Byron Elementary School receives John Hancock award

State Superintendent Richard Woods awarded Byron elementary with a proficiency ribbon, for at least 90% of their students being able to write their names in cursive.  

BYRON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Byron Elementary School received the John Hancock award. It recognizes excellence in teaching cursive writing to 4th grade students.

State Superintendent Richard Woods awarded the school with a proficiency ribbon, for at least 90% of their students being able to write their names in cursive.  

Woods gave students with their own constitution books to practice cursive reading and writing skills.

“For us having our kids be able to write their names in cursive and read in cursive is important,” said Woods. “Especially as we celebrate construction day our nations 250th anniversary, because all our founding documents are written in cursive, so it would be nice to read outside of just print”.

He believes cursive writing enhances young minds.

“Just some if the things we know from science what cursive writing does for us. So, it is part academic and part preparing our kids for life. Giving them a skill set that they can be very proud of. And who knows they might even teach their parents how to write cursive as well”, he said.

4th grader Brhylon Howard shared his excitement after learning how to write in cursive.

“It felt very good because knowing hard work it takes a while to learn everything. So, it feels good that everything I did paid off”, he exclaimed.

4th grader Harper McDonald says she started learning cursive in the 1st grade, and is proud of how far she has come.

“I think the teachers have worked very hard on getting students to do it. And I know all the students have tried very hard to get this”, she said.

With it being brought back into the state curriculum this year, Byron Elementary says it will continue to teach students how to read and write in cursive.