Special Blog Post by Midway Hills Academy Principal Terri Carty At Midway Hills Academy, we believe reading opens doors to learning, leadership, confidence, and the kind of opportunities that change lives. Dr. Seuss reminds us, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” This winter, our students are putting that belief into action through Books with Bobcats , an exciting new Million Word Reading Challenge made possible through our growing partnership with Georgia College & State University. A Schoolwide Reading Adventure Begins Baldwin County Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Moose, brought the initiative in with style as the Midway Hills Mustang! On December 1, MHA students officially launched into the challenge with Accelerated Reader (AR). Each book they read, whether at home, at school, or online, adds to their running word count as they complete short comprehension quizzes through the AR platform. This gives us a powerful tool to track not just how much our Mustangs are reading, but also how they’re growing as thinkers and learners. Literacy advocate Pam Allyn puts it best: “Reading is a gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.” And at MHA, we’re ready to walk through that gateway together. Reading Alongside Role Models One of the most energizing parts of this initiative is the involvement of GCSU student-athletes. Each week, these college role models come to MHA to read with our students, share their own literacy journeys, and show our children that strong readers make strong leaders on the court, on the field, and in life. Rita Pierson once said, “Children need role models so they can see who they can become.” Our Mustangs are seeing that clearly. Big Goals. Big Rewards. Big Mustang Energy. We know students rise when expectations rise, so we’re dreaming big and celebrating big. Fourth-graders who meet their reading goals  will earn passes for themselves and their families to attend select GCSU sporting events. Students will be recognized on game day for their accomplishments. Students who reach their grade-level Lexile goal  will receive an official GCSU swag bag , a fun reminder of their hard work and perseverance. And for our most dedicated book lovers: any student who reads ONE MILLION WORDS  will become an official Millionaire Reader.Yes—millionaires get the royal treatment. These students will enjoy a limo ride to a special celebratory lunch in their honor. Frederick Douglass taught us, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” At MHA, we celebrate that freedom every day. Students celebrate at the launch event with BCSD Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks More Than a Challenge, A Community Commitment Books with Bobcats is more than a reading program. It reflects a shared mission between Midway Hills Academy and GCSU to support students academically, socially, and emotionally through genuine partnership and encouragement. As literacy expert Richard Allington reminds us, “Reading is the single most important skill children learn in school.” Together, we are building readers.We are building leaders.We are building future Bobcats, Mustangs, and lifelong learners; one book, one word, and one student at a time.

On December 8th, The Knights of Columbus showed their continued commitment to our students when member Timothy Kimerling visited Lakeview Primary School to read to our Little Knights. His time, energy, and enthusiasm reminded us of something we say often here in Baldwin County, our schools thrive because our community cares . Mr. Kimerling’s visit is one example of the many ways our local partners step forward to support the Baldwin County School District. Over the last several years , BCSD has strengthened its ties with civic groups, faith-based organizations, and service clubs to ensure students feel encouraged, valued, and connected to the community around them. These partnerships not only help students build confidence, but also help reinforce the message that education is a shared investment across Baldwin County. Our district-wide volunteer initiative, first launched six years ago and recently revitalized after the pandemic, continues to bring new faces and fresh support into our schools. During meetings throughout 2022 and 2023, community leaders discussed practical, meaningful ways to get involved: Reading to students, just as Mr. Kimerling did this week Mentoring and offering career wisdom Attending school events to cheer on our students Providing encouragement during difficult times Mr. Kimerling’s visit is more than a single act of kindness; it’s a reminder of what makes Baldwin County special. When community members give their time, they help build a culture of trust and belonging, one that strengthens our schools and lifts up every child who walks through our doors. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, we invite you to join us . Whether you read to a classroom, mentor a student, or show up to cheer from the stands, your presence matters. Together, we can continue creating a supportive, inspiring environment for all Baldwin County students.

As the holiday season approached, our friends at Northridge Christian Church’s Community Engagement Ministry, led by Amy Rabun, stepped forward once again with a shared purpose we deeply value in Baldwin County Schools: ensuring that every family in our district feels supported, seen, and able to enjoy a joyful Thanksgiving Day. For the past three years, Northridge Christian Church has partnered faithfully with the Baldwin County School District to make this vision a reality. Each year, their ministry provides more than 100 baskets filled with Thanksgiving fixings, along with turkeys, to families across our district and to other agencies throughout our Baldwin County community. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Northridge congregation, our school teams were able to offer full Thanksgiving trimmings to families who needed a little extra support this season. Their generosity helps us extend not just food, but comfort, dignity, and the spirit of togetherness that defines this time of year. Within BCSD, our counselors and staff work closely throughout the fall to identify students and families who may need holiday assistance. Once identified, families receive personalized outreach from their school counselors with details on when and where to pick up their Thanksgiving baskets. For many families, this distribution means far more than a meal. It is a reminder that their school district and their community care deeply about their well-being, not just in the classroom, but in every season of life. We are profoundly grateful for Northridge Christian Church and their continued partnership. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate Baldwin. Read more at Union Recorder:   https://unionrecorder.com/2025/11/26/northridge-church-partners-with-baldwin-school-district-for-thanksgiving-treats/

Special Blog Post by BHS Media Specialist Pamela Longino On Tuesday, November 18th, and again on December 1st, our Baldwin High School library became something more than a place for books and research. It became a space for healing. Over the past several weeks, our school family has experienced tremendous loss. We are grieving the passing of BHS student Jeffrey Epps, whose kindness, spirit, and presence are deeply missed by classmates, teachers, and staff. We are also mourning the losses of BHS Math Teacher Michael Blom as well as Dr. Jason Wright. As our school community continued to mourn, we have all been looking for moments of comfort and connection. Thanks to the K9 Angels Therapy Dog Organization from Milledgeville, GA, we were able to offer just that, a quiet, gentle reminder that it’s okay to pause, breathe, and lean on one another. Turning the Library into a Haven With the help of K9 Angels and the coordination of Judith Kemp, the library was transformed into a welcoming haven for our students and staff. Soft voices, wagging tails, and the calm presence of the therapy dogs filled the space in a way that words alone could not. Students from our PEC classes, as well as students from other departments, and faculty members stopped by throughout the day. Some came in smiling, eager to meet the dogs. Others arrived quietly, carrying the weight of the past few weeks. No matter how they entered, the goal was the same: to give them a safe place to rest and reset. The Power of a Gentle Moment Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. It shows up in the middle of math class, during lunch, or while walking down the hallway. Offering therapy dogs in the library gave our school a structured, supportive way to process some of those emotions. For many, simply sitting on the floor beside a calm dog, feeling soft fur under their hands, or watching a tail thump happily against the carpet brought a sense of peace. The library, which is usually a place for focus and study, became a space where no one had to be “on.” They could just be . This visit didn’t erase the sadness we feel, but it did give us a bright spot, a reminder that even in hard times, there are small, meaningful ways to care for one another. A Community Wrapped in Care We are deeply grateful to the K9 Angels Therapy Dog Organization for their kindness, professionalism, and compassion. Their willingness to come into our school, meet our students where they are, and offer comfort through their dogs made a real difference. I am also thankful for the collaboration and support from our staff for helping turn this idea into a reality. It took coordination, flexibility, and a shared belief that emotional well-being is just as important as academic success. Moving Forward, Together As we continue to honor the memories of those we have lost, and support one another through this season of grief, we will keep looking for ways to bring light into our school community; whether through quiet moments in the library, thoughtful conversations, or simple acts of kindness. For a brief time, the library wasn’t just a room full of books, it was a reminder that Baldwin High is a family. And in families, we show up for each other, especially when it matters most. To the K9 Angels, our students, and our staff: thank you for helping create a bright spot in a difficult time.

The Baldwin County School District recently joined with the Music Therapy Clinic at Georgia College & State University to present their annual Fall PEC Holiday Concert, a joyful tradition that brings students, families, teachers, and community partners together in celebration of music, creativity, and the power of connection. Held at the Oak Hill Middle School Auditorium, the concert featured musical performances from talented student groups across Baldwin County, including: Midway Hills Primary’s Super Music Makers Lakeview Primary’s Little Rascals, Legendary Knights, and Rockin’ Knights Lakeview Academy’s Eagle Parade Oak Hill Middle School’s Rockin’ Braves, Colorful Braves, and Musical Braves Baldwin High School’s Best Braves These young performers filled the auditorium with holiday classics, from “Jingle Bells 2.0” to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. They reminded us all of what makes this season so special: joy, wonder, and community. A Partnership That Makes a Difference The concert was made possible through our ongoing partnership with the Music Therapy Clinic at Georgia College & State University , led by clinic coordinator Mrs. Erin Kelly. GC music therapy students, guided by faculty, licensed clinicians, and university mentors, work closely with Baldwin’s PEC teachers and paras to create meaningful music-making experiences for students with exceptional abilities. Music therapy provides students opportunities to: build communication and social-emotional skills express themselves creatively practice movement and motor skills engage joyfully with peers and the community grow confidence through performance We are grateful to the many hands and hearts who make this collaboration flourish, including our PEC teachers and paraprofessionals, the GCSU music therapy team, and district leadership who support the arts as an essential part of a whole-child education. A Community Proud of Its Students Our students bring joy, brilliance, and hope to Baldwin County every single day. Their music lifted our spirits and strengthened our sense of togetherness, something our community has needed and cherished in recent weeks. We are proud of every student who took the stage. We are grateful for every educator and therapist who helped them shine.

Photos courtesy of Tiffany Smith Article courtesy of MaxPreps Winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Baldwin ). They claimed a resounding 60-30 win over the West Laurens Raiders . The Braves not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since February 13th (when they won 59-23). Baldwin's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-3. As for West Laurens, they are on a five-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-3. We've got plenty of inter-region action coming up soon. Baldwin is set to take on their familiar foe Harlem at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, West Laurens will challenge rival Westside at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps

When the holidays roll around, Baldwin County shows up. From food drives to toy collections, our schools and community partners work side by side to make sure every family feels supported during the season of giving. This year, Communities In Schools of Milledgeville-Baldwin County is adding a brand-new twist to traditional food donations. And it all starts with a recipe card. From Canned Goods to Kitchen-Ready Meals Courtney Bentley, Director for Communities In Schools of Milledgeville-Baldwin County, spends the holiday season focused on one big goal: connecting families with the resources they need, whether that’s food on the table or gifts under the tree. CIS has a presence in every Baldwin County public school from kindergarten through 12th grade. Site coordinators are on campus every day, building relationships with students and families and serving as a bridge to community support. (If you'd like to volunteer your support, you can fill out a volunteer form right HERE .) As those site coordinators shared what families were facing, one recurring challenge kept coming up, “Many times we see that we can’t really piece those items together to make a full, hearty meal,” Courtney explained. So Courtney went looking for a solution. Inspired by Meal Kits — Adapted for Baldwin Communities in Schools' Janice Baker, and Assistant Principal Linda Bell, accept donations of meal bags for Midway Hills Primary Scrolling through TikTok one day, Courtney came across a creator in another community doing something different with food donations: assembling “meal kits” inspired by services like HelloFresh and Blue Apron. Courtney immediately thought: We can do this here in Baldwin County. Using Neighborhood Leaders Grant funding, she downloaded the recipe cards from the creator’s link tree and went shopping, carefully choosing shelf-stable ingredients that families could easily store, cook, and enjoy. The result: “ingredient bags” that function like a Blue Apron or HelloFresh box, but built entirely from non-perishable items donated and assembled right here in our community. What’s Inside an Ingredient Bag? One of Courtney’s favorite examples is a White Chicken Chili kit. The bag includes canned chicken, beans, salsa, and other pantry staples that come together into a warm, filling meal. The recipe card also lists a few optional extras like certain seasonings or cheese, but those are not required for the dish to work. Families can also hold onto the recipe cards and recreate the meals later for around $10 or less, stretching the impact of a single ingredient bag well beyond one holiday season. What's that old saying? "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." Well, CIS Baldwin was like, why not do both? CIS Coordinator Ronda Dixon and Principal Terri Carty accept meal bag donations at Midway Hills Academy Bringing Partners to the Table For this first round of ingredient bags, Communities In Schools assembled and distributed approximately 120 bags to families in the Oconee Heights area, served by New Beginnings Church, a long-standing partner in this work. And this is just the beginning. Courtney and her team will be partnering with additional local food pantries over the coming weeks and months to get ingredient bags into the hands of more families across Baldwin County. Thanks to an additional $5,000 award from CIS of Georgia , Communities In Schools expects to provide roughly 750 ingredient bags throughout the community turning a creative idea into a large-scale support system for local families. More Than a Meal At its heart, this project isn’t just about food. It’s about dignity, time, and togetherness. Instead of a random assortment of cans, families receive a clear plan for dinner. Instead of wondering how  to stretch a pantry, they get a ready-made recipe and all the essentials in one place. Instead of facing the holidays with uncertainty, they gain one more night where dinner is taken care of and maybe even a chance to cook together, learn together, and sit down at the table as a family. Courtney says she’ll measure success through feedback from the food pantries who directly serve families, listening to what works and what can grow next. But from where we stand, success is already visible: it looks like a stack of recipe cards, rows of neatly packed bags, and a community willing to think differently about how we give.

The James A. Lunsford Gymnasium was filled with pride, precision, and patriotism on November 20 as Baldwin High School’s Navy Junior ROTC cadets took the floor for their annual Area Manager’s Inspection and Pass-In-Review Ceremony. Family members, district leaders, and distinguished guests gathered to witness one of the most anticipated events of the NJROTC year, a showcase of discipline, leadership, and the unwavering teamwork that defines the program. The ceremony opened with the Processional and Entrance of Cadets, followed by the Cadet Creed and National Anthem. Guests then heard remarks from Dr. Rodney Tyson, Major, USA (Ret.) and Deputy Superintendent of Baldwin County Schools, and Mrs. Markeeta Clayton, Principal of Baldwin High School. The afternoon also featured an impressive Exhibition Drill Performance, recognitions from NJROTC instructors Dr. David Snow, Commander, USN (Ret.) and Chief Petty Officer Brian Finney, USN (Ret.), and an inspection and address by Dr. Matthew Jordan, Commander, USN (Ret.), NJROTC Area Nine Manager. But the heart of the day belonged to the cadets. “They talk about it from the beginning of the school year," said Chief Petty Officer Brian Finney. For NJROTC instructor Brian Finney, days like this are more than ceremonial, they are transformational.“This ceremony is an annual part of our Area Manager’s Inspection,” he explained. “We’re inspected on cadet readiness, uniform and appearance, marching… but it’s also an opportunity to recognize our top performers and advancements for the year. It allows parents and distinguished guests to come out and visit. It’s something we do every year.” Cadets prepare months in advance. From the very first weeks of school, the program emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and unity, values that come to life on the gym floor during Pass-In-Review. “We start preparing for it from the beginning of the school year,” Finney said. “We’re big on practice and teamwork. That’s part of our core values; accountability and teamwork. It’s great to see young people having this much discipline and self-control.” Preparing Leaders — On the Field and Beyond A key purpose of the Pass-In-Review is supporting students who aim to join the armed forces after graduation. Baldwin’s NJROTC program has a strong track record of helping cadets begin that journey. “Last year we had seven join. The year before that we had eleven join different branches of the military,” Finney shared. “For those wanting to serve, NJROTC puts them ahead of the curve. From wearing the uniform to learning the discipline expected in boot camp, they already know what to expect.” This year the unit hosts roughly 9 freshmen, with 18 first-year cadets, and around 58 cadets total. Chief Finney also highlighted several standout upperclassmen whose leadership held the ceremony together: Ethan Tavares , Commanding Officer (senior) Deasia Hurt , Executive Officer (junior) Ky'maya Grant , Command Master Chief (junior) “These are my top three,” Finney said with clear admiration. “All of them have been with the program three or four years. Everything I need, they’re right there.” A Tradition of Excellence The Pass-In-Review Ceremony is not only an inspection, but a celebration of growth. From sharp salutes to coordinated drill movements, Baldwin’s cadets demonstrated the discipline, respect, and commitment to excellence that the NJROTC program instills. And as parents and guests applauded from the stands, it was clear that these cadets aren’t just learning how to march.They’re learning how to lead, how to serve, and how to work together. Most importantly, they’re learning how to carry themselves with pride. We congratulate our Baldwin High School NJROTC cadets, instructors, and leaders on an outstanding 2025 Pass-In-Review Ceremony. Your dedication inspires our entire Baldwin County community.

Article courtesy of MaxPreps . Baldwin had won two straight games and Karez Demory did his part to make it three on Saturday. The Braves simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Beach Bulldogs 73-46 thanks in part to Demory, who shot 67% from the field to rack up 20 points along with five boards and five steals. His big performance that afternoon made it five games in a row in which he has scored at least 16 points. Game Photos Courtesy of Tiffany Smith When it comes to explaining why Beach lost, don't look at Jordan Newton . Despite the final result, he went 5-for-7 on his way to 11 points and three steals. Thanks to that strong game, Newton now owns an excellent 45.2% shooting accuracy. Another player making a difference was Marcus Liddell , who scored six points. Baldwin's record now sits at 3-0. As for Beach, they now have a losing record of 2-3. Baldwin and Beach will both get their first taste of in-conference action in their upcoming games. The Braves will square off against rival West Laurens at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Beach is set to take on their familiar foe Liberty County at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. This article was generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps

Post Written by Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks I am thrilled to share the recent CCRPI results for Baldwin County Schools, which provide compelling evidence that our teachers are indeed doing the right work! The data confirms significant growth in student progress and readiness across all grade levels. These scores reflect the dedication and tireless effort of every teacher, administrator, and staff member. Congratulations to each teacher, support staff, and administrator as you make student learning and mastery of standards your focus every day.  Highlights of Our CCRPI Gains The results show a clear upward trend, demonstrating our students' increased preparedness for their next steps. Progress and Readiness Soar:  Our students are showing outstanding growth: High School Progress:  Baldwin High School's Progress score of  92.1  significantly exceeded the state average of 82.2. Middle School Progress:  Oak Hill Middle School reported a Progress score of  87.4 , an impressive +15.7-point increase, with Math surging by +22.68 points. Though OHMS is on the 2025-2026 Promise Scholarship list, this is a reminder that the data for this decision is lagging data that is over a year old. Continued positive trajectories are evident at OHMS and student achievement is increasing as measured by Georgia Milestone assessment data.  Closing Gaps:  Oak Hill Middle School earned a perfect  100.0  in Closing Gaps, meeting performance improvement targets in ALL areas for Math, Science, and Social Studies. Readiness:  Baldwin High School surpassed the state average in Readiness with a score of  77.3 , and Elementary Readiness increased by 3.0 points to 83.2. Content Mastery Improvements:  We saw improvements in Content Mastery across all levels: Elementary (2.9 points), Middle School (8.5 points), and High School (+4.2 points). High School gains were most impressive in U.S. History (+7.84) and Biology (+7.29) District's Commitment: Literacy for All Scholars While our progress is strong, the Georgia Milestones data highlights the continued need to intensify our focus on core content mastery, particularly Literacy Proficiency. This is our commitment: Structured Literacy:  We are providing evidence-aligned, structured literacy curriculum and training to our staff to build the foundational reading skills necessary for students to access complex content across all subjects. Science of Reading Curriculum:  Core curriculum has been aligned to the science of reading to ensure ALL students are exposed to the rigor of academic vocabulary, reading on grade level fluently, and promoting deep comprehension through aligned writing tasks. Community Partnership:  Through  Baldwin Reads (LVA)  and  Baldwin Books with Bobcats (MHA) , we have partnered with local industry and universities to ensure our students read 1 million words before the end of the school year, increasing the number of students who read on grade level. Our media specialists and school teams across the district continue to encourage and promote reading by actively checking out books from the library and increasing the number of minutes read each day. Be on the lookout as Malcom Mitchell's  READ BOWL  gets ready to kick off. Let's get a trophy (and Malcom!) to Baldwin!   Important District Updates Policy IFCD: Volunteer Background Checks During the November business meeting of the BOE, Policy IFCD,   regarding school volunteers, was approved. For the safety of our students and staff, all volunteers who will have consistent and routine interaction with students are required to complete a National Criminal History Background Check. We thank all approved volunteers for their commitment to our students' safety and success! (For detailed procedures, please  REVIEW HERE ) Fiscally Responsible Focus: Prioritizing Our Mission To address the financial challenges presented by the uncertainty of federal funds and the increase in state vouchers to private schools, we must make responsible budget reductions. We remain absolutely dedicated to providing a high-quality learning environment and supporting our employees. However, we are called to be vigilant stewards of taxpayer dollars. This means: Purchases from general funds and federal funds will be streamlined and focused  No unbudgeted spending will be approved While cost reductions are never easy, this process will ultimately strengthen our focus: student achievement. Thank you for your serious focus and understanding. More specifics will be shared in the coming months as we begin the 2026-2027 budget process. Your input will be sought during this process as well.  Strategic Planning Kicks Off in January We are excited to announce that the process for developing our next five-year strategic plan will begin in January. This is a vital step in shaping the future of our district, and we look forward to engaging all stakeholders. Your voice will be critical in shaping our next steps! High School Student Board Member Beginning in January 2026, a high school student, selected through an application and selection process, will join the Board of Education governance team as a non-voting member. This student will bring an invaluable perspective to our board as we prepare today's students to become tomorrow's community leaders. Cultivating Citizenship with Leader in Me Our Leader in Me program and school Lighthouse teams continue to strengthen the citizenship component necessary for the future success of our students. We are proud of the way our students are developing leadership skills and positive habits. Happy Holiday Season! In closing this month's newsletter, I want to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all who Believe in Baldwin. Your dedication is the foundation of our students' achievements.

The Baldwin High School athletic community is proud to celebrate a milestone moment for one of our own. On Wednesday, November 12, senior Karez Demory signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) to continue his basketball career at Southern University . A historic accomplishment for both Karez and the Braves. Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks shared words of encouragement for Karez Demory and his family. The signing took place in the James A. Lunsford Gymnasium, where teammates, coaches, teachers, and family members gathered to cheer him on. Coach Ben Smith, Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks, BHS Principal Markeeta Clayton, and BCSD Athletic Director Coach Dexter Ricks all took turns on the mic, professing their appreciation for what promises to be an excellent career. Karez’s family also hosted a reception in the cafeteria immediately afterward, giving the community a chance to congratulate him and share in the excitement of the day. Karez's teammates cheer him on as he signs to Southern University. Karez is the first male basketball player in nearly a decade to sign a Division I NLI at Baldwin High. Coach Ricks shared why this signing is so meaningful in today’s landscape of high school athletics. With the recent adoption of the college transfer portal, recruitment has shifted significantly. “Recruitment has changed a lot over the past couple of years because of that portal,” Coach Ricks explained. “If you’re able to get a student to sign coming straight out of high school, that says a lot for both the athlete and the program.” He went on to note that opportunities in basketball are especially competitive. Unlike football, which offers up to 85 NLI scholarships, college basketball programs have only 15. That reality makes Karez’s signing even more remarkable. “Recruitment for basketball has been even more difficult than for football,” Coach Ricks said. “So Karez signing to Southern University is a big deal and a great reflection of Baldwin’s commitment to our students.” Karez’s achievement represents years of dedication, discipline, and the support of a community that believes in him. Baldwin High School could not be prouder of this next step in his journey. Congratulations, Karez! The entire Baldwin County School District is cheering you on as you take your talents to the Division I stage.

Baldwin County Schools are on the rise! Showing real progress, real growth, and a renewed commitment to helping every student succeed. The latest College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) results confirm what families and teachers across the district already know: Baldwin County students are learning, growing, and preparing for bright futures. Across elementary, middle, and high school levels, Baldwin County School District (BCSD) outperformed state averages in key growth areas, with some scores reaching their highest point since before 2018. Celebrating Growth Across All Grade Levels The Oak Hill Middle Admin Team shows off their new 'Baldwin Reads' shirts to promote Baldwin's dedicated focus on literacy. At Baldwin High School, students achieved a Progress score of 92.1—surpassing the state average of 82.2. In the middle grades, Baldwin saw one of its strongest gains yet: a +15.7-point increase in progress, including an incredible +22.68-point jump in mathematics. Middle schools also achieved a perfect 100 score in Closing Gaps, outperforming the state average by more than 13 points and meeting targets in every  tested subject, Math, Science, and Social Studies. At the elementary level, Readiness climbed to 83.2 (+3.0), reflecting early success in preparing our youngest learners for the next grade. 'Content Mastery', the measure that evaluates student performance on state assessments, also improved at every level: Elementary: +2.9 points Middle: +8.5 points High School: +4.2 points, with standout gains in U.S. History (+7.84) and Biology (+7.29) “We’re incredibly proud of our students and teachers,” said Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks. “These results reflect hard work, effective teaching, and a community that believes in Baldwin. But we also know our work isn’t finished—especially when it comes to literacy.” A Clear Direction Forward: The Science of Reading While student growth is strong, the CCRPI data also highlight one key opportunity area: foundational literacy. To meet this challenge head-on, Baldwin County Schools are implementing a district-wide Science of Reading initiative that aligns with the Georgia Early Literacy Act . This new approach focuses on equipping every teacher with evidence-based reading instruction grounded in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. It also standardizes the core curriculum across schools so all students experience the same rigorous and engaging lessons. What This Means for Students: Stronger reading skills that build confidence and comprehension Consistent, high-quality literacy instruction across all grade levels Daily exposure to academic vocabulary and writing tasks that deepen understanding Building a Culture of Readers BCSD is also expanding district-wide reading initiatives such as   Baldwin Reads  and Baldwin Books with Bobcats programs designed to make reading part of everyday school life. Together with local industry partners and universities, the district has set an ambitious goal: students will collectively read one million words by the end of the school year. In classrooms and libraries across Baldwin County, you’ll find students reading aloud, sharing stories with peers, and developing the literacy skills that open doors to every subject from science and history to technology and the arts. A Baldwin varsity football player passes out free books at Lakeview Academy's 'Baldwin Reads' kick-off event in September Looking Ahead Baldwin County Schools are proud of the progress reflected in the 2025 CCRPI data—and even prouder of the people behind those numbers. From dedicated teachers and engaged parents to the hard-working students themselves, this growth belongs to the entire community. “When students grow, our whole community grows,” said Dr. Brooks. “Our focus on literacy ensures that every child in Baldwin County will have the foundation they need to succeed in life, not just school.” Together, We Believe in Baldwin With strong momentum in student progress and a clear, research-based plan for the future, Baldwin County Schools are proving once again what’s possible when a community believes in its students.