WHAT AN HONOR: We are proud to celebrate these three exceptional Bartow County School System social workers who have been recognized by the Advocates for Children Youth Accountability Team as Volunteers of the Year! Congratulations to Dr. LaToia Carter, Melissa Hulsey, and Michelle Jenkins for this well-deserved honor!
This recognition reflects their outstanding commitment to protecting children, empowering youth, and uplifting families. Their generosity of time, talent, and care has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the students and families we serve. We are sincerely grateful for the work they do every day on behalf of our community!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
This recognition reflects their outstanding commitment to protecting children, empowering youth, and uplifting families. Their generosity of time, talent, and care has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the students and families we serve. We are sincerely grateful for the work they do every day on behalf of our community!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
COOKING UP SUCCESS: Cass High School’s “Three Chefitiers” just fired up the kitchen in the Fueling Georgia’s Future Student Chef Competition, and their original recipe landed them in the Top 5 in the state! This week, they brought the heat in a live cook‑off right inside the CHS cafeteria, impressing state chef judges with their creation, The Spicy K‑Pop Bowl.
This dish featured a fried rice base, fresh Georgia‑grown veggies, scrambled eggs, and crispy chicken tossed in their homemade school‑approved K‑Pop sauce.
We are so proud of these talented students and their culinary teacher, James Huston. The winner will go on to represent Georgia at the Southeast Regional Competition, and we’re cheering them on all the way!
This dish featured a fried rice base, fresh Georgia‑grown veggies, scrambled eggs, and crispy chicken tossed in their homemade school‑approved K‑Pop sauce.
We are so proud of these talented students and their culinary teacher, James Huston. The winner will go on to represent Georgia at the Southeast Regional Competition, and we’re cheering them on all the way!
HOMEGROWN LEADERSHIP: Meet the 2025-2026 Aspiring Principals Leadership Academy!
🍎Amanda Chack, AP, Hamilton Crossing Elementary
🍎Blake Fallin, AP, Cass Middle
🍎Mary Payne, AP, Kingston Elementary
🍎Dana Smith, AP, Euharlee Elementary
🍎Ashley Goble, AP, Adairsville Elementary
🍎Jennifer Wilson, AP, Red Top Middle
These assistant principals strengthened their leadership skills, built meaningful connections with other aspiring leaders, and learned alongside principals and district leaders. Under the guidance of Chief Leadership and Learning Officer Dave Stephenson, they not only participated in academy sessions but also completed a leadership project that required them to design and implement a system to monitor the impact of their school’s Tier I campaign. Excellent work by all involved! Congratulations on your successful program completion!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
🍎Amanda Chack, AP, Hamilton Crossing Elementary
🍎Blake Fallin, AP, Cass Middle
🍎Mary Payne, AP, Kingston Elementary
🍎Dana Smith, AP, Euharlee Elementary
🍎Ashley Goble, AP, Adairsville Elementary
🍎Jennifer Wilson, AP, Red Top Middle
These assistant principals strengthened their leadership skills, built meaningful connections with other aspiring leaders, and learned alongside principals and district leaders. Under the guidance of Chief Leadership and Learning Officer Dave Stephenson, they not only participated in academy sessions but also completed a leadership project that required them to design and implement a system to monitor the impact of their school’s Tier I campaign. Excellent work by all involved! Congratulations on your successful program completion!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
GAME DAY GREATNESS: Our Exceptional Education Department never stops imagining what’s possible! For Mario Day 2026, they transformed Esports into a full‑blown Olympic adventure for our high school students and Project Search interns, and the results were nothing short of SPECTACULAR! Today, strategy met creativity, competition met joy, and the smiles told the whole story!
Special thank you to the organizers and buddies who made this day truly unforgettable! We're definitely getting great use out of our new Esports Arena, too!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
Special thank you to the organizers and buddies who made this day truly unforgettable! We're definitely getting great use out of our new Esports Arena, too!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
GA SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION WEEK: We honor our School Board members for their commitment to the students and staff of the Bartow County School System. Their decisions, guidance, and leadership always begin with one priority: our students. Because they represent every student in every district, their work strengthens every classroom, every educator, and every school community. They also serve as thoughtful stewards of our schools and partners to the community, ensuring that the resources entrusted to them support the greatest good.
Thank you, Board members, for championing opportunities, supporting our staff, and ensuring that all students are seen, heard, and valued. Your service shapes the future of Bartow County.
Thank you, Board members, for championing opportunities, supporting our staff, and ensuring that all students are seen, heard, and valued. Your service shapes the future of Bartow County.
STARS & SERVICE: What an unforgettable night at the 14th Annual Cartersville Dances with the Stars! Hamilton Crossing Principal Lindsay Perry and her husband, Taylor, lit up the stage and helped make this year’s event one for the record books. Together, they raised $31,421 in support of two incredible organizations that directly serve our children and families: Backpack Buddies and the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter.
This dynamic duo is Bartow proud, through and through. Be sure to check out Taylor's Cass hat, and here is a fun fact: their music was mixed by a former BCSS student!
OUTSTANDING JOB, Perrys.
This dynamic duo is Bartow proud, through and through. Be sure to check out Taylor's Cass hat, and here is a fun fact: their music was mixed by a former BCSS student!
OUTSTANDING JOB, Perrys.
APPRECIATION POST: Behind every strong school community is a team of social workers who lead with heart, expertise, and unwavering support, and the Bartow County School System is fortunate to have some of the very BEST!
Celebrating:
🌟 Melissa Hulsey
🌟 Michelle Jenkins
🌟 Dr. LaToia Carter
🌟 Celina McMillian
🌟 Homeless Liaison: Ashley Saddler
🌟 Director of Counselors, College Readiness, Wellness & Fine Arts: Brent Shropshire
Happy National School Social Work Week to this OUTSTANDING team!
Celebrating:
🌟 Melissa Hulsey
🌟 Michelle Jenkins
🌟 Dr. LaToia Carter
🌟 Celina McMillian
🌟 Homeless Liaison: Ashley Saddler
🌟 Director of Counselors, College Readiness, Wellness & Fine Arts: Brent Shropshire
Happy National School Social Work Week to this OUTSTANDING team!
APPRECIATION POST: We proudly recognize the incredible team that keeps Bartow County Schools running smoothly every single day! Our maintenance department is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, showing up early, staying late, and coming in on weekends to ensure our buildings are safe, functional, and welcoming for students and staff.
They fix problems before most of us ever know they existed. They work behind the scenes with skill, dedication, and pride, and our schools simply could not operate without their commitment to excellence!
THANK YOU!!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
They fix problems before most of us ever know they existed. They work behind the scenes with skill, dedication, and pride, and our schools simply could not operate without their commitment to excellence!
THANK YOU!!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
MESSAGE FROM OUR EXCEPTIONAL ED OFFICE: In accordance with 34 CFR 300.573, the Bartow County Board of Education will be destroying the Special Education records of students born in 2003. All records prior to this year have already been destroyed by Federal guidelines. Anyone interested in obtaining his or her records should notify this office in writing by April 30, 2026. Please include the following information: Student Name, Date of Birth, Phone Number and last Bartow County School attended.
Mail to: Special Education Records, ATT: Kathy Smith, Bartow County Schools, 65 Gilreath Road, P.O. Box 200007, Cartersville, GA 30120-9026.
Mail to: Special Education Records, ATT: Kathy Smith, Bartow County Schools, 65 Gilreath Road, P.O. Box 200007, Cartersville, GA 30120-9026.
READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK: Chief Leadership and Learning Officer Dave Stephenson jumped right into the celebrations with Allatoona Elementary’s first graders!
“One book, two book, take a closer look,
Bartow kids are readers everywhere you look!"👀
FUN FACTS:
➡️Bartow County has had Literacy Coaches in all 20 schools since 2020-2021!
➡️BCSS followed that momentum with a new, research‑based curriculum and high‑quality instructional materials. Our work began with a strong foundation in phonics and morphology, and this year you’ll see an increased emphasis on building deep comprehension skills!
“One book, two book, take a closer look,
Bartow kids are readers everywhere you look!"👀
FUN FACTS:
➡️Bartow County has had Literacy Coaches in all 20 schools since 2020-2021!
➡️BCSS followed that momentum with a new, research‑based curriculum and high‑quality instructional materials. Our work began with a strong foundation in phonics and morphology, and this year you’ll see an increased emphasis on building deep comprehension skills!
TERZA TAKEAWAYS: Our monthly newsletter is here! Students and staff will find it in their inboxes, and our community can explore it at the link below. Don’t miss Superintendent Terza’s special message on our districtwide focus: literacy!
https://bartowcountyschools.edurooms.com/engage/bartow-county-school-system/newsletters/terza-takeaways-3-5-26-with-updated-newsletter
https://bartowcountyschools.edurooms.com/engage/bartow-county-school-system/newsletters/terza-takeaways-3-5-26-with-updated-newsletter
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: We’re thrilled to host our first AV Production Showcase, spotlighting bold, creative, and completely student‑driven work from:
🎙️ Adairsville Elementary – Tiger Talk Network
🦁 Allatoona Elementary – Roar Report
🎥 Pine Log Elementary – PLES Productions
Our elementary students stepped into the world of broadcast production using high‑school and college‑level equipment, gaining early exposure to skills and careers many students don’t encounter until much later. Their confidence, collaboration, and creativity were on full display.
A sincere thank‑you to Cooper Fiscus‑van Rossum with the Georgia Film Academy for guiding students through the production process and helping them understand what’s possible in the field. His support made a meaningful difference in preparing them for today’s showcase and beyond!
One student shared that she was “eternally grateful for this experience,” and that sentiment truly captures the impact of this STEM initiative!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
🎙️ Adairsville Elementary – Tiger Talk Network
🦁 Allatoona Elementary – Roar Report
🎥 Pine Log Elementary – PLES Productions
Our elementary students stepped into the world of broadcast production using high‑school and college‑level equipment, gaining early exposure to skills and careers many students don’t encounter until much later. Their confidence, collaboration, and creativity were on full display.
A sincere thank‑you to Cooper Fiscus‑van Rossum with the Georgia Film Academy for guiding students through the production process and helping them understand what’s possible in the field. His support made a meaningful difference in preparing them for today’s showcase and beyond!
One student shared that she was “eternally grateful for this experience,” and that sentiment truly captures the impact of this STEM initiative!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK: There were no bigger smiles than those on the faces of Allatoona Elementary students during a surprise visit today from Superintendent Terza and Deputy Superintendent Suttle! Our district leaders never miss an opportunity to champion literacy and celebrate our young readers!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
JOIN US: This Showcase is open to the public and a great opportunity to see all of our Robotics teams in action!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY: Cass High School’s Black Student Union hosted an outstanding Annual Black History Fair in recognition of Black History Month. This year’s event highlighted the influential contributions of Black musicians and featured several literary works that reflect important voices and experiences.
The fair also welcomed Cass High alumnus and entrepreneur Darnell Jackson, who shared insights from his work and community involvement.
We appreciate the effort, preparation, and leadership shown by the students and staff who helped bring this meaningful learning experience to the Cass High community!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
The fair also welcomed Cass High alumnus and entrepreneur Darnell Jackson, who shared insights from his work and community involvement.
We appreciate the effort, preparation, and leadership shown by the students and staff who helped bring this meaningful learning experience to the Cass High community!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
REAL MOMENTUM: One thing the public doesn’t always see, but should, is how often our superintendent, deputy superintendent, and several board members are IN THE WORK. They're in classrooms, in conversations, and in the daily moments that shape teaching and learning. These visits happen quietly and consistently because our leaders care deeply about not only whether our students are learning, but whether they’re learning at high levels.
This week, Superintendent Clint Terza, Deputy Superintendent Christian Suttle, and Board Chair Butch Emerson spent time at White Elementary, and several other schools, participating in Literacy Walks. They described the experience as truly inspiring. Moving from room to room, talking with students, and observing instruction firsthand gave them a clear view of the remarkable progress happening as teachers and students embrace our new Arts and Letters literacy curriculum.
From rich text discussions to meaningful reading moments, White Elementary students demonstrated what rigorous, high‑quality literacy instruction looks like. Their enthusiasm, paired with the dedication and expertise of their teachers, reflects the strong momentum building across the school and throughout the district!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
This week, Superintendent Clint Terza, Deputy Superintendent Christian Suttle, and Board Chair Butch Emerson spent time at White Elementary, and several other schools, participating in Literacy Walks. They described the experience as truly inspiring. Moving from room to room, talking with students, and observing instruction firsthand gave them a clear view of the remarkable progress happening as teachers and students embrace our new Arts and Letters literacy curriculum.
From rich text discussions to meaningful reading moments, White Elementary students demonstrated what rigorous, high‑quality literacy instruction looks like. Their enthusiasm, paired with the dedication and expertise of their teachers, reflects the strong momentum building across the school and throughout the district!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
GEORGIA AP DAY 2026: Four outstanding students from Adairsville High School had the opportunity to participate in AP (Advanced Placement) Day at the Capitol!
They met with state senators and representatives to advocate for Advanced Placement programs and to share their personal stories about the meaningful impact AP has had on their academic journeys. From gaining college-level skills to building confidence and preparing for future careers, our students spoke passionately about why access to AP matters.
In addition to meeting with lawmakers, the group experienced a rare opportunity to sit in both the House and Senate galleries to observe live legislative sessions. Witnessing the legislative process firsthand made the day even more memorable.
We couldn’t be prouder of these students for representing our school system with professionalism, confidence, and heart. Their voices truly make a difference.
They met with state senators and representatives to advocate for Advanced Placement programs and to share their personal stories about the meaningful impact AP has had on their academic journeys. From gaining college-level skills to building confidence and preparing for future careers, our students spoke passionately about why access to AP matters.
In addition to meeting with lawmakers, the group experienced a rare opportunity to sit in both the House and Senate galleries to observe live legislative sessions. Witnessing the legislative process firsthand made the day even more memorable.
We couldn’t be prouder of these students for representing our school system with professionalism, confidence, and heart. Their voices truly make a difference.
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 a spotlight on Laura Guthrie, our dedicated Hospital/Homebound Teacher. Laura supports several chronically ill students, among others, and her compassion shows in everything she does. She brings empathy, patience, and steady support to our students and their families during some of their most challenging moments. We are deeply grateful for her commitment and so thankful to have her on our team!
This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Laura Guthrie, our dedicated Hospital/Homebound Teacher. Laura supports several chronically ill students, among others, and her compassion shows in everything she does. She brings empathy, patience, and steady support to our students and their families during some of their most challenging moments. We are deeply grateful for her commitment and so thankful to have her on our team!
EDUCATOR JOB FAIR: Teaching really is #BetterInBartow! Register today for our ever-popular Educator Job Fair!
https://forms.office.com/r/piBYz2xzQd
https://forms.office.com/r/piBYz2xzQd
A 'SUPER' VISIT: State School Superintendent Richard Woods recognized SIX Bartow County schools today with Math and Literacy Leader Awards, celebrating their exceptional growth and achievement. For Cass Middle School, Adairsville Middle School, Woodland Middle School, and Emerson Elementary School, this marks the second consecutive year they have earned this distinguished state honor.
Literacy Leader Schools:
• Emerson Elementary School (3rd Grade Gateway Growth; 5th Grade Growth)
• White Elementary School (3rd Grade Gateway Growth)
Literacy Leader recognition is based on the Georgia Milestones Reading Status indicator, which uses Lexile scores from the ELA assessment. Schools were acknowledged for increasing the percentage of students reading at or above grade level, with a special emphasis on third and sixth grades.
Math Leader Schools:
• Cass High School (High School Growth)
• Cass Middle School (8th Grade Gateway Growth; High School Outstanding Achievement)
• Adairsville Middle School (High School Achievement; High School Growth)
• Woodland Middle School (High School Outstanding Achievement)
Math Leader honors are awarded for achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above in math. At the high school level, recognition is based on performance in the Algebra: Concepts and Connections End-of-Course assessment, the state’s benchmark for math proficiency.
Literacy Leader Schools:
• Emerson Elementary School (3rd Grade Gateway Growth; 5th Grade Growth)
• White Elementary School (3rd Grade Gateway Growth)
Literacy Leader recognition is based on the Georgia Milestones Reading Status indicator, which uses Lexile scores from the ELA assessment. Schools were acknowledged for increasing the percentage of students reading at or above grade level, with a special emphasis on third and sixth grades.
Math Leader Schools:
• Cass High School (High School Growth)
• Cass Middle School (8th Grade Gateway Growth; High School Outstanding Achievement)
• Adairsville Middle School (High School Achievement; High School Growth)
• Woodland Middle School (High School Outstanding Achievement)
Math Leader honors are awarded for achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above in math. At the high school level, recognition is based on performance in the Algebra: Concepts and Connections End-of-Course assessment, the state’s benchmark for math proficiency.
