NEW: Mission Road Elementary School welcomes Mary Beth Stephens as its new principal, marking the first major leadership change at MRES in 16 years!
“I am truly honored and excited to become a part of the Mission Road family,” said Stephens. “What a blessing it is to have the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated community of staff, students, and families. I look forward to building strong relationships and contributing to the continued success and growth of this amazing school!”
After graduating from the University of Alabama in 2001, Stephens began her teaching career at Pine Log Elementary School. Following 14 years of dedicated service there, she transitioned to Emerson Elementary School, where she taught and later became the Instructional Lead Teacher. In 2020, Stephens advanced her career by securing a promotion to Elementary Instructional Support Specialist at Central Office. However, in 2022, she felt a strong calling to return to the classroom, taking on the role of assistant principal at Cloverleaf Elementary School to continue serving the children of Bartow County.
“The BCSS has truly become my home away from home,” added Stephens. “I feel incredibly blessed to be part of such a supportive and loving school community, and I’m proud to contribute to a system that feels like family.”
Throughout her 23-year career in education, Stephens has earned five different certifications and received the Teacher of the Year Award. Her energy and professionalism, coupled with outstanding academic results, make her an ideal fit for MRES, one of the highest-performing schools in the county.
“MRES is truly special because it fosters positive, trusting relationships with students, families, and the community,” said Stephens. “This strong sense of connection creates a close-knit family where everyone supports and cares for one another. I look forward to continuing the strong culture of high expectations and unwavering focus on student learning. And, of course, I’m excited to create meaningful, lasting, and fun memories along the way!”
Memories are abundant in the Stephens household as she and her husband of 20 years support their daughter, Faith, who is part of the Cass Middle School Competition and Football Cheer Squad!
“On the weekends, we also enjoy grilling out as a family and spending quality time with friends and loved ones—it’s always a great way to unwind and connect,” said Stephens. “When things are quieter, I enjoy recharging by going for walks, hiking, or simply relaxing with a good book.”
Stephens’ next chapter begins June 1 at MRES, and she is excited to contribute to the award-winning school’s legacy and make a lasting impact.
NEW: After an already impressive 21 years of service with the Bartow County School System, Dr. Tracy Pulliam is set to continue her educational journey at Pine Log Elementary School as its new principal!
“I am truly honored and overjoyed,” said Dr. Pulliam. “The relationships built over the years with the Euharlee and Taylorsville Elementary communities have been incredibly meaningful, and I’m excited for the opportunity to build new relationships at PLES. Being part of a strong, close-knit community like PLES is such a gift—and I believe that kind of unity and support is the foundation of a thriving, successful school.”
Dr. Pulliam's remarkable educational career began 18 years ago at Euharlee Elementary School, where she inspired young Wildcats as a classroom teacher. She then served as assistant principal at Taylorsville Elementary School for three years, making significant strides in STEM certification, student achievement, and earning the Cognia School of Distinction status. Now, she is ready to bring her passion and leadership across the county to Pine Log Elementary School.
“The passion for teaching and learning at PLES is truly inspiring,” added Dr. Pulliam. “I’m excited to connect and build strong relationships with the staff, students, families, and community members of PLES as we continue the incredible work already underway,” added Pulliam. “I look forward to collaborating with this outstanding team of educators and community partners to continue the strong STEM initiatives and to further enhance the quality of instruction for all students.”
Dr. Pulliam's roots in the Bartow County School System run deep. As a proud graduate of Cass High School, she has seen her children graduate from the same system, and now her grandchildren are following in their footsteps as current students.
“It is incredibly meaningful to be part of this journey across generations in a community that holds such a special place in my heart,” said Dr. Pulliam.
Family is paramount for Dr. Pulliam, encompassing both her school system family and her husband of 29 years and their three children, who have been her constant support and joy. She cherishes her free time with them, believing that helping people grow and thrive is one of life’s greatest blessings.
“My faith is the foundation of who I am—it shapes my purpose and the way I connect and build relationships with others on a daily basis,” added Dr. Pulliam.
Come June, you will see these qualities shine as Dr. Pulliam takes charge of her new school, quietly nestled in the outskirts of town.
"EGGS"- CELLENT ADVENTURES: These kinder cuties at Hamilton Crossing were all smiles today hunting eggs ahead of a big weekend! Special thanks to our Cass Middle students for "hiding" hundreds of surprises for our littlest learners!
DID YOU KNOW: Ms. Dot Frasier, executive director of the Bartow Education Foundation, awarded 221 Teacher Grants this year, totaling $102,965!!!! Thank you to our Foundation members, community, and district staff for their unwavering support of this exceptional program!
If it wasn't for fundraisers, like the Red Apple Run, these grants wouldn't be possible. So, make sure to register for the 5K coming up April 26th! The deadline to sign up is next Monday!
Through our Professional Learning Communities process, the Bartow County School System is committed to ensuring students are proficient on grade level standards. Each grade level and course include critical skills and knowledge that all students must acquire to be successful for the next grade level, related courses, and state assessments.
During the year, all students received Tier I instruction on grade level standards, followed by Tier II intervention for students who have not shown proficiency. Following the Georgia Milestones Assessments (EOG/EOC), teachers in all core content areas will provide Tier II intervention for students who have not met proficiency. Extension (activities in which students extend beyond grade-level curriculum), will be provided to students who have reached proficiency on grade level standards.
For students who have not met proficiency on grade level standards by the last day of school, we require attendance at our Summer Intervention Program. Specifically, elementary and middle school students who have not reached proficiency in all grade level standards in ELA/Reading and Math, and high school students who scored between 50 and 64 for their final grade in English, math, science, and social studies. Below you will find specific information about our Summer Intervention Program.
Elementary and Middle School: Kindergarten -8th
Tuesday, June 3 – Thursday, June 19 (No Friday sessions)
8:00 AM to 11:30 AM
ELA and Math
Location: All Schools
Breakfast, Lunch, and transportation provided.
High School: 9th – 12th Grade
Tuesday, June 3 – Thursday, June 26 (No Friday sessions)
Available for English, Math, Science, and Social Studies
8:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: All Schools
Breakfast, Lunch, and transportation provided.
All students and parents/guardians will be notified on or before Friday, May 23rd if the student is in danger of not meeting proficiency.
ON EAGLES WINGS: We love this special tribute to our Tay McKibbins🕊 Georgia Southern Football Class-Act❤️
BARTOW VIRTUAL ACADEMY: The application window for the Bartow Virtual Academy will be open May 1, 2025, through May 31, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year!
The program is available to all 6th – 12th grade students who meet the criteria.
The online application link and criteria information can be found
on the BVA website at the link below.
https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/page/bartow-virtual-academy
APPRECIATION POST: It’s National School Librarian Day! Special shoutout to our dedicated media specialists districtwide! Not only do they introduce our youngest readers to the joy of reading, but they also help them develop foundational research skills, support the curriculum, promote digital literacy, and so much more! THANK YOU!
APPRECIATION POST: Join us in celebrating our TOP-NOTCH Maintenance crew! Behind the scenes, our team is working hard to ensure a safe, clean, and functional environment for both students and staff! Hit that "love" button and drop a few words below⬇️
BARTOW AND BEYOND: Cass High School's Cindy Muniz was accepted to Yale, and while she would have been proud to be a Bulldog, she couldn’t pass up the full-ride scholarship Georgia Tech offered her to study Computer Engineering! Congratulations, Cindy! We are continuously proud of your achievements!
BRIGHT IN BARTOW: Two Adairsville High School students earn the prestigious 2025 Georgia Scholar designation!
Braden Mathis and Skyla Rowland are now among a select group of 145 graduating seniors across Georgia to receive this honor from the Georgia Department of Education.
“I’m honored to be named a Georgia Scholar – to understand that my efforts are having a real, tangible impact,” said Braden. “I am incredibly grateful for the support and opportunities that have brought me here. Go Tigers!”
“I am also honored to be named a Georgia Scholar seal recipient,” added Skyla. “I look forward to continuing to embody this seal after high school. I will keep pouring my passion into philanthropy and academia while attending Princeton University and beyond.”
The Georgia Department of Education identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life through the Georgia Scholar program. Each honoree receives a seal for their diploma along with a graduation cord to recognize their achievement.
Braden and Skyla will be honored at an upcoming Bartow County Board of Education meeting.
REGISTRATION OPEN: Join us on April 26th for the 5th Annual Red Apple Run 5K and 1.5 Mile Walk to support the Bartow Education Foundation! The event kicks off at 8:00 a.m. at Hamilton Crossing Park.
This year, they're bringing back the exciting school competition, where your school has a chance to win $500! But the best part? All the funds raised go directly to Teacher Grants, fueling innovation in our classrooms!
Registration Details:
5K Run: $30
1.5 Mile Walk: $25
With your registration, you'll receive a Red Apple Run 2025 t-shirt. Not planning to run or walk? No problem! You can still join as a ghost runner for $25 and get the t-shirt.
Don't forget to fill out the School Affiliation line during online registration to help your school win. Let's make this year's Red Apple Run the best one yet! Register below by scanning the QR code 🏃♂️🏃♀️🍎 Registration closes April 20th!
Join us at Bartow's STEM Camp for the "Tech Trailblazer Academy: Architects of the Future!" Designed for students currently in grades 2-6, this fun and educational camp will explore the incredible worlds of AI, 3D printing, game design, esports, augmented and virtual reality, drones, robotics, and so much more! Don't miss the chance to ignite your child's creativity and innovation. Sign up now and watch them become future tech leaders! Space is limited and spots are going quickly.
Here's the direct link to sign up.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIvNoH8nObg7yNLjQX8HOz4Fpukx3Jkmwe3Xn7gQk5ejSTUg/viewform?usp=header
LET THE GAMES BEGIN: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Over 120 courageous students from our community participated in the 2025 Special Olympics at Adairsville High School! The event was filled with excitement as cheerleaders welcomed student athletes off the buses, music filled the air, and special athlete recognitions were proudly displayed on the jumbotron. It was a memorable day as they competed for ribbons, bragging rights, and countless high fives!
A heartfelt thanks to AHS, athlete buddies countywide, Cartersville Service League, Chick-fil-A, and Coosa Valley Credit Union for generously donating t-shirts for our athletes! It was a truly special event that will go down in the BCSS record books!
BARTOW & BEYOND: We are thrilled to announce that two of our outstanding Adairsville High School Magnet students, Braden Mathis and Skyla Rowland, are on their way to the Ivy League! Braden has been accepted to both Yale and Dartmouth, while Skyla has been accepted to Princeton. What incredible achievements!
It all began right here in Bartow, and we couldn't be prouder! Congratulations, Braden and Skyla! Your dedication, drive, and determination are truly inspiring. You're on the path to making a significant impact on the world, and we can't wait to see all that you accomplish!
CENTRAL OFFICE CELEBRATIONS: When you work in a school system and community like this, you have a lot to celebrate!
This month, we are excited to celebrate and recognize Megan Brown, our Chief Financial Officer. Her strong roots in our community, along with her background in finance and real estate, make Mrs. Brown a great asset to the Bartow County School System. She, along with the BCSS, is transparent and always works hard to maximize the use of taxpayer funds while providing a quality education for all students. We are grateful she's a part of our BCSS Family!
ON THE ROAD AGAIN: From Georgia Tech to UGA and now Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College! Our high school students are getting a taste of college life and learning all about the admissions process!
BRIGHT IN BARTOW: Three Bartow County high school students earn coveted seats in the highly prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) at Georgia Southern University, running from June 15 to July 12. Additionally, two alternates have been named.
Congratulations to:
• Charlotte Langhans, a junior at Cass High School, Music: Flute
• Emma Brown, a junior at Cass High School, Music: Oboe
• Makai Messier, a junior at Woodland High School, Music: Euphonium
The alternates are:
• Sophia Vasquez-Munguia, a sophomore at Adairsville High School, Engineering: Civil & Environmental
• Abigail Britton, a sophomore at Adairsville High School, Engineering: Mechanical & Aerospace
“Congratulations to each of these exceptionally talented students,” said GHP Coordinator Paula Camp. “Many excelled in the Fine Arts, and I am confident they will have a life-changing experience at Georgia Southern University this summer. Our students are well-prepared to share their unique skills with like-minded individuals from across the state.”
The GHP is a residential summer program for skilled, knowledgeable, and talented high school sophomores and juniors. It offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom, providing academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to develop the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.
The program remains fully funded by the Georgia General Assembly.
NOTHING DOWN ABOUT IT: We're celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with this crew of cuties from Adairsville Elementary School - Declan, Levan, and Henry!
Today, we honor and celebrate all of our incredible students with Down syndrome and their families. Did you know that approximately 1 in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome?
Let's raise awareness and spread the love! Every person with Down syndrome brings unique talents, perspectives, and joy to our school community!💛💛💛
WOW: Join us in celebrating Adairsville High School junior Ramzey Gulledge, who has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to attend the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC)! Ramzey is one of only 39 FFA members in Georgia to receive this incredible honor.
At WLC, FFA members dive into a premier leadership experience, exploring the rich history of Washington, D.C. Throughout the week, participants will learn key principles like exploration, encouragement, advocacy, and service, while crafting a Living to Serve Plan to bring back to their communities.
WLC is renowned for its life-changing impact, and we can't wait to see how Ramzey will use this opportunity to make a difference in Adairsville FFA and beyond.
Congratulations, Ramzey! We are immensely proud of you! 🌟
