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.

"Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it."

- Lou Holtz

It’s hard to believe we are wrapping up another school year! It has truly been a great year at BES, and we are so grateful for your continued support. Your involvement has played a vital role in making this year a success. Our students and teachers have worked incredibly hard, and I know everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved summer break.

To our upcoming 6th graders: we wish you all the best as you begin your middle and high school journey. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish. For our rising 4th and 5th graders, have a wonderful summer—I look forward to welcoming you back in the fall!

As we close out the school year, I’d like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Mrs. Kim Lunsford as she prepares for retirement. Mrs. Lunsford is concluding an incredible 27-year career in education, including 24 dedicated years at BES. Throughout her time here, she has made a lasting impact while teaching Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and serving in the Early Intervention Program.

We are grateful for the countless students and colleagues she has influenced over the years. Please join us in wishing her all the best in retirement—may it be filled with rest, joy, and exciting new adventures. She will be greatly missed at BES!

May is also a time to celebrate our incredible teachers. The educators at BES give their all each day and play an essential role in shaping the future. Teaching is a challenging, yet profoundly rewarding profession, and I am continually inspired by their passion and commitment. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to thank your child’s teacher for the difference they’ve made. I personally carry gratitude for the teachers who helped shape me into who I am today. Teachers truly rock!

As we approach the end of the year, we currently have over $4,100 in cafeteria debt. Please help us reduce this balance. For any questions or to arrange a payment plan, feel free to contact Ms. Jenny, our cafeteria manager, at (706) 866-9183 or jhastick.bat@catoosa.k12.ga.us.

As I stated in the April Newsletter, after 29 wonderful years in education—including 14 as a teacher and 15 as an administrator—I will be retiring at the end of this school year. It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve as your principal for the past nine years and to be a small part of the 49-year legacy here at Battlefield Elementary. This school is a truly special place, and I am incredibly proud of the growth we have achieved together through our strengthened community connections and culture of collaboration. While I am not yet sure what my next chapter holds, I will forever cherish the smiles, the successes, and the partnership of our families. Thank you for the privilege of being part of your children’s lives.

Finally, on a personal note, thank you for entrusting us with your most prized possessions—your children. We are so fortunate to share in their growth and development during their time at BES. It is a joy to watch them mature and thrive over the years.

Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joy-filled summer. Enjoy time with your loved ones, and we look forward to seeing you again in August!

We Are Battlefield.

Dr. McCrary

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 $4,100, 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.

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.

5/4 - 5/8: Staff Appreciation Week

5/4: Ukulele Choir Concert in BES Gym @ 6:00 pm

5/5: Field Day

5/6: Field Day Makeup

5/18: Dancing Drums

5/19: Math Georgia Milestones Retest

5/21: 5th Grade Recognition

5/22: Last Day of School (1/2 Day for Students)

• Class parties at 8:15

Joining the Parent Portal is one of the best ways to stay actively involved in your child’s education. Through the portal, you can view real-time updates on grades, attendance, assignments, missing work, and teacher comments, helping you support your child throughout the school year.

If you have not yet created a Parent Portal account, we strongly encourage you to do so. It only takes a few minutes to set up and provides ongoing access to information that supports student success.

To sign up, please contact Chasity Purcell at cpurcell@catoosa.k12.ga.us. She will provide your unique access code and step-by-step instructions needed to log in. Once your account is activated, you’ll be able to:

• Monitor your child’s academic progress at any time

• View attendance records and tardies as they are updated

• Receive alerts about low grades or missing assignments

Parent Portal is an important tool for communication between school and home, and we hope every family will take advantage of it. If you have any questions or need assistance after enrolling, please reach out — we are happy to help!

Month: May

Theme: Mental Health Awareness Month

Focus Title: Is it time to log off for a mental reset?

Parent Blurb: Too much tech can hurt self-esteem and sleep. Encourage your child to take regular breaks from screens.

Grade 3-5 Message: Social media and YouTube can affect your child’s self-esteem. Learn how to take small breaks that help.

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:

• 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,

Mrs. Mary Lanham

CCPS Transportation Manager