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]
GSBA EXEMPLARY BOARD: For the second consecutive year, the Bartow County Board of Education has been honored with the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) Exemplary School Board designation. This prestigious recognition reflects the board’s commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and collaboration, all essential to creating exceptional educational opportunities for every student.
The GSBA awards Exemplary status to boards that demonstrate strong governance and leadership, fostering a positive culture that supports student learning and achievement. Bartow County’s Board exceeded the rigorous criteria set forth by GSBA to earn this distinction.
Congratulations to our Board Members:
Chairman Butch Emerson (District 4), Vice Chairman Matt Shultz (District 3), Tony Ross (District 1), Sharon Viktora (District 5), and Darla Williams (District 2).
The GSBA Board Recognition Program is a three-tiered system designed to highlight excellence in school board governance. Learn more about the award categories here: https://gsba.com/awards/
[PICTURED WITH AWARD: Matt Shultz, Sharon Viktora, and Superintendent Clint Terza]
The GSBA awards Exemplary status to boards that demonstrate strong governance and leadership, fostering a positive culture that supports student learning and achievement. Bartow County’s Board exceeded the rigorous criteria set forth by GSBA to earn this distinction.
Congratulations to our Board Members:
Chairman Butch Emerson (District 4), Vice Chairman Matt Shultz (District 3), Tony Ross (District 1), Sharon Viktora (District 5), and Darla Williams (District 2).
The GSBA Board Recognition Program is a three-tiered system designed to highlight excellence in school board governance. Learn more about the award categories here: https://gsba.com/awards/
[PICTURED WITH AWARD: Matt Shultz, Sharon Viktora, and Superintendent Clint Terza]
MORE PARADE MAGIC: The Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade never disappoints, and this year was PURE HOLIDAY MAGIC!✨
Our superintendent and staff shared the joy by handing out thousands of FREE books to students along the route. The smiles and bright eyes said it all! We're thankful to use part of our L4 grant in this capacity!
What a night filled with incredible performances from our award-winning bands, JROTC, cheerleaders, Magnet students, and even our amazing School Nutrition team, all lighting up the streets with pride and holiday spirit.
Moments like these remind us why we’re proud to call this the best community anywhere.
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
Our superintendent and staff shared the joy by handing out thousands of FREE books to students along the route. The smiles and bright eyes said it all! We're thankful to use part of our L4 grant in this capacity!
What a night filled with incredible performances from our award-winning bands, JROTC, cheerleaders, Magnet students, and even our amazing School Nutrition team, all lighting up the streets with pride and holiday spirit.
Moments like these remind us why we’re proud to call this the best community anywhere.
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
BARTOW & BEYOND: Meet the Forsyths! JT (WHS Class of 2022) and Andy (WHS Class of 2024) grew up Wildcats through and through, excelling in the classroom and on the field. Their story is deeply tied to their mom, Marianne, who spent years at Mission Road Elementary shaping young minds with her kindness and passion for learning.
Although Marianne is no longer with us, her influence is everywhere. It lives in the way JT and Andy lead with integrity, work hard, and care for others, just as she did every day. Her legacy stretches far beyond her time in the classroom, touching generations of Wildcats.
Today, JT brings his talent to the UGA Paint Line, and Andy races for Berry College’s cross country and track teams, carrying her spirit with them every step of the way.
Although Marianne is no longer with us, her influence is everywhere. It lives in the way JT and Andy lead with integrity, work hard, and care for others, just as she did every day. Her legacy stretches far beyond her time in the classroom, touching generations of Wildcats.
Today, JT brings his talent to the UGA Paint Line, and Andy races for Berry College’s cross country and track teams, carrying her spirit with them every step of the way.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Cass High School freshman Brock Bailey has achieved a distinction earned by only 2% of people worldwide, membership in Mensa, the internationally recognized high-IQ society!
Brock, also a talented member of the Cass Band, took the supervised Mensa test in August and scored an impressive 146. To put that into perspective, the average IQ is around 100, above average falls between 115 and 129, and the gifted range begins at 130 and above.
Mensa has organizations on every continent except Antarctica, and Brock now joins this global network of bright minds. As a member, he’ll enjoy exclusive benefits including student support services, scholarships, grants, and more.
Congratulations, Brock! Way to shine BRIGHT in BARTOW!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
Brock, also a talented member of the Cass Band, took the supervised Mensa test in August and scored an impressive 146. To put that into perspective, the average IQ is around 100, above average falls between 115 and 129, and the gifted range begins at 130 and above.
Mensa has organizations on every continent except Antarctica, and Brock now joins this global network of bright minds. As a member, he’ll enjoy exclusive benefits including student support services, scholarships, grants, and more.
Congratulations, Brock! Way to shine BRIGHT in BARTOW!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
HEART SMART: Piedmont Cartersville nurses turned our Clear Creek cafeteria into a mini cardiac cath lab for our fourth graders, giving them a hands-on look at how the heart works and why healthy habits matter. Students explored coronary artery disease, checked their own pulse during a “Heart Workout,” and discovered how smart choices lead to lifelong wellness!💪
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Our Exceptional Education team hosted an unforgettable Breakfast with Santa for our special needs pre-K students and their families!
The room was filled with laughter and holiday cheer as kids enjoyed Christmas music, dancing, games, face painting, sensory tables, snow, and of course, a visit from Santa himself!
And the magic didn’t stop there: every student left with a backpack, books, and plenty of goodies!
The room was filled with laughter and holiday cheer as kids enjoyed Christmas music, dancing, games, face painting, sensory tables, snow, and of course, a visit from Santa himself!
And the magic didn’t stop there: every student left with a backpack, books, and plenty of goodies!
REMINDER: December 19, 2025, will be an Early Release Day! Elementary schools dismiss at 11:30 a.m. and middle/high schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be served, and buses will run on an early dismissal schedule. The operation of After School programs varies by school. Please check with your elementary school to see if their program will be open.
FULL-RIDE SCHOLARSHIP: Congratulations to Cass High School senior Lorilye “Jessi” Alston, who has officially been named a QuestBridge Scholar and matched with the University of Richmond!
Out of more than 25,500 applicants nationwide, only 2,550 students earned this prestigious full-ride scholarship, and Jessi is one of them! Her award covers tuition, housing, meals, books, and more for all four years!
Jessi is a standout in every way: a leader in Cass High's award-winning marching band, an active Beta Club member, and a force on the Model UN team. At Richmond, she plans to major in forensic psychology, bringing her curiosity and drive to an incredible new chapter!
Out of more than 25,500 applicants nationwide, only 2,550 students earned this prestigious full-ride scholarship, and Jessi is one of them! Her award covers tuition, housing, meals, books, and more for all four years!
Jessi is a standout in every way: a leader in Cass High's award-winning marching band, an active Beta Club member, and a force on the Model UN team. At Richmond, she plans to major in forensic psychology, bringing her curiosity and drive to an incredible new chapter!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Adairsville High School’s own Savannah Viktora has been selected as an alternate for the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) during the 64th Annual Washington Week in March!🇺🇸✨
This honor recognizes her outstanding leadership and commitment to public service.
The USSYP is a nationally acclaimed program that brings together top student leaders for an intensive week of education and engagement with officials from all three branches of government! What an incredible opportunity to inspire future careers in public service!
This honor recognizes her outstanding leadership and commitment to public service.
The USSYP is a nationally acclaimed program that brings together top student leaders for an intensive week of education and engagement with officials from all three branches of government! What an incredible opportunity to inspire future careers in public service!
