Arcado Elementary School has been named a Gold Star School by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) for its collective efforts in the Georgia Schools Care initiative. Sponsored by the GaDOE, this annual initiative, which ran from November 8 through December 15, 2023, encouraged Georgia schools to raise money for children in foster care. Arcado Elementary is one of more than 50 Georgia schools, districts, and private donors that have raised more than $43,600. The Gold Star Schools designation is awarded for participation between 70 and 89%, based on a minimum $1 donation by students and staff.

     The funds were directed towards supporting disadvantaged children through a partnership with Clark’s Christmas Kids. Clark’s Christmas Kids is dedicated to bringing joy to foster children during the holiday season by ensuring that every child in Georgia’s foster care system receives a holiday gift. The Georgia Schools Care initiative’s participation designations are as follows.

Diamond Star Schools: Participation above 100%, based on a minimum $1 donation by 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: Participation between 90% and 100%, based on a minimum $1 donation by students and staff.
Gold Star School: Participation between 70 and 89%, based on a minimum $1 donation by students and staff.
Silver Star School: Participation between 50 and 69%, based on a minimum $1 donation by students and staff.
Bronze Star School: This designation was reserved for any level of participation based on a minimum $1 donation by students and staff.