Seven elementary schools in Richmond County have earned statewide recognition for their exceptional cursive writing programs as part of the inaugural John Hancock Award.
This new initiative, launched by the Georgia Department of Education, honors schools that demonstrate outstanding cursive writing instruction, according to a press release from the Richmond County School System (RCSS).
Bayvale, Belair, Goshen and McBean elementary schools each earned the prestigious Ribbon of Distinction, awarded to schools where at least 90% of students can write both their name and the preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive.
Additionally, Hephzibah Elementary, Lake Forest Hills Elementary and Richmond Hill Elementary received the Proficiency Ribbon, recognizing schools where 90% of students can write their name in cursive, according to a press release from RCSS.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication of our educators to preserving important literacy skills that students will carry with them throughout their education,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, interim superintendent of Richmond County Schools. “We are proud of these schools for leading the way in fostering foundational skills that enhance learning in all subjects.”
Schools earned the award by submitting applications, which included student work samples that were carefully evaluated by a panel of judges.
The program aligns with the recent approval of updated K–12 English Language Arts (ELA) standards by the Georgia Board of Education in May 2023, which will officially require cursive instruction in grades 3 through 5 starting in the 2025–2026 school year.
Vanessa Darling, Early Learning Coordinator for the Richmond County School System, emphasized the importance of this achievement.
“As we prepare to implement the new ELA standards, it is vital that we equip our teachers with the necessary tools and strategies to help students gain confidence and proficiency in cursive writing,” Darling.
This year, more than 300 schools across Georgia applied for the John Hancock Award, and Richmond County’s honorees are among the first to receive the distinction, marking a milestone in the state’s commitment to handwriting education, according to a press release from RCSS.
