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!
STORIES & SMILES: Holiday magic is calling, and we’re answering with FREE BOOKS!
Our fan-favorite Book Giveaway is back this Thursday before the Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade!
Swing by the BCSS table next to Santa in the Plaza starting at 3:30 p.m. and grab a few books while supplies last!
Come for the books, stay for the holiday cheer! See you there! 🎄📚🎁🎅
Our fan-favorite Book Giveaway is back this Thursday before the Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade!
Swing by the BCSS table next to Santa in the Plaza starting at 3:30 p.m. and grab a few books while supplies last!
Come for the books, stay for the holiday cheer! See you there! 🎄📚🎁🎅
The BCSS is grateful for you!
BEAR HUGS & HEALTH CHECKS: HOSA, the Healthcare Science Club, hosted a Teddy Bear Clinic at the College & Career Academy for our Pre-K friends today! These Academy students transformed the classroom into a mini doctor’s office with stations for blood pressure, temperature checks, oral hygiene, and more, using stuffed animals as “patients” to make doctor visits less scary.
Not only did our littlest learners leave with smiles, goodie bags, and even a visit from a real live bear 🐾, but our HOSA students gained hands-on experience in patient interaction, communication, and leadership; skills that will serve them well in their future healthcare careers.
Big shoutout to our HOSA crew for making healthcare fun and educational for everyone! 👏
Not only did our littlest learners leave with smiles, goodie bags, and even a visit from a real live bear 🐾, but our HOSA students gained hands-on experience in patient interaction, communication, and leadership; skills that will serve them well in their future healthcare careers.
Big shoutout to our HOSA crew for making healthcare fun and educational for everyone! 👏
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 the spotlight on Scott Brown, our Technology Specialist. Scott is truly one of a kind, combining a friendly, approachable personality with outstanding professionalism. He tackles every challenge head-on and delivers results time after time.
Congratulations, Scott! Your dedication and expertise make us all better.
This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Scott Brown, our Technology Specialist. Scott is truly one of a kind, combining a friendly, approachable personality with outstanding professionalism. He tackles every challenge head-on and delivers results time after time.
Congratulations, Scott! Your dedication and expertise make us all better.
INNOVATION IN ACTION: This year’s Bartow County Student Technology Competition brought together 400+ talented students who demonstrated their creativity and technical expertise in categories such as:
▶️3D Modeling
▶️Animation
▶️Audio Production
▶️Digital Game Design
▶️Robotics
▶️Programming
▶️…and more.
The top project in each category and grade band will advance to the Regional Technology Competition in Rome on January 30, 2026.
We’re proud to have another outstanding panel of judges this year, including teachers, district personnel, retired educators, and industry leaders.
Stay tuned for updates!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
▶️3D Modeling
▶️Animation
▶️Audio Production
▶️Digital Game Design
▶️Robotics
▶️Programming
▶️…and more.
The top project in each category and grade band will advance to the Regional Technology Competition in Rome on January 30, 2026.
We’re proud to have another outstanding panel of judges this year, including teachers, district personnel, retired educators, and industry leaders.
Stay tuned for updates!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
GOBBLE GOBBLE: Our Cloverleaf Elementary School students gobbled up a GREAT meal today thanks to our School Nutrition staff! Turkey, dressing, green beans, and all the goodness; two thumbs up!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
CELEBRATING PERFECT ATTENDANCE: A huge shout-out to our incredible Bartow County bus drivers who achieved perfect attendance! Thank you for going the EXTRA MILE for our families! Also, can we talk about Mr. Mike Blalock?! FOURTEEN YEARS of perfect attendance! That's dedication at its finest!
1 Year:
Gladys Davidson • Joy Ely • Lindsay Hall • Billy Harris • Eddie Harris • Vivian Higueras • Burt Jackson • Don Longhurst • Kenny Perine • Kim Pierce • Brian Schultz • Gwen Tanner • Linda Turman • Wanda Williams
2 Years:
Mary Brown • Bill Dowis • Alison McMillan • Dennis Mietz • Bruce Poore
3 Years:
Laverne Reed
4 Years:
Jennifer Edwards
14 Years:
Mike Blalock
1 Year:
Gladys Davidson • Joy Ely • Lindsay Hall • Billy Harris • Eddie Harris • Vivian Higueras • Burt Jackson • Don Longhurst • Kenny Perine • Kim Pierce • Brian Schultz • Gwen Tanner • Linda Turman • Wanda Williams
2 Years:
Mary Brown • Bill Dowis • Alison McMillan • Dennis Mietz • Bruce Poore
3 Years:
Laverne Reed
4 Years:
Jennifer Edwards
14 Years:
Mike Blalock
SHOWCASING STEM EXCELLENCE: From elementary to high school, students are exploring, creating, and competing in our new Esports Arena and STEM Innovation Center! What an incredible resource for learning and collaboration!
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #only1bartow #proudtobebartow
