Bartow County Schools

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

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.

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.

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!

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
👉Teaching as a Profession
👉Dual Enrollment Classes
👉Cosmetology
👉Automotive

YOUR FUTURE, YOUR WAY! DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES.

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?!"

LEVEL UP PREP: I say, "level," you say, "up!" LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP! That’s the energy Hamilton Crossing educators are bringing as they hype students up ahead of Georgia Milestones testing next week!

These Knights transformed the Esports Arena into a pep rally like no other today, featuring original songwriting and performances, brain busters, and more, all designed to get students confident and ready for the big week ahead! CORE MEMORIES!

Special shoutout to the Cass High Basketball program for donating Cass gear to inspire our Knights!

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Bartow County Schools hosting the GHSA Esports State Championship? YES, PLEASE!

We are so proud of our Bartow Esports teams and coaches! For first-year teams to make it this far, and compete deep into the playoff season, is truly impressive. Everyone is invited to watch! This is a huge opportunity for students to:

🎥 Learn about production & shoutcasting
🎮 See competitive gaming at its highest level
🎓 Meet recruiters from Georgia Tech and other top schools offering opportunities and scholarships

Good luck Adairsville High School, Cass High School, and Woodland High School!

BUILDING CONNECTIONS: This group of teachers, administrators, and staff from across the Bartow County School System proudly graduated from the Conversational Spanish for Educators course through Georgia Highlands College!

Their commitment goes beyond language! It’s about ensuring ALL students and families feel welcomed, supported, and heard in our schools!

Buen trabajo!

CENTRAL OFFICE CELEBRATIONS: When you’re part of a school system and community like ours, there’s always something to celebrate!

This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Tina Youngken, our Central Office Receptionist and the welcoming face of our system. From the moment you walk through the doors, Tina sets the tone with her kindness, poise, and professionalism. She approaches every task with grace and takes genuine pride in supporting our families, staff, and visitors, and it shows in every interaction.

Tina’s positive spirit and dedication make a meaningful difference each day. We are truly better because she is part of our team!

RAISING THE BAR: Ms. Herrera, our ESOL teacher at Emerson Elementary, received the LumiNation Award, recognizing the top 100 educators nationwide using Flashlight360! Selected from over 30,000 teachers, her students showed exceptional growth, WELL ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, in speaking and writing skills. We’re so proud of Ms. Herrera and her students for setting the bar high!

CHECK IT OUT: BARTOW VIRTUAL ACADEMY

Our application window for the Bartow Virtual Academy will be open May 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026, for the upcoming school year. The BVA is open to all 6th – 12th grade students who meet certain 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