BASA is off to a great start this school year! We’re excited for all that’s ahead and look forward to keeping our students, families, and community informed. In this newsletter, you’ll find updates from across BASA, important information, upcoming events, and highlights from the year. We’re looking forward to a successful and exciting school year together! |
Take advantage of this unique conference-style event where families can attend sessions that matter most to them. Learn about AP/Exam opportunities, EOC requirements/support, navigating Infinite Campus and other school apps, and preparing for college through GAFutures, applications, scholarships, and more. Come get your questions answered, connect with school staff, and leave with valuable resources to support your student's educational journey.
When schools and families partner together, we can light the way to a brighter future for every student. We hope to see you there!
Fall Family Engagement Night will be held on September 30th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Topics include:
- AP courses and exams
- EOC course information/support
- Infinite Campus and other BCSS apps (how to navigate, what they're used for)
- College Readiness (applying for college, scholarships, GAFutures, etc.)
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Georgia Milestone End-Of-Course assessments for Algebra, Literature and Composition 2, Biology, and US History are scheduled for Monday, December 7 - Friday, December 18. End of Course assessments count 10% of the student's final grade in the course. Please reach out to the BASA Testing Coordinator, Dr. Heather Hawk (heather.hawk@barrow.k12.ga.us) with any questions. |
Barrow County’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) program connects students with meaningful, real-world experiences that allow them to explore career interests, develop professional skills, and learn directly from industry partners. Our primary goal is to expand internship opportunities for students interested in high-demand fields, including healthcare, engineering, and marketing, business, and entrepreneurship. We are seeking community and business partners willing to host students for paid or unpaid semester-long internships. If your organization is interested in investing in the future workforce and providing a student with valuable hands-on experience, please contact Heather Turner at heather.turner@barrow.k12.ga to discuss internship opportunities, qualifications, and next steps.
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Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
We are excited to begin our CTSO interest and membership recruitment! Career & Technical Student Organizations give students opportunities to explore careers, develop leadership skills, build confidence, participate in hands-on activities, and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences.
Students interested in joining a CTSO are encouraged to learn more, attend upcoming interest meetings, and consider becoming an active member. There is a CTSO opportunity for students with a wide range of interests and career goals!
We look forward to welcoming new members and helping students make the most of these exciting opportunities this school year.
Please reach out the following individuals if you have more questions:
- FCCLA — Family, Career and Community Leaders of America: Helps students develop leadership, career, and life skills through projects and experiences focused on family, community, and personal growth. Contact Sarah Scott for more information!
- DECA : Prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship through competitive events and real-world experiences. Contact Josh Lingerfelt & Anna Shelton
- TSA — Technology Student Association: Provides students with opportunities to explore STEM, technology, engineering, and leadership through hands-on projects and competitive events. Contact Brandon Mitchell & Diane Specht
- HOSA — Future Health Professionals: Empowers students interested in healthcare careers through leadership development, health science education, service, and competitive events. Contact Kristen Farist for more information
- FFA — National FFA Organization: Develops students’ leadership, personal growth, and career skills through agricultural education, hands-on experiences, and community involvement. Contact Elle Carter for more information.
- ENGAGE —: Provides students with opportunities to build leadership, career-readiness, and professional skills while exploring their interests and connecting with their school and community. Contact Austin Coleman for more information.
- SkillsUSA — SkillsUSA: Prepares students for skilled careers through technical skill development, leadership opportunities, hands-on learning, and career-focused competitions. Contact Noah Smith for more information.
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The AVTF Program is off and going working on multiple different projects including our welcome back episode of the Blazer Broadcast which features new segments, sets, and faces! |
Healthcare students completed a unit on the integumentary system and learned about different types of wounds. They even created some wounds in their Fake Wounds Lab. |
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The Intro to Graphics and Design students created hand made posters exploring the Principles of Design and completed a Gallery Walk to discuss what they observed! |
The Game Design students have just completed a 2D game project using Unity and C#. The students learned the basics of building a game as well as animation. They finished up the project by adding a user interface. They are off to a great start! |
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Save the Date!
BASA Presents a Night on the Quad!
November 19, 2026 5:30-9:00pm
Winter Market & Fine Arts Festival
Join us for a festive evening of crafts, community and creative performances from the BASA Fine Arts Departments.
🛍️ Calling All Vendors! 🎨
BASA is excited to launch something new in Winder!
Join us for the inaugural Night on the Quad Winter Market & Fine Arts Festival on Thursday, November 19 at BASA Quad.
✨ Vendor opportunities are now available for artists, makers, crafters, and small businesses looking to showcase their products during this festive community event.
📅 Event Date: November 19
🕠 VIP Shopping Begins: 5:30 PM
🕘 Event Hours: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Interested in becoming a vendor? Scan the QR code on the flyer or contact:
📧 Catherine.DeCocco@barrow.k12.ga.us
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of a new holiday tradition in Winder!
🎨 Pottery Classes are Open to the Community! 🎨
Join the BASA Pottery Studio family this fall! Choose from Hand Building, Wheel Throwing, or Open Studio sessions.
📅 Sept. 17, Oct. 1, 15 & 29
🕒 3:30-5:30 PM or 6:00-8:00 PM
📍 BASA Pottery Studio
💲 $10 Hand Building | $20 Wheel Throwing* | $20 Open Studio
*Wheel Throwing participants must be 12+.
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🎭🎶 BASA Performing Arts is back with an exciting fall & winter lineup! Mark your calendars for concerts, comedy, theatre, and a holiday musical:
📅 Sept. 17 — BASA Chorus Fall Concert
📅 Sept. 24 — BASA Band Fall Concert
📅 Oct. 28–30 — Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors & Rue
📅 Dec. 3–4 — Elf The Musical Jr.
📅 Dec. 8 — BASA Band Winter Concert
Bring your friends and family and come support our talented student performers!
The BASA Band has started off the year strong, and we are very excited to present our first BASA Band concert of the year on Thursday, Sept 24th at 7pm. We can't wait to share our music with our audience!
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The Curriculum Assistance Team has enjoyed getting to meet our students & families! Students should meet with their case manager twice a month during Expeditions. Students, please be on the look-out for a request from your case manager. |
Science students have been diving into the building blocks of life, matter, and ecosystems! Biology Foundations students explored the characteristics of life, cells, and cell organelles, while Chemistry students built their foundation in atomic structure by working with atomic numbers, isotopes, compounds, and electron configurations. Environmental Science students investigated relationships between organisms, including food webs and symbiosis, and got hands-on with owl pellet dissections as they created a food web for barn owls. 🦉
From the microscopic world of cells to the complex interactions within ecosystems, our science students have been exploring, investigating, and making connections!
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ELA students have been studying memoirs and crafting narratives. In American Literature specifically, students are diving into classic American novels and short stories while building skills as thoughtful readers and confident writers. We're focusing on narrative writing, helping students tell engaging stories with strong details and clear organization. Students are also learning how to use advanced punctuation, such as semicolons, colons, and dashes, to make their writing more polished, effective, and expressive.
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Mr. Coleman and Mr. Roper's Economics classes just finished their unit on Foundations of Economics. Their students engaged in a rapid-fire simulation making paper pizzas to learn about specialization, division of labor, and productivity.
Mr. Levinson, Ms. Martinez, and Mr. Schuff's World Geography students are wrapping up their unit about the physical geography of the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. During this unit, students developed wonderful posters showcasing the physical features of the Americas.
Ms. Gilbert, Mr. Maynard, and Ms. Wilson's World History students are working through their Classic Civilization unit and digging in to exciting content about ancient Greece and Rome!
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Math is anything but routine at BASA! Statistical Reasoning students are putting their understanding of bias into action through a Choose Your Own Adventure project, while other math students are exploring geometric constructions, mathematical proofs, and recursive functions and sequences. Meanwhile, Mu Alpha Theta is gearing up to put their math skills to work by providing peer tutoring in the FORGE Tutoring Center when it launches. From problem-solving to real-world application, our math students are finding new ways to think, create, and FIRE up their learning! |
What a great picture day on August 25th! Missed the day? Weren't ready? Our make-up day is September 22nd.
Have questions? rachel.roper@barrow.k12.ga.us
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Since the first bell rang to begin a new school year, we have been inspired by the positivity and momentum throughout our school. This first month has been like the opening stretch of a great marathon, with each step building confidence, strengthening connections, and setting the pace for the journey ahead. From the welcoming interactions at Open House and the productive grade-level meetings to the dynamic learning experiences already taking place in classrooms, our dedicated Blazer staff has helped create a strong foundation for an outstanding year.
Our purpose is to empower students to become innovative leaders and engaged global citizens. Along the way, we encourage every student to embrace new opportunities, persevere through challenges, and continue growing into the leaders they are destined to become. With the support of our staff, families, and community, we are confident that this year will be filled with meaningful achievements and lasting success.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to connecting with you at the many exciting events and celebrations planned throughout the year.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance.
Yours in Education,
Thomas M. Thrailkill
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We want to take a moment to thank all of you for your dedication to making this a great school year.
Our mission includes engaging students in learning and creating meaningful school experiences throughout each day.
In an effort to facilitate this level of experience, students are expected to power off electronic devices, including cell phones, earbuds, etc. These items should be powered-off and stored out of sight in their bookbag during instructional times, including each class, Crew, and Expeditions.
We appreciate your partnership and support in speaking with your student about the importance of keeping their devices put away during instructional times, so they can truly engage in the learning.
Students who are found to be accessing electronic devices, including cell phones, earbuds, etc. during instructional times, will be subject to corrective action under the code-of-conduct.
If you need to contact your student during the instructional day, please call our front office at 678-425-2903.
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Thank you to the following business partners who help support Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy with their expertise, resources and talents.
Please check out our PIE page on our website for a full list of District Partners, Multi-School PIE, and Partner Pals.
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To stay current on upcoming events at BASA, please visit the BASA website. If you scroll to the bottom of the home page, you will see our public calendar. |
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