GCPS elementary schools honored with John Hancock awards
GCPS elementary schools honored with John Hancock awards
![John Hancock Award Logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753386213/gcpsk12org/rqlol95cek26jrdbklhr/JohnHancock-StudentSignatureAward-FS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1753386213/gcpsk12org/rqlol95cek26jrdbklhr/JohnHancock-StudentSignatureAward-FS.png","width":350}])
Four Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) elementary schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) with John Hancock Awards. The honor is bestowed on schools for their outstanding achievements in writing instruction.
Craig Elementary School and Freeman’s Mill Elementary School were named 2024-25 John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction recipients. This distinction is awarded to schools where at least 90% of students can write both their name and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive
Beaver Ridge Elementary School and Harmony Elementary School earned 2024-25 John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Proficiency honors. This recognition is awarded to schools where at least 90% of students can write their name in cursive.
The John Hancock Award recognizes schools that demonstrate exceptional instruction in cursive writing, highlighting their commitment to helping students develop strong literacy foundations and essential communication skills.
“These awards highlight the meaningful work happening in classrooms every day at Beaver Ridge, Craig, Freeman’s Mill, and Harmony. Cursive writing helps students build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and connect with historical documents in a unique way,” said GCPS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Shawn Bird. “This recognition is a reflection of educators creating engaging learning experiences and students rising to the challenge.”
Learning cursive supports student success in several ways, including strengthening literacy skills, improving fine motor development, and enhancing cognitive abilities. It also enables students to connect more deeply with historical documents and primary source materials written in cursive.
Schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are eligible to apply for the statewide recognition by submitting portfolios that showcase students’ cursive writing abilities. More than 300 schools participated in the application process for the 2024-25 recognition cycle.
The recognition of Beaver Ridge, Craig, Freeman’s Mill, and Harmony elementary schools reflects the dedication of educators and students who continue to emphasize the value of strong writing skills and the enduring importance of cursive literacy.