Bartow County School System

BEST OF THE BEST: In a blooming celebration of hands-on learning and community collaboration, White Elementary has been honored with the GARDEN OF THE SEASON AWARD by the Georgia Department of Education’s School Nutrition Department—ONE OF ONLY FOUR SCHOOLS in the entire state to receive this prestigious recognition! This award celebrates their commitment to the Farm to School movement, where local food procurement is standard practice and much of the food served in the WES café is grown right on campus. At WES, the gardens are more than just green spaces—they’re living classrooms. Every grade level integrates the gardens into their STEM Project-Based Learning (PBL), turning science, math, and environmental studies into real-world experiences. Two dedicated garden clubs meet weekly, getting their hands dirty and their minds engaged. These young gardeners are learning responsibility, teamwork, and the joy of nurturing something from seed to harvest. But none of this would be possible without the support of our School Nutrition Department and our incredible community partner, the UGA Extension Office. Their guidance and collaboration have helped school gardens thrive and our students flourish. This award is a testament to what happens when a school community comes together with a shared vision: to grow healthier kids, stronger minds, and a greener future. CONGRATULATIONS, WES!

PLANNING AHEAD: 🎓Graduation Day 🎓is almost here! Help us make graduation day smoother—carpool if you can! Fewer cars = easier parking + happier families! #CarpoolForCommencement

GOOD FRIYAY NEWS: Thank you, HRA Foundation, for your generous $1,400 donation to Bartow County Special Olympics! Your support plays a vital role in creating meaningful opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities in our community. Because of your generosity, we’re able to offer inclusive sports and events that empower our athletes, foster friendships, and spark joy. Your kindness is making a lasting impact—and we are truly grateful.

THANK YOU THURSDAY: A huge shoutout to this stellar Keller Williams Realty team for choosing Hamilton Crossing Elementary as their destination for RED DAY! This annual day of service is all about "Renewing, Energizing, and Donating" to the community, and this stellar crew did just that! From painting and pressure washing to adding those special finishing touches, their hard work has truly made a difference. 🎨🧼✨ Thank you, Keller Williams, for your dedication and support in making our school shine! 🌟

SWEEPSTAKES WINNER: Levi Huff, a bright Pre-K student from Adairsville Elementary School, has been named one of the lucky winners of the Georgia Path2College 529 Sweepstakes! Levi is one of only four students across the state to receive this honor. This morning, Levi was awarded $1,529, which will be invested in a Path2College 529 account to support his future college dreams. 🌟 But that's not all! Adairsville Elementary School also received a matching $1,529 to enhance their Pre-K program or other school initiatives. 📚✨ For additional details on the Path2College 529 program, visit Path2College 529. https://www.path2college529.com/

SERVING UP SUCCESS: Fostering a sense of community service...one pancake at a time! Take a look at Officer Donnie Scott's Men's Leadership Program and Women's Leadership Program led by Bartow County School Social Workers, Dr. LaToia Carter and Ashley Saddler! These 6-8th grade students are cooking up some pancakes at Cass Middle School during Teacher Appreciation Week! They also received some help from the individuals below: ⏺ BCSS Police Chief Billy Henson ⏺ Major Duane Smith ⏺ Major Mark Mayton (Bartow County Sheriff Office) ⏺ Mr. Jeff Besley ⏺ Resource Officer Jake Gentry ⏺ Ms. Kristy Mitchell ⏺ Ms. Meagan Nalls Men's and Women's Leadership groups at several other BCSS elementary and middle schools will be serving up pancake breakfasts throughout the month!

FULL CIRCLE MOMENT: Mrs. Ellis, an Adairsville Elementary School teacher, had the pleasure of delivering letters to seniors that they wrote to themselves back in 5th grade! Just as special, several current AES 5th graders wrote letters to their future senior selves. One day, they will open these letters and reflect on who they were and who they aspired to become! A beautiful tradition continues!👨‍🎓

NATIONAL SCHOOL NURSE DAY: Thank you to our incredible school nurses for their compassion, expertise, and tireless efforts in ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff! #betterinbartow

CONGRATULATIONS: Our very own Communications Coordinator, Alisha Evans, has been elected to the Georgia School Public Relations Association Board of Directors as the Region 1 Member Service Director! We are so excited to have her serve the state of Georgia in this capacity and continue her exceptional work in Bartow County Schools!

SCHOOL NUTRITION HERO DAY: Our students expressed it perfectly: "Thank you bunches for our lunches!" These unsung heroes deserve our recognition today and every day. They do an incredible job of fueling our minds so we can perform at our best. THANK YOU! [These are just a few of our heroes at Cass Middle School and Kingston Elementary School🍎]

CLASSROOM COMEBACK: Thanks to our incredible community partners, Kingston Elementary School's Living Classroom has been revitalized! Our partnership with Toyo Tires, who adopted KES this school year, has led to significant improvements. They recently replaced railroad ties, windows in the schoolhouse and pioneer cabin, stained the amphitheater wood, and cleared the area for student and staff use. Now, they can host more guests, classes, a bike rodeo, and student talent show in this newly invigorated space! Several Eagle Scout projects have also enhanced the Living Classroom by replacing the bridge and steps to the bog pond, as well as benches and railroad ties. The Living Classroom, a dream realized by former principal Gary Smith in 1998, has been a cornerstone of Kingston Elementary. The KES STEM committee now works tirelessly to keep this resource thriving. Over the years, the Etowah Rotary Club also provided new signage, fresh paint, and repairs to our one-room schoolhouse, along with manual labor for new mulch on our trails. The Cartersville Rotary Club contributed a new tool shed, tools, picnic tables, and began replacing railroad ties.

ONE WILDCAT FAMILY: ❌Warning❌Get those tissues handy! Woodland High School's inaugural Wildcat Walk was UNFORGETTABLE! It was a truly special day as more than 400 Wildcats from Allatoona, Emerson, Euharlee, Mission Road, and Taylorsville converged upon WHS and were greeted by the school's nationally recognized marching band and cheerleaders. The pomp and circumstance didn't end there! They saw themselves on the jumbotron as WHS Principal Melinda Wilder introduced them to the WHS Class of 2025! From there, the seniors presented the kindergarteners with a t-shirt and book titled "What it Means to be a Wildcat." The morning was rounded out with snacks provided by Bartow County School Nutrition and countless photo opportunities!

STAR SCHOLARS: Two seniors from Cass High School’s International Studies Magnet Program have been named Star Scholars by the Georgia Department of Education for their outstanding academic achievements and global focus! Cindy Muniz was recognized as an International Star Student, a distinction awarded to students who earn the Georgia International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS). Cindy shared her inspiring journey at the recognition ceremony. She’s headed to Georgia Tech with a prestigious full-ride scholarship to study Computer Science. Aubrey Herring was also honored by the Georgia Department of Education as a Biliteracy Star Student, recognizing her achievement in earning the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy. This state distinction is awarded to students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. Aubrey earned her seal in American Sign Language (ASL)—a unique and significant accomplishment. She’ll be attending the University of Georgia to major in Communications and minor in ASL. Join us in celebrating their dedication to academic excellence and global citizenship!🎉

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Bartow County School Police Chief Billy Henson exemplifies a servant's heart, not only at events like the Special Olympics but every day!

UPGRADE: The new 18-classroom addition at Adairsville High School is about 95% COMPLETE! We're just waiting on a few items for our STEM Lab, and we should be ready to open its doors by the end of May! Look for a ribbon cutting ceremony soon! [picture taken at the beginning of the month]

BETTER IN BARTOW: It's not hard to see that Bartow County is leading the way in all things STEM, and here's yet another example why! Over the weekend, we hosted the Spring 2025 GHSA Esports Championships! It was an exciting time as this event highlighted the best teams across Georgia, our beautiful Esports Arena, fantastic vendors, and amazing volunteers! We even had NFL Los Angeles Rams player and avid gamer Tremayne Anchrum, Jr. with us for the day! Here are some specifics: ➡️4 Championship Games: Splatoon 3, Madden, NBA2K, and Rocket League ➡️20 Top Esports Teams in Georgia ➡️Over 400 visitors ➡️5 Vendors: Ghost Gaming, PowerUpEDU, PlayVS, Georgia Film Academy, EagleSportz, and Kona Ice of North Georgia ➡️2 Shoutcasters from Georgia Highlands College ➡️8 Shoutcasters from Bartow County Schools ➡️55 Bartow volunteers including Adairsville High School, Adairsville Middle School, Bartow County College and Career Academy, Cass High School, Cass Middle School, Clear Creek Elementary School, Euharlee Elementary School, Kingston Elementary School, Mission Road Elementary School, Taylorsville Elementary School, White Elementary School, Woodland High School - Cartersville.

SAVE THE DATES: Here is your 2025-2026 Open House schedule! Yes, we like to be prepared, and yes, it'll be here before we know it! --- Elementary/Middle Monday, August 4, 2025 10:30 - 11:30 AM, 1:30 - 2:30 PM, and 5:00 - 6:00 PM --- High School Monday, August 4, 2025 Grades 10th – 12th, 3:30 - 4:30 PM Freshman 6:00 - 7:00 PM --- BCCCA Tuesday, August 5, 2025 4:30 – 6:00 PM

SLAM THE EXAM: Day one of Milestones testing is just about over, and we know our 3-12th grade students SLAMMED THE EXAM! Check out this test prep session from Hamilton Crossing Elementary, and make sure you get a good night's sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and arrive early to avoid any last-minute test stress. Let's ace those Georgia Milestones tests together! 💯

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: Adley, a dedicated Hamilton Crossing Knight, chose to trade in all her hard-earned "Dojo" points—earned through positive behavior, participation, and academic achievements—not for big prizes at the school store, but to read to her little sister's class. Her literacy skills are only surpassed by her character. Great job, Adley! #betterinbartow

TOUR OF NATIONS: Our talented 3-5th grade GATEWAY students at White Elementary School put their critical thinking, creativity, and soft skills to the test today! In this Tour of Nations event, they showcased different parts of the world and shared authentic food from that region with their peers! Outstanding work, Warriors! It really is #betterinbartow