Bartow County School System

Eleven Bartow County School System students advance in the highly competitive and prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program – the most semifinalists since 2016! The eleven semifinalists include Adairsville High School juniors Samantha Lusian (Communicative Arts) and Danielle Lusian (Music: Tenor or Soprano), and sophomore David Tarver (Engineering: Computer Programing); Cass High School juniors Luke Fritz (Engineering: Mechanical Design), Jacques Denoux (Music: Acoustic or Electric Bass), Sydney Orr (Visual Arts), Loren Montoya (Social Studies), and sophomore Lillian Taylor (Music: French Horn); Woodland High School juniors Jenna Bassler (Music: Flute) and David Drennan (Music: Trombone), and sophomore Christian Koontz (Visual Arts). “This year, about 3,200 students across the state were nominated to the state-level competition, and more than 1,300 of them have been selected as semifinalists for the state interviews and auditions,” said BCSS GHP Coordinator Paula Camp. “I am extremely proud of our semifinalists. They’re already critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders in their schools, and they are ready for the new challenges that await them.” The 2022 GHP semifinalists will now have the opportunity to interview or audition at Berry College on February 26. Finalists and alternates will be announced March 25. Upon acceptance, finalists will participate in the elite, four-week, summer residential program at Berry College starting June 19. The Governor’s Honors Program remains fully funded by the Georgia General Assembly.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION: We have BIG news to start the week! Mission Road Elementary School becomes the 10th Bartow County school to be named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement! I am very excited that my staff is being recognized for doing the RIGHT work for our MRES students,” said MRES Principal Sherrie Hughes. “They have worked countless hours to increase student achievement for all learners. I am proud that we are working to build a foundation where every student will develop the academic, creative, and social skills needed to become responsible, contributing members of the community.” The school’s successful implementation of PLC’s was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students. PLC’s are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is on-going, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to: 1. Focus on learning. 2. Build a collaborative culture. 3. Create a results orientation. “We began the PLC process more than three years ago by forming a guiding coalition of teacher leaders,” added Hughes. “This group created mission and vision statements along with collective commitments to create a shared sense of purpose. Then, MRES began to focus on the three big ideas: learning, collaboration, and results. Our teachers met twice weekly in grade level collaboration teams to choose essential standards, create common assessments, and focus on improving achievement. We worked to create a culture where teachers have common goals and are mutually accountable for all students.” Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture, and then submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee. “This recognition requires that we continue to see ongoing improvement in student achievement,” said Hughes. “Our staff will use collaboration time to focus on student needs based on the most current data. We will set goals with our students that allow them to feel empowered and encouraged to reach their full potential. As we perfect the PLC process, we will close learning gaps for all.” MRES, Adairsville Elementary School, Euharlee Elementary School, Clear Creek Elementary School, Pine Log Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School, Cass Middle School, Adairsville Middle School, Cloverleaf Elementary School, and White Elementary School now join the Bartow County School System as they celebrate Model PLC School and Model PLC District status.

NEW: After a recent comprehensive review of Bartow County School System Public Health Protocols by parent, teacher, and principal advisory councils, the following changes to current guidelines have been made and are effective immediately: Bartow County Schools will only be contact tracing if a school is in the “yellow phase,” which means more than 1% of the total student and staff population is COVID-19 positive. Contact tracing is the process of identifying students who may have been exposed to the infection. While in the “green phase,” BCS will only monitor confirmed positive students or students who have been exposed to COVID-19 at home. If your child was exposed at home but has immunity, he/she may return to school, but is expected to wear a mask and remain symptom free. Daily temperature checks for these individuals will no longer be conducted by school nurses. Without immunity, prior system guidelines apply. If your school documents an increase in COVID-19 cases and moves into the “yellow phase,” all prior system quarantine guidelines apply, and protocols remain unchanged for students who test positive for COVID-19. As always, thank you for your continued patience and understanding as COVID-19 evolves in our community and new information is released regularly by public health officials. We remain committed to safety and high levels of learning for all students.

STAR STUDENTS & TEACHERS: Drumroll, please? The SYSTEM WINNER in the PAGE STAR Student and Teacher program is Woodland High School Senior Caden Wolf! Announced today at a special luncheon hosted by the Cartersville Rotary Club at the Cartersville Country Club, Caden and his STAR Teacher, Emerson Elementary School Assistant Principal Kerry Hammond, now advance to the regional competition! Not only did Caden earn the highest SAT score in the district, he earned a coveted position in his school's drumline and played in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Caden has an intrinsic need to be challenged and push for greatness, needs that Ms. Hammond noticed when she taught eight-year-old Caden at EES! Ms. Hammond helped provide the foundation Caden needed to flourish, and look where he is now! Congratulations to AHS STAR Student Mark Brunson and AHS STAR Teacher Summer Erickson and CHS STAR Student Andrew Ziemer and CHS STAR Teacher Sam Iddings! What wonderful representations of the Bartow County School System! We could not be more proud of every individual honored in this student teacher achievement recognition program!

GROUNDHOG SHADOW DAY: On this Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow and Woodland High School CTAE classes participate in a Groundhog Shadow Day! That means more than 680 students from all grade levels receive the opportunity to walk through a college and career fair today at WHS and excitedly ask questions about what local businesses and schools have to offer for jobs and postsecondary opportunities! The level of engagement is incredible! Thank you to our community parters that are participating. This morning, we saw the City of Cartersville, Chick-fil-A, Mister Softee, Georgia Highlands College, Chattahoochee Technical College, Dress for Success, and all branches of the military, just to name a few!

"GRANTING" WISHES: The Bartow Education Foundation awards 196 Bartow County teachers grant money to transform their classrooms and provide unique educational opportunities for hundreds of students. “The Teacher Grant program is the largest project we fund,” said Bartow Education Foundation Executive Director Dot Frasier. This year, we disbursed $92,301.82 in grants. While that’s a little less than in years past, I am very happy with the outcome considering these unprecedented times. The grant money is introducing our students to materials and lessons that I never thought possible in Bartow County!” Adairsville High School received $18, 621.59 in grant money – the most out of any school districtwide. Grants, which support learning, collaboration, and results, include the intent to purchase drones and 3-D printers to push the boundaries of innovation. Adairsville High School’s Center for Advanced Studies in Science, Technology, and Math will use its well-deserved money to erect a four-tier portable greenuse for a one-of-a-kind outdoor classroom. Math teachers will now be able to teach a Personal Finance class so students will be able to make sound financial decisions for life, and administrators will be purchasing paint to create encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting messages in restroom areas to make a positive impact on the school’s climate and culture, just to name a few grant proposals. “So many teachers reach into their own pockets every year to supplement student learning,” added Superintendent Dr. Phillip Page. “So, we are very thankful for Ms. Dot and the Bartow Education Foundation, teachers, and community members who contribute annually to this worthy cause. Our students are learning at higher levels because of them.” At the middle school level, teachers are spending their grant money on multi-sensory spaces for Exceptional Education students, tools to aid in graphic design, and even materials for community service projects, like mercy mats, made for distribution to the homeless population. Many schools build upon projects started last year. At Cloverleaf Elementary School, teachers used grant money last year to purchase materials for a chicken coop. Cass High School students built it, and now teachers are utilizing additional grant money to purchase baby chickens and supplies for their garden area. Students from all grade levels will be able to complete many investigative projects and problem-based learning (PBL) tasks centered around the chickens, their needs, life cycle, and habitat. In addition to the Teacher Grant program, which is now in its 27th year, the Bartow Education Foundation helps fund programs that benefit BCSS retirees, teachers of the year, and bus drivers. [Pictured: Ms. Dot holding materials purchased through grants]

SAVE THE DATE: Join our world-class educators!

SCHOOL CHOICE: The Out-of-Zone/Out-of-District window will be opening on Monday, Feb. 7 at 8:00 a.m. and will close on Feb. 25 at 3:00 p.m. Please see the flyer below for more information!

FREE FAMILY NIGHT: The Booth Western Art Museum is hosting another fun Family Night this Thursday from 4-7:30 p.m. with a "Presidential Pet" theme! It's completely free with no registration required. Check out these activities! * Pocket pet craft * Oval office pocket pet photo shoot * Selfie station * Presidential pet matching game * Balloon animals with a balloon artist * Visiting artist * Animal drawing activity * FREE PRIZES https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=677876873238526

In accordance with 34 CFR 300.573, the Bartow County Board of Education will be destroying the Special Education records of students born in 1998. All records prior to this year have already been destroyed, as per Federal guidelines. Anyone interested in obtaining his or her records should notify this office in writing by March 1, 2022. Please include the following information: student name, date of birth, phone number, and last Bartow County school attended. Please mail requests for records to the Exceptional Education Department, Bartow County Schools, 65 Gilreath Road, P.O. Box 200007, Cartersville, GA 30120-9026.

MOST PRESTIGIOUS SYSTEM AWARD: Superintendent Page and system leaders present Woodland Middle School and its seventh-grade ELA team, which consists of Lucy Costello, Joley Neubert, and Jody Taylor with the most prestigious award given by the District, the A-Team Award! Lucy Costello, Joley Neubert, and Jody Taylor exemplify the three big ideas of our Professional Learning Communities culture as they continually demonstrate a focus on learning, collaboration, and results. Through observations and conversations with each team member, it is evident this team uses the PLC process to work together with collective responsibility for student learning. They ensure a guaranteed and viable curriculum for all seventh-grade ELA students, use common formative assessments to monitor student learning, use common assessment data to improve teaching and learning practices, and support the RTI process by providing systematic interventions and extensions for all students. It is also evident that Principal Michael Blankenship and the Woodland Middle School Guiding Coalition have played a significant role in the development of this A-Team. Its Guiding Coalition was mentioned many times as a source of strength for the PLC process and as the means for the professional development which resulted in the efficacy of this collaborative team. Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement! Lucy Costello, Joley Neubert, and Jody Taylor will now present at an upcoming school board meeting, New Teacher Institute, and serve as role models for future A-Teams throughout our school system This is our 11th collaboration team to earn an A-Team Award!

CENTRAL OFFICE CELEBRATIONS: When you work in a school system and community like this, you have a lot to celebrate! And, if you know Superintendent Page, then you know he likes to celebrate the RIGHT WORK. In the Bartow County School System, the right work supports learning, collaboration, and results. That's what we value. Today, we celebrate and honor Janine McEwen, our Central Office Receptionist and Secretary. She's often the first voice our families hear when they call the school system. Janine is extremely organized, highly energetic, and has a true passion for the BCSS and all its families! She is also the first to help with many projects, including the Bartow Education Foundation Teacher Grants. Congratulations, Janine! You surely make us all better!

TRIPLE E SUCCESS NIGHT: Wow, you don't see this very often! Please take advantage of it if you can!

WOW: Bartow's Wrestlers continue to make a name for themselves! Take a look at these highlights from over the weekend! * Cass High School - 5A State Wrestling CHAMPIONS * Woodland High School - 5A 4th Place Overall * Adairsville High School - 3A 4th Place Overall

RIGHT WORK: Let's recognize our new Ms. Dot STAR Award winners for going above and beyond in their line of work. Their impact can truly be felt districtwide! CONGRATULATIONS: Ida Jewell, Paraprofessional, Cloverleaf Elementary School Tracy Lee, Administrative Assistant, Euharlee Elementary School Billy Henson, Campus Police Supervisor, Bartow County School Police

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: View the new Chamber Community Guide below! It features so many amazing BCSS students, like Noah McDurmon, Mya Moffitt, Colton Bennett, Charlotte Crumley, Thaddie McClendon, and Hunter Owens! http://digital.peachstatepublications.com/publication/?i=733015

REDISTRICTING INFORMATION: The Board of Education will review the draft map prepared for the district by the State Reapportionment and Redistricting office at the Work Session on Monday, February 7. Public comment regarding the redistricting is welcome. For the new districts to take effect in the 2022 election, they will have to be approved by the Board at the Business Meeting following the Work Session on February 7. *This is redistricting for the election of school board members. It does not impact where children will attend school* *CLICK LINK FOR ADDITIONAL MAPS AND INFORMATION* https://www.bartow.k12.ga.us/article/635863

TRANSPORTATION SPOTLIGHT: We cannot say enough about our Transportation Department! When there is a shortage of bus drivers, like there has been lately, these woman in the Transportation office (and their director!) jump on the busses and run as many routes as needed - day or night! Thank you, Mikala Davis, Natalie Ingram Miller, Wendy Carringer, and the entire Transportation staff! Again, if you're interested in becoming a BCSS bus driver, call 770-606-5873, or apply online at https://bartow.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

CARTERSVILLE DANCES WITH THE STARS: Bartow's own Lynn Hedden joins Cartersville Dances with the Stars to benefit Backpack Buddies and Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter! Check out the t-shirt she designed! Order deadline is January 31! Again, all proceeds help feed food insecure families in our county and support our homeless population. https://app.mobilecause.com/f/3ne5/n?vid=pexf2

TRANSPORTATION SPOTLIGHT: The need for school bus drivers is real, not just here but across the nation. In our small community, no one feels that more than those in the Transportation Department. Our employees need to be commended. All of them. They step up, exhibit pride, love, and unparalleled commitment to the transportation of our children. Since the beginning of the academic year, Ms. Raeliene Smith has been running DOUBLE bus routes in the morning and DOUBLE bus routes in the afternoon. She is just one example. Licensed office workers in the Transportation Department are running routes. Licensed retired teachers are running routes. Licensed retired coaches are running routes. This community is filled with superheroes! They're one of the first faces kids see in the morning and truly have an impact on lives. If you want to be a world-changer, too, please fill out an application here https://bartow.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx