2025 KICKOFF: Join us in welcoming back all of our AMAZING educators from across the county! Who are you excited to see next week? Drop some names below!⬇️⬇️⬇️
DAILY DOSE OF DOT: Our new teachers met the ONE & ONLY, Ms. Dot Frasier, Bartow Education Foundation Executive Director. She LOVES our kids, and we LOVE her! #NewTeacherOrientation #betterinbartow
PERFORMANCE PREP: School leaders aren't the only ones prepping for this brand-new academic year, check out the award-winning Cass Band🎼 #finearts #betterinbartow
PRINCIPAL PREP: We love our Bartow County School System principals and assistant principals! They're going over operations and getting ready to see their kiddos in 11 DAYS for OPEN HOUSE🎉
TRADITION MEETS TRANSFORMATION: New doors of opportunity open at Adairsville High School with the unveiling of its 18-classroom expansion – the first of its kind in more than two decades!
“This addition is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a powerful statement of our commitment to students, teachers, and the future,” said Bartow County School System Superintendent Clint Terza. “Each classroom is filled with natural light and offers stunning views of the campus, creating an environment where math and science students can thrive, explore, and create.”
With enrollment now reaching 1,150 students, Adairsville High School had outgrown its original footprint. Today, the new expansion boasts enough space to accommodate the entire math department, select life science and engineering classes, and dedicated offices for the school resource officer and assistant principal, positioning AHS for continued growth in the years ahead.
“The engineering lab will give Magnet students the opportunity to work with new tools in a space three times larger than their current room,” said AHS Principal Tony Stanfill. “They blow me away every day with their engineering projects, so I can't wait to see what they'll create in this larger space with more tools.”
Just outside the new expansion stands a plaque honoring AHS alumna and longtime Bartow County School Board Member Anna V. Sullivan. A proud member of the Class of 1978 and District 5 representative from February 2012 to December 2024, Sullivan has been a steadfast advocate for Adairsville, especially its athletics, STEM, and Fine Arts programs.
“As a valued school board member and lifelong supporter of learning, her vision, leadership, and passion have left a lasting mark on our schools, students, and community,” added Principal Stanfill. “Her legacy inspires us all to champion the transformative power of education. Onward, Upward, Ever Forward.”
Poignant words for a space rooted in history and hope for the future.
“This addition is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a powerful statement of our commitment to students, teachers, and the future,” said Bartow County School System Superintendent Clint Terza. “Each classroom is filled with natural light and offers stunning views of the campus, creating an environment where math and science students can thrive, explore, and create.”
With enrollment now reaching 1,150 students, Adairsville High School had outgrown its original footprint. Today, the new expansion boasts enough space to accommodate the entire math department, select life science and engineering classes, and dedicated offices for the school resource officer and assistant principal, positioning AHS for continued growth in the years ahead.
“The engineering lab will give Magnet students the opportunity to work with new tools in a space three times larger than their current room,” said AHS Principal Tony Stanfill. “They blow me away every day with their engineering projects, so I can't wait to see what they'll create in this larger space with more tools.”
Just outside the new expansion stands a plaque honoring AHS alumna and longtime Bartow County School Board Member Anna V. Sullivan. A proud member of the Class of 1978 and District 5 representative from February 2012 to December 2024, Sullivan has been a steadfast advocate for Adairsville, especially its athletics, STEM, and Fine Arts programs.
“As a valued school board member and lifelong supporter of learning, her vision, leadership, and passion have left a lasting mark on our schools, students, and community,” added Principal Stanfill. “Her legacy inspires us all to champion the transformative power of education. Onward, Upward, Ever Forward.”
Poignant words for a space rooted in history and hope for the future.
WELCOME RIDE: New twist on an old tradition! At New Teacher Orientation, our newest educators received a BUS TOUR with their teacher mentors! They hopped on a BCSS bus this morning and visited an elementary, middle, and high school in their feeder pattern! Some were even greeted with pomp and circumstance, bands and cheerleaders, when they arrived at schools! #betterinbartow
IMPORTANT GRADUATION DATES: Mark your calendars and get ready for the Class of 2026 to walk across the stage!
Adairsville High School
May 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Make-up date May 20, 2026
---
Cass High School
May 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Make-up date May 20, 2026
---
Woodland High School
May 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Make-up date May 22, 2026
Adairsville High School
May 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Make-up date May 20, 2026
---
Cass High School
May 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Make-up date May 20, 2026
---
Woodland High School
May 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Make-up date May 22, 2026
PENMANSHIP PRIDE: Adairsville Elementary School is keeping the art of cursive alive and thriving!
This week, they have been awarded the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon from the Georgia Department of Education!
Thanks to the dedication of our amazing AES ELA teachers, over 90% of their third-grade students successfully wrote their first and last names in cursive. A portfolio of their work was then submitted to the state.
The GADOE will soon present AES with an official banner to celebrate this achievement!
Next up: the Award of Distinction! With the rollout of new standards, AES students are preparing to write the Preamble to the Constitution in cursive, raising the bar even higher!
These skills build fine motor strength, enhance literacy, and allow students to engage meaningfully with historical texts in their original form!
This week, they have been awarded the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon from the Georgia Department of Education!
Thanks to the dedication of our amazing AES ELA teachers, over 90% of their third-grade students successfully wrote their first and last names in cursive. A portfolio of their work was then submitted to the state.
The GADOE will soon present AES with an official banner to celebrate this achievement!
Next up: the Award of Distinction! With the rollout of new standards, AES students are preparing to write the Preamble to the Constitution in cursive, raising the bar even higher!
These skills build fine motor strength, enhance literacy, and allow students to engage meaningfully with historical texts in their original form!
BIG WINS: Let's take a quick look back before we run into a brand-new school year! These are just a FEW milestones from this year!
🔬 STEM Excellence
* Our first elementary school earned State STEM Certification, joining two already-certified middle schools
* The new Esports Arena and STEM Innovation Center are now open and thriving, welcoming thousands of students for hands-on, future-ready learning
🎓 Academic Achievements
* Graduation rate: 95.1% — more than 10% above the state average!
* Record number of AP Scholars celebrated
* SAT average score: 1044 — highest since 2021, beating both state and national averages
* Unprecedented growth on the Georgia Milestones Assessment System
* 12 schools recognized as Literacy and/or Math Leader Schools by the Georgia Department of Education
👏 These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our educators, students, and families. Let’s keep the momentum going!
🔬 STEM Excellence
* Our first elementary school earned State STEM Certification, joining two already-certified middle schools
* The new Esports Arena and STEM Innovation Center are now open and thriving, welcoming thousands of students for hands-on, future-ready learning
🎓 Academic Achievements
* Graduation rate: 95.1% — more than 10% above the state average!
* Record number of AP Scholars celebrated
* SAT average score: 1044 — highest since 2021, beating both state and national averages
* Unprecedented growth on the Georgia Milestones Assessment System
* 12 schools recognized as Literacy and/or Math Leader Schools by the Georgia Department of Education
👏 These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our educators, students, and families. Let’s keep the momentum going!
SNEAK PEEK: Check out a few of our awesome kiddos on the cover of our new Student Handbook! We can't wait to see our teachers next week and our students August 6th for the first day of school! BIG things are happening in Bartow!
REMINDER: Here are your 2025-2026 OPEN HOUSE dates that we initially posted in the spring! We are gearing up for a special year! Remember, important dates will always be posted on our award-winning website, as well, and school supply lists will be on your individual school's website and/or social media channels😃📓
---
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
---
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
INTERNATIONAL STAGE: The MRES RoboCats had an unforgettable adventure at the Florida Sunshine Invitational in Daytona Beach!
From trading pins and bracelets to sampling international treats, our students connected with Robotics teams from around the globe in a celebration of creativity, culture, and collaboration. One of the highlights? Teaming up with a group from Cincinnati, Ohio for an exciting Alliance Round - two robots, one table, and a whole lot of teamwork!
This event offered our students a unique opportunity to apply their skills, adapt in a competitive environment, and build global connections. We appreciate the continued support from our coaches, sponsors, parents, and the MRES community, all of whom made this experience possible!🎉
From trading pins and bracelets to sampling international treats, our students connected with Robotics teams from around the globe in a celebration of creativity, culture, and collaboration. One of the highlights? Teaming up with a group from Cincinnati, Ohio for an exciting Alliance Round - two robots, one table, and a whole lot of teamwork!
This event offered our students a unique opportunity to apply their skills, adapt in a competitive environment, and build global connections. We appreciate the continued support from our coaches, sponsors, parents, and the MRES community, all of whom made this experience possible!🎉
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Two outstanding students from Adairsville High School's Engineering program, Levi Heim and Sam Bailey, earned an exclusive opportunity this summer to visit the Kennedy Space Center as division winners in the InSPIRESS Program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville!
During their visit, they presented their team’s project at the base of the historic Atlantis orbiter, sharing their work with both the public and NASA researchers. A highlight of the trip was witnessing a live satellite launch!
As part of their VIP tour, organized by UAH and NASA, they also explored iconic locations including the Vehicle Assembly Building, a launch pad, and the Industrial Operations Zone! They viewed two Artemis modules up close, saw Neil Armstrong’s flight suit, and stood in the very elevator used by astronauts as they begin their missions after quarantine! How amazing is that? Not many students can say they did that during summer break!
During their visit, they presented their team’s project at the base of the historic Atlantis orbiter, sharing their work with both the public and NASA researchers. A highlight of the trip was witnessing a live satellite launch!
As part of their VIP tour, organized by UAH and NASA, they also explored iconic locations including the Vehicle Assembly Building, a launch pad, and the Industrial Operations Zone! They viewed two Artemis modules up close, saw Neil Armstrong’s flight suit, and stood in the very elevator used by astronauts as they begin their missions after quarantine! How amazing is that? Not many students can say they did that during summer break!
SAFETY & SECURITY: Leaders from law enforcement, emergency management, healthcare, education, and public information - all united under one roof with one shared purpose: protecting our students and staff.
Special thanks to Bartow County School Police Chief Billy Henson for his help in coordinating this effort with Homeland Security Coordinator Kevin Stanfield. #vitalcollaboration #betterinbartow
ON THE ROAD: Huge shoutout to our Mission Road RoboCats! This outstanding Robotics team is on the road to the Florida Sunshine Invitational! We'll keep you up to date as they compete tomorrow against dozens of other countries!
WOW: Our School Nutrition team is on track to serve a QUARTER OF A MILLION MEALS in just SIX WEEKS with our Summer Feeding Program! OUTSTANDING WORK, BCSS!
A ROUND OF APPLAUSE: We’re proud to celebrate our very own Deputy Superintendent, Christian Suttle, for completing the prestigious two-year Superintendent Professional Development Program, an initiative led by the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia School Superintendents Association! This achievement reflects his dedication to educational leadership and excellence. We are fortunate to have such outstanding talent leading the way! #betterinbartow
BARTOW CARES: What started as a school-based initiative is now growing into a community-wide movement and even catching the attention of Harvard University! 👏
This year, Bartow Cares is expanding beyond our classrooms to include local businesses and faith-based organizations, all coming together around shared values like kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, and hope.
Last Thursday, we hosted an incredible community collaboration meeting with leaders from across Bartow County, including Cartersville First Baptist Pastor Kyle Walker, David Franklin, Sheriff Clark Millsap, Commissioner Steve Taylor, Chamber President Cindy Williams, and many more. 🤝
Together, we’re building a culture that supports our students’ well-being and academic success, and we’re just getting started.
✨ Stay tuned for more exciting updates on how Bartow Cares is growing and how you can be part of it! ✨
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: We’re proud to announce that 10 Bartow County schools have earned the “Beating the Odds” designation from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) for their exceptional performance during the 2023–2024 school year!
So, what does “Beating the Odds” really mean? According to GOSA, it’s “a statistical analysis that compares a school’s actual performance on the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) with the performance of schools with similar characteristics across the state. Schools that perform higher than similar schools are considered ‘Beating the Odds.’” In other words, these schools didn’t just meet expectations—they surpassed them, outperforming schools with similar profiles and past performance indicators.
Congratulations to these outstanding schools:
🏆 Euharlee Elementary School
🏆 Mission Road Elementary School
🏆 Allatoona Elementary School
🏆 Clear Creek Elementary School
🏆 Cloverleaf Elementary
🏆 White Elementary School
🏆 Red Top Middle School
🏆 Kingston Elementary School
🏆 Hamilton Crossing Elementary School
🏆 Woodland High School
SUMMER STEM: We wrapped up this week's STEM Camp with a Special Operations drone demonstration and presentation from the Bartow County Sheriff's Office!
Another highlight of the day?! Fourth graders running the end of camp awards ceremony! How neat to have elementary age children work the lights and audio in a state-of-the-art facility! You won't find these opportunities anywhere else! #betterinbartow
