Recognizing that cursive writing strengthens student confidence, connects learners to history, and supports essential cognitive development, the Georgia Department of Education honors schools that demonstrate excellence in cursive instruction through the John Hancock Award. GaDOE will begin presenting John Hancock Award banners to schools during Constitution Week, observed September 17-23. The award honors elementary, middle, and high schools whose students demonstrate proficiency in cursive writing. This skill supports literacy and writing fluency while enabling students to read historic documents in their original form.

The John Hancock Award recognizes schools at two levels based on demonstrated student proficiency. Schools where at least 90% of students can write their names in cursive earn the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon. Schools where at least 90% of students can write both their names and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive earn the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction.

Five SCCPSS schools have been recognized for their cursive instruction efforts during the 2025-26 School Year. Three schools earned a Ribbon of Distinction:

• Coastal Middle School
• Marshpoint Elementary School
• Pulaski K-8 School

Two schools earned a Proficiency Ribbon:

• Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts
• Georgetown K-8 School

"Constitution Week allows our students to engage directly with the words, ideas, and principles that shape our nation," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "Through the John Hancock Award, the distribution of pocket Constitutions, and the thoughtful celebrations taking place in schools and communities, we are helping students understand that our founding documents are not simply pieces of history — they remain central to our identity as Americans. I am proud of the schools and educators bringing that history to life for Georgia students."

To apply for the recognition, schools submit a portfolio showcasing student outcomes of their cursive writing. During the 2025-2026 school year, 630 schools statewide earned John Hancock recognition. Of those, 323 schools received the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction, while 307 schools earned the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon.

Cursive writing is included in Georgia's English Language Arts standards as part of the state's commitment to developing strong, confident readers and writers. Cursive instruction supports students by developing fine motor skills, strengthening spelling and writing fluency, supporting memory and cognitive development, and allowing students to develop a distinctive personal signature.

"Cursive writing is about much more than penmanship — it supports the development of skills students use throughout their learning," said Dr. April Aldridge, GaDOE Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. "It also gives students the ability to encounter documents like the U.S. Constitution as they were originally written, creating a tangible connection between literacy, history, and civic understanding. We are proud of the Georgia educators who continue to provide students with these important learning opportunities."