HCS Elementary and Middle Schools Recognized as John Hancock Award Schools

HENRY COUNTY, GA – The Georgia Department of Education recently recognized eight Henry County Schools as John Hancock Award Schools.

More than 300 elementary, middle, and high schools statewide received the distinction for going above and beyond in demonstrating excellence in cursive instruction.

Schools apply for consideration by submitting a portfolio showcasing students’ cursive proficiency, and are eligible to receive the award in two categories:

The John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon recognizes schools in which 90% of students can write their name in cursive.

Seven HCS schools received this prestigious honor, including East Lake Elementary, Hampton Elementary, Hickory Flat Elementary, Locust Grove Elementary, Pleasant Grove Elementary, Rock Spring Elementary, and Stockbridge Middle School.

The seven were among 188 schools representing 74 school districts.

The John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction recognizes schools in which 90% of students can write both their name and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive.

Ola Middle School was among 93 schools representing 36 school districts to receive the honor.

The John Hancock Awards are designed to encourage cursive writing and promote benefits that include improvements in spelling abilities and general literacy proficiency, as well as development of fine motor strength and cognitive abilities, including memory enhancement.

Cursive writing is part of Georgia’s English Language Arts standards. HCS schools receiving the awards were among those demonstrating noteworthy improvements in English Language Arts on the Georgia Department of Education’s recently released Georgia Milestones Assessments.

“I commend our schools for their commitment to promoting cursive instruction and nurturing abilities that set up our students for success academically and in life,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “Literacy growth is a strategic goal for every school across our district, and celebrating the artistry of handwriting undoubtedly supports this priority student outcome. This accomplishment instills a sense of pride in our students and reaffirms the importance of preserving this valuable skill.”