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Little Learners

Whitlow Students Earn National Math Honors as School Sets Georgia Record

A woman presents a plaque to three young boys in front of a large %22MATH%22 banner.

Whitlow students Aarnav Thandra, Maneet Arakere, Avyaan Kumar, Coach Katie Harder. Photo courtesy of Manu Mallikarjuna.

Two Whitlow Elementary students earned Top 10 honors at the 2026 MathLeague National Championship, held June 13 at Texas A&M University, helping their school achieve the highest national finish ever by a Georgia team.

Maneet Arakere and Arnav Bhatnagar earned Top 10 Individual Honors and gold medals at the national competition, placing them among the top elementary mathematics students in the nation. Both also qualified for the elite Countdown Round, an invitation-only, head-to-head event reserved for just 16 of the nation’s top scorers. Maneet capped off his performance by winning the Countdown Championship, becoming the first student from Georgia in history to earn the title. Both students will be 6th graders at Otwell Middle School next year.

Their individual success helped propel Whitlow Elementary to a 3rd Place overall team finish, trailing only schools from Palo Alto, California, and Sugar Land, Texas, and marking the highest team ranking ever achieved by a Georgia school in the history of the MathLeague national competition. The Whitlow team was accompanied by Coach Katie Harder, a gifted teacher at the school.

For Forsyth County Schools, the achievement reflects years of investment in providing advanced mathematics opportunities for students. Under Dr. Brian Lack’s leadership, the district has developed a comprehensive K-8 mathematics enrichment program that challenges students at all levels, with a particular focus on supporting advanced learners' continued growth.

A young boy in the foreground proudly holds a medal and trophy, while the background displays a screen with his name, score, and the Math League Championship logo.

Arnav Bhatnagar. Photo courtesy of Ankur Bhatnagar. 

A centerpiece of that effort is the use of the Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) curriculum and its elementary enrichment program, Beast Academy. Today, more than 5,000 Forsyth County students in grades 1-5 participate in Beast Academy, engaging with rich mathematical problems that emphasize reasoning, creativity, and deep conceptual understanding. Every student who competed at MathLeague Nationals trained with Beast Academy as part of their preparation.

"One of the realities in education is that mathematically gifted students start with a higher floor than their peers, but they're frequently given a curriculum with a ceiling that is too low," said Dr. Lack. "When students are already performing at high levels, academic growth becomes much more difficult to attain. Our goal has been to provide these students with access to challenging mathematics that continually stretches their thinking. We are incredibly proud of Maneet, Arnav, and all the Forsyth County students for demonstrating what students can accomplish when given opportunities to learn at the level of their capabilities.  We are also grateful to the coaches who traveled to the competition, because I think it's important to be present with students in these big moments."

A young boy proudly holds a trophy and medal in front of a %22MATH LEAGUE%22 banner.

Maneet Arakere, National Countdown Champion. Photo courtesy of Manu Mallikarjuna.

The results were on full display at this year's national championship. From two students finishing among the nation's top competitors to a historic third-place team finish, Whitlow Elementary's performance showcased individual excellence and Forsyth County Schools' commitment to developing the next generation of mathematical thinkers and problem solvers.

Fifth Graders Wrap Up the Year with Smiles and Schoolwide Celebrations

Fifth graders across Forsyth County spent their final week celebrating a milestone that is both exhilarating and hard to grasp: the end of their elementary school journey. Schools honored the moment with a special 5th Grade Day of Fun, featuring games, music, spirited competitions, and generous opportunities for students to enjoy each other's company before moving on to middle school.

From relay races and outdoor challenges to backyard games, bounce houses, tie-dyed shirts, and memory-making with friends, students cherished every moment. Teachers, parents, and staff fostered environments where kids could laugh, play, and reflect on their growth. Many classes also reviewed favorite moments from the year, exchanged inside jokes, and applauded one another as they closed this chapter.

Parents value this tradition because it offers students a joyful farewell—one that commemorates their accomplishments, friendships, and growing confidence. As these fifth graders prepare for new challenges, last week’s celebrations underscored that the heart of elementary school is the community they've built.

Two young people in the foreground are tie-dyeing shirts outdoors with a grassy field and fence in the background.
Three children in the foreground are tie-dyeing shirts at a table outdoors, with a grassy field and trees in the background.
Two young people in the foreground are tie-dyeing shirts outdoors, with a grassy area and a cardboard box visible in the background.
A young girl in the foreground holds a tie-dyed item while a grassy field with trees and a baseball field stretches into the background.
Children in the foreground are tie-dyeing shirts outdoors with a grassy field and buildings in the background.
A young boy in a maroon hoodie is tie-dyeing shirts at a table with colorful dyes and trays, with a brick building and green bushes in the background.
A young boy in a Braves jersey smiles while tie-dyeing a shirt at a table with colorful dyes, with a grassy field and a fence in the background.
Children in the foreground are tie-dyeing shirts at tables, while a man stands behind them in the background with a grassy field and trees.
Three boys in the foreground are tie-dyeing shirts outdoors with a grassy field and buildings in the background.
Children in the foreground wearing gloves and t-shirts are tie-dyeing fabric at tables laden with supplies, while in the background, more people are engaged in the activity under a bright sky.
Two girls in blue gloves are tie-dyeing shirts at a table in the foreground, with a brick building and other people in the background.
Two boys in blue gloves tie-dye shirts at a table in the foreground, with a brick building and other people in the background.
A young girl in a black Atlanta Falcons t-shirt and blue gloves is tie-dyeing a shirt in a metal tray, with a grassy field and buildings in the background.
A boy in the foreground is tie-dyeing a shirt outdoors with a grassy field and buildings in the background.
Two excited boys in pink animal hats and leis wave in the foreground of a school hallway, while other students walk in the background past colorful decorations.
A young girl in a black GAP hoodie and blue gloves is tie-dying a shirt at a table, with a grassy field and buildings in the background.
Three girls in the foreground are tie-dyeing shirts outdoors with bottles of dye and aluminum trays, while a grassy field with a fence and stadium seating forms the background.
Children in the foreground are tie-dyeing shirts outdoors with a grassy field and trees in the background.
A young boy in a green hoodie and blue gloves is tie-dyeing a shirt in a foil pan, with a brick building and a tent in the background.
A group of students wearing leis walks down a school hallway with a boy in an orange shirt in the foreground and a %22GRADES K-2%22 sign in the background.
Two young girls in festive attire, one with a blue hat and sunglasses, and the other with blue sunglasses, run down a school hallway decorated with colorful posters.
In the foreground, two young boys in blue leis high-five in a school hallway, while in the background, a crowd of students and adults observe.
A smiling girl in the foreground holds up two cutout pictures of children while walking down a school hallway with other students in the background.
Smiling girls in leis walk down a school hallway with colorful decorations and signs in the background.
Three women in light blue shirts and jeans cheer with pom-poms in the foreground, while a line of graduating students in caps and gowns walks down a school hallway in the background.
A woman with pom-poms cheers in a school hallway lined with clapping students.
A young girl with long blonde hair smiles in the foreground of a colorful bouncy house, while other children in matching t-shirts play in the background.
Five young girls in matching t-shirts stand on a walkway with a building and fence in the background.
A boy with headphones and a woman smile in a school hallway next to a book vending machine, with other students visible in the background.
A smiling boy in a colorful lei stands in front of a brick wall.
Three young girls in matching t-shirts stand in the foreground with bleachers and a covered pavilion in the background.
A smiling boy in a %22Chattahoochee Elementary Class of 2033%22 t-shirt stands with a backpack in the foreground, while another boy walks away in the background with a brick building and greenery behind them.
Four young girls pose playfully in front of a colorful balloon arch and festive decorations, with a building visible in the background under a bright blue sky.
Two smiling girls stand in front of a brick building with a large cluster of colorful balloons.
Two smiling girls in matching t-shirts stand in the foreground with a bouncy castle and spectators in the background.
Three smiling girls in matching t-shirts sit in bleachers behind a chain-link fence.
A young girl with red hair smiles as she climbs a blue and green inflatable slide in the foreground, while bleachers and other inflatable attractions are visible in the background.
A smiling boy with blond hair lies on his back in the foreground, his arms crossed, while a colorful inflatable structure with green and yellow stripes forms the background.
A group of smiling young boys in matching t-shirts stand in front of a metal fence with a building and cloudy sky in the background.
A smiling girl with red hair in a braid stands in front of a brick wall, with green bushes in the foreground.
Three smiling boys in matching t-shirts and blue shorts stand in the foreground of a school hallway, with other students and a recycling bin visible in the background.
Three smiling girls in the foreground are posing with their arms around each other, while a blurred background shows a fence and trees.
A young girl with dark hair smiles at the camera in the foreground, while a fenced-off area with some construction materials is visible in the background.
Two young boys in matching %22Chattahoochee Elementary Class of 2033%22 t-shirts smile at the camera, with inflatable attractions and people in the background at an outdoor event.
Children in the foreground hold a colorful parachute while adults in the background watch from a grassy field with trees.
Two smiling girls in t-shirts hold slices of pizza in the foreground, while a food truck and other people are visible in the sunny outdoor background.
Seven women in casual attire pose for a photo in the foreground, with a bleacher filled with spectators visible in the background.
A smiling girl in denim shorts and a t-shirt relaxes on a purple inflatable slide, with a colorful bouncy castle in the background.
Four young girls in casual attire pose for a photo in front of a metal fence and bleachers.
A young boy in a yellow shirt dances in the foreground while other children play in the background near a brick building.
A group of smiling children, some wet from water play, pose in the foreground with a school building and trees in the background under a bright blue sky.
A young boy in a gray t-shirt stands in the foreground with livestock pens and tents in the background.
Children in a classroom are building a tall tower of wooden blocks, with some standing on stools and others watching, while a blackboard and shelves are visible in the background.
A smiling girl in a gray t-shirt stands in the foreground with a bouncy castle and fence in the background.
A smiling woman and a young girl pose in the foreground, with a classroom setting featuring tables, chairs, and a stage in the background.
Six young boys wearing leis stand in front of a colorful balloon arch and a brick building.
Four young girls in colorful leis and festive outfits stand smiling under a balloon arch and fringe decoration in front of a brick building.
Two smiling girls with their arms around each other stand in a school hallway with artwork on the walls.
Three young boys in festive attire stand in front of a colorful balloon arch and streamers, with a brick building in the background.

Congratulations to the 5th Grade Class of 2026

A woman hugs a young girl on a stage in front of a purple banner that reads %225TH GRADE CELEBRATION%22 and golden balloons.
A woman and a boy embrace on a stage with awards on tables to their sides, while a large purple screen with white text is behind them.
A woman embraces a young girl on a stage with a large %22CELEBRATE%22 banner and balloons in the background.
Two women stand smiling in front of a stage decorated with gold balloons and a %225th Grade Celebration%22 banner, with rows of medals visible on tables in the foreground.
Two young girls, one in a blue dress and the other in a floral dress, walk forward holding papers, while an audience watches from tiered seating in the background.
Two young girls, one in a dark blue dress and the other in a white dress, walk past an audience seated on bleachers.
Three young boys walk down an aisle in front of an audience seated in bleachers.
A young girl in a green dress and white cardigan walks down stairs in the foreground, while an audience watches from the background.
A young girl in a green dress receives an award on stage at a 5th-grade honors ceremony, with an audience visible in the blurred foreground.
In the foreground, an audience watches as two girls receive awards on a stage, while the background displays a banner announcing %225th Grade Honors Ceremony%22 and the date %22May 19th, 2026.%22
Children stand on a stage holding certificates in front of a red curtain and American flags, while an audience watches from below.
A woman speaks at a podium on a stage with a banner reading %225th Grade Honors Ceremony%22 in the background, while the blurred heads of an audience fill the foreground.
Five young girls in teal shirts pose with plush toys in front of a store display of stuffed animals and a %22CHECK%22 sign.
Two young girls in pink dresses hold diplomas and bouquets in front of a festive %222016%22 banner, with a crowd of people and a modern building in the background.
A young boy in a red shirt proudly holds a certificate as he walks past an audience seated in an auditorium.
A group of fifth graders are being recognized on stage in front of a screen displaying children playing on playground equipment.
Two young girls walk down stairs in the foreground while an audience watches from tiered seating in the background.
A young boy in a suit shakes hands with a woman on a stage with red curtains in the background, while an audience watches from their seats.
Women in formal attire stand on a stage receiving awards, with a large screen displaying an image of people in the background.
Students in formal attire stand on a stage with a red curtain and American flags in the background, while an audience watches from below.
Six women sit on a stage in front of a red curtain, while an audience watches from below.
A large audience fills a tiered auditorium with a stage at the front where graduates are gathered.
A young boy in a suit walks across a stage to receive a certificate, with a red curtain and a banner for %22Class of 2026%22 in the background.
A young boy in a white shirt and blue shorts is congratulated by a woman in a blue and white dress on a stage, with other children and adults watching in the background against a red curtain.
A young boy in a blue shirt receives an award on stage, with other children and adults in the background, and a podium with an American flag to the right.
A stage with a %22Welcome Mr. Michael Vorick%22 presentation and a seated audience in front of a brick wall.
A man and a woman stand on a stage in front of a brick wall, while a projection screen displays %22Mr. Spota%22 in the background.
A young boy in the foreground wearing a medal smiles on stage while a presentation about him is displayed on a screen in the background.
A man speaks into a microphone on a stage in front of a large audience of children, with a blue and black curtain backdrop.
Three women stand on a stage with a podium and a white table in front of a dark curtain, while a large audience watches from below.
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In the foreground, an audience watches a ceremony on a stage where several people are receiving awards, while the background features a large screen displaying a celebratory graphic.
Children in formal attire stand on a stage with an American flag and a podium, while an audience watches from rows of chairs in the background.
Three women stand on a stage behind a podium, addressing a large audience seated in the foreground, with a decorated backdrop behind them.
Four women stand on a stage behind a podium, addressing an audience seated in the foreground, with a curtain and a screen displaying a celebratory message in the background.
Children and adults stand in a hallway decorated with colorful artwork, while large circular banners with a horse logo are visible on the right.
In the foreground, people are seated in chairs facing away from the camera, while in the background, a group of people walk through a doorway next to a wall decorated with a colorful mosaic of faces.
Two young boys in formal attire walk down a staircase in the foreground, while an audience watches from tiered seating in the background.
A woman signs on stage in front of a screen displaying %22Elementary School 5th Grade Graduation%22 and an apple graphic, while four women sit in chairs behind her, with an audience visible in the blurred foreground.
A man in a suit sits on stage in front of a large screen displaying two photos of children, while an audience watches from below.
A young boy in a tie walks past rows of empty seats towards a woman with headphones in the background.
In the foreground, an audience watches a graduation ceremony, while on the stage in the background, students and faculty are recognized under a banner that reads %22Congrats graduates!%22
A young boy in a white shirt and black pants shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress on a stage with a blue banner and balloons in the background.
A young boy in a white shirt shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress on a stage, with a large %22Chestnut%22 banner in the background.
Two girls hug on stage in front of a %225th Grade Celebration%22 banner with balloons, while a podium stands to the right.
A woman hugs a young girl on a stage with a large purple banner in the background that reads %225TH GRADE CELEBRATION%22.
Two women hug two young girls on a stage in front of a %225th Grade Celebration%22 banner with gold balloons.
A woman stands at a podium with %22FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS%22 on it, speaking in front of a large purple screen with %22CELEBRATION%22 written in white letters.
A young boy in shorts and a t-shirt shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress on a stage, while a man in a suit and another woman stand nearby, with an audience blurred in the foreground and a large screen in the background.
In the foreground, an audience watches as a man in a suit shakes hands with a student on a stage, while in the background, a red curtain and a large screen frame the event.
A woman in a pink dress presents an award to a boy on a stage with a large screen behind, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A woman with red hair speaks at a podium in front of a large screen, with an audience blurred in the foreground.
A group of nine women stand on a stage in front of a screen displaying %225th Grade Celebration%22 with balloons, while red curtains frame the background.
A woman stands to the left of a podium where a man in uniform is speaking, with a large screen displaying %225TH GRADE CELEBRATION%22 and balloons in the background.
A woman hugs a young girl holding a certificate on a stage with a red curtain backdrop and chairs for an audience.
Two women embrace on a stage with a red curtain and blue backdrop, while two other women sit in chairs to the right.
Two young women embrace on a stage with a red curtain and a blue backdrop, while another woman smiles from the side.
A woman in a floral dress awards a medal to a young girl in a pink dress on a stage with a %22CELEBRATION%22 banner and balloons in the background.
A woman in a yellow dress walks with a boy in a striped shirt, while two other women stand behind them, all in front of red curtains and American flags.
A group of women stand on a stage in front of a screen displaying a wolf logo and %225TH GRADE CELEBRATION%22 with red curtains in the background.
Two young boys walk down stairs holding certificates, with an audience seated behind them.
A woman speaks at a podium in front of a large screen, while a man sits to the right and an audience is visible in the foreground.
A young boy receives an award on a stage with a large screen and red curtains in the background, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A young boy in a suit walks forward past an audience while a girl in a white dress waves in the background.
A man in a suit stands at a podium with a logo in the foreground, while a large screen and blue curtains form the background.
A collection of gold medals with blue and orange striped ribbons are laid out on a dark surface, with more medals and ribbons extending into the blurred background.
A woman hugs a young girl in front of a large screen displaying %22CELEBRATION%22 while another person stands behind them.
A woman in a dark blue dress embraces a young girl in a yellow dress on a stage with a large purple screen displaying %22CELEBRATION%22 in white letters.
In the foreground, two women embrace on a stage with a red curtain and blue backdrop, while in the background, balloons float near a screen.
A woman hugs a young boy on a stage with a %22CELEBRATION%22 banner and balloons in the background, while another woman stands at a podium with the Forsyth County Schools logo.
A woman speaks at a podium in front of a large screen displaying %22GRAD CELEBRATIO%22 with two dark tables adorned with orange ribbons on either side in the foreground.
A young boy and girl walk down stairs in the foreground, while an audience watches from the background.
A young boy receives an award on a stage with a red curtain backdrop, while an audience watches from below.
People are receiving awards on a stage with a red curtain in the background, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A woman in a yellow floral dress walks down an aisle in front of an audience seated on bleachers.
People are receiving awards on a stage with a large screen and red curtains in the background, while an audience watches from the foreground.
In the foreground, an audience watches from their seats, while in the background, a young person receives an award on a stage with several people standing behind them.
A young boy in a light blue shirt and bow tie walks forward holding a paper, with a girl in a red dress behind him, as an audience watches from tiered seating in the background.
In the foreground, blurred heads of an audience are visible, while on stage, two women in white dresses receive an award from a podium, with a man in a suit standing to the right against a blue and grey backdrop.
In the foreground, blurred faces of an audience are visible, while in the background, two women shake hands on a stage in front of a podium and a large screen.
In the foreground, the backs of an audience's heads are visible, while in the background, a young boy receives an award on stage from a woman, with other people standing nearby.
Children receive awards on a stage with a large screen displaying %22May 19th, 2026%22 in the background, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A young boy receives an award on stage during a 5th-grade honors ceremony, with an audience visible in the blurred foreground and a large screen displaying event details in the background.
A student receives an award on stage at a 5th Grade Honors Ceremony, with an audience visible in the blurred foreground and a banner displaying the event details in the background.
A young boy in khaki pants and a grey shirt shakes hands with a man in a suit on a stage with a large screen and red curtains, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A young boy in a blue shirt and khaki pants shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress on a stage during a 5th-grade honors ceremony, with an audience blurred in the foreground and a large screen displaying %22ELEMENTARY 5th Grade Honors Ceremony%22 in the background.
A boy receives an award on stage at a 5th Grade Honors Ceremony, with an audience visible in the blurred foreground.
Two young women receive awards on a stage in front of a large screen displaying %225th Grade Honors Ceremony May 19th, 2026,%22 while an audience watches from the blurred foreground.
Two girls receive awards on stage at a 5th Grade Honors Ceremony, with an audience visible in the blurred foreground.
A young boy in a maroon shirt receives an award on stage at a 5th Grade Honors Ceremony, with an audience blurred in the foreground and a large screen displaying event details in the background.
A young boy receives an award on stage at an honors ceremony, with an audience visible in the blurred foreground and a large screen displaying event details in the background.
A young woman in a white dress receives an award on stage at a graduation ceremony, with an audience blurred in the foreground and a banner reading %22Grade Honors Ceremony%22 in the background.
Children stand on a stage holding certificates in front of a red curtain, with an audience visible in the foreground.
A young girl in a light blue dress receives an award on stage from two adults, while an audience watches from the foreground and a banner displaying %22Academic Honors Ceremony%22 hangs in the background.
Students and adults stand on a stage receiving awards in front of a large screen displaying %22ELEMENTARY 5th Grade Honors Ceremony%22 with an audience in the blurred foreground.
A young boy receives an award on stage from two adults, while an audience watches from the foreground and a banner hangs in the background.
Children receive awards on stage in front of a large audience, with a banner in the background announcing a 5th Grade Honors Ceremony.
In the foreground, a woman in a purple dress receives a certificate from another woman on a stage, while in the background, several women sit on chairs and a screen displays %225th Gr%22.
A young boy stands on a stage in front of a red curtain, while several women sit behind him, and an audience is visible in the foreground.
Eight women are seated on a stage in front of a red curtain, with an audience visible in the foreground.
A group of people are seated on a stage in front of a red curtain, with an audience visible in the foreground.
A young girl in a white dress receives an award on stage in front of a red curtain, while an audience watches from below.
A group of young girls smiles from a screen in the background, while people stand on a stage in front of red curtains in the foreground.
Four adults stand behind podiums on a stage with a large blue banner proclaiming %22ELEMENTARY 5th Grade Honors Ceremony%22 in the background, while an audience is visible in the blurred foreground.
A man stands at a podium in front of a large screen displaying %22SILVER CITY ELEMENTARY 5th Grade Honors Ceremony%22 with an audience seated in the background.
A woman in a red dress and a young girl in a pink dress smile as they hold a certificate in front of a building with people in the background.
Six educators stand smiling in front of a stage with a school logo and podium, while red curtains and American flags form the backdrop.
A young boy stands in the foreground holding a bouquet of flowers next to a %22Congrats 2026%22 sign, with a crowd of people gathered in front of a modern building in the background.
A boy receives an award on stage in front of a large screen displaying the Sharon Elementary logo, with a woman at a podium to the left and red curtains framing the background.
Children in formal attire stand on a stage with a large screen displaying a school logo, while an audience applauds from dark seats in the foreground.
Children in formal attire stand on a stage with a red curtain backdrop, holding yellow certificates.
In the foreground, an audience watches a stage where young girls are receiving awards, while the background features a large screen displaying images of smiling children.
In the foreground, a young girl receives an award on stage, while the background displays a large screen showing a science demonstration.
A young boy with a medal walks down an aisle in a crowded auditorium filled with seated spectators.
A young boy in a pink shirt walks down a ramp in the foreground, while an audience sits in tiered seating in the background.
A group of young girls in matching t-shirts pose for a photo on a large screen behind a stage where several people are gathered.
A young boy in an orange shirt walks past seated audience members in a large hall.
A woman speaks at a podium on a stage with a large screen displaying a group of people at tables in the background, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A young boy in a white polo shirt and shorts walks down stairs in the foreground, while an audience sits in tiered seating in the background.
A young boy in a suit stands in the foreground, while an audience fills the tiered seating in the background.
In the foreground, a young boy in a black shirt and striped pants is being presented with an award on stage, while the background features a large screen displaying smiling girls in green t-shirts and an audience seated in a theater.
A young girl in a white shirt and medal walks down stairs in the foreground, while an audience sits in tiered seating in the background.
In the foreground, students receive awards on a stage with a large screen displaying photos of smiling children in the background.
Two young girls in formal dresses walk down an aisle in a crowded auditorium with tiered seating.
Children are seated on a grassy hill in the background, while adults present awards on a stage in the foreground.
A young boy in a suit jacket and jeans receives an award on stage in front of a red curtain and an audience.
A young girl in a floral dress waves as she walks past rows of seated people in an auditorium, with a brick wall and a stroller visible in the background.
A young boy walks down an aisle in a tiered auditorium filled with an audience.
A young boy walks past seated attendees in an auditorium, with a brick wall and stage lighting visible in the background.
A young girl in a pink dress receives an award on stage with a red curtain and audience in the background.
Young women in formal attire receive awards on a stage with a red curtain backdrop, while an audience watches from below.
In the foreground, a young girl in a polka dot dress receives an award on stage, while the background features a red curtain, an audience, and a podium with %22Forsyth County Schools%22 branding.
A young boy walks down an aisle in a dimly lit auditorium with an audience seated to his left and a cameraman filming in the background.
A young boy in a checkered shirt receives an award on stage from a woman in black, while a Forsyth County Schools podium and a red curtain form the background.
In the foreground, a young boy walks across a stage while in the background, people receive awards on a stage with a red curtain.
A group of young women receive awards on a stage with a red curtain backdrop and a screen displaying a collage of photos, while an audience watches from below.
A young woman in a floral dress walks past rows of seated guests in an auditorium with a brick wall in the background.
A young boy in a white shirt receives an award on stage in front of a red curtain, while an audience watches from below.
Students and adults are on a stage with a red curtain backdrop, while an audience watches from the foreground.
Two girls in the foreground smile and make faces while sitting on a blanket, as a group of children sit on the grass in the background.
Students receive awards on a stage with a red curtain and a screen displaying two girls, while an audience watches from below.
A young boy and girl stand on a stage with a woman, while an audience watches from the foreground and American flags and red curtains form the background.
In the foreground, a young woman in a light blue dress shakes hands with another woman on a stage, while the background features a red curtain and an audience.
A woman speaks at a podium in front of a screen displaying students at desks, with an audience seated in the foreground.
In the foreground, people are gathered in an auditorium, while on the stage in the background, a woman stands before a red curtain and a large screen displaying a group of children.
A group of women in formal attire sit on a stage with a red curtain and American flag in the background, while an audience sits in the foreground.
A man with headphones stands at a podium with a computer screen and audio equipment, while an audience sits in the background.
A group of children in light-colored dresses stand on a stage in front of a large screen, while a crowded audience fills the auditorium seats in the background.
A large audience watches a group of students on stage in front of a red curtain and a screen displaying %22Pirates Brave and Bold Class Song.%22
A large audience fills the seats of an auditorium, facing a stage with a red curtain and a screen displaying %22Welcome%22 in the background.
A podium stands between two tables draped with black cloths, one displaying a %22Pirates%22 banner and the other a %22Class of 2026%22 banner, all set against a large screen showing images of students.
A principal stands at a podium on a stage with a %22Welcome%22 banner and balloons, addressing a large audience seated in the foreground.
A group of children in formal attire walk across a stage with a red curtain and balloons in the background.
A young girl in a light-colored dress walks across a stage with a red curtain and balloons in the background, while a boy in a blue shirt shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress.
Two young women hug on a stage in front of a line of students, while an American flag and a podium with a speaker are visible in the background.
A young boy in a vest and sparkly shirt shakes hands with a woman on a stage with a red curtain and American flag in the background, while other children and adults watch.
A young girl in a blue outfit receives an award on stage from a woman, with an American flag and red curtains in the background.
A young boy in a red shirt is hugged by a woman in a blue and white dress on a stage with a podium and red curtains in the background, while another boy in a polo shirt walks by in the foreground.
A young boy in the foreground receives an award on stage from two women, while other attendees and a red curtain form the background.
A young girl in a pink dress receives an award on stage with a red curtain and American flag in the background.
A young boy in a blue and white striped shirt receives a certificate from a woman in a floral dress, with a red curtain and %22CLASS OF 2026%22 banner in the background.
A young girl in a floral dress receives an award on stage from a woman, while other women and a podium with a Forsyth County Schools logo are in the background.
Two girls embrace on a stage with a red curtain and podium in the background, while a boy stands to the left.
A young girl in a sparkly dress receives a certificate from a woman in a floral dress on a stage with a podium and American flag in the background.
A diverse group of children in formal attire stand on a stage with a red curtain in the background.
A woman hugs a young girl on stage in front of a red curtain and a podium with a school logo.
A group of children stand on a stage in front of a blue backdrop with %22Class of 2026%22 written on it, while an audience watches from below.
Three children in formal attire stand in the foreground, looking up towards a festive balloon arch in the background.
A group of children and adults pose for a photo in front of a balloon arch and stage, with some children holding certificates.
A group of young boys in suits and a man in a blazer stand together holding papers in front of a brick wall and a hallway with an exit sign.
A group of children proudly hold certificates on a stage with a large screen and balloons in the background.
A boy receives a certificate on stage from a man, with balloons and a banner in the background.
Children stand on steps in front of a brick wall with an exit sign.
A group of young people in the foreground are clapping in their seats, while in the background, a girl in a white dress stands on a stage.
A man in a tan jacket presents an award to a young girl in a pink dress on a stage, with a woman holding a certificate and balloons in the background.
A young boy and two women stand on a stage receiving awards, with a brick wall in the foreground and a black curtain and seated audience in the background.
A colorful %22Congrats Grad%22 balloon floats in the foreground, with blurred graduation-themed decorations in the background.
A group of children in red shirts with %22MATT ELEMENTARY 55%22 printed on them sing in front of a blurred background of more children and a dark curtain.
In the foreground, a young boy in a green shirt walks across a stage with ferns, while in the background, students and adults stand near a large screen displaying text and a photo.
A young boy in a red shirt receives medals from a woman in front of a screen displaying text and a picture.
A smiling young girl in a %225th grade%22 t-shirt and floral skirt stands in the foreground with rows of empty chairs, while a blurred background shows a crowd of people.
Children in red shirts stand in the foreground, while a woman presents medals in front of a screen displaying a quote by Oprah Winfrey in the background.
A young boy in a blue shirt and medal smiles as a woman in an orange skirt presents him with a certificate, while other children sit in the background.
A woman in a green cardigan speaks into a microphone on a stage in front of an audience, while children in blue and green shirts sit behind her.
A %22Congrats Graduate!%22 balloon floats in the foreground, with blurred figures of seated people in the background.
A woman speaks at a podium in front of a seated audience, with a large anchor banner to her left and a stage with a blue curtain in the background.
Children in green shirts sit in the foreground, while a blurred audience watches from the background.
Children in the foreground are seated and looking towards the background, where a dark stage is visible.
In the foreground, an audience watches from their seats, while on the stage in the background, two young women receive awards from two other women in front of a curtained backdrop.
In the foreground, an audience watches a graduation ceremony, while on the stage in the background, three women stand near a podium.
Two women stand at a podium on a stage with a black curtain backdrop, while an audience watches from the foreground.
In the foreground, an audience watches from their seats as, in the background, three adults present a certificate to a young boy on a stage with a large screen displaying a photo.
A young boy receives an award on stage in front of a seated audience and a large screen displaying a celebratory graphic.
Three women stand on a stage behind a podium and a table, while an audience watches from the foreground, with a large screen displaying a golden graphic in the background.
A group of people stand on a stage in front of a black curtain, while an audience watches from below.
In the foreground, a crowd of students watches from their seats, while on the stage in the background, a girl in a light blue dress receives an award from an adult.
In the foreground, an audience watches a ceremony on a stage where several people are being recognized, while the background features a large screen displaying a celebratory graphic.
A group of women stand on a stage in front of a dark curtain, while an audience watches from rows of chairs in the foreground.
In the foreground, a crowd of people watches a ceremony on a stage where children are receiving awards, while the background features a stage with a podium, American and state flags, and a large screen displaying a celebratory image.
In the foreground, a large audience sits facing a stage where students are receiving awards, while the background features a stage with a podium, an American flag, and a screen displaying a sparkly image.
A group of people stand on a stage in front of a dark curtain, while an audience watches from the foreground.
Students and adults stand on a stage in front of a blue curtain and American flag, while an audience sits in green chairs in the foreground.
Children and adults stand on a stage in front of a dark curtain, while an audience sits in chairs in the foreground.
A woman speaks at a podium on a stage in front of an audience, with a large screen displaying a photo in the background.
In the foreground, a crowd of people are seated facing a stage where several individuals are receiving awards, while the background features a stage with a dark curtain and an American flag.
A group of children and adults stand on a stage in front of a black curtain, while an audience watches from below.
Students receive awards on a stage with an audience seated in the foreground.
A group of children and adults stand on a stage in front of a blue curtain, while an audience watches from below.
A group of children and adults stand on a stage in front of a dark curtain, while an audience watches from chairs in the foreground.
A woman speaks at a podium on a stage with two other women seated beside her, while a large audience watches from the foreground.
In the foreground, people are seated in rows of chairs facing a stage, while the background features a large mural on the wall with the words %22BE THE LIGHT ~ BE THE GOOD.%22
A woman speaks at a podium in front of a curtained stage, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A group of children in formal attire stand in front of a colorful mural, while adults are seated in the foreground, with circular banners bearing the %22Kelly Mill Colts%22 logo visible on the right.
A woman stands at a podium on a stage with two seated women beside her, addressing an audience seated in the foreground, while a large, illuminated screen hangs on the right side of the background.
People stand in a hallway in front of a colorful mural spelling out %22KMF%22 on the wall, with chairs and a doorway visible in the background.
Four women stand at a podium on a stage with a curtain backdrop, while an audience watches from the foreground.
In the foreground, people are seated in chairs, while in the background, a group of children and adults stand near a wall decorated with colorful artwork and a large %22KME%22 sign.
A digital clock displays 8:09 below a screen showing a quote by John Wesley and a photo of a young girl, set against a beige wall.
A group of children in formal attire stand in a hallway with a colorful mural on the wall, while adults are seated in the foreground.
Children in formal attire stand in a line in front of a colorful mural, while adults are seated in the foreground.
A group of children stand in a hallway with colorful artwork on the wall, while adults sit in chairs in the foreground.
A crowd of people watches a screen displaying a student's photo and achievements, with American and state flags hanging behind a stage in the background.
Children stand in a line in front of a colorful mosaic wall, while adults watch from chairs in the foreground.
Children and adults gather in a hallway with a large colorful mural on the wall, while chairs and tables with school logos are set up in the foreground.
In the foreground, people are seated in chairs, while in the background, children and adults stand near doorways and a colorful mural.
A crowd of people sit in chairs facing a large screen displaying a young boy's photo, with a stage and podium visible in the background.
A man in a suit stands at a podium on a stage with a red curtain backdrop, while a woman claps and a screen displays %22Cumming Elementary School 5th Grade Graduation%22 to an audience in the foreground.
A young girl in a black dress walks across the stage holding a certificate, while a crowd of spectators watches from tiered seating in the background.
Two young boys stand in front of a blue banner with a shark logo, against a wood-paneled wall.
A young girl in an orange dress holds a certificate in front of a blue banner with a shark logo for Shiloh Point Elementary.
Two children proudly hold certificates on a stage with a large screen displaying a shark logo in the background, while a woman in a dark dress stands at a table to the right.
A group of people stand on a stage with red curtains in the background, while an audience sits in the foreground.
A diverse group of children and adults are seated in a large, empty auditorium with rows of red seats stretching into the background.
Two children stand on a stage holding certificates, with a woman to their left and a podium to their right, all set against a backdrop of a large screen displaying the %22Shiloh Point Elementary%22 logo.
Children in formal attire are seated in a theater with rows of empty seats behind them.
Two women embrace on a stage in front of a screen displaying %22Graduation%22 and a large apple, while other women watch and clap.
Two women stand on a stage in front of a screen displaying %22Cumming Elementary 5th Grade Graduation,%22 with one woman speaking at a podium.
A man in a suit and two children stand on a stage with a red curtain in the background, while a woman speaks at a podium.
Five people are seated on a stage in front of a red curtain, with flags to their left and blurred audience members in the foreground.
Four women in dresses are seated on chairs in front of a red curtain, with a blurred image of a red shape on a screen behind them.
A man in a suit speaks into a microphone while seated individuals watch him against a red curtain backdrop.
In the foreground, an audience watches a stage where a woman signs and four women sit, while a large apple graphic is projected on the red curtain in the background.
A woman stands on a stage in front of a screen displaying %22Cumming Elementary School 5th Grade Graduation%22 and a large apple, while an audience is visible in the blurred foreground.
A graduation ceremony is underway with graduates seated on stage in front of red curtains, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A man in a suit stands at a podium on the left, while a woman signs on the right, both on a stage with a screen displaying %22Cumming Elementary School 5th Grade Graduation%22 in the background, with the blurry heads of an audience in the foreground.
A man in a suit stands at a podium on a stage in front of a screen that reads %22Cumming Elementary 5th Grade Graduation,%22 while a group of graduates sits to his left and an audience is visible in the foreground.
Two women stand at a podium in front of a screen displaying %22Cumming Elementary School 5th Grade Graduation,%22 with a blurred audience in the foreground.
A graduation stage with a large screen displaying %22Congrats graduates!%22 and a red curtain backdrop is in the background, while the foreground shows an audience seated in chairs.
A man in a suit sits on a stage in front of red curtains, while an audience watches from the foreground, and a projected image of a group of people with a dirt bike is displayed on a screen in the background.
Four women in dresses sit on chairs on a stage with a red curtain and a large screen in the background.
In the foreground, an audience watches from their seats, while in the background, Cumming Elementary School 5th graders graduate on a stage with a red curtain and a screen displaying %22Graduates!%22.
A graduation ceremony is underway on a stage with a colorful %22Congrats Graduates!%22 banner projected on a screen behind the graduates, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A young boy in a blue shirt and khaki pants walks down an aisle of empty seats in a room with brick walls and a woman standing in the background.
A boy and a girl walk past rows of empty seats in an auditorium, holding certificates.
A young girl in a blue dress walks past rows of empty seats towards a brick wall in the background.
A group of smiling 5th graders stand on a stage in front of a large screen displaying %22Congrats graduates!%22 while an audience watches from the foreground.
A young girl in a floral dress walks past rows of empty seats in the foreground, while a group of people in formal attire walks behind her in the background.
Children in formal attire walk in a line past rows of chairs in a hall.
Three young girls walk past rows of seated audience members in a room with a red curtain and brick walls.
Three children walk past empty seats in a room with a brick wall and a water fountain in the background.
A young boy in a red shirt and tan pants shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress on a stage, while a large blue screen with a yellow logo is visible in the background.
A young woman in a light blue dress shakes hands with an older woman in a floral dress on a stage, with a large blue screen displaying a school logo in the background.
A young boy in the foreground receives an award from a woman on stage, while other students and a large %22Chesterton%22 banner are visible in the background.
A young boy in a light blue shirt and shorts shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress on a stage, while a large blue screen with a school logo is visible in the background.
A young girl in a light dress receives an award on stage from a woman in a floral dress, with a large %22Chestatee%22 banner and balloons in the background.
A young boy stands on a stage in front of a large blue screen with a logo, while a woman in a floral dress and a man in a suit stand beside him.
A young girl in a light blue dress receives an award on stage from a woman, while a large blue banner with %22Chestatee%22 is displayed in the background.
A young woman in a blue dress receives an award on stage from a man in a suit, with a large blue and orange logo displayed on a screen behind them.
A young girl in a light dress walks across a stage with balloons and other children in the background, while adults stand behind a podium with a school logo on a large screen.
A young girl in a blue dress receives an award on stage from a man in a suit, while a woman in a floral dress watches, with a large blue banner displaying a logo in the background.
A young boy in a checkered shirt receives an award from a man in a suit on a brightly lit stage.
A young boy in a patterned shirt and shorts receives an award on stage from a man in a suit, while a woman in a floral dress watches, with a large blue screen displaying a school logo and balloons in the background.
A young boy in a dark shirt shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress on a stage, with blurred figures and a large logo in the background.
A young boy in a blue striped shirt shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress against a dark blue background.
A young boy in a red shirt receives an award from a man in a suit on a stage with a blurred audience in the background.
A young girl in a patterned dress receives an award from a man in a suit on a stage with a blue backdrop and balloons.
A young girl in a black dress holds a certificate while being embraced by a woman in a floral dress, both standing against a dark blue background.
A young girl in a black dress shakes hands with a man in a suit on a stage with a blue backdrop.
A young girl in a blue dress receives an award from a man in a suit on a stage with blue and yellow balloons in the background.
A woman and a boy stand on a stage with balloons in the foreground and a dark background with blue lighting.
A young boy in a vest and tie receives an award on stage from a man in a suit, while other children and adults watch in the background.
A woman speaks at a podium adorned with balloons in the foreground, while a large screen and blue-lit pillars form the background.
A young boy in a blue shirt and tan pants shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress on a stage, while other children and adults stand behind them against a blue backdrop.
A woman stands at a podium on a stage in front of a large audience, with large screens displaying a school logo in the background.
A smiling boy in a white shirt flashes a peace sign in the foreground, while other children stand behind him in a blurred background.
A woman in a floral dress stands on a stage with a podium and balloons in the foreground, while a man in a plaid shirt walks away in the background, all under dramatic blue lighting.
A young girl with blonde hair smiles in the foreground, while a plain wall forms the background.
An audience fills tiered seating in the foreground, facing a brightly lit stage with screens displaying a logo in the background.
A young woman in a maroon dress holds a bouquet of flowers in the foreground, while large illuminated %22GRAD%22 letters and balloons adorn the stage in the background.
A smiling family poses in front of a %22GRAD%22 sign and a school logo on a stage.
A smiling boy in a light blue polo shirt gives a thumbs-up in the foreground, while other children in formal attire walk behind him in a bright, indoor setting.
A smiling young person with glasses stands with an arm around their shoulder by a woman in a floral dress, while other people are visible on a dimly lit stage in the background.
A young girl in a light blue dress receives an award on stage from a man in a suit, with balloons and other children in the background.
A young girl with blonde hair smiles at the camera in the foreground, while other children are blurred in the background.
A woman hugs a young girl on stage in front of a large blue screen with a white and yellow logo.
A young boy in a gray shirt walks across a stage holding papers, with a blue banner and blurred figures in the background.
A young girl in a white dress receives an award on stage from a man in a suit, with a blue banner and balloons in the background.
A young boy in a green shirt and shorts shakes hands with a woman in a floral dress on a stage, with a large blue and yellow banner in the background.
A young boy in a suit and jeans shakes hands with a man in a suit on a stage, with a large blue screen and balloons in the background.
A young girl in a white cardigan and floral dress smiles at the camera in the foreground, with another girl in a white dress to her left and a woman in a pink dress blurred in the background.
A young girl in a denim jacket and red dress accepts an award on stage from a man in a suit, with balloons and an audience visible in the background.
A young student in a green shirt receives an award on stage from a man in a suit, with a backdrop of balloons and a large school banner.
A young boy in a striped shirt receives an award from a man in a suit on a stage with balloons and a banner in the background.
A young boy in a red shirt and tan pants stands with his arm around a woman in a floral dress, both smiling on a stage decorated with blue and white balloons.
A young boy in a light blue jacket and a girl in a white dress walk down a hallway.
A group of children in formal attire stand in rows of empty theater seats, with a stage and lighting visible in the background.
In the foreground, tables are set with stacks of yellow books, while the background features a large screen displaying three student portraits and a graduation cap.
A blue runner with the Chestatee Elementary School logo is draped over a black tablecloth, with a dark background featuring vertical blue lights.
Children in formal attire walk in a line down a hallway with adults in the background.
Large, illuminated %22GRAD%22 letters stand on a blue surface in the background, with out-of-focus white and gold balloons filling the foreground.
A group of children in formal attire stand in a line against a plain wall, with the closest children in sharp focus and others fading into the background.
A young girl with curly hair and a blue bandana smiles at the camera in the foreground, while two other children are blurred in the background.
A young girl in a floral dress smiles at the camera in the foreground, with two children blurred in the background walking down a hallway.
A young boy in a white shirt and dark shorts stands in the foreground, while a line of children walks down a hallway in the background.
A group of children in formal attire stand in a hallway, with a young boy in a white shirt and tie in the foreground.
A young boy in a white shirt and dark pants smiles at the camera in the foreground, while other children walk in a hallway in the blurred background.
A young boy in a light blue blazer and tan pants walks down a hallway with other children in formal attire, while blurred figures are visible in the background.
Two young women, one in a floral dress holding a bouquet of flowers and the other in a green dress, pose in front of a modern building with a glass facade.
A woman smiles with her two sons, one in a pink polo and khakis, the other in a blue suit, standing before a modern building with large windows.
A children's book titled %22Be You!%22 by Peter H. Reynolds, featuring a child in a boat with balloons, rests on top of other papers.
A family of four smiles for the camera in the foreground, with a blurred background of people and a modern building.
A young boy in a light-colored collared shirt and jeans smiles in front of a brick building with a glass door.
Three people, two boys in suits and a woman in a skirt, pose for a photo in front of a modern building with other people in the background.
A young boy with red hair and a suit stands in front of a modern building with large glass windows.
A smiling woman in a blue patterned dress hugs a young girl in a dark blue dress, with a crowd of people and trees in the background.
A smiling boy with freckles stands in a doorway, with a hallway visible in the background.
A smiling girl in a light blue dress stands in front of a brick building.
A young girl in an orange dress stands holding a certificate in front of a blue banner with a shark logo for Shiloh Point Elementary.
A young boy in a suit stands holding a certificate in front of a blue backdrop with %22Shiloh Point Elementary%22 and shark logos repeated.
A group of young girls in dresses stand in a line on a patterned carpet in the foreground, while an audience sits in chairs and a stage with a screen is visible in the background.
A young boy in a suit holds a certificate and a bouquet of flowers in front of a Shiloh Point Elementary banner with a shark logo, set against a wood-paneled wall.
A woman speaks at a podium on a stage with flags and a large screen in the background, while a crowd of people sits in the foreground.
Two young boys stand in front of a blue and white banner with the words %22Shiloh Point%22 and a shark logo, against a wood-paneled wall.
A young girl in a white dress receives an award on stage from two women, while a large projected image of a classroom and a woman at a podium are visible in the background.
A young girl receives an award on a stage with a large screen displaying a dolphin logo in the background, while an audience watches from the foreground.
A graduation ceremony is underway with attendees seated in the foreground and a stage with screens displaying the school logo in the background.
A young boy in light-colored pants receives an award on stage from a woman in a black dress, with graduation photos displayed on a large screen behind them.
In the foreground, an audience member in an orange shirt sits facing away from the camera, while in the background, two children and two adults stand on a stage with a banner and podium.
A young girl in a floral dress receives an award on stage from a woman in a black dress, with portraits of two children displayed on a large screen behind them.
A young boy in a blue shirt shakes hands with a woman in a black dress on a stage, while a large screen behind them displays images of children and two other women stand nearby.
Two young boys stand proudly holding certificates in front of a blue backdrop adorned with %22Shiloh Point Elementary%22 and shark graphics.
Young people walk down an aisle in a large auditorium with a stage and screen in the background.
Two children stand on a stage holding certificates, with a woman and a podium behind them, while a large screen displays the %22Shiloh Point Elementary%22 logo in the background.
Two students stand on a stage holding awards, with a woman clapping behind them, while a large screen with a dolphin logo and an American flag are visible in the background.
Two students stand on a stage holding certificates, with a woman on the left and a woman at a podium on the right, all in front of a large screen displaying a school logo.
Two children proudly hold certificates on a stage with a large screen displaying a shark logo in the background, while a woman in a dark dress stands behind a table to the right.
A group of people walk down an aisle between rows of empty red seats in a large auditorium with a stage visible in the background.
A stack of books with a yellow cover featuring a child and a bright sun is on a dark surface.
In the foreground, a group of children and adults are gathered near a stage, while the background reveals rows of empty, reddish-brown seats in a large auditorium.

Fifth graders across Forsyth County celebrated a milestone that feels both exciting and unforgettable—promotion week. After years of learning, growing, and building friendships, the fifth-grade Class of 2026 is officially preparing to move on up to middle school.

Last week was filled with smiles, high‑fives, and moments that capture just how far these students have come. Classrooms have been buzzing with end‑of‑year celebrations, memory‑making activities, and plenty of proud teachers cheering them on. Whether students were signing yearbooks, enjoying special 5th-grade events, or reflecting on their favorite elementary school moments, the energy has been full of joy and anticipation.

Families and staff throughout the district are deeply proud of this cohort. These students have demonstrated resilience, curiosity, kindness, and leadership—qualities that will propel them into their next chapter. Middle school offers fresh opportunities, friendships, and adventures, and these rising sixth graders are fully prepared.

To the 5th Grade Class of 2026: congratulations on reaching this significant milestone. Your elementary journey is coming to an end, but even greater experiences await. Stay bright, adventurous, and believe in your limitless potential. Your future shines.

Big Ideas, Bright Futures: Cumming Elementary Celebrates Career Day

A group of children gather around a bookmobile with a woman standing in front of it, while cars are parked in the background under a clear sky.
Two men present a diorama to a group of children sitting on the floor in a gymnasium with posters on the wall.
A woman in the foreground is handing items to a group of children gathered around the open tailgate of a truck, with a school building and parked cars visible in the background.
A young girl in a starry sweatshirt presents a laptop to three other children gathered around a table, with backpacks and classroom supplies visible in the background.
A woman in a white coat pets a rabbit on a table in the foreground, while children watch, with cars and a building visible in the sunny background.
A police officer in uniform gestures towards a group of children gathered in front of a police vehicle, with a grassy hill and buildings in the background.
Children sit on asphalt in the foreground, listening to adults gathered around a white race car in the middle ground, with a grassy hill and buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.
A group of children gather around a hedgehog on a table in the foreground, while a school building and parking lot are visible in the background.
A woman presents %22Wildlife Story Time%22 on a large screen to a group of children sitting on the floor in front of a brick wall.
Children sit on the asphalt in the foreground, facing a group of adults and a car trailer, with cars parked on a grassy hill in the background under a clear blue sky.
Children sit on the ground in the foreground, listening to adults present a race car in the background.
Children gather around a laptop on a desk in the foreground, while a teacher and other students are visible in the background of a classroom.
A young woman presents a U.S. Marines display board to a group of attentive elementary school students in a classroom with other children and a teacher in the background.
A teacher presents a science project to a group of young students in a classroom with a whiteboard and posters in the background.
A woman presents a %22Wildlife Story Time%22 on a large screen to a group of young children sitting on the floor in front of a brick wall.
Four young boys gather around a tri-fold display board about civil rights attorneys in a classroom with a %22Try Fail Learn Repeat%22 poster on the wall.
A group of young students gather around a laptop on a table in a classroom, with a whiteboard and a bulletin board visible in the background.
A young boy presents a project on a laptop to a group of classmates in a classroom with a window showing a sunny outdoor scene.
A young girl with a lei presents a tri-fold board about acting to a group of children in a classroom with other students in the background.
A presenter stands before a large screen displaying %22Describing SUGAR BUGS & MORE%22 to an audience of children seated on the floor.
A group of children sit on the floor in the foreground, listening to adults in the background who stand near a hallway with lockers.
A man presents a digital display about building a train to an audience in the foreground, with a classroom-like setting in the background.
A presenter stands before a large screen displaying %22Sugar Bugs & More%22 to an audience of children seated on the floor in a classroom, with colorful decorations and a piano visible in the background.
A man lectures to a group of children sitting on the floor in front of a table, with a gymnasium in the background.
Children sit on the floor in the foreground, facing a presenter at a screen in the background that displays %22CHOMPING SUGAR BUGS & MORE.%22
A teacher presents to a classroom of students sitting on the floor in front of a large screen, with windows and shelves visible in the background.
A teacher presents to a classroom of seated students in the foreground, while a large screen displays information in the background.
Children sit on the floor of a gymnasium in the foreground, listening to two men present a model in the background.
A woman presents to a group of students in a cafeteria, with a colorful balloon animal centerpiece on a table in the foreground and large windows in the background.
Two men stand near a miniature diorama of a town in front of a seated group of children in a gymnasium.
Two women demonstrate hairstyling techniques on mannequins in the foreground, while a group of children watch in the background, with large windows revealing an outdoor scene.
A woman presents to a group of children in a classroom with a large window showing a school building in the background.
A group of children gather around a table with medical instruments in the foreground, while adults stand behind them in a school hallway in the background.
A group of children in the foreground are gathered around two adults speaking, while other adults and a brick building are visible in the background.
A woman presents to a group of children seated at tables in front of a large screen displaying data, with a stage and curtains in the background.
A woman sits on a table in front of a %22THERAPIST%22 display board, holding a pillow and small toys, with a book titled %22SPOT OF FEELINGS%22 on the left.
In the foreground, a group of children sit on the floor with their backs to the camera, while in the background, three adults stand near a display board labeled %22THERAPIST%22 in a classroom setting.
In the foreground, a group of children sit on the floor with their backs to the camera, while in the background, three adults stand near a display board labeled %22THERAPIST%22 in a classroom setting.
A young boy presents a project about the NBA to a group of children in a classroom with bookshelves in the background.
A group of young children gather around a laptop in a classroom, with a teacher standing in the background.
A group of diverse children gather around a laptop on a desk in a classroom, with a teacher and other students visible in the blurred background.
A woman with long brown hair faces a group of young children in a classroom, with a bulletin board behind her and shelves filled with supplies in the background.
Children gather around a tri-fold display board on a table in a classroom, with a black chair and a bulletin board visible in the background.
A group of young children gather around a display board in a classroom, with a television screen visible in the background.
Children sit on the asphalt in the foreground, listening to firefighters by a red engine in the background, with a clear blue sky above.
A police officer and a dog stand near a patrol car in front of a group of children sitting on the ground, with a grassy hill and stadium lights in the background.
In the foreground, three young children gather around a laptop on a portable desk, while in the background, other students and an adult are visible in a classroom setting.
Three young girls stand looking at a boy in a hard hat and safety vest presenting a %22Construction Worker%22 project board in a classroom.
Two young boys stand at a desk with a laptop, presenting to a group of classmates in a classroom with bookshelves in the background.
Four young girls huddle around a laptop in a classroom, with a window showing trees and a parking lot in the background.
Four children gather around a computer in a classroom with a window and colorful lights in the background.
Four young boys, three with their backs to the camera, stand in the foreground looking at a science fair project displayed on a tri-fold board in the background.
A young woman stands behind a laptop on a portable stand, surrounded by a group of attentive elementary school students in a classroom.
A young woman in a pink shirt stands in front of a group of young girls, with a bulletin board and bookshelves visible in the background.
A young boy in a construction costume stands in the foreground, while a group of children gather around a computer in the background.
A group of young boys, some in costumes, gather around a presentation board in the foreground, while a large screen displaying a tropical scene and bookshelves fill the background.
A young boy in the foreground uses a laptop while other children gather around him in a classroom with a %22Learn Repeat%22 poster in the background.
A young woman in a tie-dye shirt and straw hat talks to a group of children in front of a %22Physical Therapy%22 poster.

Cumming Elementary was alive with excitement this week as students, families, and staff gathered for an interactive, curiosity‑driven Career Day. It was an event that reminded everyone how vast the world seems in elementary school, and how motivating it is to learn from people within your own community.

Parents stepped into classrooms to share what they do each day, from creative jobs to technical roles to careers that help keep our community running smoothly. Students loved hearing real stories, asking big questions, and seeing how many different paths there are. Fifth graders from Mrs. Felts' class also presented their own “future careers,” proudly talking about what they hope to become and why those dreams matter to them.

The highlight was the energy throughout the building. Students vividly imagined themselves in new roles, discovered previously unknown interests, and linked classroom lessons to future opportunities. Teachers watched their students become inspired, and families valued participating in such a meaningful day.

Career Day was more than just an event, it was a catalyst. At Cumming Elementary, that catalyst inspires students to dream bigger as they look toward their futures.

Celebrating Field Day and the Joy of a Year Well Spent

Four young girls in black t-shirts sit on a blue mat in the foreground, with blurred figures of other children and trees in the background.
Children in the foreground hold cups above their heads while a woman in the background watches them.
A group of children and an adult pose for a photo on a grassy lawn in front of a brick building.
Children in the foreground are gathered around a large blue tarp, while in the background, a building and a grassy field are visible under a clear blue sky.
Children in a line hold cups over their heads in the foreground, while a woman watches them with trees and a sunny sky in the background.
Children in a line holding cups stand on a paved surface with trees and a grassy hill in the background.
A group of children in the foreground hold up a large tarp, while in the background, more children and adults are gathered near a building under a clear blue sky.
Children in the foreground are gathered around a large blue tarp on a paved surface, while in the background, a building and trees are visible under a clear blue sky.
Children in the foreground are gathered around a large blue tarp, while in the background, a school building and grassy hill are visible under a clear blue sky.
Children in the foreground hold a blue tarp, attempting to catch a red balloon, while a grassy hill and bleachers form the background.
Children in the foreground are gathered around a blue trash can, while in the background, cars are parked in a lot under a clear blue sky.
Children in the foreground are participating in a water game with buckets and sponges, while cars and trees are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A group of young people are joyfully playing in a large pile of foam, with a school building and a parked car visible in the background.
A woman and a young girl smile at the camera in matching t-shirts with a forest graphic, with a clear blue sky and a distant parking lot in the background.
A dachshund in a shirt rests on a blanket in a chair, with a grassy field in the background.
A young girl with blonde hair smiles as she holds a large clump of foam in the foreground, with a school building and other children playing in the foam in the background.
Five smiling children in matching blue shirts stand in front of a brick building with a red awning.
Children in the foreground hold colorful toys while walking in a line on an asphalt path, with a school building and trees visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Children race around colorful cones in a parking lot with a building and trees in the background.
A group of children in pink shirts run across a green football field with a shadow in the foreground and trees in the background.
Six children stand on a green turf field with stadium lights and trees in the background.
A young boy in a blue t-shirt and black shorts balances a cup on his head on a concrete patio, with a grassy field and trees in the background.
Children in green shirts laugh and get splashed with water on a grassy area in front of a brick building.
Two boys in green shirts pull on a rope in the foreground, with a brick building in the background.
A smiling boy holds a large pile of foam in the foreground, with a school building and a parking lot in the background.
Children in the foreground strain on a tug-of-war rope with a brick building in the background.
A boy in the foreground is throwing a yellow ball at a cup, while in the background, a group of children are participating in a water-themed outdoor activity.
Four smiling girls in %22Field Day%22 shirts stand on a grassy field with trees and a track in the background.
Children in green shirts are having water sprayed on them in the foreground, while adults watch from behind a fence in front of a brick building in the background.
Children in colorful shirts play on a red and yellow inflatable structure in the foreground, with a school building and grassy field in the background under a clear blue sky.
A boy sits on a chair under a blue frame with targets, while another child throws a ball in the wet, paved background.
A young girl in a %22Field Day%22 t-shirt stands on a grassy field with cones, while other children participate in activities in the background.
A young boy in a %22Field Day%22 t-shirt smiles at the camera on a grassy field with other children participating in activities in the background.
A young girl in a green shirt with her arm raised in excitement is in the foreground, while other children play in the background on a grassy field.
Children in green %22Field Day%22 shirts are having fun with water guns in front of a brick building.
A woman smiles as she sits with five young boys, all wearing bandanas and eating popsicles, in front of a brick building with large windows.
A young boy in the foreground reaches for a blue ball within a hoop on a grassy field, while spectators watch in the background.
A boy sits under a homemade water-dumping contraption in a grassy yard with trees in the background.
A young girl in a red shirt enthusiastically jumps in a burlap sack during a field day event, with other children and spectators visible in the grassy background under a bright sky.
Children and adults in pink shirts participate in an outdoor event on a grassy field with trees and buildings in the background.
A young girl in a purple shirt and dark pants kneels on a green turf field, stacking large purple cups, with a white line and a person's arm visible in the background.
A group of smiling children in green %22Back to Field Day%22 shirts pose for a photo in front of a brick building with a blurred background of people and trees.
Children in yellow shirts and headbands participate in an outdoor activity on a green field, with adults watching in the background.
Four young girls in red shirts and sunglasses pose playfully in the foreground, while a blurred background shows a sunny outdoor event with tents and people.
A group of children in blue shirts and headbands, holding blue pom-poms, sit on a blanket under a tent decorated with blue streamers and a %22Game Time%22 sign, with adults and trees visible in the background.
A boy in a red shirt and gray shorts jumps on a colorful inflatable bounce house, with a brick building and fence in the background.
A group of children in purple shirts and accessories stand in front of a green tent with purple decorations, while a woman smiles behind them.
Children in red shirts participate in a field day event on a green turf field with spectators in the background.
A group of children in green shirts and headbands, holding pom-poms, pose in front of a fence with a sign that reads %22Carulla's Class,%22 while a lush green forest forms the background.
A line of young children in matching green shirts and headbands stand on a grassy field, with adults and other children visible in the blurred background.
A group of children in red shirts hold a banner that says %22MILLER'S RED GABAGOOS%22 in front of a school building.
Children in the foreground are having a water fight with red cups and buckets, while others in the background are also participating in the fun on a grassy field with trees in the distance.
A group of smiling young girls in athletic wear stand on a grassy field with trees in the background.
A group of young boys stand in a chalked square on an asphalt surface, with a school building and trees in the background.
A group of children huddle together in a circle on a grassy field with trees in the background.
A man and a young girl smile while posing in a golf cart with a blurred outdoor event in the background.
A young girl in a tie-dye shirt and blue shorts walks with a spoon and egg in the foreground, while other children participate in a race in the grassy background.
A woman is splashed with water from a dunk tank in the foreground, while a school building and trees are visible in the background.
Two young boys smile at the camera in the foreground, with a blurred background of people and trees under a cloudy sky.
A young girl with a dragonfly painted on her cheek smiles at the camera in a grassy outdoor setting with people and trees in the background.
Two women in orange shirts and pumpkin-themed headbands smile at the camera in the foreground, with a modern building and other people in the background.
Four young girls in black t-shirts sit on a blue mat in the foreground, with blurred figures of other children and trees in the background.
Three children in red shirts ride go-karts on a paved path with trees and parked cars in the background.
Two children are having a water fight with red buckets in a grassy backyard.
A young girl in the foreground flexes her bicep while holding a rope, with a park and people in the background.
A young boy in a yellow shirt stacks yellow cups on a green turf field while a woman watches.
A young girl with a rainbow painted on her cheek smiles in the foreground, while a blurred outdoor event with people and tents unfolds in the background under a clear blue sky.
A group of children in red shirts and headbands pose for a photo in front of a brick school building.
A woman and two children in pink shirts cheer with arms raised on a grassy field, while a crowd of people in red shirts watches in the background.
Children in green shirts and bandanas play with a hula hoop on a grassy field with spectators in the background.
Two smiling girls in the foreground hold snacks, while a bouncy castle and vehicles are visible in the sunny outdoor background.
A young girl in a green shirt and face paint stacks green cups on a grassy field with a white line in the background.
A group of people are joyfully playing in a large pile of foam in front of a building, with a clear sky and trees in the background.
A child covered in foam stands in the foreground with inflatable bounce houses and people in the background.
Two young girls in pink shirts and sunglasses pose in the foreground amidst a foam party, while a crowd of people enjoys the bubbly fun in the background under a clear sky.
A smiling boy in the foreground holds a treat while a crowd of people enjoys a foam party in the background.

Field Day ignites unforgettable excitement in our elementary schools. It’s the day when K–5 students’ race, laugh, and celebrate the thrill of the school year's conclusion. After months of dedication and progress, this day invites everyone to bask in sunshine and smiles, honoring their well-earned milestones.

For students, Field Day reimagines the school as a lively, united community. They join favorite and new games, encourage classmates, and forge lasting memories. Teachers see students beam with pride, creativity, and spirit, making the day genuinely unique.

And parents? They cherish Field Day for its unguarded happiness. It’s a tribute to their children’s assurance, joy, and meaningful friendships. Families eagerly participate, volunteering and cheering, savoring moments that mark the swift journey of the school year.

As summer nears, Field Day shines as a lively tribute to our students’ achievements and the exciting adventures ahead.

Young Scientists Shine as Shiloh Point Wins Second Straight Olympiad Title

A group of children in blue shirts pose for a photo in front of a Kennesaw State University banner and a large screen displaying event information.
A smiling boy in a blue shirt holds a large trophy in the foreground, while other children and adults in similar shirts are visible in the blurred background.
A smiling boy in a blue t-shirt holds up a medal and a yellow ribbon in the foreground, with an audience seated in a large auditorium in the background.
A large inflatable shark holds a trophy in the foreground, while a crowd of smiling people watches in the background with a university banner overhead.
A group of children in blue shirts stand on a stage holding trophies and awards in front of a large screen displaying the Science Olympiad logo.

Shiloh Point Elementary celebrated this weekend after securing its second consecutive Science Olympiad championship, a milestone reflecting the school’s robust STEM focus and the spirited engagement of its young scientists. The event united teams from across the district for a day of hands-on challenges, critical thinking, and friendly competition. Students tackled events that assessed engineering design and scientific reasoning, while Shiloh Point’s team arrived prepared to excel.

This win extends the school's tradition. In recent years, Shiloh Point has gained recognition for cultivating curious, collaborative learners eager to pursue STEM. Coaches highlight the students’ dedication during practices, especially as they test prototypes, refine strategies, and master new concepts together. That teamwork proved essential this year as the team delivered strong performances across multiple events.

From standout individual scores to steady team-wide achievements, Shiloh Point’s students left a strong impression throughout the competition. Their second consecutive championship embodies not only their diligence but also the encouragement of devoted coaches, families, and teachers who foster an environment where STEM learning is vibrant and accessible. With this momentum, the school eagerly anticipates next year’s possibilities.

Celebrating Excellence:

Brandywine Elementary’s Natalie Sanfilippo Named Exemplary ESOL Teacher

NatalieBanner

Forsyth County Schools is proud to recognize Natalie Sanfilippo from Brandywine Elementary as our Exemplary ESOL Teacher. Natalie is an exceptional educator and leader whose impact is felt in every corner of her school community. She is a trusted instructional partner and a tireless advocate for English Learners, bringing thoughtful collaboration, careful attention to compliance, and intentional planning to everything she does.

What truly sets Natalie apart is her deep commitment to the whole child. Whether she’s creating extended learning opportunities, mentoring students through PBIS, or advocating with heart and clarity during IEP meetings, she consistently puts equity and student success at the center of her work.

Natalie’s dedication, professionalism, and leadership inspire everyone around her. Forsyth County Schools is grateful for the care she pours into her students, her school, and our community. We are honored to celebrate her and the difference she makes each day.

Welcoming the Class of 2040

The Class of 2040 is stepping into elementary school with wide‑open curiosity, bright smiles, and a future full of possibility. Our schools are ready to cheer them on as they begin their learning journey, make new friends, and discover what they’re capable of.

The image shows various educational and classroom materials, including boxes, a bingo game, and other supplies, arranged on a table against a tiled floor background.
The image shows a school hallway with various school supplies and decorations, including a %22Future Miner%22 display and colorful flower decorations.
The image shows various signs and posters related to mining diamonds, with colorful graphics and text indicating a mining-themed event or activity.
A group of six young women wearing matching gray t-shirts and casual attire, posing together in what appears to be a school or office setting with a bulletin board and other background elements visible.
The image shows a classroom setting with a teacher interacting with students, some of whom are wearing colorful and patterned clothing.
A group of students and a teacher are gathered around a table in a classroom, with various educational materials and decorations visible in the background.
A woman in a blue shirt is interacting with a young boy in a classroom setting, with various educational materials and displays visible in the background.
A crowded school hallway with students of various ages and attire, some carrying backpacks and bags, engaged in conversation and movement.
The image shows a man in a sports jersey kneeling down and interacting with two young boys in a school hallway.
A group of adults and children, likely a family, posing together in what appears to be a school or educational setting, with various posters and displays visible in the background.
A crowded hallway filled with students, some standing, others sitting or walking, with various posters and signs visible on the walls.

Whitlow Pollinator Reveal

The image shows a garden bed with a variety of red flowering plants, surrounded by a rocky landscape and a wire fence in the background.
A smiling person in a blue shirt and hat is holding a sign about schoolyard habitat while standing in a grassy outdoor area.
A lush, well-tended vegetable garden with various green leafy plants, surrounded by wooden logs and a fence in the background, nestled in a forested area.
The image shows a group of people, likely students, exploring and interacting with a lush, vibrant garden filled with various plants and flowers, including purple blooms in the foreground.
A group of children are gathered around a raised garden bed, intently examining and interacting with the soil and plants within.
A group of people, likely students, are gathered around a garden bed, engaged in what appears to be a gardening or planting activity. The foreground shows the garden bed with soil and plants, while the background features a diverse group of individuals focused on the task at hand.
A group of people, including both adults and children, are gathered around a small stream or creek, examining and interacting with the water and surrounding rocks and vegetation.
A group of smiling children playing and enjoying themselves outdoors in a natural setting with trees and greenery in the background.
The image shows a woman in a yellow jacket standing in a garden, surrounded by children.
A person in a colorful patterned shirt is tending to a lush, green vegetable garden in the foreground, with a wooden fence and foliage visible in the background.
A group of young people, both male and female, are gathered in a garden setting, engaged in what appears to be a collaborative activity or task, with some individuals crouching down and others standing around them.
The image shows a person in a colorful patterned dress sitting on a raised garden bed, surrounded by other people in the background.
A ripe, red strawberry nestled among lush green leaves and stems, surrounded by a natural, earthy backdrop of fallen leaves and soil.
A young girl in a blue shirt is kneeling in a garden, surrounded by lush greenery and other people in the background.
A young boy is crouched down in a garden, examining the plants and soil with a focused expression, surrounded by the legs and feet of several other people.
A group of young women in colorful outfits posing together in a lush, green outdoor setting with trees and a clear sky in the background.
A young boy is crouched down by a small pond, examining the water and surrounding vegetation with curiosity and fascination, while other children stand nearby observing the scene.
A young person is crouched down by a small pond, surrounded by rocks and vegetation, with another person standing nearby.
A group of young children are gathered around a collection of rocks and stones, examining them closely and engaged in what appears to be an educational or exploratory activity in an outdoor setting.
A group of children in colorful clothing standing near a small pond surrounded by rocks and vegetation in an outdoor setting.
A vibrant pink water lily flower blooms amidst lush green lily pads in a tranquil pond setting.
A group of children are engaged in gardening activities, planting and tending to plants in an outdoor setting surrounded by greenery.
A vibrant display of delicate, purple flowers against a backdrop of lush, green foliage.
A tranquil garden pond with vibrant pink water lilies floating on the surface, surrounded by lush greenery and a wire fence in the background.
The image shows a cluster of vibrant purple lupine flowers surrounded by lush green foliage, set against a blurred natural background.
Vibrant orange and red daisy-like flowers bloom amidst lush green foliage, set against a backdrop of earthy brown mulch or soil.
The image depicts a lush, green field filled with vibrant red flowers, creating a striking contrast between the foliage and the blooms.
Lush green foliage with clusters of small pink buds emerging, set against a blurred natural background.
A vibrant yellow dandelion flower stands out against the lush green foliage and dark soil in the background.
A vibrant blue cornflower blossom stands out against a lush green grassy background.

Celebrating Exceptional Child Week in Forsyth County Schools

The image shows a group of young people, including a boy wearing a VCE shirt, smiling and interacting with each other in an outdoor setting surrounded by trees.
A group of young girls in bright pink and red shirts are gathered on a sports field, with adults in the background observing them.
A group of people, some wearing tie-dye shirts, are gathered on a sports field, with a person in the foreground holding a red ball.
The image shows a group of people, including a woman in a purple shirt and a man in a black shirt, standing on a running track surrounded by fencing and a large building in the background.
A young boy using a walker is being assisted by two women on a running track, with other people visible in the background.
A group of people, both adults and children, are walking on a brightly colored running track surrounded by trees and a building in the background.
A group of people, including adults and children, are gathered together and interacting in an outdoor setting with a building in the background.
Two young people, a woman and a man, are walking together on a sidewalk in front of a gray wall.
A young boy with a cheerful expression is holding a pink ribbon in front of a blurred background.
A group of people, including a person holding a sign that says %22T-shirt judging%22, are standing on a track surrounded by trees and other people in the background.
A group of people, including children and adults, are gathered around a young girl in a wheelchair, interacting and engaging with her.
A woman in a red t-shirt is standing with a young girl wearing a maroon t-shirt in a crowd of people in the background.
A young child wearing colorful sunglasses and earmuffs, holding a bright orange water gun, stands in a crowded outdoor setting with other people visible in the background.
A group of people wearing pink shirts and holding colorful signs are walking on a track, with yellow school buses visible in the background.
The image shows a group of people wearing white t-shirts with a colorful logo and the text %22be brave in the attempt%22 walking together on a street.
A young boy in a wheelchair is being pushed by an adult on a sports field, with other people visible in the background.
A group of young people, some in school uniforms, are walking together on a path surrounded by buildings and trees.
Two young women, one wearing a sports jersey and the other a leopard print shirt, are standing on a sports field with a grassy background.
A group of young people, some with their hands raised, appear to be celebrating or participating in an event outdoors, with a modern building visible in the background.
A group of young people, mostly teenagers, walking together on a school campus with a yellow school bus in the background.
A group of young people, some wearing school uniforms, are gathered outside near several yellow school buses, engaged in conversation and interaction.
A group of young people, some wearing sports uniforms, are gathered on a sports field with a track and bleachers visible in the background.
A group of children, some wearing Special Olympics t-shirts, are gathered together and interacting with each other in an outdoor setting with a blurred background.
A group of people, including a woman and several children, are walking together on a paved surface, with a brick building visible in the background.
A group of uniformed individuals, likely members of the military, stand in formation holding flags and rifles in front of a stadium-like structure.
The image depicts a group of uniformed military personnel holding American and Marine Corps flags, with their faces obscured by the flags.
A group of people, including children, holding a banner for Chestalee Elementary school and waving American flags while standing in front of a building.
A group of young women wearing blue and gray shirts, one of whom is enthusiastically gesturing and smiling in the foreground, with a blurred background of what appears to be a city street or event.
Two individuals in military uniforms and graduation caps stand in the foreground, with a blurred background of what appears to be a parade or ceremony.
A group of people, mostly children, wearing red shirts and holding a banner for Cumming Elementary, are gathered in an outdoor setting with trees and other people in the background.
A smiling older man embracing a young boy and a young girl, all wearing matching blue shirts, against the backdrop of a metal and glass structure.
A large group of people, mostly children, are gathered on a sports court, holding a banner for Poole's Mill Elementary School, with a wooded area visible in the background.
A group of young people, one wearing yellow shutter shades, walking together on a paved path surrounded by greenery.
A woman in a pink shirt holds a large yellow and red flower, surrounded by other people in a natural outdoor setting.
A group of young people, some wearing red shirts and others in pink, are gathered together and appear to be singing or performing.
The image shows a woman walking with a black dog on a leash, surrounded by a crowd of people in a sports stadium setting.
A group of people, including both adults and children, are walking or running on a track surrounded by a wooded area.
A group of young athletes are running on a track surrounded by trees and spectators in the background.
A group of young people, some wearing sports uniforms, are engaged in an outdoor activity involving sticks and balls on a grassy field.
A young boy in a striped shirt is playing with a colorful parachute, surrounded by other people in the background.
The image shows a group of young people, some wearing t-shirts with colorful designs, engaged in an activity involving a wooden structure with hanging objects, likely a game or activity, set against a grassy background.
A young boy wearing a gray t-shirt and black shorts is kicking a purple and yellow soccer ball on a sports field, with other people visible in the background.
Two young girls in colorful athletic wear are running together on a sports track, with a building visible in the background.
A young boy in a white t-shirt with a colorful design stands in the foreground, with a group of people wearing pink shirts in the background.
A large group of people, many wearing matching t-shirts, are walking together while holding a banner that says %22JOAR the 39th Annual Unified Games%22.
A young boy in a navy blue t-shirt is walking on a running track, surrounded by a crowd of people in the background.
A group of people, including adults and children, are gathered on a sports field, some with their arms raised in celebration or excitement.
A group of young people in colorful athletic wear are engaged in an outdoor activity, surrounded by a lush, forested environment.
A group of young people, some wearing colorful athletic clothing, are walking or running on a track surrounded by trees and a small building in the background.
Two young boys in blue shirts and red shorts are walking together on a running track, with other people visible in the background.
A group of people, including a young girl in a wheelchair, are walking together on a path surrounded by trees and buildings.
Two young boys, one wearing glasses, are running on a track surrounded by a crowd of spectators in the background.
Two people in blue shirts are enthusiastically waving their arms while standing on a running track surrounded by other people in the background.

Exceptional Child Week showcases how Forsyth County Schools cultivates a culture where each student is respected, celebrating uniqueness and perseverance through collaborative efforts among students, educators, and support staff.

A standout event was the adaptive games, which fostered collaboration, encouragement, and enthusiasm among students across the district. The field buzzed with excitement as athletes cheered for one another, staff supported every participant, and families expressed pride from the sidelines.

The elementary games highlighted students' determination and authentic joy in every contest. Their vibrant enthusiasm proved that inclusion at Forsyth County Schools is not just a target; it's a lived experience that continues to flourish.

Exceptional Child Week concluded with gratitude for the students who inspire, the educators who advocate for them, and a community that honors every success. The games embodied the week’s message: when students are offered opportunities that play to their strengths, they can shine in distinct and personal ways.

Vickery Creek Elementary Celebrates their New School Garden

Bringing a Simple Idea to Life

The image shows a group of people gathered around a table with a purple tablecloth, likely at an event or gathering. In the foreground, a man in a blue shirt and a woman in a floral dress can be seen, while in the background, several other people are visible.
A group of people, dressed in pink, are working together to move soil and dirt in an outdoor setting with trees and a fence visible in the background.
A person in a pink jacket is pushing a blue wheelbarrow filled with soil or dirt on a paved street, with buildings and vehicles visible in the background.
The image shows a group of people, including two adults and a child, standing in a garden or outdoor area with trees and buildings visible in the background.
The image shows a sign announcing the upcoming %22Habit Garden%22 event, with colorful text and a plain background.
A large tree trunk with a purple sign reading %22Habit 8: Find your Voice%22 stands in a field covered with fallen purple plums or similar fruit.

A sense of excitement fills Vickery Creek Elementary as a new chapter begins: a once-simple idea has blossomed into a vibrant school garden, lovingly built by the Parent Lighthouse Team through donations and dedication.

The team managed logistics, secured materials, spread mulch, laid pavers, and collaborated with teachers so students could participate. They aimed to create a welcoming space around the flagpole and highlight the Seven Leader in Me Habits, now showcased in a colorful and meaningful display visible from the parking lot.

Every student and staff member painted a rock for the garden, creating a collection that reflects the school's personality and fosters community ownership. A simple idea became something memorable.

The school invites community members to visit and experience the garden firsthand. Come see how teamwork between families, staff, and students transformed a simple idea into a thriving space.

Sign Language Clubs Shine at Cumming Elementary’s Cultural Night

Cumming Elementary’s beginning and intermediate Sign Language Clubs took the stage at this year’s Cultural Night, sharing a heartfelt performance that celebrated expression, inclusion, and community. This video compilation highlights their hard work, teamwork, and the joy they brought to the event.

Building Bridges

Whitlow STEM and Special Needs Peers Join Forces

Ms. Michelle Reynolds, the Construction Ready Elementary Construction Teacher of the Year, is proving that the most powerful lessons happen when kids build something together and that construction readiness starts with empathy.

Boy using wood working tools

Something special is happening in the 4th- and 5th-grade STEM classrooms at Whitlow Elementary School. Under the guidance of Ms. Michelle (Mickie) Reynolds, a group of young builders is doing far more than learning about tools and materials. They are learning how to show up for one another. In a heartwarming cross-classroom collaboration, Ms. Reynolds's students partnered with special needs students from the classes of Ms. Kassalen, Ms. Hall, and Ms. Fannin to design and construct sensory boards, tactile learning tools packed with textures, colors, and interactive elements that support sensory development and engagement. The project turned the classroom into a real construction zone, with kids measuring, building, and problem-solving side by side.

"We make learning come alive" is not just a motto in Ms. Reynolds' classroom. It is a daily commitment to hands-on discovery, creative thinking, and building community one project at a time.

Ms. Reynolds, recently honored as the Construction Ready Elementary Construction Teacher of the Year, has built her program around a teaching philosophy that is as practical as it is inspiring, rooted in the belief that every student deserves access to real-world skills and genuine connection. By pairing her STEM students with peers who experience the world differently, she created an environment where empathy became the foundation of every design decision. Students were not just asking, "Will this board hold together?" They were asking, "Will this feel right for my friend?" That shift in perspective from engineer to advocate is exactly the kind of learning that follows a child for life.

The sensory board project is a vivid example of what happens when education dares to be bold and inclusive. For the special needs students in Ms. Kassalen's, Ms. Hall's, and Ms. Fannin's classes, the boards represent tools built with care, by classmates who took the time to understand their needs. For the STEM students, the experience was a masterclass in purposeful design, teamwork, and the quiet satisfaction of building something that truly matters to someone else. Ms. Reynolds and her fellow teachers have shown the Whitlow community and Forsyth County Schools' that construction readiness is not just about the workforce pipeline. It is about raising the next generation of young people who build with their hands and lead with their hearts.

We sat down with Ms. Reynolds, Ms. Kassalen, Ms. Hall, and Ms. Fannin to hear directly from the educators who made this collaboration possible and to learn what moments they will carry with them long after the sawdust settles.

Opening a World of Stories

Forsyth County Schools Celebrates Read Across America Week

A smiling woman in a red sweater and blue-haired headpiece is shaking hands with a man in a suit in what appears to be a school or office setting.

Every year during the first week of March, something magical happens in elementary school hallways across the country, and Forsyth County is no exception. Read Across America Week, observed March 2–6, is the nation's largest celebration of reading, established in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) to inspire a lifelong love of literacy in children of all ages. Anchored by the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss on March 2, the week serves as a powerful national reminder that reading is not merely an academic skill, it is a gateway to imagination, empathy, and limitless possibility. This year's theme, "Champion Kindness," challenges students and educators alike to explore how books can build bridges between different people, places, and perspectives.

For Forsyth County's 23 elementary schools, the week is one of the most anticipated of the entire school year. Teachers, media specialists, and administrators pull out all the stops to transform campuses into vibrant celebrations of storytelling. Hallways come alive with book character dress-up days, themed spirit days inspired by classic titles like The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, and reading challenges that encourage students to log minutes and pages throughout the week. Guest readers, including parents, grandparents, community leaders, and school staff, visit classrooms to share their favorite stories aloud, giving young learners a chance to see the adults in their lives model a genuine love of books.

The impact of this week on kindergarten through 5th-grade students extends far beyond a fun theme day or a new bookmark. Research consistently shows that the early elementary years are the most critical window for reading development, and positive, joyful experiences with books during this time shape how children relate to reading for the rest of their lives. When a five-year-old dresses up as their favorite storybook character, they are not just playing pretend, they are building a personal connection to literature. When a third grader hears a guest reader share a book about a culture different from their own, empathy and curiosity grow alongside vocabulary. For students who struggle with reading, seeing their entire school community celebrate books can be transformative, replacing anxiety with excitement and turning reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones.

Forsyth County Schools' commitment to literacy goes well beyond a single week each year. Programs like SPARK!, the district's early literacy initiative, work year-round to support reading development from birth through 5th grade, connecting families with resources, strategies, and tools to keep learning alive at home. Read Across America Week serves as a high-energy, community-wide expression of that deeper commitment, reminding every student in every classroom that their story matters and that the world inside a book is always waiting for them. Families are encouraged to extend the celebration at home by visiting the Forsyth County Public Library, starting a nightly read-aloud routine, or simply asking their child what book made them smile this week.

Two young girls, one wearing a purple outfit and the other a denim jacket, stand in front of a colorful bulletin board with the text %22Follow the Hab%22 displayed.
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A young person with curly hair is intently reading a book while sitting on the floor, surrounded by various objects in what appears to be a classroom or study environment.
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A young boy with glasses is sitting at a table, focused on drawing or writing something on a piece of paper in front of him, surrounded by various art supplies and materials.
Two young girls, one with braided hair and the other with a pink shirt, are sitting at a table and reading a book together.
A young girl with curly hair sits on a colorful beanbag chair, engrossed in reading a book with an underwater scene on the cover, surrounded by a cozy and vibrant classroom environment.
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A police officer is interacting with a group of students seated on the floor in a classroom, with a large television screen displaying weather information in the background.
A young girl with long, wavy hair is sitting at a desk in a colorful, classroom-like environment, smiling and holding what appears to be a craft or art project.
A smiling woman in a red sweater and blue-haired headpiece is shaking hands with a man in a suit in what appears to be a school or office setting.
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A smiling young boy in a black t-shirt is holding a wooden block with Chinese characters on it, sitting in a classroom setting with other students visible in the background.
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A group of young girls, ranging in age, are seated together in a classroom setting, surrounded by educational materials and supplies.
A young girl with a bow in her hair is sitting on the floor reading a book, while a young boy sits next to her on a colorful rug in what appears to be a classroom or daycare setting.
Two young children, a boy and a girl, are sitting on the floor in what appears to be a playroom or classroom. The boy is holding a book or card, while the girl is smiling and looking at him. The background includes shelves with various toys and storage containers.
Two young children, a girl in a pink sweater and a boy in a white sweater, are sitting on the floor and engaged in an activity, with a colorful background suggesting an educational or playful setting.
Two young children, a boy and a girl, are sitting on a colorful, patterned rug in what appears to be a classroom or daycare setting. They are engaged in some kind of activity, with the boy holding a book or tablet in his hands.
A young boy in a red t-shirt is sitting at a desk, smiling and arranging colorful discs on the surface in front of him.
Four young girls, each wearing different colorful and patterned pajamas, are standing together in a school hallway with a cinder block wall in the background.
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Two young girls, one wearing a bright pink jacket and the other a blue t-shirt, are standing together and smiling in an outdoor setting with playground equipment visible in the background.
Two smiling individuals wearing yellow Pikachu costumes stand in a hallway with blue lockers in the background.
A young girl stands in front of a large, patriotic-themed mascot character wearing a stars and stripes costume, with a school hallway visible in the background.
A woman in a black sweater and scarf is sitting on a chair in front of a group of young children, gesturing with her hands as she appears to be reading or telling a story, surrounded by bookshelves in the background.
A group of young women, dressed in colorful and patterned clothing, are standing together in a school hallway, smiling and posing for the camera.
A group of smiling children and a woman in a colorful hat stand together in a classroom setting, surrounded by various decorations and educational materials on the walls.
Three young children, two girls and one boy, are standing together in a classroom setting. The children are smiling and appear to be of different ages and ethnicities. The background includes educational posters and displays, suggesting this is a learning environment.
The image shows a group of students gathered in a room labeled %22Healthy Fitness Zone%22, with a large inflatable character standing in the background.
The image shows a young student holding up a drawing in a colorful and lively classroom setting, with other students visible in the background.
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Two young children, a boy and a girl, are sitting in camping chairs and reading a book together in what appears to be an indoor setting with a tent-like backdrop.
Two young girls are sitting on chairs in a classroom setting, engaged in what appears to be a collaborative learning activity. The background features colorful educational displays and materials, suggesting an engaging and stimulating learning environment.
A group of young people, likely a sports team, posing together in a hallway or indoor setting with a tiled floor and ceiling lights visible in the background.
A group of children sitting on the floor in a classroom setting, surrounded by a space-themed mural on the walls.
A man is sitting on a chair in a classroom, surrounded by a group of young students who appear to be listening to him intently. The classroom is filled with colorful educational materials and displays on the walls.
Three young girls wearing matching red shirts, blue tutus, and colorful striped socks and shoes are standing in a school hallway with decorations on the walls.
The image shows a young man wearing a baseball jersey and a young girl wearing a backpack standing together in front of a brick building.
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A group of young students, dressed in festive holiday attire, stand together in a school hallway lined with lockers and decorated for the season.
A group of young children gathered around a table in a library setting, engaged in an activity or discussion with an adult, surrounded by bookshelves and other library furnishings.
A cozy and lively community space with people of various ages engaged in various activities, from reading to socializing, in a well-furnished and decorated interior.
The image shows two young students sitting in blue chairs in what appears to be a classroom or learning environment. The background includes bookshelves, posters, and other classroom materials.
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Two women are standing in front of a group of children, one of whom is gesturing while the other is standing with her arms raised. Behind them, a projection screen displays the text %22Silly Stories%22 with a colorful design.
A young girl in a school uniform is sitting on the floor reading a book to a group of younger students, who are also seated on the floor and listening attentively. The classroom setting, with various educational materials and displays on the walls, provides a learning-focused environment.
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A young girl with curly hair and flower accessories sits on a blue beanbag chair, reading a book and holding a stuffed animal in a colorful, playful indoor setting.
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A young child with blonde hair sits on a colorful rug in a library or classroom setting, surrounded by bookshelves and a starry night sky projection on the wall behind them.
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A young girl in a white t-shirt with a star design is carrying a stack of books in a large, open indoor space with a wooden floor and walls.
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Lights, Camera, Learn

Cumming Elementary and Otwell Middle School Team Up to Build the Next Generation of Filmmakers, Podcasters, and Broadcasters

Two schools, one shared vision, and a student news crew finding their voice one broadcast at a time.

Something exciting is happening in the mornings at Cumming Elementary School. Fifth-grade students are stepping in front of cameras, settling in front of a podcast mic, and learning what it takes to tell a story, all thanks to a growing collaboration between Cumming Elementary and Otwell Middle School. It started with a simple observation: with Cumming's fifth graders heading to Otwell in the Fall, Otwell's broadcast and film teacher, Dr. Greg Walkup, saw an opportunity to pique students' curiosity about the craft before they ever set foot in his broadcast & film program.

That idea turned into a real partnership. Greg teamed up with Cumming Elementary's Educational Technology Coach, Liz Pfister, and together they have been building something meaningful from the ground up. Dr. Walkup's Broadcast & Film students now volunteer at Cumming in the mornings, working side by side with elementary students to help them find their voices as anchors, podcasters, and filmmakers. Cumming has even brought in podcast equipment to give students more ways to practice and create. The energy, by all accounts, has been contagious.

The bigger picture is just as exciting. With Forsyth Central High School already home to a Film Academy, this collaboration is laying the foundation for a genuine pipeline, one where students can discover a passion for film, podcasting, and broadcasting in elementary school, sharpen their skills in middle school, and take it to the next level in high school. We sat down with Liz Pfister and Greg Walkup to hear more about how it all came together.

Souperbowl Success

Sharon Students Step Up for The Place

Canned food into the shape of a goal post

Students at Sharon Elementary built a football goal post out of canned goods donated by students and their families.

Sharon Elementary’s Souperbowl canned food drive turned into something truly special this year, and the excitement across the school has been contagious. Each month, students come together in their Knight Squads, buddy classes that focus on communication, relationship building, and the 7 Mindsets. January's mindset, 100% Accountable, encouraged students to consider how their choices impact others, and it quickly became the heart of this schoolwide service project.

What started as a simple goal of collecting 750 cans for The Place of Forsyth grew far beyond anyone's expectations. With every Knight Squad setting its own accountability goal, students jumped in with enthusiasm. They shoveled driveways to earn cans, dipped into their own Christmas money, and encouraged one another along the way. Families rallied behind them too, some bringing in more than 100 cans to help their student's squad reach its goal.

By the end of the drive, students had collected an incredible 3,695 cans, more than tripling last year's total of 1,064. The generosity, teamwork, and sense of purpose on display have been nothing short of inspiring.

This Souperbowl has been a powerful reminder of what happens when students take ownership, support one another, and work together for a cause bigger than themselves.

Inventive Minds Shine at Mashburn Elementary

2026 InVenture Enrichment Competition
A group of diverse students, both boys and girls, are gathered in a classroom setting, holding up various educational materials and displaying a sense of engagement and enthusiasm.

Mashburn Elementary brought big energy and even bigger ideas to this year’s K-12 GA Tech InVenture Enrichment Competition, and their creativity absolutely shone. Students spent weeks identifying real-world problems, brainstorming solutions, and turning their ideas into inventions—an authentic taste of engineering and entrepreneurship inspired by Georgia Tech’s statewide program, which challenges students to design meaningful, marketable innovations.

Paws, Claws, and Big Opinions

First Grade Students Share Their Opinions on Which Pet Is Best

First graders in Mrs. Betke’s classroom have been buzzing with excitement as they step into the role of real authors, crafting their very own opinion pieces about which animal would make the best pet. From playful puppies to colorful parrots, students explored their ideas, backed up their choices with reasons, and brought their imaginations to life through writing and illustrations. Their finished work was transformed into a digital Wixie book, allowing families to flip through the pages and celebrate each child’s voice.

This project has been more than just a writing assignment; it’s been a joyful blend of creativity, critical thinking, and confidence-building. Students practiced sharing their opinions clearly, supporting their ideas, and expressing themselves through both words and art. As they prepared their pages for the class book, the room filled with proud smiles, lively conversations, and the kind of energy that reminds us of the power of early writing experiences.

 

A Peek Behind the Pages

100 Days, 100 Smiles!

A young person wearing a plaid shirt and a newsboy cap is sitting at a table in what appears to be a cafe or restaurant, with other people visible in the background.
The image shows a young boy wearing green sunglasses and a green shirt, standing next to a young girl in a pink shirt, both holding a colorful sign that says %22100 Days Smarter%22.
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A woman with glasses and a patterned sweater sits at a desk in a classroom setting, surrounded by other students.
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A young girl with curly hair and a pink and white striped sweater sits at a table, surrounded by colorful toys and art supplies in what appears to be a playroom or daycare setting.
A woman with curly gray hair and a bright, cheerful expression is standing in a crowded urban setting, surrounded by other people in the background.
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The image shows an elderly woman with curly gray hair and glasses, wearing a lace dress, standing in front of a group of children wearing casual clothing.
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Large blue %22100%22 balloons hang above a young girl wearing a white dress and standing in front of a wall decorated with colorful artwork and posters.
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A group of young students sitting on the floor of a classroom, holding colorful signs celebrating the 100th day of school, with various decorations and educational materials visible in the background.
A young girl with glasses and a floral dress stands in a school hallway, surrounded by lockers and student artwork.
A group of young students, some wearing yellow hats, sitting on the floor of a colorful classroom with various educational posters and displays on the walls.
Ms. Wright's 2nd Grade Class

Elementary schools across Forsyth County marked a big milestone today, the 100th day of school, and our youngest learners celebrated in the most creative ways. Classrooms were buzzing with excitement as students arrived dressed as “100‑year‑olds,” sporting everything from suspenders and gray hair spray to pearls and walking canes. Others proudly wore shirts decorated with 100 stickers, pom‑poms, or hand‑drawn designs they created at home.

Inside the classrooms, teachers turned the day into a hands‑on learning adventure. Students counted collections of 100 objects, built towers with 100 cups, wrote about what life might be like at 100 years old, and even tackled STEM challenges using exactly 100 pieces. For many, the highlight was seeing just how much they’ve grown since the first day of school—academically, socially, and in confidence.

The 100th day is always a reminder of how far our students have come and how much joy they bring to learning. With 100 days behind them and plenty of adventures still ahead, our elementary students are proving that every day counts.

5th Grade Brings History to Life with Hooverville Homes

The image shows a group of people, likely a family, surrounded by numerous cardboard boxes in an outdoor setting, suggesting they are in the process of moving or relocating.
The image shows a group of people, likely students, standing outside a brick building with a covered entrance. In the foreground, a person wearing a green shirt is walking on the paved ground.
Two young girls are sitting inside a large cardboard box, smiling and embracing each other, while in the background, other children can be seen playing and interacting with various cardboard structures.
A group of young people, mostly women, are sitting inside a makeshift shelter constructed from cardboard boxes, with signs asking for help visible in the foreground, and a wooded area in the background.
Four young women with diverse appearances, including braided hair and glasses, are smiling and looking at the camera through a hole in a cardboard box.
The image shows a group of young people, likely students, sitting around a makeshift table made from cardboard boxes, enjoying a meal together in an outdoor setting with a red barn-like structure in the background.
A red sign reading %22FREE S*P GIVEN HERE%22 is displayed on a brick wall, with a table in the foreground covered in what appears to be slices of bread or baked goods.
A group of four enthusiastic individuals, with their arms raised in celebration, stand in front of a backdrop of cardboard boxes and a wooded area.
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Two young boys, one wearing a patterned shirt and the other a white shirt, are leaning over a cardboard sign that says %22THIS SIDE UP%22 in an outdoor setting with a body of water in the background.
A large group of people, mostly young individuals, gathered around several cardboard boxes, suggesting a community event or distribution of supplies in an outdoor setting with a cloudy sky and trees visible in the background.
A group of people, mostly young women, are sitting on the ground surrounded by cardboard boxes, enjoying a meal together in an outdoor setting with a building and other structures visible in the background.
The image shows several young people, both boys and girls, working together to assemble or move cardboard boxes in what appears to be a school or community setting.
The image shows a group of people, including a young woman in the foreground, sitting inside a makeshift shelter constructed from cardboard boxes.

Forsyth County Schools’ 5th graders stepped back in time today, transforming their classrooms into living history lessons. As part of their study of the Great Depression, students from Brandywine Elementary constructed their own Hooverville homes, small, makeshift shelters that mirrored the struggles families faced during this era. 

To deepen the experience, students also participated in a “soup kitchen” activity, lining up for simple meals, just as many Americans did when resources were scarce. These immersive activities helped students connect emotionally and intellectually with the hardships of the 1930s, sparking conversations about resilience, community, and empathy. 

One teacher reflected on the day, sharing: 

“We all loved sharing this piece of history with our 5th-grade babes! It was an educational, fun-filled, and beautiful day to reenact what it felt like to build a ‘Hooverville Home’ to support their families during the Great Depression. Special thanks to our amazing parents who continually step up to support us all. Your daily commitment truly means a great deal to us.”

By building, role-playing, and reflecting, students gained a richer understanding of how history impacts daily life. This hands-on approach not only made social studies memorable but also highlighted the importance of community support—both then and now.

Partnerships in Action: Local Companies Fuel Hands-On STEM Learning

Chestatee Elementary

The image depicts the logo and branding of Randall Brothers, a building materials supplier in Atlanta, surrounded by various construction-related icons and tools.
A group of children, some sitting on the floor and others standing, appear to be engaged in an activity or lesson in a classroom setting with various educational materials and furniture visible in the background.
A man with a beard is sitting at a table and interacting with a young girl wearing a pink sweater in what appears to be a classroom setting, with various educational materials and posters visible in the background.
A man is assisting a young girl with an activity at a table in a classroom setting, with various educational materials and a poster visible in the background.
Two individuals are working on a project together, with one person using a tool and the other person assisting. The background includes various storage drawers and other items, suggesting this is likely a workshop or classroom setting.
The image shows a classroom setting with a teacher and several students engaged in an activity at a table. The classroom walls are decorated with various educational materials and a whiteboard.
A group of young students in colorful uniforms are gathered around a teacher in a classroom setting, with various educational materials and displays visible in the background.
A group of people, mostly children, sitting on the floor of a classroom with various educational materials and decorations visible in the background.

Forsyth County Schools is grateful to Randall Brothers LLC for their generous lumber donations, which empower students to bring STEM building projects to life. During their recent visit at Chestatee Elementary, Randall Brothers representatives worked side by side with students, sharing expertise and encouragement. Forsyth County Schools also extends their thanks to Construction Ready, whose continued support provides the additional building materials needed to make these projects possible. Together, these partnerships exemplify the power of community collaboration in fostering hands-on learning and future-ready skills.

Balloons Over Broadway Brings Literacy to Life Across Forsyth County Schools

Forsyth County's schools aren't just reading about balloons—they're learning how ideas lift off the page and into the world.

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Balloons Over Broadway New Hope
Balloons Over Broadway Silver City

During the season of Thanksgiving, Forsyth County schools are soaring into literacy with Balloons Over Broadway, Melissa Sweet's award-winning picture book biography of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind Macy's iconic parade balloons.  

Teachers and local librarians across the district, like Laurel Hamby, are using the book as a mentor text to strengthen reading comprehension, sequencing, and vocabulary skills while connecting students to a beloved holiday tradition.

Literacy in Action

Aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence for second grade English Language Arts, Balloons Over Broadway helps students in Forsyth County Schools:  

  • Ask and answer questions about key details in informational texts.  
  • Explore cause-and-effect relationships, such as how Sarg's puppetry led to balloon innovation.  
  • Build vocabulary with words like puppeteer, parade, and helium.  
  • Practice writing informative texts and sharing oral summaries.

Creativity Meets Literacy  

Beyond reading, elementary campuses are buzzing with hands-on projects. Administrators and educators from Brookwood, Cumming, Kelly Mill, Mashburn, Matt, New Hope, Poole’s Mill, Shiloh Point, and Silver City, challenged students to design their own parades, where students created their own balloons, participated in art activities inspired by Sweet’s collage illustrations, and experimented with social connections that celebrate cultural contributions.

Why It Matters  

By blending literacy with creativity, Forsyth County educators are helping students see reading as more than words on a page, it's a gateway to history, innovation, and imagination. Balloons Over Broadway not only teaches standards, but it also inspires students to dream big and celebrate traditions that bring communities together.

Cumming Elementary’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program and ASL Club Build Bridges Through Language and Inclusion

"Each small interaction builds understanding and inclusion. Seeing hearing students take the initiative to learn ASL sends a powerful message to their DHH peers: you belong here, and we want to connect with you." - Wendy Barefoot, Educational Interpreter

 

Mrs. Billington's first grade class performs 'Better When I'm Dancin' by Meghan Trainor at the spring talent show.

The CES beginner and intermediate ASL club perform 'I Lived' by OneRepublic in the spring.

Cumming Elementary is proud to be one of the most diverse and inclusive schools in Forsyth County. In addition to its rich socio-economic diversity, the school is home to a welcoming and supportive Special Needs program. A particularly special part of that program is the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program, which serves elementary-aged students from across the county who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

For many students, this program provides their first real introduction to the Deaf community. Some arrive not yet knowing American Sign Language (ASL), and watching them learn to communicate through sign is both inspiring and rewarding. They soon discover that they are not alone—others share similar experiences and challenges.

To extend that spirit of inclusion beyond the classroom, Mrs. Wendy Barefoot created the afterschool ASL Club, open to any student interested in learning this unique and expressive language. Founded during the 2010–2011 school year, the club now serves between 50 and 100 students each year. Its goal is to bridge communication gaps between hearing students and those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Learning ASL is much like learning any other language—its structure is approachable, but its vocabulary is vast. To keep students engaged, the club uses a mix of fun and interactive activities that reinforce learning. Students play games like Bingo and Jeopardy, participate in themed challenges such as Scavenger Hunts and Escape Rooms, and even perform at Cumming Elementary’s Multicultural Night. There, they sign popular songs, showcasing both their ASL skills and their creativity on stage.

Beyond learning vocabulary, the club also emphasizes understanding the experiences of those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Students sometimes wear noise-blocking headphones or earplugs to simulate the experience of limited hearing. This helps them understand the importance of clear signing, eye contact, facial expressions, and pacing. They also watch captioned videos without sound to further build empathy and awareness.

One of the highlights of the year is the Silent Ice Cream Social, where students must communicate exclusively in ASL to order their ice cream and toppings. This hands-on experience brings together everything they’ve learned and gives them a glimpse of what it’s like to live in a world without sound.

Ultimately, the club’s goal is simple but powerful: to enable students to communicate—even if it’s just to say “hello.” Each small interaction builds understanding and inclusion. Seeing hearing students take the initiative to learn ASL sends a powerful message to their DHH peers: you belong here, and we want to connect with you.

The actual value of the ASL Club isn’t found in a single moment but in the everyday interactions—when students who might never have communicated before share a laugh, work together, or become friends. These are the moments that show the heart of Cumming Elementary: a community built on respect, empathy, and the joy of understanding one another.

Principal Pride: Leading with Heart

Courtney Beach, Shiloh Point Elementary

“When we all work collaboratively and focus on relationships first, students feel supported, learning deepens, and the entire school community thrives.”

Principal for a Day

Every school has its heartbeat—and often, it’s the principal who sets the rhythm. From morning greetings to late-night planning, their leadership shapes the culture, energy, and direction of the entire building. We sat down with Shiloh Point Elementary’s principal, Courtney Beach, to learn more about what drives her work, how she stays connected to students and staff, and what makes her school community truly special.

What’s one initiative or program you’re especially proud of that’s made a lasting impact on your school community?

One initiative I’m especially proud of is the way our staff has embraced true collaboration to strengthen both instruction and student support. Over the past year, our teams have made a deliberate effort to collaborate—sharing strategies, analyzing data, and responding to student needs in real-time. This collective approach has not only elevated the quality of instruction but also ensured that every student feels seen, supported, and challenged. I’m most proud of how our teachers have leaned into being responsive, adapting their teaching to meet students where they are and helping them grow from there. The collaboration and commitment I see each day are making a lasting impact on our school community.

Treat Street 2025

Where's Waldo and Family
Condiments
Friends
M&M's
Where's Waldo
Eeyore Jumping
Winnie the Pooh
Where's Waldo
Carmen San Diego
A Princess and a Hot Dog
The Big Bad Wolfe and the Three Little Pigs

Principal Pride: Leading with Heart

Jordan Livermore, Cumming Elementary

Jordan Livermore giving tennis lessons

Jordan Livermore, Cumming Elementary Principal, leads a station called "Can you Return Livermore's Serve?"

Every school has its heartbeat—and often, it’s the principal who sets the rhythm. From morning greetings to late-night planning, their leadership shapes the culture, energy, and direction of the entire building. We sat down with Cumming Elementary’s principal, Jordan Livermore, to learn more about what drives their work, how they stay connected to students and staff, and what makes their school community truly special.

Cougar Nation is on Fire!

From raising $25,000 for CES to celebrating kindness and excellence, our community continues to shine. Huge shoutout to our amazing students and to Linda Jones Bell—Forsyth County’s Data Clerk of the Month!

Children throwing the peace sign
Two girls getting in the jump house
Children on the playground
Two boys on the playground
Child bouncing on an inflatable
A little boy on the playground
A child in a bounce house
Two boys in the gym
A little girl in the gym
Two girl in a bounce house
Daniel Jimenez
Francesca Neeley
Parker Fiel
Talia Everson-Toledo
Luis Figueroa Flores
Zuri Rivera
Cumming Elementary Administrators

Smiles, Backpacks, and Big Dreams

Foundation FriYAY!

FriYAY Presentation

Congratulations to Mrs Zerkel! She was awarded a $5,000 grant to use with the Newcomers Club she leads for friends who have just moved to Cumming from another country. Thank you Forsyth County Education Foundation !

A Joyful Start to the School Year!

Child exiting the car
Little boy and dad smiling
Little boy walking into school
A hug from a teacher
A little boy walking in with his mom
A little girl arriving at school
Three brothers
Children arriving at school
A teacher in the drop off line
A child arriving at school
A child walking into school
Children arriving at school
A teacher walking a student into school