Board Notes

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Peter Barahona, Class of 2027, for being selected for the highly competitive 2026 Governor’s Honors Program to study civil engineering at Georgia Southern University.

During the month-long program, Peter and his team designed a tunnel through a mountain, built a physical model, and developed a professional engineering proposal. He also gained hands-on experience testing concrete mixtures, solving design problems, and learning how engineers adapt when things do not go according to plan.

The Board of Education congratulates Peter on this outstanding achievement and his continued pursuit of his passion for civil engineering.

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta Sixth Grade Academy for being named a National School to Watch by the National Forum.

The Schools to Watch designation recognizes high-performing middle-grade schools committed to continuous improvement. MSGA was selected for its academic excellence, social equity, responsiveness to student needs, and innovative practices.

As one of only 19 schools in Georgia to receive this national recognition, MSGA will serve as a model and mentor for other schools.

The Board of Education congratulates MSGA on this prestigious recognition and its continued commitment to student success.

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta Center for Advanced Academics for earning the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation from the American School Counselor Association.

The national recognition honors exemplary, data-informed school counseling programs aligned with the American School Counselor Association National Model. MCAA’s counseling program focuses on supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student.

MCAA joined Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and Lockheed Elementary in New Orleans last month to receive its RAMP award at the American School Counselor Association Annual Conference.

The Board of Education congratulates MCAA’s counseling team on this outstanding recognition and its commitment to supporting students.

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Mary Groves as she retires after 36 years of dedicated service to Club 3:30, one of Georgia’s longest-running after-school programs.

Club 3:30 serves 30 Marietta City Schools students each week at First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, providing homework help, mentorship, and individualized support. Over the years, the program has helped students grow from kindergarteners new to English and American culture to graduates accepted at universities such as Notre Dame.

After more than three decades, Mary’s impact can be seen in generations of Marietta students and families. The Board of Education thanks Mary for her remarkable dedication and 36 years of service to Marietta students.

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Chi Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for its longstanding mentorship and support of Marietta City Schools students and families.

For the past five years, chapter members have mentored male students at Marietta Middle School and, for the past three years, fifth-grade boys at Sawyer Road Elementary. The chapter has also sponsored two-day college tours for 35 students, with visits to Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University, Chattahoochee Technical College, and institutions within the Atlanta University Center.

Students have gained exposure to college and career opportunities through STEM workshops, entrepreneurship sessions, etiquette training, and conversations with campus leaders. Chapter members also support MCS families with food and holiday meals, provide shoes to students, assist at schools, and award scholarships to graduating seniors.

The Board of Education thanks the Chi Gamma Gamma Chapter for its continued mentorship, service, and investment in Marietta students.

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized A.L. Burruss Elementary for receiving a $5,000 STEM grant from the Burns & McDonnell Foundation.

The grant will expand the school’s existing STEM programming and provide students with more opportunities to learn through designing, building, testing, and problem-solving. The Foundation invests in K–12 schools nationwide to inspire future STEM leaders through project-based learning, innovation, and real-world experiences.

The Board of Education congratulates A.L. Burruss and thanks the Burns & McDonnell Foundation for supporting expanded STEM opportunities for students.

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the MCS Financial Services Division for earning the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its FY 2025 financial report.

This marks the 12th consecutive year Marietta City Schools has earned the distinction, which is the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The Board of Education congratulates the Financial Services team for its continued excellence in financial reporting.