Battlefield Newsletter

BES Mission Statement: Our mission is working together to promote high levels of learning for all students.

BES Vision Statement: Building Exceptional Students

• We will create a caring environment where all students can succeed.

• We will work collaboratively to learn, plan and grow as educators in order to promote high levels of achievement.

• We will help our students reach their potential by prioritizing individual student goals, differentiating instruction, and utilizing best practices

• We will work together to encourage and celebrate student success.

• We will give 100% to know and meet the social, academic, and emotional needs of each child.

Goal 2: The percentage of students (all grades) performing at Proficient and Distinguished will improve from 38.2% to 43% on the 2025 EOG Milestones ELA assessment.

Goal 3: The percentage of 5th grade students performing at Developing, Proficient, and Distinguished will improve from 59.3% to 80% on the 2025 EOG Milestones Science assessment.

"The more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for."

- Norman Vincent Peale

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re most grateful for, and I want to take a moment to share my thanks. I’m especially thankful for my wife, Carla, my son, Cole, my daughter, Kailey, and my extended family. I’m also deeply grateful for my Battlefield family. For the past fifteen years, it has been an honor to work alongside such an incredible team of staff, students, and parents.

Battlefield Elementary wouldn’t be the special place it is without our amazing families. Thank you for helping make our school a welcoming, caring, and enriching community for all students. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, gratitude, and time with loved ones. As we celebrate this season of thanks, I encourage you to share a message of appreciation with our staff. A simple note, phone call, or email can mean so much and remind them how valued they are.

With winter approaching, please make sure you’re signed up for our text alerts so we can keep you informed about any weather-related closings or delays. If you need assistance setting that up, please give us a call. In January, we’ll also send home a new Early Dismissal Form to ensure we have the most up-to-date information in case of severe weather.

Important Dates

• Veterans Day Program – November 11 at 10:00 a.m. (LFO Theater – parking is limited)

• BES Food Drive – November 10–18

• 3rd Grade Parent Lunch – November 20, 2025

• CHAMPS Graduation (5th Grade only) – December 5 at 9:00 a.m. in the BES Cafeteria

• Christmas Parties – December 19 at 9:00 a.m. (Teachers will send home details)

Ms. Bailey and I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

BES will be closed November 24–28, and classes will resume on Monday, December 1.

We are Battlefield!

Dr. McCrary

Since its beginning in 1992, the Catoosa County Public Schools mentoring program has blossomed from just 11 mentors into a network of nearly one hundred dedicated volunteers. These caring adults serve as steady guides for students who face challenges with academics, attendance, or behavior—offering encouragement, building confidence, and helping each child discover their own potential for success.

Having mentors in our schools is one of the most powerful investments we can make in our students’ lives. A single caring relationship can spark a sense of belonging and purpose that changes a child’s entire path. Mentors listen, guide, and inspire. They help students recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and believe in their ability to thrive both in school and beyond.

A personal story from a Catoosa County Mentor:

“When I think about the impact of mentoring, I think of my mentee, the young lady I had the privilege of mentoring for five years. Her father passed away when she was in sixth grade, and her mother faced both financial and personal challenges. Despite the hardships she experienced, Torrie showed a remarkable spirit and determination to succeed. We still keep in touch—I even visited her at the University of North Georgia over spring break—and she just began her senior year. In just four years, she will graduate with a double major in Criminal Justice/Forensics and Anthropology. God truly placed her in my life for a reason, and I couldn’t be prouder of the strong, determined young woman she has become.”

Through their example of perseverance, empathy, and character, mentors remind students that they are seen, valued, and capable of greatness. When adults take time to nurture a young person’s growth, they do more than shape one student’s story—they strengthen the heart and spirit of our entire school community.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or have questions, you can contact Mrs. Buffy Hemphill at bhemphill@catoosa.k12.ga.us.

BES loves our mentors and we are very thankful for Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Morrow, Mrs. Brackett, Mrs. Gazda and Mr. Tant for the time they give to our students each week. These wonderful people are our heroes!

Our car rider line is staffed from 7:00 to 7:50 a.m., with additional staff members present during the busiest times to ensure safety and efficiency. We understand that many of you are on your way to work after drop-off, and we want to help make your morning as smooth as possible.

As the weather gets colder, we know students may want to stay in the car until the last minute. Please help us keep the line moving by having your child ready to exit the car promptly—with their backpack, lunch box, and any other materials in hand.

With the weather changing, we also see an increase in tardies during the next few months. Our goal is to have every student in class on time and ready to learn each day. Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our car rider line safe, efficient, and on schedule!

We want to remind all families of the importance of keeping up to date with your child’s cafeteria balance. At this time, our cafeteria has an outstanding balance of $2,000, and we appreciate your help in reducing this debt. If you have any questions or need assistance checking your child’s account, please contact our cafeteria manager, Mrs. Jenny Hastick, at jhastick.bat@catoosa.k12.ga.us or by phone at (706) 866-9183. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support in keeping our school meal program running smoothly.

On October 31, 2025, we partnered with LFO for a fun and memorable PBIS field trip to the LFO Football Stadium! Our students had a fantastic time.

They heard inspiring words from Mrs. Leann Maretti, LFO’s dance instructor, and Mr. Bobby Davis (better known as Forest Gump), LFO’s Assistant Principal. Students enjoyed exciting performances from the LFO Cheerleaders, LFO Dancers, and the LFO Band performing their stand tunes and halftime show.

One of the highlights of the day was getting to meet and talk with LFO athletes—and even collect a few autographs! Our 5th-grade students, winners of the Spirit Contest, had the special honor of running alongside the LFO flags on the track.

It was a wonderful day of celebration, school pride, and connection between Battlefield and LFO!

Feathers Up!
We are Battlefield!
Most importantly, We are Catoosa!

We make every effort to keep you informed about important events. Please note that all dates are subject to change; however, we will provide updates as soon as possible if any adjustments are necessary.

11/7: 1/2 Day for Students (Dismiss at 11:00 am)

11/11: Veteran Day Program @ LFO Theater at 10:00 am

11/20: 3rd Grade Parent Lunch

11/20: BES Talent Show at LFO Theater @ 6:00 pm

11/24 - 11/28: Thanksgiving Break

12/5: 5th Grade CHAMPS Ceremony

12/11: BES Spelling Bee

12/12: 4th Grade Parent Lunch

12/15: Ukulele Concert at BES @ 6:30

12/19: Class Parties/ End of 2nd 9 Weeks

Since 1997, the citizens of Catoosa County have shown their strong commitment to public education by supporting the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST). This one-cent sales tax on consumer purchases has been instrumental in providing high-quality learning environments and resources for every student in our community.

Thanks to ESPLOST, our students benefit from:

• Safe, modern, and well-maintained school facilities

• Excellent athletic and performance spaces

• Advanced classroom technology

• Reliable, updated school transportation

• Individual learning devices and resources that prepare students for future success

Another advantage of ESPLOST is that it generates revenue from everyone who shops, dines, or buys gas in Catoosa County—not just local residents. Every visitor transaction contributes directly to supporting education for our children.

Recent ESPLOST investments that directly benefited BES students, families, and staff include:

• MAP Reading and Math Assessments

• Benchmark Advance (K–5)

• i-Ready Toolbox (K–8)

• Lexia/Ready Intervention Licenses

• Amira Learning (Grades 4–5)

• Pear Assessment Tools

• Intercom System Upgrade

• Custodial Equipment

• Office Phone System Conversion

ESPLOST continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students by ensuring they have access to the tools, resources, and facilities needed to thrive.

Month: November

Theme: Influencer Culture & Online Identity

Focus Title: Does your child want to be internet famous?

Parent Blurb: Some kids dream of being on YouTube. Help your child understand what’s private and what’s not.

Grade 3-5 Message: Many students look up to YouTubers and TikTok stars. Talk about fame, privacy, and healthy boundaries online. Explore tips at Parent ProTech: https://app.parentprotech.com/932/catoosa-county/en/signup?source=admin

Subject: New Bus Traversa MyRide K-12 Parent App - Starting March 26, 2025

Dear CCPS Bus Rider Families,

We are excited to announce a new bus-tracking app called Traversa MyRide K-12, starting on March 26, 2025, for the entire district. CCPS Parents will have access to our new app, MyRide K-12. Please scan the QR code below with your smartphone's camera to download and sign up for our new CCPS Bus app.

Changing over to Traversa offers a more advanced and user-friendly platform designed to improve the safety and efficiency of our student transportation. Key benefits include:

• Improved Efficiency: Streamlined processes and real-time updates.

• Enhanced Safety: Advanced features to ensure student safety.

• Better Communication: Timely notifications and updates through the MyRide K-12 Parent App, allowing you to track your child’s bus with:

• Estimated arrival times

• Potential delays or route changes

• Notifications for specific events (e.g., bus approaching)

• Data Privacy: Rest assured that student data is protected and the app adheres to all privacy regulations.

After scanning the QR code, you will be directed to download the app and create an account using your student ID.

Directions to Download MyRide K-12 App

We encourage all CCPS Bus rider families to participate in the new Bus app program. We are particularly interested in your comments regarding the accuracy of bus pick-up and drop-off times displayed in the app. You will be able to track your student 30 minutes prior to and post pick-up time.

Please share your thoughts and suggestions with:

• Mr. Ernie Ellis, CCPS Director of Transportation: eellis@catoosa.k12.ga.us

• Mrs. Mary Lanham, CCPS Transportation Manager: mlanham@catoosa.k12.ga.us

• Or call our Transportation Office @ 706-965-2913

All comments are welcome and appreciated. We look forward to our new MyRide K-12 Program and all it can offer by way of accuracy. We look forward to partnering with you to make our transportation system the best it can be.

Sincerely,

Mr. Ellis

CCPS Transportation Director