TCE TIGER TALK Newsletter

Welcome to 2026, Tiger Creek families!

Legislative Focus on Student Attendance

Recently, the Georgia legislature has placed increased attention on student attendance. In response, the Georgia Department of Education is expected to emphasize attendance requirements for districts and schools statewide, including Tiger Creek Elementary (TCE).

Proactive Communication to Families

To remain proactive in addressing these changes, I will be sending an important update to all families in the near future. This communication will explain the legislative context, highlight the significance of regular student attendance, and underscore the district’s current success in maintaining attendance rates that exceed the state average.

Tracking and Support

Despite performing well, it is essential that this information reaches all families. Parents are encouraged to continue using the Campus Parent app for real-time updates and monitoring of their students’ attendance records.

Looking Ahead

Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome students back on January 6th and look

forward to a successful semester ahead.

Thank you for being part of what makes TCE such a special place to learn and grow.

Mr. David Beard,

TCE Principal

Welcome Back, Tiger Creek Family!

Happy 2026! I hope everyone had a refreshing and wonderful break. We are thrilled to kick off the second half of our school year here at Tiger Creek. As we begin this new semester, let’s commit to making the most of every day we share together.

I am incredibly proud of the growth reflected in our mid-year MAP assessment results. It is clear that our students and teachers have been working hard, and those efforts are truly paying off!

Staying Healthy and Successful

To keep this momentum going, please keep these reminders in mind:

• Attendance: Consistent attendance is crucial for student success.

• Health Safety: If your child has a fever, is vomiting, or has diarrhea, they must be symptom and medication-free for 24 hours before returning to school. This helps ensure our entire community stays healthy and well.

We are so excited to see what the rest of the school year has in store for us. Life is good at The Creek!

Mrs. Jayme Dills,

TCE Assistant Principal

CCPS and the Georgia Department of Education are excited to provide you with resources to help protect your family online with Parent ProTech's on-demand platform at no charge!

Click here to Sign Up Your Parent ProTech access includes:

• A library of videos and guides to help parents make confident, informed choices about technology
• A complete K-12 digital citizenship curriculum for classroom use, meeting SB 351 requirements
• Tools that help families and educators make smart tech decisions to keep kids safe online

Click the tabs below to learn more about Resources Available to Catoosa/Georgia Residents

TCE has several groups of Support Staff that help our students, their families, our teachers & our staff. These particular four are some of our Co-Teachers that go in and work with homeroom teachers. We appreciate all that they do and glad they are a part of our staff.

As we look back on fall of 2025, Mrs. Haynes and Rex would like to thank the TCE Student Leadership Team for their help in areas of service. Student Leadership updates the clothes closet, collects milk at breakfast, organizes the Lost & Found cart, and helps prepare for the Helping Hands food pickup. They also help serve tea at each Grade Level's Lunch & Learn events. Thank you to these students who have helped time and again!

We all need to show more acceptance of others.

Click the virtual room above to learn about Diversity & Acceptance.

If you or your business would like to donate to the Children's Fund, please contact:

Danielle Pettyjohn. Her email is dpettyjohn@catoosa.k12.ga.us

You may also contact Gaby Bowen at gbowen@catoosa.k12.ga.us

Beard Bowl- Multiplication Facts Competition Coming this me!

We’re getting ready for our 3rd–5th Grade Multiplication Facts Competition, which will begin in January! To prepare, students should start practicing their basic multiplication facts (2–10) at home. Knowing these facts quickly and accurately will help them in the competition — and strengthen their math skills overall! MORE INFO COMING SOON!

You can support your child by reviewing flashcards, using math apps, or practicing a few minutes each day. More details about the competition will be shared after winter break!

Also, I recently was sent a website that helps students and their families with free reading practice at home. Here is the link for you to check it out.

https://www.readnotguess.com/free-programs

Jill Bishop

TCE Academic Coach

The January PTO Meeting will be on Monday, January 26th at 6pm!

We will meet in the TCE Auditorium.

All parents are welcome to join us.

Online predators present another significant threat, particularly to children. Because the nature of the internet is so anonymous, it is easy for people to misrepresent themselves and manipulate or trick other users. Adults often fall victim to these ploys, and children, who are usually more open and trusting, are easier targets. Another growing problem is cyberbullying. These threats are even greater if a child has access to email or instant messaging programs, visits chat rooms, and/or uses social networking sites.

Discussion Points to have with your Child:

Keep personal info private: Remind students to never share their full name, address, or school name online.

Be a smart sharer: Advise them to use a nickname and an avatar instead of their real name and photo on profiles.

Don't click unknown links: Teach them to be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders, as they could be harmful or contain viruses.

Report cyberbullying: Tell students that online bullying is just as hurtful as in-person bullying and they should tell a trusted adult and block the sender if they see or receive upsetting messages.

PLEASE REMEMBER:

You must have your ID to enter the building.

The 1st semester winners will continue through January 30th.

Ticket sale for the 2nd Semester will run Wednesday, January 7th - Thursday, January 29th-

Flyers will go home Tuesday, January 6th.

3 winners will be drawn on the morning announcements on Friday, January 30th Parents will be notified during the day on Friday, January 30th.

Skip the car line new winners will begin on Monday, February 2nd.

More information will be available soon. Students keep up the good behavior so that you may attend.

We are Ready!

We are Respectful!

We are Safe!

We help make our school TIGERRIFIC!

Our first Growth semester awards will be on January 9th. All students that show growth will enjoy a day on inflatables! So, remind your child to work hard and do their best! The students who shows the most growth in each grade will be recognized!

Each month, each homeroom teacher selects the student who has shown the most growth, whether it is academic growth, behavioral growth, social growth or any combination of these. They may also select their student who demonstrates the character ed trait of the month such as responsibility, trust, etc... Congratulations to these students for showing GREAT Character and Growth!

Keep track of your reading, as well as earn badges and compete in challenges, with the Beanstack app. You can find more info about Beanstack here from the Catoosa County Library.

Kids Heart Hero’s challenge will begin in February! More information will go home towards the end of January. For any questions, contact Mrs. Moore at jspradlin.tce@catoosa.k12.ga.us

To prevent injury of themselves and others: EACH STUDENT MUST WEAR TENNIS SHOES TO PARTICIPATE IN PE!

NO crocs, hey dudes, boots, flip flops, sandals or slides allowed!

Please see that your student is dressed appropriately for PE on their designated days. Students who do not have proper footwear will walk laps in the gym instead of participating in games.

Connections schedule changed right after Fall Break. Please check the schedule below:

PE Schedule by Homeroom right now:

Monday & Tuesday: Montoya, Collins, Kominczak, Saylor, Eaton, Pursley

Wednesday: Terry (Schmidt), Thomas, Vess, Helton, Cothern, McClure

Thursday & Friday: McNair, Medina, Cross, Gray, Eberhart, Stoner

Parents:

As many of you know, the last 10 or so days of school in December we were getting hit pretty hard with flu cases. Mostly Flu A but also some Flu B. I am expecting for us to still have cases showing up through January.

The flu this year does seem to be hitting children hard. Many are having high fevers for 5 plus days.

During these days most children do not really have an appetite and that is okay as long as they are getting fluids. Water & ice chips are good, but they also need fluids that have electrolytes and sugar so make sure they are having things like regular Powerade/Gatorade (not zero Powerade/Gatorade), and popsicles.

If you child is having a high fever that you are having a hard time getting to come down, or having breathing issues please take them in (Clinic/ER) to be seen. There is always a chance of complications with the flu.

Nurse Sherri

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who have been donating their time at The Creek. TCE parents, grandparents and guardians are always welcome. Contact the Parent Involvement Coordinator, Mrs. Bridges, Monday - Friday 7:30am - 11:30am if you would like to get involved.

Benefits of Volunteering at your Child's School (Why should I volunteer?)

1. Volunteering Makes a Difference in your Child’s Education: Research has shown that children of a school volunteer make better grades and perform better on tests. They’re also better behaved, have better attendance, and are more likely to graduate and continue their education. The more parents participate at school, the more successful their children will be.

2. Volunteering Allows You to Spend More Time with Your Child: Our children spend A LOT of time at school. Becoming a school volunteer gives you the opportunity to share in school-related experiences. It gives you more in common. It also allows you to be a fly on the wall and see your children in a different environment. It’s rewarding to watch them as they put all the skills you’ve taught them into action.

3. Volunteering Helps Create Community: Raising children takes a village. Volunteering at school is a great way to connect with other parents and create a circle of adult friends. Over time, these friends grow to know and love your children. Never underestimate the power of community in raising children.

4. Volunteering Allows You to Get to Know Teachers and Staff: Your child’s teacher and school staff are your teammates in parenting during the school year. They have a tremendous impact on children, both academically and socially. Having a presence at school is a great way to get to know them better and show them your support.

5. Volunteering Makes Schools Better: Schools that have a strong school volunteer base perform better. There are so many demands placed on schools with limited financial resources. Any volunteer effort can help bridge that gap at no additional cost to the school. Taking things off the plate of teachers, administration, and staff frees them up to do what they do best—educate our children.

6. Volunteering is Good for Your Health: Research shows that people who volunteer live longer, have lower stress levels, and are generally healthier. You can’t beat an opportunity that allows you to spend more time with your children AND decreases your stress.

Still wondering, “Why should I volunteer?” If for no other reason than to spend more time with your children, I hope you’ll make the time to be a school volunteer. There are no tasks too small, and every little bit helps to make the school better. And I have a feeling you’ll have a lot of fun along the

You may have a teacher-parent conference at any time during the school year. If you have any concerns, please let the teacher/school know as soon as possible. If you have updated medical info, or want more information on the way your child learns or learning standards contact your child’s teacher by emailing the teacher, calling the school at 706-935-9890 and leaving the teacher a voice message or by sending in a written request to the teacher. Your child's teacher will get back to you as quickly as possible.

We value your input on TCE Title 1 Components such as the Policy, Budget, School Improvement Plan, etc... Parents are welcome to contribute comments at any time. If you have any questions/concerns, please see Mrs. Sara Bridges, Parent Involvement Coordinator, or our Administrators: Mr. Beard, or Mrs. Dills.

Additional Title 1 Information & Resources:

2025-2026 TCE Title 1 Annual Meeting

Testing in Georgia

Components of a Title I Schoolwide Plan

Georgia Standards of Excellence

How to Communicate with Your Child’s Teacher

2025-2026 TCE Parent & Family Engagement Policy

2025-2026 CCPS Parent & Family Engagement Policy

Title 1 Input Card

Mrs. Sara L. Bridges

TCE's Parent Involvement Coordinator

Email: sbridges.tce@catoosa.k12.ga.us

Click the above virtual room to learn all about New Year's Day!

Click the above virtual room to learn about Winter!

Click the above virtual room to learn about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ringgold High School Winter Sport Schedules

Ringgold Middle School Sport Schedules

The Library at Catoosa offers a variety of services, such as monthly activities for all ages, an outstanding Genealogy collection, and over 100,000 items in print and audiovisual formats to check out. At the library, they provide free Internet, access to Microsoft Office programs, GALILEO, GADD, and so much more! Our Catoosa County Library is a member of PINES, a public library lending network of more than 300 libraries throughout Georgia. Click the link to see more of what is happening at your local Library!

https://www.catoosacountylibrary.org/

“See Something, Send Something” provides a platform to capture a photo of suspicious activity or send information with written text. Info received is sent directly to the Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center (GISAC) where tips are evaluated and provided to law enforcement across the state as needed. The application is available at no cost for iPhone and Android phone users, as well as iPad users.

The service, provided by My Mobile Witness, Inc., uses privacy protection software to safeguard users’ personal information and the integrity of tips. The system allows citizens to engage with GISAC without tracking locations or storing any personal information. Submitted tips are immediately removed from the mobile device and purged from the My Mobile Witness system following delivery to GISAC.

NOTE: This system is NOT intended for emergency situations. For situations requiring an immediate response, call 911 or your local law enforcement directly.

To download “See Something, Send Something,” click the correct phone type below: