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!
NEW: All extracurricular activities scheduled for Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25, have been canceled due to anticipated inclement weather.
At this time, school will remain in session on Friday, January 23, including all after-school activities.
We will continue to closely monitor weather forecasts, work in collaboration with local and state officials, and prepare for any potential impacts to school operations. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.
We will provide an update by early Sunday afternoon regarding school operations on Monday, January 26.
Thank you for your continued partnership and flexibility as we work to keep our school community safe.
Please continue to watch for updates from Bartow County Schools.
At this time, school will remain in session on Friday, January 23, including all after-school activities.
We will continue to closely monitor weather forecasts, work in collaboration with local and state officials, and prepare for any potential impacts to school operations. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.
We will provide an update by early Sunday afternoon regarding school operations on Monday, January 26.
Thank you for your continued partnership and flexibility as we work to keep our school community safe.
Please continue to watch for updates from Bartow County Schools.
COMING UP NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR: The Bartow County School System has updated its cell phone and personal electronic device expectations in accordance with Georgia House Bill 340, the Distraction-Free Education Act. This legislation requires school systems across the state to establish clearer, more consistent guidelines that limit personal device use during the instructional day. These changes align with our shared commitment to maintaining safe, focused, and engaging learning environments for all students.
These updated expectations will take effect at the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year. Under the revised guidelines, students in grades K–8 will be expected to keep cell phones and personal electronic devices secured in their bookbags for the duration of the school day, from the tardy bell through dismissal.
We recognize that some students rely on technology to support medical needs or accommodations outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Appropriate accommodations will continue to be provided in these circumstances, and schools will clearly communicate with families regarding procedures for emergencies and school‑related communications during the instructional day
These updated expectations will take effect at the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year. Under the revised guidelines, students in grades K–8 will be expected to keep cell phones and personal electronic devices secured in their bookbags for the duration of the school day, from the tardy bell through dismissal.
We recognize that some students rely on technology to support medical needs or accommodations outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Appropriate accommodations will continue to be provided in these circumstances, and schools will clearly communicate with families regarding procedures for emergencies and school‑related communications during the instructional day
NEW: The Bartow County School System is closely monitoring the weather forecast for the coming days in coordination with local and state officials. At this time, it is too early to make any decisions, but the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.
If changes to the school schedule become necessary, families will be notified through phone calls, texts, and emails, as well as on our website, mobile app, and official social media channels.
Please ensure your contact information is up to date with your child’s school so you receive important alerts as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to keep our schools safe.
If changes to the school schedule become necessary, families will be notified through phone calls, texts, and emails, as well as on our website, mobile app, and official social media channels.
Please ensure your contact information is up to date with your child’s school so you receive important alerts as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to keep our schools safe.
COMING SOON: We’re excited to share that the new Adairsville Primary school will be located at 6780 Hwy 140 in Adairsville!
This school is anticipated to serve Pre-K through 1st grade students and is projected to open in approximately three years. It will remain within the same attendance zone as Adairsville Elementary School, helping us better serve families in the area.
While architectural renderings are not yet available, we know this new campus will play a critical role in addressing current capacity challenges at Adairsville Elementary. The existing school was designed for about 900 students, and we are already nearing that number.
We’ll continue to keep our community informed with updates and progress throughout every stage of this exciting SPLOST project.
This school is anticipated to serve Pre-K through 1st grade students and is projected to open in approximately three years. It will remain within the same attendance zone as Adairsville Elementary School, helping us better serve families in the area.
While architectural renderings are not yet available, we know this new campus will play a critical role in addressing current capacity challenges at Adairsville Elementary. The existing school was designed for about 900 students, and we are already nearing that number.
We’ll continue to keep our community informed with updates and progress throughout every stage of this exciting SPLOST project.
NEW: We’re proud to announce that the Bartow County School System continues to lead the way in preparing students for success through Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE). Check out these incredible graduation rates:
➡️State Average (All Systems): 98.45%
➡️Adairsville High School: 99.36%
➡️Cass High School: 98.29%
➡️Woodland High School: 97.60%
➡️Bartow County (All Schools): 98.45%
CTAE programs equip students with real-world skills, industry certifications, and hands-on experience that open doors to college, careers, and lifelong success. These exceptional graduation rates show that Bartow County Schools are not only meeting but exceeding expectations in preparing students for the future.
Our commitment to high-quality education ensures that every student has the tools to thrive in today’s competitive workforce. These results reflect the dedication of our teachers, staff, and community to empowering students with opportunities that matter!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
➡️State Average (All Systems): 98.45%
➡️Adairsville High School: 99.36%
➡️Cass High School: 98.29%
➡️Woodland High School: 97.60%
➡️Bartow County (All Schools): 98.45%
CTAE programs equip students with real-world skills, industry certifications, and hands-on experience that open doors to college, careers, and lifelong success. These exceptional graduation rates show that Bartow County Schools are not only meeting but exceeding expectations in preparing students for the future.
Our commitment to high-quality education ensures that every student has the tools to thrive in today’s competitive workforce. These results reflect the dedication of our teachers, staff, and community to empowering students with opportunities that matter!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
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
