| Insights, updates, & district highlights from the office of Bartow County School Superintendent Clint Terza |
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Advancing Literacy in Bartow County |
As we celebrate Read Across America Week, we’re proud to shine a light on the progress of our districtwide literacy initiative. Since the 2020–2021 school year, Bartow County Schools has strengthened reading and writing instruction by placing Literacy Coaches in all 20 schools.
We followed that momentum with a new, research‑based curriculum and high‑quality instructional materials. Our work began with a strong foundation in phonics and morphology, and this year you’ll see an increased emphasis on building deep comprehension skills. Through ongoing Literacy Walks, we’re seeing meaningful growth and strong implementation across classrooms, evidence that our students and teachers are thriving under this rigorous, well‑supported program. |
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State Math & Reading Recognition |
State School Superintendent Richard Woods recognized six Bartow County schools in February with Math and Literacy Leader Awards for outstanding student growth and achievement. Literacy Leaders Emerson Elementary – 3rd Grade Gateway Growth; 5th Grade Growth White Elementary – 3rd Grade Gateway Growth These awards reflect significant increases in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level, based on Georgia Milestones Lexile data. Math Leaders Cass High – High School Growth Cass Middle – 8th Grade Gateway Growth; High School Outstanding Achievement Adairsville Middle – High School Achievement; High School Growth Woodland Middle – High School Outstanding Achievement Math Leader recognition highlights schools with strong achievement or growth on Georgia Milestones, including performance on the Algebra: Concepts and Connections End‑of‑Course assessment. |
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State School Superintendent Richard Woods has also awarded Adairsville Elementary School the John Hancock Banner. With more than 90 percent of third‑grade students successfully writing their first and last names in cursive, AES stands as the only school in the county to receive this honor. Students are already setting their sights on earning an additional state distinction next year by mastering the Preamble to the Constitution in cursive! |
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After an extensive and rigorous review process, Pine Log Elementary School has officially earned State STEM Certification — and now proudly displays the prestigious banner recently presented by State School Superintendent Richard Woods. This recognition makes Pine Log Elementary the third school in the district to achieve this distinction. What an incredible accomplishment!
State STEM Certification reflects a school’s commitment to high‑quality, hands‑on learning that prepares students for a rapidly evolving world in science, technology, engineering, and math. It ensures students build critical thinking, creativity, and problem‑solving skills that support both academic success and future career pathways. |
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| Check out our exciting 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll results! Adairsville High School – Silver Silver in College Culture: 55% completed at least one AP course Silver in College Credit: 33% scored 3+ Platinum in College Optimization: 26% completed five AP courses, including one in 9th or 10th grade Woodland High School – Bronze Bronze in College Culture: 41% completed at least one AP course Bronze in College Credit: 26% scored 3+ Platinum in College Optimization: 17% completed five AP courses, including one in 9th or 10th grade
Cass High School Gold in College Optimization: 11% completed five AP courses, including one in 9th or 10th grade Demonstrated continued growth in advanced academics |
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PAGE STAR Students & Teachers |
The Cartersville Rotary Club held a special February luncheon to honor this year’s PAGE STAR students and teachers, where Hayden Mills of Cass High School was officially named the District STAR Student and will advance to the regional competition with his STAR teacher!
Last month, we recognized all of our exceptional STAR students and teachers. These are students who earned the highest SAT scores in their graduating classes and rank in the top 10 percent academically. Each student selected a STAR teacher who made the greatest impact on their educational journey.
Congratulations to Sam Bailey and Mrs. Christine Alderman from Adairsville High School, and to Hayden Mills and Mr. Sam Iddings from Cass High School. At Woodland High School, we celebrated a three‑way tie for top honors: Hylan Westberry‑Davis, Catherine Bishop, and Winter Barker, recognized alongside their STAR teachers, Mrs. Cecilia Clark, Mr. David Condon, and Mr. Ken Yarbrough.
We are proud of these students and educators as they represent some of the very best of Bartow County Schools! |
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Congratulations to Euharlee Elementary's Robotics program!
The MechaCats have been named GRAND CHAMPIONS at the North Georgia–Chattanooga FIRST LEGO League Region Championship and will advance to the FIRST World Championship in Houston this April, competing alongside teams from more than 65 countries! |
| Celebrating Black History Month |
Cass High School’s Black Student Union hosted an outstanding Annual Black History Fair in recognition of Black History Month. This year’s event highlighted the influential contributions of Black musicians and featured several literary works that reflect important voices and experiences. The fair also welcomed Cass High alumnus and entrepreneur Darnell Jackson, who shared insights from his work and community involvement. We appreciate the effort, preparation, and leadership shown by the students and staff who helped bring this meaningful learning experience to the Cass High community! |
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| Reminder: See Something, Say Something |
A Message from School Police Chief Billy Henson |
"Keeping our schools safe is a shared responsibility between students, families, and staff. The most effective way to prevent serious incidents is early reporting. If you see or hear something concerning, whether at school, on the bus, or online, please report immediately."
1-877-SAY-STOP (1-877-729-7867) is a toll-free, 24-hour school safety hotline. It is manned by the Georgia Department of Education and then the Georgia Bureau of Investigations after work hours, weekends, and holidays. |
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