WOW: Student achievement in Bartow County continues to climb, with high schools earning a record 13 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor School designations this year, more than DOUBLING from just five awards in 2018.
The recognition, issued by the Georgia Department of Education, reflects performance and participation in 2025 AP courses and exams. This year also brought an additional milestone for Cass High School, which earned one more award than in years past with the AP STEM Achievement School designation. Across Georgia, 316 schools in 110 districts were named AP Honor Schools.
Adairsville High School received:
• AP STEM School Award
• AP Humanities School Award
• AP Humanities Achievement School Award
Cass High School earned:
• AP STEM School Award
• AP STEM Achievement School Award
• AP Humanities School Award
• AP Humanities Achievement School Award
• AP Access and Support School Award
Woodland High School gained:
• AP STEM School Award
• AP Humanities School Award
• AP Humanities Achievement School Award
• AP STEM Achievement School Award
• AP Schools of Distinction Award
For more information on these awards, click the link below!
https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/article/2896977
The recognition, issued by the Georgia Department of Education, reflects performance and participation in 2025 AP courses and exams. This year also brought an additional milestone for Cass High School, which earned one more award than in years past with the AP STEM Achievement School designation. Across Georgia, 316 schools in 110 districts were named AP Honor Schools.
Adairsville High School received:
• AP STEM School Award
• AP Humanities School Award
• AP Humanities Achievement School Award
Cass High School earned:
• AP STEM School Award
• AP STEM Achievement School Award
• AP Humanities School Award
• AP Humanities Achievement School Award
• AP Access and Support School Award
Woodland High School gained:
• AP STEM School Award
• AP Humanities School Award
• AP Humanities Achievement School Award
• AP STEM Achievement School Award
• AP Schools of Distinction Award
For more information on these awards, click the link below!
https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/article/2896977
COMMUNICATION COUNTS: Our Academic and Exceptional Education teams spotlighted something powerful at this week’s board meeting: functional communication for non-verbal students.
Whether high-tech or low-tech, these tools help ensure every student has a voice, and that voice opens doors to greater connection, confidence, independence, and inclusion.
This important work is made possible by an incredible team: Speech-Language Pathologists, RISE teachers and paraprofessionals, pre-K staff, and Dynamic Therapy Associates.
We’re excited to keep building on this momentum and expand these opportunities next year!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
NEW: We know a lot of you like to plan ahead, so here are the 2026 Open House Dates!
Elementary/Middle
Monday, August 3, 2026
10:30 - 11:30 AM, 1:30 - 2:30 PM, and 5:00 - 6:00 PM
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High School
Monday, August 3, 2026
Grades 10th – 12th, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Freshman 6:00 - 7:00 PM
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BCCCA
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
4:30 – 6:00 PM
Elementary/Middle
Monday, August 3, 2026
10:30 - 11:30 AM, 1:30 - 2:30 PM, and 5:00 - 6:00 PM
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High School
Monday, August 3, 2026
Grades 10th – 12th, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Freshman 6:00 - 7:00 PM
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BCCCA
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
4:30 – 6:00 PM
CLASS OF 2026 SENIOR WALK: Full circle moments filled the 306 today as Adairsville High School seniors returned to their elementary school in the iconic green caps and gowns for one last walk. The entire school lined the halls, cheering them on with Tiger Pride! What made this moment even more special was that this class was the first group of fifth graders to walk these halls. They helped open the new Adairsville Elementary School, making this milestone especially meaningful for the 306!
BEGINNINGS TO BEYOND: Once the Adairsville High School seniors finished their last lap around Adairsville Elementary, the fifth graders stepped proudly into their footsteps!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
CLASS OF 2026 SENIOR WALK: Proud AHS seniors, proud families, proud teachers.
Grab the tissues!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
Grab the tissues!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
BLEEDING BLUE & GOLD: This year, the Cass Middle School yearbook is proudly dedicated to Dr. Kristy Arnold, whose 32 years of service, including 22 years at CMS, made a lasting difference for students, staff, and the Bartow County School System! Dr. Arnold lived the Cass motto, “Whatever It Takes,” leading with excellence, determination, and heart. More than a school, she helped build a FAMILY, guiding CMS with strength and a deep belief in the potential of every student and staff member. Congratulations on your well‑earned retirement, Dr. Arnold! Your impact at Cass Middle School will surely be felt for years to come!
KINGSTON HEROES: The way these Kingston Elementary School teachers celebrate and uplift their students would melt any parent’s heart! Just look at these pictures! During this year’s Kingston Hero program, teachers nominated students who truly stood out to them, and the love behind each nomination was undeniable.
Fourth grader Kevin Trujillo Blas was named an Honorary Kingston Hero. Though we sadly lost Kevin this fall due to a medical emergency, his legacy of kindness and love continues to shine. His family joined us to accept a shadow box filled with his Kingston Hero shirt and a touching narrative written in his honor by Principal LaRue.
Kevin will always be a Kingston Hero💙💛
Fourth grader Kevin Trujillo Blas was named an Honorary Kingston Hero. Though we sadly lost Kevin this fall due to a medical emergency, his legacy of kindness and love continues to shine. His family joined us to accept a shadow box filled with his Kingston Hero shirt and a touching narrative written in his honor by Principal LaRue.
Kevin will always be a Kingston Hero💙💛
SPECIAL SHOUTOUT: Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Lauren Lyle, our District Nurse of the Year and the outstanding RN at Woodland High School!
Mrs. Lyle exemplifies excellence in school nursing. This year, through collaboration with Head Nurse Cary Eldridge, she used specialized medical equipment to capture and record a student’s heart rate and rhythm. She then securely shared that data with the student’s family, who were able to provide it to a cardiologist, leading to diagnosis and further treatment.
This is a powerful example of how expertise, collaboration, and quick thinking can make a real difference for students. We’re incredibly proud of Nurse Lyle and the critical care she brings to our schools every day!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
Mrs. Lyle exemplifies excellence in school nursing. This year, through collaboration with Head Nurse Cary Eldridge, she used specialized medical equipment to capture and record a student’s heart rate and rhythm. She then securely shared that data with the student’s family, who were able to provide it to a cardiologist, leading to diagnosis and further treatment.
This is a powerful example of how expertise, collaboration, and quick thinking can make a real difference for students. We’re incredibly proud of Nurse Lyle and the critical care she brings to our schools every day!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
HAPPY NATIONAL NURSES WEEK: We proudly recognize our dedicated school nurses who care for our students every day, supporting their health, safety, and readiness to learn. From managing daily needs to responding calmly in critical moments, our nurses are an essential part of every school community.
We also extend special recognition and gratitude to Alison Cronin, RN, of Emerson Elementary School, who is retiring after years of compassionate service. Nurse Alison’s steady presence, professionalism, and genuine care have made a lasting impact on countless students, families, and staff members.
Thank you to all of our school nurses for the vital role you play in supporting student success, and congratulations to Alison on a well‑earned retirement!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
We also extend special recognition and gratitude to Alison Cronin, RN, of Emerson Elementary School, who is retiring after years of compassionate service. Nurse Alison’s steady presence, professionalism, and genuine care have made a lasting impact on countless students, families, and staff members.
Thank you to all of our school nurses for the vital role you play in supporting student success, and congratulations to Alison on a well‑earned retirement!
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
FROM CAPS TO CAREERS & MORE: At the Bartow County College and Career Academy Senior Signing Day, 28 students committed to 14 different colleges, two enlisted in the military, and seven stepped directly into employment aligned with their career pathways, including:
▶️Bartow County Sheriff’s Office
▶️Asta Metals
▶️Atlanta Electrical Contracting Association
▶️Toyo Tire
▶️Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center
▶️Melissa’s Hair Salon
▶️A Cut Above
These outcomes reflect the exceptional preparation, partnerships, and real‑world learning opportunities provided by our Academy, where students graduate with clear direction, in‑demand skills, and the confidence to succeed beyond the classroom!
[📸: Small snapshot of graduates depicted]
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
▶️Bartow County Sheriff’s Office
▶️Asta Metals
▶️Atlanta Electrical Contracting Association
▶️Toyo Tire
▶️Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center
▶️Melissa’s Hair Salon
▶️A Cut Above
These outcomes reflect the exceptional preparation, partnerships, and real‑world learning opportunities provided by our Academy, where students graduate with clear direction, in‑demand skills, and the confidence to succeed beyond the classroom!
[📸: Small snapshot of graduates depicted]
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
WHS WILDCAT WALK: Big Wildcats. Little Wildcats. One powerful tradition.
The Wildcat Walk brought our Woodland community together in a truly special and unique way. During this event, the Class of 2026 proudly walked alongside kindergarten students from our feeder schools, the Class of 2038, showing what it means to be a Wildcat from the very first steps to the final ones on campus.
This year, nearly 750 Wildcats took part, some just beginning their journey, others preparing to launch into what’s next. It’s a powerful picture of how our PRIDE, TRADITIONS, and CONNECTIONS stretch across every grade level and continue to grow with each class!
This is how legacies are built.
This is the heart of the Woodland Wildcat community.
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
The Wildcat Walk brought our Woodland community together in a truly special and unique way. During this event, the Class of 2026 proudly walked alongside kindergarten students from our feeder schools, the Class of 2038, showing what it means to be a Wildcat from the very first steps to the final ones on campus.
This year, nearly 750 Wildcats took part, some just beginning their journey, others preparing to launch into what’s next. It’s a powerful picture of how our PRIDE, TRADITIONS, and CONNECTIONS stretch across every grade level and continue to grow with each class!
This is how legacies are built.
This is the heart of the Woodland Wildcat community.
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
WE'RE CELEBRATING: Happy School Nutrition Hero Day! We are INCREDIBLY thankful for the dedicated teams in all 19 of our kitchens who nourish our students every day! To help kick off summer, we celebrated our nutrition heroes with beach towels as a small thank you for the big impact they make...RAIN OR SHINE ☀️
[📸: Red Top Middle School; additional pictures coming soon]
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow #schoolnutritionheroday
[📸: Red Top Middle School; additional pictures coming soon]
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow #schoolnutritionheroday
FAST FACT THURSDAY: All-time high graduation rate: 95.4%
But how did we get there?
• Expanded student-centered programs & pathways (ex: Magnet, Dual Enrollment, CTAE, etc.)
• Strengthened student engagement through STEM
• Invested in exceptional educators
• Additional counselor support
• Summer Intervention Requirement
• Attendance focus
• High expectations
But how did we get there?
• Expanded student-centered programs & pathways (ex: Magnet, Dual Enrollment, CTAE, etc.)
• Strengthened student engagement through STEM
• Invested in exceptional educators
• Additional counselor support
• Summer Intervention Requirement
• Attendance focus
• High expectations
FAST FACT THURSDAY: 60 AP Scholars recognized five years ago, 360 + recognized today!
What does this mean for our community?
• Highlights strong instruction, academic support, and intentional investment in advanced learning opportunities.
• AP success leads to college credit, saving families thousands of dollars in tuition and reducing time to degree completion.
• Students are better prepared to contribute to our future economy.
What does this mean for our community?
• Highlights strong instruction, academic support, and intentional investment in advanced learning opportunities.
• AP success leads to college credit, saving families thousands of dollars in tuition and reducing time to degree completion.
• Students are better prepared to contribute to our future economy.
FAST FACT THURSDAY: 184 students committed to Magnet Programs this year, the highest total in more than six years!
Why is that important for our community?
• Expands student choice & opportunity
Magnet Programs provide diverse pathways for students across the community to access specialized learning experiences!
• Magnet Programs help retain families in district schools.
• Since Magnet Programs emphasize high-demand skills, innovation, and hands-on learning, they are preparing students for success after graduation.
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
Why is that important for our community?
• Expands student choice & opportunity
Magnet Programs provide diverse pathways for students across the community to access specialized learning experiences!
• Magnet Programs help retain families in district schools.
• Since Magnet Programs emphasize high-demand skills, innovation, and hands-on learning, they are preparing students for success after graduation.
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
GLOBAL KICKOFF: Our Euharlee Elementary Robotics team, the MechaCats, arrived safely in Houston, and the excitement is already in HIGH GEAR! Our students have connected with dozens of teams from around the world and jumped right into competition with their first match against a team from the Netherlands!
They’ll compete in two more matches today, followed by a full day of judging and three additional robot matches tomorrow! We’re so proud of their teamwork, enthusiasm, and outstanding sportsmanship. The best is yet to come, so stay tuned, BCSS family!
They’ll compete in two more matches today, followed by a full day of judging and three additional robot matches tomorrow! We’re so proud of their teamwork, enthusiasm, and outstanding sportsmanship. The best is yet to come, so stay tuned, BCSS family!
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS: At the Bartow County College & Career Academy, students graduate with REAL SKILLS, REAL EXPERIENCE, and REAL DIRECTION.
THINK YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN THESE PATHWAYS?
👉Welding
👉HVAC
👉Public Safety
👉Healthcare
👉Film & Video Production
👉Engineering
👉Early Childhood Education
👉Cosmetology
👉Automotive
YOUR FUTURE, YOUR WAY! DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES.
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
THINK YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN THESE PATHWAYS?
👉Welding
👉HVAC
👉Public Safety
👉Healthcare
👉Film & Video Production
👉Engineering
👉Early Childhood Education
👉Cosmetology
👉Automotive
YOUR FUTURE, YOUR WAY! DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES.
#betterinbartow #proudtobebartow
STANDARDS IN ACTION: Our STEM Innovation Center opened its doors to the 59th instructional field trip of the year, bringing us to 4,965 students served just this year!
Let’s take a look inside and see what these Hamilton Crossing kindergarten students learned.
This visit was intentionally designed around kindergarten standards and teacher-requested content. Students explored motion by measuring how fast Hot Wheels cars traveled, investigated day and night cycles and more through AR/VR and interactive games, and reinforced math standards by identifying number patterns and money using Indi Robots and Osmo Pizza Company.
They also made strong ELA connections by building airplanes tied directly to their Arts and Letters reading unit! All materials were supported through the PreK–12 “Taking STEM to New Heights” grant from GYSTC and the Bartow Education Foundation, expanding student exposure to aeronautics and real-world STEM learning.
Each station was purposeful, standards-aligned, and developmentally appropriate!
One Knight said it best, "when can I come back?!"
Let’s take a look inside and see what these Hamilton Crossing kindergarten students learned.
This visit was intentionally designed around kindergarten standards and teacher-requested content. Students explored motion by measuring how fast Hot Wheels cars traveled, investigated day and night cycles and more through AR/VR and interactive games, and reinforced math standards by identifying number patterns and money using Indi Robots and Osmo Pizza Company.
They also made strong ELA connections by building airplanes tied directly to their Arts and Letters reading unit! All materials were supported through the PreK–12 “Taking STEM to New Heights” grant from GYSTC and the Bartow Education Foundation, expanding student exposure to aeronautics and real-world STEM learning.
Each station was purposeful, standards-aligned, and developmentally appropriate!
One Knight said it best, "when can I come back?!"
The Bartow County Board of Education is in the process of developing its 2026-2027 school year budget. Public meetings on the budget will be held at the Bartow County Board of Education, 65 Gilreath Road, Cartersville, GA 30120 on May 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. and Monday June 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The budget will be advertised and for public viewing at www.bartow.k12.ga.us. During the scheduled meetings, the public will have the opportunity to provide input on the budget.
