TCE TIGER TALK Newsletter

Welcome to December, Tiger Creek families!

We’re so excited to share some wonderful news! The state recently released school performance results, and TCE had an outstanding year in 24-25.

TCE truly shined. We scored above both the state and county averages in nearly every area!

But the best news of all—TCE was the only elementary school in Catoosa County to be recognized as both a Literacy Leader and a Math Leader! This means our 3rd and 5th graders showed a 15 point growth in both reading and math compared to the 23-24 Milestone assessments.

We are so proud of our students, teachers, and staff for all their hard work and dedication. It truly takes a village, and we’re grateful for the support of our TCE families who make this success possible.

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

Mr. David Beard,

TCE Principal

It is so hard to believe that we are just a few short weeks away from 2026! December is a time of high energy and excitement, and while we enjoy the festive atmosphere, we ask for your partnership in reinforcing our PBIS expectations of Be Ready, Be Respectful, and Be Safe right up until the last day. As we head into the final weeks of the first semester, maintaining focus is key to finishing strong academically. By working together to keep school routines consistent, we can ensure our students enjoy a well-deserved break and are prepared for a smooth, successful transition back to learning when we return in the New Year. We hope that you have a wonderful Christmas break and a very happy and blessed 2026!

Mrs. Jayme Dills,

TCE Assistant Principal

It is starting to look like Christmas here at The Creek!

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 five wear a lot of different hats; meaning they help take care of a lot of different things that everyone benefits from. We appreciate all that they do.

The Tiger Creek Student Leadership Team, along with Student Leadership Teams from Woodstation, Boynton, and Battlefield elementary schools packed over 1,700 snack sacks for CCPS at Ringgold United Methodist Church.

Our World needs more KINDNESS in it!

Click the virtual room above to learn about Kindness.

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

Beard Bowl- Multiplication Facts Competition Coming in January!

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!

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

Thank you for supporting the Fall Festival this year. We had a great turnout and a very successful auction. With your help, we were able to raise over 3,000 dollars that we can use to continue to support students and teachers throughout the year. Thank you so much for all that you donated and for coming to the festival.

PTO wishes all of the TCE students and staff a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

On Thursday, December 11th, 5 - 7pm PTO will host Cookies & Cocoa with Santa. Bring your student and take a picture and enjoy cookies & cocoa. This event is free to our TCE students & their families. We hope to see you there!

There will no PTO meeting in December.

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 Catoosa County's Stocking Full of Love application has opened and will be open until noon on December 4th. Please click the link below to fill out the application:

https://catoosacountystockingfulloflove.org/application/

Our TCE Stocking Full of Love donation box is set up in the front hallway and you may start dropping off donations. We will be accepting unwrapped new toys for boys & girls of all ages. We will be accepting toys through December 15th. Please feel free to drop off any donations any school morning during December 1st-15th.

Winter will be upon us soon! The 2nd Quarter Celebration will be a Blizzard Bash! It will be on Thursday, December 18th- Earn 60 tickets/points to attend, with NO Major writeups.

We are Ready!

We are Respectful!

We are Safe!

We help make our school TIGERRIFIC!

Our Penguin Patch Shoppe will open on December 1st through December 4th from 8:00 a.m.-noon. Your students can do their own shopping for family and friends! Just send cash or checks(payable to TCE) in an envelope or baggie with a list of who they need to shop for. All proceeds will go toward our Spring musical: Moana Jr.

Our annual TCE Chorus Concert and Christmas at the Creek Talent Show is December 4th at 6:00 p.m. in the Rodney Thompson Auditorium. Come and join us for a wonderful night of seasonal music and some amazing Tiger Creek Talent! We have student singers, dancers and so much more!

Admission: $2 for adults, $1 for students

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!

Did you know that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%?

This holiday season, take a little time each day to sit down and read a book with your child. Reading around the tree could be a new holiday tradition!

3rd Grade has been reading the book The Wild Robot! They now have the incredible opportunity to meet the author of The Wild Robot virtually on December 4th. We're excited to ask him questions and learn about his writing process!

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:

Now that the cold weather has arrived, it is the time to make sure your child has adequate layers of clothing. Classes will go out to recess as long as the temperature is 40 degrees and it is not raining. Students need to have warm layers as they wait for the school buses, walking into school and for recess. Once inside they can remove layers and put in their backpacks.

If your child needs coat/gloves/etc... and your are unable to get them one, please let your child's teacher know. We have resources that can help.

Things to remember:

PLEASE label winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves, etc...) with their name if it at all possible. This helps even with the older grades. Every year we have a stack of coats, hoodies, and more in the Lost & Found. If items have your child's name, it is much easier for us to get it back to them.

PLEASE double check the hood strings on coats & hoodies as well as scarfs that they aren't too tight or tangled/tied and present a chocking hazard on the younger students.

Also, don't forget that students need to stay hydrated, even in winter weather. They are allowed to bring a water bottle to school. Again, it is best to label with their name on it.

ALWAYS remind your student of the importance of washing their hands several times throughout the day to help keep the spread of germs to a minimum. It is the season of flu, covid, colds and more!

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 Gingerbread!

Click the above virtual room to have Christmas Time Fun!

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: