State Superintendent Richard Woods Presents John Hancock Banner to Six APS Elementary Schools
Tuesday, October 27th, 2026
Six Atlanta Public Schools (APS) elementary schools have earned John Hancock banners from Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods in recognition of students’ proficiency in cursive writing during the 2025–2026 school year.
Bolton Academy, Drew Charter School, Garden Hills Elementary School, Morningside Elementary School, Peyton Forest Elementary School, and Springdale Park Elementary School join 630 other elementary schools across Georgia receiving this recognition.
All six APS schools earned the Ribbon of Proficiency, awarded to schools where at least 90% of students can sign their names in cursive. Bolton Academy and Garden Hills Elementary School also earned the Ribbon of Distinction, which recognizes schools where at least 90% of students can both sign their names and write the preamble of the United States Constitution in cursive.
In addition to its John Hancock recognition, Springdale Park Elementary School earned a STEAM Certification Banner for its sustained commitment to interdisciplinary instruction through project- or problem-based learning. The school joins just 70 other STEAM-certified schools across Georgia, highlighting its dedication to integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into student learning.
“I’m proud of our students and educators for these accomplishments. Learning cursive helps students build important foundational skills, while STEAM education encourages them to think creatively, solve problems, and explore new ideas,” said APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson. “These achievements show how our schools are balancing the basics with innovative learning experiences that prepare our students for the future.”
