About Barnwell
 

Barnwell Strategic Plan

A Guide to Our Educational Acronyms
 

Enrollment & Registration Requirements
 
Affidavit of Residence
 

Rules & Regulations
 

Suggested Classroom Supply Lists

Transportation Services
 

Fulton County Schools Website
 

News from Fulton County Schools

Fitnessgram Standards

The last two decades have brought startling changes to Barnwell Road. The once narrowing, curving country dirt road, winding its way between Holcomb Bridge Road and Jones Bridge Road, is now a busily traveled pathway leading to homes of hundreds of families and to the doors of a school known as "Barnwell."

The spirit of Barnwell Elementary lies in the strength of the link between the faculty, the parents, and the school community. The combination of a strong instructional leader, the resourceful staff, and very active parent volunteers has enabled Barnwell to provide each child with learning experiences that enhance growth, offer challenges, and develop an enthusiasm for learning.

For the past several years, grant funds have been used for training and collaborative planning sessions between artists and teachers and for student drama and movement workshops. An ongoing relationship with the School of Music at Georgia State University provides support and training for Barnwell staff members as we continue our Atlanta Symphony Orchestra residency program.  Additional funds from the Barnwell PTA and Fulton County Arts Council will provide expanded fine arts opportunities.

A schoolwide focus on technology has brought new equipment, personnel, and software programs. With over 300 computers, Barnwell has been able to equip each classroom, two computer labs, and two rolling labs each with 30 "AlphaSmart" laptops. Our School Technology Specialist introduces new software and hardware to staff and students, assists teachers and students who are eager to utilize the Internet, and provides all technical assistance.

A multitude of programs supported and staffed by the PTA have enhanced and enriched the curriculum. The Barnwell Student News and Publishing Company will provide each student an opportunity to publish original literary work. PTA volunteers and staff have coordinated numerous cultural events to increase student awareness of the arts.

Barnwell has continued its emphasis on environmental issues. After a schoolwide recycling program was implemented in 1991, Barnwell became a Green School. Through the combined efforts of school personnel, volunteers, and community supporters, the Barnwell schoolyard has become a teaching resource expanding the traditional classroom into the outdoors. Distinctive outdoor teaching stations include: a 5000 square-foot Kids' Garden, a one-acre Reforestation Project, a Prairie Grass Meadow, a 2000 square-foot Butterfly Garden/Weather Lab, a multi-use Courtyard Pavilion, a 750-foot Nature Trail with amphitheater and work stations, and a half-acre arboretum made up of 69 trees representing 31 species. There are also a number of small gardens surrounding the school.

There is a strong tradition of parent and community support for Barnwell. During the 2005-2006 school year with a school population of approximately 670 students, parents and community members logged in an average of over 25 volunteer hours per student. This statistic highlights the commitment that the PTA has made to the students in a variety of programs supported and staffed by parent volunteers. Barnwell business partners  and business friends have also been actively involved in programs that emphasize family and community involvement.

During its history, rapid growth and change have provided numerous educational challenges. There is a pride that exists within the Barnwell community as the staff, the parents, and the students work together each and every day to meet these challenges.