Board meeting spotlights student programs, newcomer supports and a proposed downtown‑adjacent park

Members of the Barrow County School System and students used the Jan. 9 called meeting to showcase district programs and community partnerships that support students from pre‑K through transition to employment. Presentations described a community backpack drive, mentorship efforts, the YES senior transition program, Project Search internships for students with disabilities, the Newcomer Academy for newly arrived students, Sims Academy career pathways and ArtsNow arts‑integration activities. The meeting also included a public presentation about plans to convert the historic Russell Middle School/CFIT site into a community park with a stated cost of $4,000,000 over five years.

Ellen Petrie, the district’s school and community relations specialist, described a recent backpack drive coordinated with 31 churches, four civic clubs and about a dozen businesses, noting "we have almost 50 people here" helping and "we think we did over 200 bags." Faith Baldy, a lieutenant with the Barrow County Sheriff's Office, thanked volunteers and said the event "takes a lot of work, a lot of time, but at the end it's worth it." Presenters repeatedly credited volunteers, faith groups and businesses for supporting the initiative.

Several programs aimed at preparing students for work and independent living were described in detail. The YES program, presented as a three‑phase transition pathway operated out of Sims Academy, partners with Goodwill of Northeast Georgia, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and High School High‑Tech; it offers a fall transition class, a possible spring paid internship and job placement assistance after graduation. Project Search—hosted locally at the Wimberley Center in partnership with the Winder Housing Authority—places eligible students aged about 18–22 with barriers to employment into three rotations of 10–12 weeks to develop workplace skills; presenters said the program’s aim is part‑time or full‑time employment for interns.

The Newcomer Academy presenters outlined student supports for recently arrived English learners, saying the program was established in 2017 to provide intensive English instruction, orientation to U.S. school routines and family connections; staff emphasized culturally responsive teaching and gradual reintegration to mainstream classes. Sims Academy staff reviewed career and technical education offerings—dual enrollment with Lanier Technical College, construction, culinary arts and a recording/podcast studio—and listed the STEP program and other transition programs located at the campus.

The meeting also recognized community members and teachers of the year from schools across the district, and included student remarks about their experiences at Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy and other schools. A public‑facing proposal for a new park at the Center For Innovative Teaching (the historic Russell Middle School building) was presented; speakers said the park would include a splash pad, dog park, courts, a destination playground and an outdoor classroom and estimated a $4,000,000 cost over five years to be funded via a public‑private partnership and community fundraising.

None of the program presentations required a board vote on Jan. 9; they were informational. Several presenters urged community volunteerism—mentors, internships and local business partnerships were named as key supports—and speakers highlighted program partners and next steps for students transitioning to employment.