NEW ROBOTICS SEASON LOADING: Nine FIRST LEGO League coaches from schools across Bartow County are spending this week learning from leaders with Georgia Tech’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC), a statewide STEM education outreach program that provides innovative learning opportunities and professional development for educators.
Through hands-on training in robot design, coding, game strategy, and team logistics, these coaches are preparing for the 2026–27 FIRST LEGO League BIOGLOW season, which launches August 4.
By investing in their own learning today, these educators are helping inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and engineers tomorrow!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
Through hands-on training in robot design, coding, game strategy, and team logistics, these coaches are preparing for the 2026–27 FIRST LEGO League BIOGLOW season, which launches August 4.
By investing in their own learning today, these educators are helping inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and engineers tomorrow!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
STRATEGIC START: A successful school year doesn’t start on the first day of school, it starts long before students arrive! Today, our principals and assistant principals joined Chief Leadership & Learning Officer Dave Stephenson and other district leaders for a leadership kickoff focused on operations, preparation, and ensuring every school is ready for a great year ahead!
#wereready #betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
BARTOW & BEYOND: From Woodland High School salutatorian to helping shape the future of healthcare, Emily Gruelich is making an impact far beyond Bartow County!
After graduating from WHS in 2016, Emily earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech and now serves as an R&D Quality Engineer at bioMérieux in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her work helps develop diagnostic medical devices that aid in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, with a focus on patient safety and quality standards.
Emily credits the rigorous coursework and encouragement she received at WHS with helping prepare her for success at Georgia Tech and beyond.
Emily's ties to BCSS run deep. Her mother, Amy Gruelich, taught at Taylorsville for 27 years, her brother Tad graduated from WHS in 2013, and this fall she'll marry fellow WHS graduate Will Broome. Even more special, Will's sister, Rebecca Macedo, is now a teacher at Woodland High School, showing how BCSS connections can come full circle!
We're proud of all you're accomplishing, Emily, and can't wait to see what's next!
#betterinbartow #alumni #wherearetheynow
After graduating from WHS in 2016, Emily earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech and now serves as an R&D Quality Engineer at bioMérieux in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her work helps develop diagnostic medical devices that aid in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, with a focus on patient safety and quality standards.
Emily credits the rigorous coursework and encouragement she received at WHS with helping prepare her for success at Georgia Tech and beyond.
Emily's ties to BCSS run deep. Her mother, Amy Gruelich, taught at Taylorsville for 27 years, her brother Tad graduated from WHS in 2013, and this fall she'll marry fellow WHS graduate Will Broome. Even more special, Will's sister, Rebecca Macedo, is now a teacher at Woodland High School, showing how BCSS connections can come full circle!
We're proud of all you're accomplishing, Emily, and can't wait to see what's next!
#betterinbartow #alumni #wherearetheynow
STANDING OVATION: First, Adairsville High School was recognized among Georgia’s top arts-integrated schools. Now, Woodland High School is earning statewide recognition with a $5,000 Arts Education Program Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts!
“We are incredibly proud to receive this Arts Education Grant,” said Woodland High School Principal Melinda Wilder. “This funding will help take our school-wide musical to the next level by enhancing costumes, set design, and other production elements. Most importantly, it gives our students an even greater opportunity to showcase their talents, creativity, and hard work. We can't wait to see the impact it has on this year's performance.”
FULL PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/article/3025705
“We are incredibly proud to receive this Arts Education Grant,” said Woodland High School Principal Melinda Wilder. “This funding will help take our school-wide musical to the next level by enhancing costumes, set design, and other production elements. Most importantly, it gives our students an even greater opportunity to showcase their talents, creativity, and hard work. We can't wait to see the impact it has on this year's performance.”
FULL PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/article/3025705
HOMEGROWN TALENT: What does it say about a school when its graduates want to come back and work there?
This year, we're welcoming four more alumni to our CASS HIGH SCHOOL team:
• Nyssa Triana (Class of 2016), Lead Counselor
• Makenzie Gaddy (Class of 2021), Autism Teacher
• Bentley Bagwell (Class of 2005), Agriculture Teacher
• Rylee Moore (Class of 2022), Special Education Teacher
Their return brings our total number of CHS alumni working in the building to 27!
That's more than a statistic! It's a reflection of a school community people believe in, even after they've graduated!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
BARTOW PROUD: Our FACULTY & STAFF make BARTOW one special place because they lead our school communities with HEART, PASSION, & PURPOSE! These pictures say it all. ⬇️⬇️
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
CHECK IT OUT: See any familiar faces on the cover of your NEW Student Handbook?! We can't wait for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year! It will be the best one yet!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
MAKE AN IMPACT: Looking for an opportunity to join our award-winning School Nutrition Department? We're seeking an Accounting Specialist to join our team! If you're interested, click the link below to learn more and apply!
https://bartow.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5800641
https://bartow.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5800641
CHECK OUT THAT GRAD GLOW: Still swooning over graduation season 🎓✨
Local Daily Tribune Photographer Randy Parker shared these amazing shots, and we couldn’t keep them to ourselves! 📸
Congrats again, Class of 2026!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
Local Daily Tribune Photographer Randy Parker shared these amazing shots, and we couldn’t keep them to ourselves! 📸
Congrats again, Class of 2026!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
FAST FACT THURSDAY: Let's talk about that projected 10% increase!
JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM: Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference every day? Come meet us in person at our upcoming Classified Job Fair!
➡️Thursday, July 9
➡️ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
➡️BCSS Central Office Board Room
➡️ We’re hiring in multiple classified roles, including:
✅ Custodians
✅ Paraprofessionals
✅ School Nutrition Program Staff
✅ Bus Drivers & Monitors
✅ HVAC Technicians
✅ Substitute positions
👉 Don’t miss your chance to connect, ask questions, and take the next step toward joining our team!
➡️Thursday, July 9
➡️ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
➡️BCSS Central Office Board Room
➡️ We’re hiring in multiple classified roles, including:
✅ Custodians
✅ Paraprofessionals
✅ School Nutrition Program Staff
✅ Bus Drivers & Monitors
✅ HVAC Technicians
✅ Substitute positions
👉 Don’t miss your chance to connect, ask questions, and take the next step toward joining our team!
Our Mechanical Eagles soared at the Ramblin’ Robots Invitational & Tournament at Georgia Tech, and we’re so proud of all they accomplished!
From June 4–7, Kingston Elementary’s all-girls team competed alongside teams from around the world in the robot game, robot design, innovation project, and core values. Their hard work and teamwork paid off as they joined forces with two other teams to earn the TOP ALLIANCE AWARD! What a testament to their collaboration and determination!
Beyond the competition, the team explored the Georgia Tech campus, made new friends, and enjoyed some of the best sights and eats in Midtown Atlanta.
What an unforgettable experience for these talented young leaders!
From June 4–7, Kingston Elementary’s all-girls team competed alongside teams from around the world in the robot game, robot design, innovation project, and core values. Their hard work and teamwork paid off as they joined forces with two other teams to earn the TOP ALLIANCE AWARD! What a testament to their collaboration and determination!
Beyond the competition, the team explored the Georgia Tech campus, made new friends, and enjoyed some of the best sights and eats in Midtown Atlanta.
What an unforgettable experience for these talented young leaders!
TEAM VISIONARIES: We are proud to prioritize STEM learning and camps for our students! Here's another look at this week's STEM Innovation Leader Academy!
FROM CLASSROOMS TO COASTLINES: This summer, Adairsville High School students traded classrooms for coastlines as they journeyed across one of the world’s most historic regions, exploring the beauty, culture, and legacy of GREECE…and beyond!
From the ancient streets of Athens to the breathtaking blue waters of the Aegean Sea, students experienced history in a way no textbook could replicate. They stood in awe atop the Acropolis, taking in the iconic Parthenon, a symbol of classical civilization that has stood for centuries.
Their travels continued to Delphi, once considered the center of the ancient world, where they learned about the significance of Greek mythology and history. Along the coastline and across beautiful blue waters, the group made their way to the stunning island of Mykonos, soaking in unforgettable views and vibrant culture.
The adventure didn’t stop there! Students also visited Rhodes, rich with medieval history, and even crossed into Turkey, stepping onto the continent of Asia, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connected continents and cultures in a single trip.
From ancient ruins to island horizons, this journey gave Adairsville students a global perspective, lifelong memories, and stories they’ll carry with them well past their college years!
From the ancient streets of Athens to the breathtaking blue waters of the Aegean Sea, students experienced history in a way no textbook could replicate. They stood in awe atop the Acropolis, taking in the iconic Parthenon, a symbol of classical civilization that has stood for centuries.
Their travels continued to Delphi, once considered the center of the ancient world, where they learned about the significance of Greek mythology and history. Along the coastline and across beautiful blue waters, the group made their way to the stunning island of Mykonos, soaking in unforgettable views and vibrant culture.
The adventure didn’t stop there! Students also visited Rhodes, rich with medieval history, and even crossed into Turkey, stepping onto the continent of Asia, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connected continents and cultures in a single trip.
From ancient ruins to island horizons, this journey gave Adairsville students a global perspective, lifelong memories, and stories they’ll carry with them well past their college years!
TEAM VISIONARIES: Our STEM "campers" sure are turning ideas into possibilities this week at the Bartow County College and Career Academy! Circuits and guitars? Spheros and racing? VR and imaginations? YES, PLEASE! As you can see, we are a district that prioritizes hands-on STEAM learning!
This camp closes tomorrow, and a new one begins next week! Who wants a spot?
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
This camp closes tomorrow, and a new one begins next week! Who wants a spot?
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
SUMMER MEALS: 106,464. That's how many free meals our School Nutrition staff served to children in our community...SO FAR👏👏
WOW: It's AMAZING what this system has accomplished IN JUST THE LAST YEAR ALONE! We're proud of our students & staff for working HARD for these results!⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
- Creative School Arts Integration School of Excellence Award (AHS)
- 6 "Beating the Odds" schools (EES, HCES, CLES, ALES, CMS, WMS)
- 13 AP Honor School Designations (System record)
- Record-breaking AP scholar numbers
- 6 Title I Reward Schools (MRES, WES, CLES, ALES, PLES, RTMS)
- State STEM Certification (three total)
- Historically high district graduation rate
- SAT/ACT above national averages
- Increased BCCCA certifications
& MORE! Undeniable progress👏
- Creative School Arts Integration School of Excellence Award (AHS)
- 6 "Beating the Odds" schools (EES, HCES, CLES, ALES, CMS, WMS)
- 13 AP Honor School Designations (System record)
- Record-breaking AP scholar numbers
- 6 Title I Reward Schools (MRES, WES, CLES, ALES, PLES, RTMS)
- State STEM Certification (three total)
- Historically high district graduation rate
- SAT/ACT above national averages
- Increased BCCCA certifications
& MORE! Undeniable progress👏
TOP IN GEORGIA: State School Superintendent Richard Woods says Adairsville High School is one of five schools in Georgia serving as a MODEL for arts integrated instruction!
Adairsville High has been named a Creative School Arts Integration School of Excellence by the Georgia Department of Education, recognizing schools where the arts are built into learning across subjects.
From theatre and music to media production and STEM, students are learning by creating, collaborating, and applying their skills in real world ways.
AHS is also on track to become one of the first high schools to earn whole school STEAM certification in the coming year.
The results are real and growing.
Adairsville High has been named a Creative School Arts Integration School of Excellence by the Georgia Department of Education, recognizing schools where the arts are built into learning across subjects.
From theatre and music to media production and STEM, students are learning by creating, collaborating, and applying their skills in real world ways.
AHS is also on track to become one of the first high schools to earn whole school STEAM certification in the coming year.
The results are real and growing.
MEASURABLE PROGRESS & REAL RESULTS: Another state recognition for the Bartow County School System! Five schools earned the “Beating the Odds” designation from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, based on 2024–2025 CCRPI results.
Congratulations:
📒Allatoona Elementary School
📕Emerson Elementary School
📗Cloverleaf Elementary School
📘Hamilton Crossing Elementary School
📙Cass Middle School
📒Woodland Middle School
This designation means these schools performed HIGHER than other schools across the state with similar characteristics. It reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and families, and the strong work happening every day in our schools!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
Congratulations:
📒Allatoona Elementary School
📕Emerson Elementary School
📗Cloverleaf Elementary School
📘Hamilton Crossing Elementary School
📙Cass Middle School
📒Woodland Middle School
This designation means these schools performed HIGHER than other schools across the state with similar characteristics. It reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and families, and the strong work happening every day in our schools!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
FOREVER A COLONEL: It is with great sadness that Cass High School announces the passing of our Associate Principal, Mr. Bill Johnson.
For the past ten years, Mr. Johnson faithfully served Cass High School, including the last five years as Associate Principal, dedicating his heart to our students, staff, and community. His leadership was marked by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping every student succeed. Whether he was encouraging a student, supporting a teacher, or celebrating the accomplishments of others, he always led with kindness and humility.
A proud United States Marine Corps veteran and lifelong educator, Mr. Johnson believed in the power of education to change lives. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and the office, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues.
Above all, Mr. Johnson was devoted to his family. He often spoke with great pride about his wife, Philena, and his daughters, Ashton, Sheridan, and Caitlin. His love for them was evident in everything he did.
The halls of Cass High School will not be the same without his steady presence, warm smile, and genuine care for others. His legacy of service, leadership, and compassion will continue to inspire us for years to come.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Owen Funeral Home. The Johnson family will receive friends at Owen Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour on June 22, 2026.
Please join the Cass High School family in keeping the Johnson family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Once a Colonel, Always a Colonel
For the past ten years, Mr. Johnson faithfully served Cass High School, including the last five years as Associate Principal, dedicating his heart to our students, staff, and community. His leadership was marked by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping every student succeed. Whether he was encouraging a student, supporting a teacher, or celebrating the accomplishments of others, he always led with kindness and humility.
A proud United States Marine Corps veteran and lifelong educator, Mr. Johnson believed in the power of education to change lives. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and the office, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues.
Above all, Mr. Johnson was devoted to his family. He often spoke with great pride about his wife, Philena, and his daughters, Ashton, Sheridan, and Caitlin. His love for them was evident in everything he did.
The halls of Cass High School will not be the same without his steady presence, warm smile, and genuine care for others. His legacy of service, leadership, and compassion will continue to inspire us for years to come.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Owen Funeral Home. The Johnson family will receive friends at Owen Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour on June 22, 2026.
Please join the Cass High School family in keeping the Johnson family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Once a Colonel, Always a Colonel
