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!
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
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!
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
WILDCATS WEAR IT WITH PRIDE: Even if you're not a Wildcat, chances are you've heard about Wildcat Wednesdays at Woodland High School. Yes, it’s about wearing navy, but it’s so much more than a color or a weekly tradition. It’s a powerful symbol of PRIDE, unity, and community!
This week, the Wildcat Basketball Team took that tradition to the next level by gifting DEFEND THE LAND shirts to every staff member, building excitement and school spirit ahead of their first home game next week!
#buildingculture #strengtheningfamily #itswoodland
This week, the Wildcat Basketball Team took that tradition to the next level by gifting DEFEND THE LAND shirts to every staff member, building excitement and school spirit ahead of their first home game next week!
#buildingculture #strengtheningfamily #itswoodland
TRUE TIGER: This week, as A Family, Adairsville High School and the Bartow County School System mourn the loss of Jack Lenardson, our beloved custodian and friend who served AHS faithfully for many years.
Mr. Jack had a heart of gold. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and a kind word, always happy to share what he was working on around campus. Whether the task was big or small, Mr. Jack gave it his all with quiet strength and determination.
He treated his coworkers like family, always stepping up to help, especially when someone was out. Mr. Jack’s thoughtfulness showed in the little things, like keeping popsicles in the staff freezer for our teachers’ children, always asking first, always caring.
Mr. Jack was genuine. He was kind. He made AHS feel like home.
We will miss him deeply. His absence will be felt in every hallway, every classroom, and every quiet moment where we remember the warmth he brought to the 306.
Mr. Jack had a heart of gold. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and a kind word, always happy to share what he was working on around campus. Whether the task was big or small, Mr. Jack gave it his all with quiet strength and determination.
He treated his coworkers like family, always stepping up to help, especially when someone was out. Mr. Jack’s thoughtfulness showed in the little things, like keeping popsicles in the staff freezer for our teachers’ children, always asking first, always caring.
Mr. Jack was genuine. He was kind. He made AHS feel like home.
We will miss him deeply. His absence will be felt in every hallway, every classroom, and every quiet moment where we remember the warmth he brought to the 306.
WILDCAT WONDER: "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader."
Check out our youngest readers at Mission Road Elementary, one of our Title I Reward Schools!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
Check out our youngest readers at Mission Road Elementary, one of our Title I Reward Schools!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
AND THE NOMINEES ARE 🥁: Bartow County is proud to announce that 27 exceptional high school students have been selected as District Nominees for the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) for the 2025–2026 school year!
These students have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic talent, and leadership potential. They now advance to the next stage of the selection process, where they will complete a state-level application by January 9, 2026.
🌟 Congratulations to our nominees! 🌟
Adairsville High School
• Ja’Sean Harper – Computer Science
• Jamie Tanksley – Agricultural Research, Biotechnology, and Science
• Finn Minhinnett – Engineering: Mechanical & Aerospace
• Isabella Swain – Social Studies
• Sarah Harper Lee – Social Studies
• Bailee Scott – Social Studies
• Jordon Goodwin – Engineering
• Charlie Self – Science: Biology/Environmental
• Sophia Vasquez-Munguia – Engineering: Civil
• Cheyenne Gilley – Engineering
• Francisco Flores – Engineering: Civil
• Brooklynne Mulkey – Music: Tenor
• Karmyn Padilla – Theatre
• Zachary Brasington – Theatre
Cass High School
• London Barrere – Communicative Arts
• Charley Doyle – World Languages: Chinese
• Booker Gearhart – Social Studies
• Kinley Gearhart – Social Studies
• Nathan Loveless – Music: Percussion
• Demarco Ventura – Social Studies
Woodland High School
• Joseph Adams – Theatre
• Anthony Harrison – Music: Percussion
• Makayla Rieske – Theatre
• Jannat Muhammad – Science: Biology/Environmental
• Ethan North – Science: Biology/Environmental
• William Moises – Science: Biology/Environmental
• Addison Osborne – Communicative Arts
These students will be considered for semifinalist status, to be announced on February 6, 2026. Semifinalists will then interview or audition at Georgia Southern University on February 28 or March 14, 2026. Finalists and alternates will be revealed on March 20, 2026.
Finalists will attend the elite, four-week summer residential program at Georgia Southern University beginning June 14, 2026, where they’ll engage in advanced coursework and transformative learning experiences in their chosen fields!
These students have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic talent, and leadership potential. They now advance to the next stage of the selection process, where they will complete a state-level application by January 9, 2026.
🌟 Congratulations to our nominees! 🌟
Adairsville High School
• Ja’Sean Harper – Computer Science
• Jamie Tanksley – Agricultural Research, Biotechnology, and Science
• Finn Minhinnett – Engineering: Mechanical & Aerospace
• Isabella Swain – Social Studies
• Sarah Harper Lee – Social Studies
• Bailee Scott – Social Studies
• Jordon Goodwin – Engineering
• Charlie Self – Science: Biology/Environmental
• Sophia Vasquez-Munguia – Engineering: Civil
• Cheyenne Gilley – Engineering
• Francisco Flores – Engineering: Civil
• Brooklynne Mulkey – Music: Tenor
• Karmyn Padilla – Theatre
• Zachary Brasington – Theatre
Cass High School
• London Barrere – Communicative Arts
• Charley Doyle – World Languages: Chinese
• Booker Gearhart – Social Studies
• Kinley Gearhart – Social Studies
• Nathan Loveless – Music: Percussion
• Demarco Ventura – Social Studies
Woodland High School
• Joseph Adams – Theatre
• Anthony Harrison – Music: Percussion
• Makayla Rieske – Theatre
• Jannat Muhammad – Science: Biology/Environmental
• Ethan North – Science: Biology/Environmental
• William Moises – Science: Biology/Environmental
• Addison Osborne – Communicative Arts
These students will be considered for semifinalist status, to be announced on February 6, 2026. Semifinalists will then interview or audition at Georgia Southern University on February 28 or March 14, 2026. Finalists and alternates will be revealed on March 20, 2026.
Finalists will attend the elite, four-week summer residential program at Georgia Southern University beginning June 14, 2026, where they’ll engage in advanced coursework and transformative learning experiences in their chosen fields!
HITTING A HIGH NOTE: This weekend, Cass High School proudly hosted the Bands of America Southeastern Championship! It's a massive event showcasing incredible talent from across the region!
Our very own Cass Band made it to the Finals, earning an impressive 9th Place finish among fierce competition!
Huge congratulations to our hardworking musicians, directors, and volunteers who made this event unforgettable!
Our very own Cass Band made it to the Finals, earning an impressive 9th Place finish among fierce competition!
Huge congratulations to our hardworking musicians, directors, and volunteers who made this event unforgettable!
ACTING EXCELLENCE: Our talented Woodland High School CATS Theatre One Act team placed 3rd in the 7AAAA Region Competition, beating out five other high schools!
🌟 Special shoutout to Nick Bennett and Elyse Tindall for earning All-Star Cast recognition!
These accolades are the result of months of hard work by our advanced acting students, perfecting movement, building characters, and creating a seamless ensemble performance.
🏆 Judges awarded Superior ratings in:
* Ensemble
* Listening & Response
* Overall Effect
* Composition & Picturization
👏 And Excellent scores in:
* Characterization
* Vocal Interpretation
* Movement
Want to see these award-winning thespians in action?
Join us for “Peter and the Starcatcher” on Friday, Nov. 21st and Saturday, Nov. 22nd. You won’t want to miss what the CATS Theatre program has in store!
🌟 Special shoutout to Nick Bennett and Elyse Tindall for earning All-Star Cast recognition!
These accolades are the result of months of hard work by our advanced acting students, perfecting movement, building characters, and creating a seamless ensemble performance.
🏆 Judges awarded Superior ratings in:
* Ensemble
* Listening & Response
* Overall Effect
* Composition & Picturization
👏 And Excellent scores in:
* Characterization
* Vocal Interpretation
* Movement
Want to see these award-winning thespians in action?
Join us for “Peter and the Starcatcher” on Friday, Nov. 21st and Saturday, Nov. 22nd. You won’t want to miss what the CATS Theatre program has in store!
SPRING COLLEGE TOUR: Jump on board for this special opportunity to visit five well-known colleges and universities in Georgia and Florida! Details below!
SHINING BRIGHT IN BARTOW: Congratulations to Adairsville High School’s Savannah Viktora, who was selected as a finalist for the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program!
Her selection advanced her to an in-person interview last week at the Georgia Department of Education in Atlanta.
Savannah’s dedication to civic engagement and public service reflects the leadership and initiative we’re proud to see in our students!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow
Her selection advanced her to an in-person interview last week at the Georgia Department of Education in Atlanta.
Savannah’s dedication to civic engagement and public service reflects the leadership and initiative we’re proud to see in our students!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow
BOOKS AND BOOS: 🚫WARNING🚫: These costumes may...IMPRESS YOU!
No tricks, all treats at Hamilton Crossing Elementary today! Our students and staff didn’t just dress up; they stepped straight out of the pages of their favorite books! We love seeing how reading inspires imagination...and a little Halloween flair!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow
No tricks, all treats at Hamilton Crossing Elementary today! Our students and staff didn’t just dress up; they stepped straight out of the pages of their favorite books! We love seeing how reading inspires imagination...and a little Halloween flair!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow
WOMEN IN STEM: A group of Adairsville High School students recently explored the exciting intersection of STEM and gaming during a Women in STEM field trip!
Representing Magnet, WISE (Women in STEM), the Esports class, and the Esports team, these talented Tigers dove into workshops and panels led by women who lead, game, and create.
They explored gaming ecosystems, from content creation and streaming to AI integration, game design, and digital art. The experience offered hands-on insight into what it means to be a creator in today’s tech-driven world!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #WomenInSTEM
Representing Magnet, WISE (Women in STEM), the Esports class, and the Esports team, these talented Tigers dove into workshops and panels led by women who lead, game, and create.
They explored gaming ecosystems, from content creation and streaming to AI integration, game design, and digital art. The experience offered hands-on insight into what it means to be a creator in today’s tech-driven world!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #WomenInSTEM
🚧SNEAK PEEK ALERT🚧 Cass Middle School is growing, and so are the dreams of our Colonels!
With the current campus nearing capacity, these proposed architectural drawings offer a glimpse of what a future Cass Middle School could look like, made possible through ESPLOST funding.
We’re excited to share more in the coming days about how ESPLOST helps support learning spaces across our district.
----
WHAT IS ESPLOST?
The continuation of ESPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is a one-penny sales tax that helps fund school buildings and improvements.
A significant part is paid for by visitors shopping and dining in our county. That means everyone who spends locally helps support better learning spaces for our students.
With the current campus nearing capacity, these proposed architectural drawings offer a glimpse of what a future Cass Middle School could look like, made possible through ESPLOST funding.
We’re excited to share more in the coming days about how ESPLOST helps support learning spaces across our district.
----
WHAT IS ESPLOST?
The continuation of ESPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is a one-penny sales tax that helps fund school buildings and improvements.
A significant part is paid for by visitors shopping and dining in our county. That means everyone who spends locally helps support better learning spaces for our students.
INNOVATION IN ACTION: Tech-savvy students Javier Sierra and Rowan Stanfield noticed a challenge in their school community, and they’re stepping up to solve it!
While enjoying the new Esports Arena, they realized that some students face difficulties using traditional game controllers due to limited fine motor skills. Inspired to make gaming more inclusive, they’re using their creativity and an invention kit called Makey Makey to build a prototype that could change the way these students experience video games.
Way to go, Javier and Rowan! You're putting your STEM skills to work and making a real difference!
While enjoying the new Esports Arena, they realized that some students face difficulties using traditional game controllers due to limited fine motor skills. Inspired to make gaming more inclusive, they’re using their creativity and an invention kit called Makey Makey to build a prototype that could change the way these students experience video games.
Way to go, Javier and Rowan! You're putting your STEM skills to work and making a real difference!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF: Clear Creek Elementary School!
The weather might have been gloomy today, but smiles were BRIGHT in Bartow, especially with these CCES Lions!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow
The weather might have been gloomy today, but smiles were BRIGHT in Bartow, especially with these CCES Lions!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow
STATE RECOGNITION: Join us in congratulating our Communications Coordinator, Alisha Evans, for earning seven GOLD awards and one SILVER from the Georgia School Public Relations Association! 🎉
These honors recognize her outstanding work in writing, photography, and videography, all of which help tell the Bartow County School System story with clarity, creativity, and heart.
Through strategic messaging and strong collaboration, Mrs. Evans connects our schools with the community, supports district priorities, and shines a spotlight on the amazing achievements of our students and staff.
These honors recognize her outstanding work in writing, photography, and videography, all of which help tell the Bartow County School System story with clarity, creativity, and heart.
Through strategic messaging and strong collaboration, Mrs. Evans connects our schools with the community, supports district priorities, and shines a spotlight on the amazing achievements of our students and staff.
SCHOLAR STANDOUT: We’re proud to celebrate Connor New, a senior at Cass High School, for being named a Coke Scholars Semifinalist! Out of more than 107,000 applicants nationwide, only 1,238 students earned this prestigious honor, and Connor is one of them.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program recognizes high school seniors who lead with purpose, serve their communities, and strive to make a lasting impact. Semifinalists are now in the running for a $20,000 college scholarship!
Way to go, Connor!
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program recognizes high school seniors who lead with purpose, serve their communities, and strive to make a lasting impact. Semifinalists are now in the running for a $20,000 college scholarship!
Way to go, Connor!
