ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES: The Bartow County School System is pleased to announce the implementation of a new alert system and alert badges for all teachers and staff. This added layer of security will enable staff to request immediate assistance in a variety of situations, including medical, behavioral, or safety-related emergencies.
This system reflects our continued commitment to campus safety and ensures that staff have the tools and support needed to respond quickly and effectively if concerns arise. Installation of the new system will begin this week.
We recognize and appreciate the Technology Department for their leadership and hard work in making this important initiative a reality.
This system reflects our continued commitment to campus safety and ensures that staff have the tools and support needed to respond quickly and effectively if concerns arise. Installation of the new system will begin this week.
We recognize and appreciate the Technology Department for their leadership and hard work in making this important initiative a reality.
TRIPLE TRIUMPH: A love for music runs deep in the Brown family! Longtime Allatoona music teacher Scott Brown passed his passion on to his three daughters at Cass High School, Angela, Emma, and Nola, who just happen to be TRIPLETS! And here’s the amazing part: all three made the All-State Band…again! That’s right, this is the second time they’ve all earned a spot together! A rare feat we’ve never seen before! Congratulations to the Brown family on this incredible achievement!
NEW: The Bartow County Board of Education elects Mr. Butch Emerson as the 2026 BOE Chairman (4-0 vote) and Mrs. Sharon Viktora as Vice Chairman (4-0 vote) tonight.
OUR SCHOOLS DID IT AGAIN: They truly showed up and showed out in support of the Shop with a Hero Program, and the results were incredible!
As the top fundraising schools, Hamilton Crossing Elementary, Red Top Middle School, and Adairsville High School went above and beyond:
HCES: $1,550 raised
RTMS: $1,700 raised
AHS: $950 raised
Thanks to the generosity of all BCSS schools, a total of $13,097.49 was raised! These funds supported Shop with a Hero, serving nearly 300 elementary students and 150 middle and high school students, ensuring gifts made it under the Christmas tree this year.
Because of the overwhelming support, students were even able to receive more this year. What an amazing gift in itself!
THANK YOU to everyone who contributed, and a special shoutout to Bartow County School Police Chief Billy Henson for spearheading this meaningful initiative year after year. Your impact truly makes the season brighter!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
As the top fundraising schools, Hamilton Crossing Elementary, Red Top Middle School, and Adairsville High School went above and beyond:
HCES: $1,550 raised
RTMS: $1,700 raised
AHS: $950 raised
Thanks to the generosity of all BCSS schools, a total of $13,097.49 was raised! These funds supported Shop with a Hero, serving nearly 300 elementary students and 150 middle and high school students, ensuring gifts made it under the Christmas tree this year.
Because of the overwhelming support, students were even able to receive more this year. What an amazing gift in itself!
THANK YOU to everyone who contributed, and a special shoutout to Bartow County School Police Chief Billy Henson for spearheading this meaningful initiative year after year. Your impact truly makes the season brighter!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
APPRECIATION POST: We are proud to recognize our Bartow County School Police for their continued commitment to the safety and well‑being of our schools. Led by Chief Billy Henson, this dedicated team serves our 20 schools with consistency, professionalism, and care, often behind the scenes and always with students and staff at the forefront. Their presence and partnership help create safe, supportive learning environments across our district, and we are grateful for the important work they do every day!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
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 Tonya Poe, our HR Support Specialist. Over the years, Tonya has worn many hats, like supporting families, managing administrative responsibilities, and tackling countless tasks in between. Her dedication to our school system is unmatched, and she truly bleeds blue and gold, consistently delivering work at a gold‑standard level. Tonya’s passion, professionalism, and heart for our community make a meaningful difference every day, and we are grateful for all she does!
This month, we are proud to spotlight Tonya Poe, our HR Support Specialist. Over the years, Tonya has worn many hats, like supporting families, managing administrative responsibilities, and tackling countless tasks in between. Her dedication to our school system is unmatched, and she truly bleeds blue and gold, consistently delivering work at a gold‑standard level. Tonya’s passion, professionalism, and heart for our community make a meaningful difference every day, and we are grateful for all she does!
ATTENDANCE WINS: We’re celebrating major progress here, and it’s not by accident. Here’s how we’re keeping our students on track and connected:
📉 Chronic Absenteeism
• Semester one rate is 16.5%, down from 25% last year! Back to pre-pandemic levels and 4 points below the state average!
📈 Average Daily Attendance
• Now 94.7%, up from 92.5% last year! Again, back to pre-pandemic norms!
These aren’t just numbers; they represent real students showing up to learn!
📉 Chronic Absenteeism
• Semester one rate is 16.5%, down from 25% last year! Back to pre-pandemic levels and 4 points below the state average!
📈 Average Daily Attendance
• Now 94.7%, up from 92.5% last year! Again, back to pre-pandemic norms!
These aren’t just numbers; they represent real students showing up to learn!
SEASON OF WONDER: Our talented art teachers and students partnered with Friends of the Library for the Season of Wonder Trees at the Cartersville Public Library! Each school showcased a tree decorated with beautiful student artwork, and wow, they did not disappoint!
🎄Staff Pick: Cass Middle School
🎄People’s Choice: Euharlee Elementary
🎄Honorable Mentions: Emerson Elementary, Cartersville Primary, Bartow Homeschool
Thank you to everyone who visited and voted! These trees truly showed off the creativity and holiday spirit of our students!
🎄Staff Pick: Cass Middle School
🎄People’s Choice: Euharlee Elementary
🎄Honorable Mentions: Emerson Elementary, Cartersville Primary, Bartow Homeschool
Thank you to everyone who visited and voted! These trees truly showed off the creativity and holiday spirit of our students!
THREE-PEAT: Over the break, our Woodland Wildcats claimed the REGION DUALS CHAMPIONSHIP for the third year in a row! 💪 In an intense final matchup, Woodland edged out a strong Cass team with a nail-biting 38-35 victory! Congratulations, wrestlers!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
STORYTIME SURPRISE: Our pre-K students at The Leaf couldn’t decide what they loved more, the hilarious story about ninja gingerbread men or the storytellers themselves, Superintendent Terza and Deputy Superintendent Christian Suttle! The verdict? Both were true gifts this holiday season! 🎁✨
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
LOOK: When you can’t find the Elf on the Shelf at home, just look up, literally! Adairsville Middle School Principal Sarah Callaway took holiday spirit to new heights by dressing as an elf and sitting on the ROOF of Adairsville Middle School! Students were stunned, staff were laughing, and the elf? She was just keeping an eye on who’s naughty or nice! 🎅
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
HOLIDAY HARMONY: The sweetest sounds of the season!🎼
Cass Middle School’s eighth-grade carolers are filling Cartersville with holiday cheer, led by the amazing Tiffany Hunt and her ukulele! Their voices remind us of what this time of year is all about; joy, togetherness, and sharing a little magic with others. If you see them out and about, give them a smile, a wave, or even a round of applause. They’re making spirits bright!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
Cass Middle School’s eighth-grade carolers are filling Cartersville with holiday cheer, led by the amazing Tiffany Hunt and her ukulele! Their voices remind us of what this time of year is all about; joy, togetherness, and sharing a little magic with others. If you see them out and about, give them a smile, a wave, or even a round of applause. They’re making spirits bright!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
PANCAKES & PAJAMAS: At Hamilton Crossing Elementary, the holiday season brings one last cherished tradition for our fifth graders! After weeks of hard work, they gather in cozy pajamas to share pancakes lovingly served by their teachers. It’s more than a celebration, it’s a moment to truly savor, as they say goodbye to elementary school and start looking ahead to new adventures!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
BUILDING SKILLS. OPENING DOORS: Fourteen Bartow County High School High Tech (HSHT) students are wrapping up a three-day Manufacturing Institute at the Bartow County College and Career Academy, an experience designed to prepare them for real-world success!
By the end of the program, students can earn up to THREE industry-recognized certifications:
• OSHA 10
• Lean Six Sigma White Belt
• Hands-Only CPR/AED
Plus, they’ll complete a Lean Hands-On Simulator project.
These credentials don’t just look great on a résumé; they make students more marketable to employers as Georgia’s manufacturing industry continues to grow. This is what opportunity looks like in the BCSS!
By the end of the program, students can earn up to THREE industry-recognized certifications:
• OSHA 10
• Lean Six Sigma White Belt
• Hands-Only CPR/AED
Plus, they’ll complete a Lean Hands-On Simulator project.
These credentials don’t just look great on a résumé; they make students more marketable to employers as Georgia’s manufacturing industry continues to grow. This is what opportunity looks like in the BCSS!
BIG WIN: Our Cass High School National Beta members absolutely dominated at the Georgia Senior Beta State Convention, bringing home 10 wins! 🎉
✅ 7 Academic Awards
✅ 3 Onsite Competition Awards
These victories mean our students are headed to the National Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville this summer!
With over 300 members, Cass High Beta is a National Club of Distinction and a National Club of Merit, and they’re proving why!
“Beta makes me better," said CHS Student Lily Fekete. "I always know I’m going up against the best, so to win is such an honor.”
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
✅ 7 Academic Awards
✅ 3 Onsite Competition Awards
These victories mean our students are headed to the National Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville this summer!
With over 300 members, Cass High Beta is a National Club of Distinction and a National Club of Merit, and they’re proving why!
“Beta makes me better," said CHS Student Lily Fekete. "I always know I’m going up against the best, so to win is such an honor.”
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
FUTURE FOCUSED: It's all about growth and opportunity for our REACH Georgia Scholars at the Bartow County College and Career Academy! This month, these incredible students connected with college experts from Kennesaw State and Georgia Highlands, learned insider tips for success, and even got inspired by professional saxophonist Ollie Patterson, who turned his passion into a career!
From leadership activities to interview practice, our 24 Scholars are building confidence, skills, and BIG dreams as they work toward $10,000 each for college!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
From leadership activities to interview practice, our 24 Scholars are building confidence, skills, and BIG dreams as they work toward $10,000 each for college!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
SHOP WITH A WILDCAT: 55 Little Wildcats. 134 BIG Wildcats. Countless memories made.
Thanks to the heart of our Woodland High School students, the generosity of local businesses, and an amazing community, WHS raised over $15,000 to make the Shop with a Wildcat event unforgettable! From breakfast and crafts to face painting, books, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a joy-filled shopping trip, every moment was packed with excitement!
This is community. This is tradition. What a day to be a Wildcat.
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
Thanks to the heart of our Woodland High School students, the generosity of local businesses, and an amazing community, WHS raised over $15,000 to make the Shop with a Wildcat event unforgettable! From breakfast and crafts to face painting, books, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a joy-filled shopping trip, every moment was packed with excitement!
This is community. This is tradition. What a day to be a Wildcat.
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
BARTOW AND BEYOND: Tyler Bohannon, Cass High School Class of 2025, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduation. He began boot camp in September, and this month, he officially earned the title of UNITED STATES MARINE!
Tyler’s journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and courage. We are incredibly proud of his achievement and grateful for the example he sets for others preparing to take on the world!
Congratulations to Tyler and his family on this remarkable milestone!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
Tyler’s journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and courage. We are incredibly proud of his achievement and grateful for the example he sets for others preparing to take on the world!
Congratulations to Tyler and his family on this remarkable milestone!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
WOW: Congratulations to Robin Morrow, STEM, Gifted, and Robotics Support for the Bartow County School System, on being named a 2026 Don Cargill STEM Scholar!
Recognized by GYSTC for her exceptional efforts to inspire and advance student learning in STEM disciplines, Robin continues to make a lasting impact on education across Georgia. We appreciate her dedication and commitment to empowering our students through innovation and excellence in STEM!
Recognized by GYSTC for her exceptional efforts to inspire and advance student learning in STEM disciplines, Robin continues to make a lasting impact on education across Georgia. We appreciate her dedication and commitment to empowering our students through innovation and excellence in STEM!
FINE ARTS EXCELLENCE: Join us in celebrating these INCREDIBLE Woodland High School achievements:
👏 Izaak Higginbotham has been named 1st Alternate Bass Trombone for the GMEA All-State Jazz Band!
🎼 Makai Messier and Hylan Westberry-Davis are winners of the 2026 GMEA Composition Contest! Their original works will be premiered at the Composition Recital during the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference in Athens on Friday, January 30 at the Classic Center.
Way to go, Wildcats!
[pictured from left to right: Westberry-Davis, Higginbotham, Messier]
👏 Izaak Higginbotham has been named 1st Alternate Bass Trombone for the GMEA All-State Jazz Band!
🎼 Makai Messier and Hylan Westberry-Davis are winners of the 2026 GMEA Composition Contest! Their original works will be premiered at the Composition Recital during the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference in Athens on Friday, January 30 at the Classic Center.
Way to go, Wildcats!
[pictured from left to right: Westberry-Davis, Higginbotham, Messier]
