TRUE INSPIRATION: We are thrilled to announce that Tina O'Shields, our intellectual disabilities specialist, has been honored as a 2025 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards grant recipient! She just received a $30,000 grant to support the Special Olympics of Georgia - Bartow County. This year, only 56 recipients across the Nation were selected for this prestigious award.
To be nominated, organizations must address a critical community issue that aligns with Chick-fil-A’s corporate social responsibility priorities: Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for Our Communities, and Caring for Our Planet.
"I dream of sending athletes to the State Games, where they can continue to develop physical fitness, joy, courage, and a sense of community with other athletes and their families," said O'Shields. "This award is incredible for our athletes and the community. I am deeply grateful to Scott Sangrey and his team at Chick-fil-A!"
SAVE & SHARE: Early kindergarten registration information is below!
https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/page/central-registration
HOT OFF THE PRESS: Who opened the cover of the Chamber's 2025 Community Guide and Business Directory and saw this! 😮 It's always #betterinbartow 🎉
STEM CERTIFIED: Join us in celebrating Woodland High School's achievement of District STEM Certification! We proudly presented their banner, marking them as the 18th school in our System to receive this honor! This certification recognizes the school's dedication to high-quality STEM education through enhanced curriculum, professional development for educators, and innovative teaching methods. Next up, State STEM Certification!
“Achieving STEM certification is a proud milestone for Woodland High School and a testament to the hard work of our students, staff, and community,” said WHS Principal Melinda Wilder. “This certification highlights our commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, while also preparing students for future success in a rapidly changing world. It underscores our dedication to excellence in education and our mission to provide innovative and meaningful learning experiences for every student. This initiative was largely driven by our student STEM Ambassadors, whose passion, leadership, and dedication played a pivotal role in helping us achieve this certification.”
APPRECIATION POST: Honoring Bartow County School Board Member Tony Ross for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service as Chairman of the Board of Education from 2023 to 2024.
ON EAGLES WINGS: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ms. Madonna Harris, a true hero, idol, and cornerstone of Emerson Elementary School.
For 34 years, Ms. Harris, a quiet powerhouse, transformed the lives of her first and second grade students. "For countless struggling readers, she was their guiding light," said EES colleague Dee Smith. "Ms. Harris had an uncanny ability to pinpoint exactly what each student needed, often creating resources herself. She didn’t need the latest tools to help students succeed—she was the tool they needed. Her impact was profound, instilling hope and belief in students who once doubted themselves."
Teachers revered her as "The Madonna Harris, a true reading guru." She served on the EES Guiding Coalition, was a first-grade team lead, and was honored as Teacher of the Year.
"She was an incredible mentor and role model to every staff member," added EES Assistant Principal Kerry Hammond. "She taught us to see the potential in every student, to teach with compassion, and to never give up. Working alongside her was an honor and a privilege. Madonna wasn’t just an amazing teacher—she was a cornerstone of our school and an irreplaceable presence. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her."
Teacher, mentor, and friend—a pillar on which many leaned. "She listened, supported, and always offered a kind word," said Smith. "She was selfless, never boastful, and made everyone feel valued. Her motto, ‘What’s mine is yours,’ was evident in everything she did. She poured her heart, time, and resources into her students and colleagues alike."
A celebration of life service will be held today. Extensive support and resources will be provided at EES through our crisis response team. Please keep friends and family close as we remember our remarkable, one-of-a-kind Eagle, now soaring high.
NEW: We will be operating on our regular schedule tomorrow, January 13, 2025, and are looking forward to an exciting week of learning.
Just a reminder, the BCSS will be closed January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
BCSS SNOW DAY 2025: Home of the Tigers! Looked a little different today with a blanket of fresh snow! Aren't these photographs amazing?! Thank you for sharing them, Clerc Family!
BCSS SNOW DAY 2025: WOW! Joy as pure as the snow that fell! Thank you so much for sending in hundreds of pictures! Here's just a small snapshot of our FAMILY❄️☃️❄️
SPECIAL BCSS MESSAGE: Due to a winter storm watch and the potential for hazardous road conditions, the Bartow County School System will be closed for all students and staff tomorrow, January 10, 2025. All weekend extracurricular activities are also canceled to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.
Please stay safe and enjoy a restful day at home tomorrow. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, January 13.
SPECIAL BCSS MESSAGE: With a winter storm event in the forecast for Friday, January 10, 2025, we are closely monitoring the weather, collaborating with emergency management officials, and considering all factors to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.
A decision regarding Friday school operations and weekend extracurricular activities will be made tomorrow, January 9, 2025, before 1 p.m.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this winter weather event. Please stay tuned for tomorrow's update. Announcements will be communicated by phone, email, app, website, and social media.
SHOP WITH A HERO: Bartow County schools were challenged to raise $2,000 for the Shop with a Hero Program, but with the collective efforts of our AMAZING students and staff, guess how much was raised? $15,243.70!!!
The highest contributors and winners of the HERO CUP TROPHY are:
* Hamilton Crossing Elementary School - $2,800.34
* Red Top Middle School - $1,550.00
* Adairsville High School - $1,221.00
WHAT BETTER TIME THAN NOW: Download our App and never miss an update!
SHOP WITH A HERO: What an outpouring of love and support in our community! Not only did our Police Chief, Billy Henson, spearhead an effort within our schools to raise more than $15,000 for the Shop with a Hero Program, but so many of our school community came together last month to make sure hundreds of Cartersville-Bartow County students had the best holiday EVER -- food, toys, and even a police-escorted ride around town!
SCHOOL CHOICE PROCEDURES: Starting February 3rd, our School Choice application window will be open for the upcoming academic year! Details below!
WOW: Christmas came early for Bartow County School Bus Driver Jimmy Chappell! He won a $500 cash prize at our Transportation luncheon from our partners in education -- Carla Fowler with Caldwell Banker Kinard Reality! Wonderful surprise for a dedicated member of Team Bartow! #HappyHolidays2024
ENJOY YOUR BREAK: Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from the Bartow County School System! Make sure you pick up your phone tonight to hear a special message from Superintendent Terza! Enjoy some rest and relaxation, and we'll see our students back on January 7, 2025!
FESTIVE FINALE: What better way for Cass Middle school to end a half day than with a festive Christmas Pep Rally! Cheers could be heard from the Cass Middle School parking lot as students, teachers, and even cafeteria staff battled it out in the gym for bragging rights in holiday-themed games. A flash mob ensued; and Deputy Superintendent Christian Suttle was there with a smile on his face to see it all! #betterinbartow #peprallyfun #magic #weloveourkids
FOND FAREWELL: We are delighted to announce the retirement of our beloved Mrs. Vicky Wade, who has dedicated an incredible 27 years to the Bartow County School System! Throughout her remarkable career, Vicky has worn many hats, including serving as a bookkeeper at Emerson and Taylorsville Elementary Schools, and as an assistant to the assistant principal at Woodland High School. Her contributions have also been invaluable in the Curriculum, Technology, and School Nutrition Departments. Vicky's unwavering commitment and versatile skills have made a lasting impact on our community. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement!
CENTRAL OFFICE CELEBRATIONS: When you work in a school system and community like this, you have a lot to celebrate!
This month, we proudly celebrate and honor David VanHook, our Director of Maintenance and Construction. If you want something done quickly and efficiently, you go directly to Mr. VanHook! His knowledge is vast, and his timeliness and response to questions or concerns is unmatched. He's an asset to our System and we're glad to have him!
