: 55% completed at least one AP course
Silver in College Credit: 33% scored 3+
Platinum in College Optimization: 26% completed five AP courses, including one in 9th or 10th grade
🎉Woodland High School – Bronze
Bronze in College Culture: 41% completed at least one AP course
Bronze in College Credit: 26% scored 3+
Platinum in College Optimization: 17% completed five AP courses, including one in 9th or 10th grade
🎉Cass High School
Gold in College Optimization: 11% completed five AP courses, including one in 9th or 10th grade
Demonstrated continued growth in advanced academics
Congratulations to all students, staff, and families for advancing AP achievement and college readiness across our district!
WINNING CONNECTION: We’re excited to announce that Adairsville High School's Brayce‑Lynn Reynolds is a winner in the Bartow Cares Essay Contest! The theme was “Gratitude,” and students were asked to write about someone in their lives they deeply appreciate.
Brayce‑Lynn wrote a heartfelt tribute to Officer Scott Blackman, the Bartow County Resource Officer at Adairsville Middle School, sharing the positive impact he has had on her school experience. As part of her prize, she received four tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters at LakePoint, and Officer Blackman joined Brayce‑Lynn and her family for the game.
Not only was it a great night, but it was a meaningful reminder of the strong connections that make Bartow County schools special!
For more information on Bartow Cares, click the link below!
https://www.relationalvalues.com/bartowcares.com
Brayce‑Lynn wrote a heartfelt tribute to Officer Scott Blackman, the Bartow County Resource Officer at Adairsville Middle School, sharing the positive impact he has had on her school experience. As part of her prize, she received four tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters at LakePoint, and Officer Blackman joined Brayce‑Lynn and her family for the game.
Not only was it a great night, but it was a meaningful reminder of the strong connections that make Bartow County schools special!
For more information on Bartow Cares, click the link below!
https://www.relationalvalues.com/bartowcares.com
MILESTONE VICTORY: Congratulations to Adairsville High School Head Baseball Coach Billy Roper on earning his 300th career win! A tremendous milestone and a testament to years of dedication, leadership, and excellence. Well done, Coach Roper!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
STAR STATUS: The Cartersville Rotary Club held a special luncheon today to honor this year’s PAGE STAR students and teachers, where Hayden Mills of Cass High School was officially named the District STAR Student and will advance to the regional competition with his STAR teacher!
Last month, we recognized all of our exceptional STAR students and teachers. These are students who earned the highest SAT scores in their graduating classes and rank in the top 10 percent academically. Each student selected a STAR teacher who made the greatest impact on their educational journey.
Congratulations to Sam Bailey and Mrs. Christine Alderman from Adairsville High School, and to Hayden Mills and Mr. Sam Iddings from Cass High School.
At Woodland High School, we celebrated a three‑way tie for top honors: Hylan Westberry‑Davis, Catherine Bishop, and Winter Barker, recognized alongside their STAR teachers, Mrs. Cecilia Clark, Mr. David Condon, and Mr. Ken Yarbrough.
We are proud of these students and educators as they represent some of the very best of Bartow County Schools!
Last month, we recognized all of our exceptional STAR students and teachers. These are students who earned the highest SAT scores in their graduating classes and rank in the top 10 percent academically. Each student selected a STAR teacher who made the greatest impact on their educational journey.
Congratulations to Sam Bailey and Mrs. Christine Alderman from Adairsville High School, and to Hayden Mills and Mr. Sam Iddings from Cass High School.
At Woodland High School, we celebrated a three‑way tie for top honors: Hylan Westberry‑Davis, Catherine Bishop, and Winter Barker, recognized alongside their STAR teachers, Mrs. Cecilia Clark, Mr. David Condon, and Mr. Ken Yarbrough.
We are proud of these students and educators as they represent some of the very best of Bartow County Schools!
GET READY: It's almost time to register for summer camps!
Our FREE STEM Innovation Academy registration opens at 6 p.m. TONIGHT! Click the link below.
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSee-S3.../viewform...
Our paid STEM Innovation LEADER Academy Camp registration opens tomorrow (2/12) at 6 p.m. Click the link below!
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc3qRKBWY6.../viewform...
Our FREE STEM Innovation Academy registration opens at 6 p.m. TONIGHT! Click the link below.
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSee-S3.../viewform...
Our paid STEM Innovation LEADER Academy Camp registration opens tomorrow (2/12) at 6 p.m. Click the link below!
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc3qRKBWY6.../viewform...
INTO THE INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Bartow County Schools hosted the North Georgia-Chattanooga FIRST LEGO League Region Championship, where our teams delivered OUTSTANDING performances among the region’s top robotics programs from Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Congratulations, Adairsville, Euharlee, Kingston, and White Elementary Schools!
▶️Euharlee Elementary’s MechaCats were named GRAND CHAMPIONS and will advance to the FIRST World Championship in Houston this April, competing alongside teams from more than 65 countries on the international stage!
▶️Kingston Elementary’s all‑girl Mechanical Eagles team earned the 2nd Place Champion’s Award and secured an invitation to the Georgia Ramblin’ Robots Invitational at Georgia Tech in June!
▶️Adairsville Elementary’s 306 Pride: Unearthed Bots earned the 2nd Place Core Values Award for exceptional teamwork, inclusion, and innovation!
We are proud of every team, coach, and mentor whose hard work represents the growing strength of Bartow County’s robotics programs.
Everyone is invited to see all Bartow robotics teams in action at the Bartow County Robotics Showcase on February 28 at Georgia Highlands College.
Congratulations, Adairsville, Euharlee, Kingston, and White Elementary Schools!
▶️Euharlee Elementary’s MechaCats were named GRAND CHAMPIONS and will advance to the FIRST World Championship in Houston this April, competing alongside teams from more than 65 countries on the international stage!
▶️Kingston Elementary’s all‑girl Mechanical Eagles team earned the 2nd Place Champion’s Award and secured an invitation to the Georgia Ramblin’ Robots Invitational at Georgia Tech in June!
▶️Adairsville Elementary’s 306 Pride: Unearthed Bots earned the 2nd Place Core Values Award for exceptional teamwork, inclusion, and innovation!
We are proud of every team, coach, and mentor whose hard work represents the growing strength of Bartow County’s robotics programs.
Everyone is invited to see all Bartow robotics teams in action at the Bartow County Robotics Showcase on February 28 at Georgia Highlands College.
THANK YOU: This week, during National School Counselors Week, we celebrated the people who are truly the heart in our hallways!
Across Bartow County School System, our school counselors show up every day for students, listening, guiding, encouraging, and helping turn obstacles into opportunities. Their work often happens quietly, but its impact is lasting and life‑changing.
We were honored to hear from guest speaker Gail Smith, who reminded us of the power of connection, compassion, and purpose in this profession. We’re also grateful for the leadership and support of Brent Shropshire, who oversees our counseling teams as they serve students and schools across the district.
To our counselors: THANK YOU for the steady presence, the open doors, and the belief you pour into our students every day. We are better because of you!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
Across Bartow County School System, our school counselors show up every day for students, listening, guiding, encouraging, and helping turn obstacles into opportunities. Their work often happens quietly, but its impact is lasting and life‑changing.
We were honored to hear from guest speaker Gail Smith, who reminded us of the power of connection, compassion, and purpose in this profession. We’re also grateful for the leadership and support of Brent Shropshire, who oversees our counseling teams as they serve students and schools across the district.
To our counselors: THANK YOU for the steady presence, the open doors, and the belief you pour into our students every day. We are better because of you!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
DRIVEN TO SERVE: Join us in celebrating Natalie Wade, a standout Adairsville High School student who was officially sworn into the National Guard this week and will report to basic training this summer! What an extraordinary step that reflects her discipline, courage, and commitment to service!
Natalie balances this achievement while remaining deeply involved in SkillsUSA and Adairsville High School’s JROTC, where she consistently demonstrates leadership and focus. She doesn’t just talk about her goals; she works for them!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
Natalie balances this achievement while remaining deeply involved in SkillsUSA and Adairsville High School’s JROTC, where she consistently demonstrates leadership and focus. She doesn’t just talk about her goals; she works for them!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
SAVE THE DATE: Our Bartow County Schools Annual Summer STEM Camp is back by popular demand! Registration opens February 11th for the FREE June 8-11 camp! Space is limited, so be ready when the registration link opens at 6 p.m. next Wednesday
SHOW UP AND SHINE: Bartow County native Scottlin Smith is continuing a decade‑long tradition of giving back by organizing a FREE prom dress event next month!
Through her nonprofit, Love Travels Beyond, Inc., Smith has spent the past decade leading Belles of the Ball, a program focused on ensuring students can attend prom feeling confident, celebrated, and supported, regardless of their circumstances.
**Event Details**
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Atlantic Station
230 18th St., Atlanta
Students will receive a free prom dress and take part in a full prom‑day experience, including a red carpet entrance, DJ, photo booth, a mini college fair, and access to a scholarship opportunity.
Through her nonprofit, Love Travels Beyond, Inc., Smith has spent the past decade leading Belles of the Ball, a program focused on ensuring students can attend prom feeling confident, celebrated, and supported, regardless of their circumstances.
**Event Details**
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Atlantic Station
230 18th St., Atlanta
Students will receive a free prom dress and take part in a full prom‑day experience, including a red carpet entrance, DJ, photo booth, a mini college fair, and access to a scholarship opportunity.
MAKING BCSS HISTORY: This Saturday, the Bartow County School System will host the Region Championship for FIRST LEGO League Robotics, bringing a premier, multi‑state STEM competition to our district for the first time! Traditionally held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this championship now places Bartow County at the center of regional innovation as we welcome the top student robotics teams from North Georgia and Chattanooga to compete right here at home!
The top 16 teams will battle for the Grand Champion title, with the top two advancing to either the FIRST LEGO League World Championship in Houston or the Georgia Ramblin’ Robots Invitational at Georgia Tech, both prestigious events that feature the best teams from around the world.
We’re especially proud to cheer on our Bartow County teams, all of whom earned their place through outstanding performances at the January qualifier:
• Kingston Elementary – Mechanical Eagles, January Qualifier Champions (all‑girl team)
• Adairsville Elementary – 306 Pride: Unearthed Robotics, 2nd Place Champion (from qualifier event)
• Euharlee Elementary – 1st Place Innovation Project (from qualifier event)
• White Elementary – 1st Place Robot Design (from qualifier event)
Hosting this championship at the Bartow County College and Career Academy is a powerful reflection of Bartow County’s commitment to STEM education, student leadership, and preparing learners for a global future. Join us as our students compete, collaborate, and showcase what’s possible! The event is open to the public!
The top 16 teams will battle for the Grand Champion title, with the top two advancing to either the FIRST LEGO League World Championship in Houston or the Georgia Ramblin’ Robots Invitational at Georgia Tech, both prestigious events that feature the best teams from around the world.
We’re especially proud to cheer on our Bartow County teams, all of whom earned their place through outstanding performances at the January qualifier:
• Kingston Elementary – Mechanical Eagles, January Qualifier Champions (all‑girl team)
• Adairsville Elementary – 306 Pride: Unearthed Robotics, 2nd Place Champion (from qualifier event)
• Euharlee Elementary – 1st Place Innovation Project (from qualifier event)
• White Elementary – 1st Place Robot Design (from qualifier event)
Hosting this championship at the Bartow County College and Career Academy is a powerful reflection of Bartow County’s commitment to STEM education, student leadership, and preparing learners for a global future. Join us as our students compete, collaborate, and showcase what’s possible! The event is open to the public!
RIGHT WORK: Let’s give a big shoutout to our newest Ms. Dot STAR Award winners! These outstanding individuals go above and beyond in their roles, and their impact is felt across the entire district.
CONGRATULATIONS:
Trent Atchley, Custodian, White Elementary School
Christina Craig, Cafeteria Manager, Adairsville Elementary School
CONGRATULATIONS:
Trent Atchley, Custodian, White Elementary School
Christina Craig, Cafeteria Manager, Adairsville Elementary School
MOVING ON TO STATE: Our students led the way at the Northwest Georgia Student Technology Competition, earning first‑place honors across multiple categories and setting a high bar for innovation!
Their work impressed the judges and secured 12 Bartow County students a spot at the State Technology Competition, taking place March 14, 2026, in McDonough, Georgia. This achievement reflects months of dedication, creativity, and problem‑solving at the highest level!
First‑Place Winners Advancing to State:
Sadie Nelson – 4th Grade, Digital Photo Production
Adairsville Elementary | Advisor: Victoria Williams
Brinley Beck – 4th Grade, Animation
Taylorsville Elementary | Advisor: Mary Shannon Ashworth
Greyson McClure & Timothy Gunnels – 4th Grade, Robotics
Adairsville Elementary | Advisor: Victoria Williams
Emily Brock – 6th Grade, 3D Modeling
Woodland Middle | Advisor: Sabrina Price
Ethan Patrick & Walker Davis – 8th Grade, Robotics
Cass Middle | Advisor: Cheryl Camp
Ella Howe – 9th Grade, Multimedia Applications
Adairsville High | Advisor: Dr. Kelly Ratcliff
Logan Hammontree – 10th Grade, 3D Modeling
Cass High & Bartow County College and Career Academy
Advisors: Melissa Womack & Mike Beavers
Keira Woodside – 11th Grade, Animation
Adairsville High & Bartow County College and Career Academy
Advisors: Dr. Kelly Ratcliff & Mike Beavers
Back‑to‑Back Region Champion
Nathaniel Fortier – 12th Grade, Physical Computing
Adairsville High | Advisor: Dr. Kelly Ratcliff
3X Region Champion
Their work impressed the judges and secured 12 Bartow County students a spot at the State Technology Competition, taking place March 14, 2026, in McDonough, Georgia. This achievement reflects months of dedication, creativity, and problem‑solving at the highest level!
First‑Place Winners Advancing to State:
Sadie Nelson – 4th Grade, Digital Photo Production
Adairsville Elementary | Advisor: Victoria Williams
Brinley Beck – 4th Grade, Animation
Taylorsville Elementary | Advisor: Mary Shannon Ashworth
Greyson McClure & Timothy Gunnels – 4th Grade, Robotics
Adairsville Elementary | Advisor: Victoria Williams
Emily Brock – 6th Grade, 3D Modeling
Woodland Middle | Advisor: Sabrina Price
Ethan Patrick & Walker Davis – 8th Grade, Robotics
Cass Middle | Advisor: Cheryl Camp
Ella Howe – 9th Grade, Multimedia Applications
Adairsville High | Advisor: Dr. Kelly Ratcliff
Logan Hammontree – 10th Grade, 3D Modeling
Cass High & Bartow County College and Career Academy
Advisors: Melissa Womack & Mike Beavers
Keira Woodside – 11th Grade, Animation
Adairsville High & Bartow County College and Career Academy
Advisors: Dr. Kelly Ratcliff & Mike Beavers
Back‑to‑Back Region Champion
Nathaniel Fortier – 12th Grade, Physical Computing
Adairsville High | Advisor: Dr. Kelly Ratcliff
3X Region Champion
NEW: The Bartow County School System has launched a NEWSLETTER! It's just one more way to see the great things happening in our system! Check it out!
https://bartowcountyschools.edurooms.com/engage/bartow-county-school-system/newsletters/terza-takeaways
https://bartowcountyschools.edurooms.com/engage/bartow-county-school-system/newsletters/terza-takeaways
GEARING UP: We are excited to share that 73 students will represent our schools at the regional level of the Student Technology Competition tomorrow!
With the guidance and support of their teachers and advisors, these students have worked hard to prepare their projects and advance to the next level of competition. Please join us in congratulating them and wishing them the best as they compete regionally!
Schools with students competing at the regional level include:
▶️AES, CCES, CLES, EHES, HCES, KES, MRES, TES, WES,
▶️AMS, CMS, WMS,
▶️AHS, CHS, WHS
Only the top project per grade band, per category will advance to the state competition. Last year, 16 students advanced to state, and four seniors earned scholarship money!
With the guidance and support of their teachers and advisors, these students have worked hard to prepare their projects and advance to the next level of competition. Please join us in congratulating them and wishing them the best as they compete regionally!
Schools with students competing at the regional level include:
▶️AES, CCES, CLES, EHES, HCES, KES, MRES, TES, WES,
▶️AMS, CMS, WMS,
▶️AHS, CHS, WHS
Only the top project per grade band, per category will advance to the state competition. Last year, 16 students advanced to state, and four seniors earned scholarship money!
STATE BOUND: Cass High School freshman swimmer Anniston Duckett has officially qualified for the 2026 GHSA State Swimming & Diving Championship!
By meeting the qualifying time standard in the 100‑yard Butterfly, Anniston has earned her place among the best swimmers in Georgia. She is currently ranked 20th statewide in Class 4A, an impressive accomplishment, especially in her first year of high school competition! Congratulations, Anniston!
By meeting the qualifying time standard in the 100‑yard Butterfly, Anniston has earned her place among the best swimmers in Georgia. She is currently ranked 20th statewide in Class 4A, an impressive accomplishment, especially in her first year of high school competition! Congratulations, Anniston!
NEW: The Bartow County School System will reopen tomorrow, January 27. All schools and district operations will return to normal schedules. We ask families to please be mindful of the cold morning temperatures and make sure students are dressed appropriately. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to keep our students and staff safe.
NEW: The Bartow County School System will be closed Monday, January 26th, due to ongoing weather concerns and the threat of hazardous road conditions. All schools and district activities are canceled. We will continue to monitor the forecast and share updates as needed.
CENTRAL OFFICE CELEBRATIONS: When you’re part of a school system and community like ours, there’s always something to celebrate!
This month, we are proud to spotlight Cam Fitzpatrick, our Curriculum Support Specialist. Cam brings energy and professionalism to every task, pairing a positive outlook with a thoughtful, considerate approach to her work. She is the colleague everyone can count on. She's collaborative, attentive, and consistently focused on what is best for students and staff. Her strong work ethic and reliability make her an invaluable part of our team!
This month, we are proud to spotlight Cam Fitzpatrick, our Curriculum Support Specialist. Cam brings energy and professionalism to every task, pairing a positive outlook with a thoughtful, considerate approach to her work. She is the colleague everyone can count on. She's collaborative, attentive, and consistently focused on what is best for students and staff. Her strong work ethic and reliability make her an invaluable part of our team!
