Bartow County School System

The BCSS is grateful for you!

BEAR HUGS & HEALTH CHECKS: HOSA, the Healthcare Science Club, hosted a Teddy Bear Clinic at the College & Career Academy for our Pre-K friends today! These Academy students transformed the classroom into a mini doctor’s office with stations for blood pressure, temperature checks, oral hygiene, and more, using stuffed animals as “patients” to make doctor visits less scary.

Not only did our littlest learners leave with smiles, goodie bags, and even a visit from a real live bear 🐾, but our HOSA students gained hands-on experience in patient interaction, communication, and leadership; skills that will serve them well in their future healthcare careers.

Big shoutout to our HOSA crew for making healthcare fun and educational for everyone! 👏

CENTRAL OFFICE CELEBRATIONS: When you’re part of a school system and community like ours, there’s always something to celebrate!

This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Scott Brown, our Technology Specialist. Scott is truly one of a kind, combining a friendly, approachable personality with outstanding professionalism. He tackles every challenge head-on and delivers results time after time.

Congratulations, Scott! Your dedication and expertise make us all better.

INNOVATION IN ACTION: This year’s Bartow County Student Technology Competition brought together 400+ talented students who demonstrated their creativity and technical expertise in categories such as:

▶️3D Modeling
▶️Animation
▶️Audio Production
▶️Digital Game Design
▶️Robotics
▶️Programming
▶️…and more.

The top project in each category and grade band will advance to the Regional Technology Competition in Rome on January 30, 2026.
We’re proud to have another outstanding panel of judges this year, including teachers, district personnel, retired educators, and industry leaders.

Stay tuned for updates!

#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow

GOBBLE GOBBLE: Our Cloverleaf Elementary School students gobbled up a GREAT meal today thanks to our School Nutrition staff! Turkey, dressing, green beans, and all the goodness; two thumbs up!

#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow

CELEBRATING PERFECT ATTENDANCE: A huge shout-out to our incredible Bartow County bus drivers who achieved perfect attendance! Thank you for going the EXTRA MILE for our families! Also, can we talk about Mr. Mike Blalock?! FOURTEEN YEARS of perfect attendance! That's dedication at its finest!

1 Year:
Gladys Davidson • Joy Ely • Lindsay Hall • Billy Harris • Eddie Harris • Vivian Higueras • Burt Jackson • Don Longhurst • Kenny Perine • Kim Pierce • Brian Schultz • Gwen Tanner • Linda Turman • Wanda Williams

2 Years:
Mary Brown • Bill Dowis • Alison McMillan • Dennis Mietz • Bruce Poore

3 Years:
Laverne Reed

4 Years:
Jennifer Edwards

14 Years:
Mike Blalock

SHOWCASING STEM EXCELLENCE: From elementary to high school, students are exploring, creating, and competing in our new Esports Arena and STEM Innovation Center! What an incredible resource for learning and collaboration!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow

THE VERDICT IS IN: The teacher grants have been read, scored, and ranked! While schools are notified, we can announce that more than $92,000 worth of grants have been awarded by the Bartow Education Foundation to our AMAZING teachers and staff! No other school system in Georgia can say that!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow

LEADING & LEARNING: Our Adairsville High School Technology Student Association had an INCREDIBLE experience at the Georgia TSA Fall Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island!

This year’s theme, Leadership Rewired, united 1,900+ students statewide for leadership training, technical sessions, and competitions. Our chapter made its mark:

✅ White Star Chapter Award for a 200% membership increase -- proof of our students’ passion and outreach!
✅ Most Dramatic Sinking Award in the Armada Boat Race -- creativity and teamwork at its finest!

These wins reflect the dedication and ingenuity of our students. We can't wait to see what the AHS TSA does at the state Leadership Conference coming up in March!

HISTORY MADE: Our Adairsville Raiders crushed the competition in Milledgeville and brought home their FIRST-EVER Mixed Division State Championship and a Male Team Runner-Up finish! With over 200 JROTC programs statewide and 82 teams from 59 schools competing, the Raiders stood tall among Georgia’s best! Adairsville has now celebrated at least one state title for 8 STRAIGHT YEARS, but this victory is extra special. Mixed Raider teams are unique because they’re one of the only high school sports where boys and girls compete side by side, pushing limits together and proving teamwork knows no boundaries! #betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow

STRENGTH, SMILES, & STRIKES: The Special Olympics Winter Games have arrived! Hosted at LakePoint Station, these incredible athletes didn’t just show up, they brought the heat with their amazing skills! And those smiles? They could warm up the coldest November day. Our students bowled their hearts out, and we couldn’t be prouder of their effort, sportsmanship, and joy! 🎳

#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 REACH GA SCHOLARS: Five outstanding Bartow County students have earned the chance to attend college at little to no cost through the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program!

Meet the Scholars:
Logan Miller – Adairsville Middle School
Joy Tchopkwe – Cass Middle School
Miley Mancilla – Red Top Middle School
Taiba Omran – Woodland Middle School
Levi Plunk – Woodland Middle School

These students signed their commitment letters at the Bartow County College & Career Academy and are ready to work toward postsecondary success!
FULL STORY HERE: https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/article/2543889

REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS: Allatoona Elementary Wildcats came together today to honor the courageous men and women who have served our country.

They welcomed Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Patrick L. Rivers Jr., who shared his inspiring journey of service and leadership from his 25 years in the U.S. Army. First Sergeant Jesus Moctezuma of Cass High School also joined us, bringing his JROTC cadets to teach students the respectful tradition of folding the American flag.

ALES sang and proudly recognized two veterans who continue to serve their school with heart and dedication: Officer Jon Miller, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Nurse Brian Hoxit, a former Army medic. Their daily commitment reflects the same values they upheld in uniform - integrity, compassion, and service.

To all veterans: WE THANK YOU! Today and always, we honor your sacrifice, your service, and your legacy!

PATHWAYS TO POSSIBILITIES: Introducing students to career opportunities before middle school? At Pine Log Elementary, the answer is a resounding YES!

As a state STEM-certified school, Pine Log Elementary is committed to bridging classroom learning with real-world experiences. Their recent STEM Career Day showcased this mission in action!

Students engaged with professionals from a diverse range of fields, including aerospace engineering, nursing, biology, roofing, forensic investigation with the FBI, firefighting, and farming. Each guest brought their story, their tools, and their passion to inspire the next generation of thinkers and doers!

#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow

FACES OF AMERICAN HEROES: There were few empty seats, and even fewer dry eyes, at Woodland Middle School as Principal Michael Blankenship, students, and staff came together to honor our Veterans in a deeply moving ceremony ahead of the Tuesday holiday.

From powerful performances to sincere words of gratitude, the event was a moving reminder of what it means to serve, to sacrifice, and to stand for something greater than oneself. Patriotism and pride filled the air.

TO OUR VETERANS: THANK YOU.
Your bravery humbles us, your service inspires us, and we honor you today and always!

NEW: Exciting news to wrap up the week -- SIX Bartow County schools have been named Literacy Leader or Math Leader Schools from the Georgia Department of Education!

Literacy Leader Schools
➡️White Elementary
➡️Emerson Elementary

Math Leader Schools
➡️Cass High
➡️Cass Middle
➡️Adairsville Middle
➡️Woodland Middle

The Literacy Leader and Math Leader honors celebrate schools that demonstrate extraordinary student progress and proficiency. Schools are recognized for achievement, growth, or both on annual end-of-grade or end-of-course assessments! Additional details to come!

The progress and achievement in the Bartow County School System is, again, undeniable! 👏

#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow

SWEET SUCCESS: Some call it Pi Day at Clear Creek Elementary; others know it as Sweet as Pie Day!

No matter how you slice it, this is a celebration unlike any other! For nearly two decades, this beloved STEM tradition has brought together students, educators, and community partners in a uniquely engaging way.

A huge thank you to Georgia Highlands College for its resources and the Adairsville High School STEM Magnet students for leading hands-on STEM activities that sparked curiosity and creativity. Even our School Nutrition staff joined the fun, decorating cookies with some of our youngest learners.

It was a day full of learning, laughter, and lasting memories, truly a sweet success!

PACKED WITH PURPOSE: Special THANKS to the Switch Data Center for giving an extremely generous donation to the Backpack Buddies initiative, which aims to feed our food insecure students on weekends! Not only did Switch donate money, but they donated time and helped load non-perishable food items into bags this morning for students at Cass High, Allatoona Elementary, Woodland Middle, Woodland High, Mission Road Elementary, Euharlee Elementary, and Taylorsville Elementary!

TIGERS TACKLE ATTENDANCE GOALS: No wonder these tiny Tigers at Adairsville Elementary had the highest attendance numbers for the month of October! These students are always engaged 👏#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow