Bradwell Institute has been named a Bronze Star school as part of the state Department of Education’s Georgia Schools Care effort.

Georgia Schools Care, held from November 8 through December 15, brings together the entire educational family, including students and staff, fostering a sense of community and support for a shared cause.

Georgia Schools Care aimed to unite Georgia’s education family in a collective effort to impact the lives of others positively. During the initiative, participants joined forces to raise more than $43,600. The funds collected were directed toward supporting disadvantaged children through a partnership with Clark’s Christmas Kids.

“I sincerely appreciate every student, staff, educator, and community member who contributed to this worthy cause,” Superintendent Richard Woods said. “This initiative was designed to provide all within education the opportunity to make an impact on those around us. It was an opportunity for us as an educational family to give hope, add value to those in need, and allow us to make a genuine difference in the lives of others. Even though the personal sacrifice may seem small, the collective efforts of all were substantial.”

Clark’s Christmas Kids has been dedicated to bringing joy to foster children during the holiday season for over three decades. Their mission centers around ensuring that every child in the Georgia foster care system receives a Christmas gift, fostering a sense of love and belonging.

More than 50 schools and districts and several private donors contributed to the inaugural Georgia Schools Care initiative. Schools and districts were recognized based on participation.

• Diamond Star Schools: This designation was reserved for participation above 100%, based on a minimum $1 donation by both students and staff. (For example, a school with a combined enrollment and staff count of 800 could reach Diamond status by donating $801 or more.)

• Platinum Star School: This designation was reserved for participation between 90 and 100%, based on a minimum $1 donation by both students and staff.

• Gold Star School: This designation was reserved for participation between 70 and 89%, based on a minimum $1 donation by both students and staff.

• Silver Star School: This designation was reserved for participation between 50 and 69%, based on a minimum $1 donation by both students and staff.

• Bronze Star School: This designation was reserved for any level of participation based on a minimum $1 donation by both students and staff.

The Georgia Department of Education is launching a spring Georgia Schools Care Initiative to benefit military families in honor of Month of the Military Child in April.