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.

"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

- Dolly Parton

We’ve had a fantastic start to the school year, and it’s hard to believe October is already here! The students have settled in wonderfully, and we’re excited for all the learning and activities ahead this fall. Friday, October 3rd will be the end of the first nine weeks. Report cards will be sent home on Friday, October 17th. Thank you for your continued support as we make this year a great one!

October 2, 2025 is National Custodian Day. We want to take a moment to express our gratitude to Mr. Travis Mr. Mark, and Mr. Chris for the outstanding job they do every day. Their hard work ensures that our school remains a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for our students, staff, and families. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated team

As the weather gets cooler, I know there is a tendency for students to want to stay in the warm car as long as possible each morning during drop-off. We make sure our front drop-off area is supervised from 7:00 until 7:50 each morning. If students will exit their cars before getting to the very front spot, it will keep our morning car line running quicker and smoother. We know you have places to go, so we want you to be able to get in and out as quickly as possible. Please make sure your child has all their belongings ready before leaving home so they exit the car quickly and safely when arriving at school.

A special thank you to Middle Cross Church for sponsoring BES and generously donating and keeping our teacher’s lounge stocked with snacks and treats. Your support and dedication to our staff are truly appreciated!

I hope you have a restful, relaxing Fall Break. Fall Break will be Monday, October 6 through Friday, October 10th. Students will return on Monday, October 13th and we will be starting our second nine weeks.

We are Battlefield!

Dr. McCrary

We are excited to introduce Communities In Schools (CIS) as a valuable support system for our school community. CIS is a nonprofit organization that works directly inside schools to support students, families, and the broader community—removing barriers so students can focus on learning and success.

We are especially glad to welcome Mrs. Stacy Sisk, our CIS Site Coordinator, as part of the BES staff. Stacy will work alongside teachers, families, and community partners to ensure our students have the resources, encouragement, and connections they need to thrive.

OUR MISSION
To surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

OUR VISION
To be Communities In Schools’ premiere educational support provider in creating a community in which every student is inspired, families encouraged, educators empowered, and citizens engaged—ensuring that every child graduates high school with purpose and direction.

CIS in Catoosa County
CIS currently has Site Coordinators in seven schools across the county: CSE, BAT, BPS, WSE, LMS, LFo, and RHS. At each site, CIS provides:

• School-wide supports for all students,

• Small group programs that build skills and relationships, and

• Individualized support for students needing extra help.

The focus of these efforts is on the ABC’s: Attendance, Behavior, and Coursework/Grades, ensuring every child stays on track for graduation and success beyond school.

CIS Duck Derby

Mark your calendars! The CIS Duck Derby will take place on October 17th. This fun community event raises vital funds to support the work of Communities In Schools across Catoosa County.

If you are interested in buying a duck, you can scan the QR code on the flyer or visit: www.catoosacis.org. Mark Battlefield Elementary as your supporting school. We are currently in 3rd place amongst Catoosa County Elementary Schools.

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.

10/2: Vision/Hearing Screening

10/3: End of 1st 9 Weeks

10/6 - 10/10: Fall Break

10/17: Dental Van

10/20: Fall Picture Retakes

11/7: 1/2 Day for Students

11/11: Veteran Day Program @ LFO Theater

11/20: 3rd Grade Parent Lunch

11/24 - 11/28: Thanksgiving Break

12/11: BES Spelling Bee

12/12: 4th Grade Parent Lunch

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: October

Theme: Bullying Prevention Month

Focus Title: Is your child facing digital drama?

Parent Blurb: Group chats and social media can create drama fast. Teach your child how to spot and stop cyberbullying.

Grade 3-5 Message: One rude message can turn into a big deal fast. Help your child handle digital drama 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