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Annually, the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals recognizes up to ten schools in Georgia that have implemented exemplary programs in the area of curriculum and organizational leadership. This year, the Barrow County School System had TWO schools selected: County Line and Statham Elementary Schools.
County Line Elementary
County Line was recognized for their staff development program based on the book Onward by Elena Aguilar. The administrative team, along with the instructional coach and a team of teacher leaders, led monthly professional development sessions focused on social-emotional learning for adults. Topics ranged from self-care to dealing with emotions and building strong relationships with colleagues. A survey at the end of the program revealed that staff members felt that they had experienced personal growth in self-care and self-worth - both of which are integral to maintaining a happy, healthy staff capable of taking care of the many needs of students.
Statham Elementary
Statham Elementary was recognized for the reading program #WildcatsRead. During the 2019-2020 academic school year, SES began a School/ Home Literacy program called #WildcatsREAD!. This program focuses on bridging the literacy gap at home, in the community, and at school. By bridging these gaps, the hope is that the overall adult literacy rates will improve within Barrow County. #WildcatsREAD is a program that has boosted the confidence levels of both students and family members. We believe that if students have access to high-quality, age-appropriate reading materials at home and school, they will be more apt to read more and develop a lifelong love of reading. This, in turn, will foster a true love for reading.