GA State School Superintendent Richard Woods presented  Bear Creek Middle School the 2017 Family Friendly  Partnership School Award Monday, December 4. "Families, schools, and communities work together to create  meaningful relationships that ultimately lead to significant gains in student achievement and success. It is the school's responsibility to take the lead to develop and sustain this essential relationship by nurturing welcoming environments throughout the school and community" says Dr. Woods.  "Bear Creek Middle represents the best in customer service  for Barrow families, whether it's on the phone, in the front office, or online. Family Friendly schools have welcoming staff  members, comfortable waiting areas, clear signage, and engaging displays of student work on display throughout the building. They have easy-to-navigate websites that foster strong partnerships with parents to help improve student achievement. The schools also provide unique and innovative parent and family engagement programming that successfully reaches all families in the school. Most importantly,  families are respected and seen as an integral part of every student's education". See pictures .