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

BES Vision Statement: Building Exceptional Students

Strategic Goal 1:

The percentage of students (all grades) performing at Proficient and Distinguished will improve from 40.4% to 46% on the 2025 EOG Milestones ELA assessment.

Strategic Goal 2:

The percentage of students (all grades) performing at Proficient and Distinguished in each grade level will improve by 5% on the 2025 EOG Milestones Math Assessment.

• 3rd grade: 44% to 49%

• 4th grade: 47% to 52%

• 5th grade: 39% to 44%

Strategic Goal 3:

Our Map Fluency scores in the areas of Exceeds and Meets will increase from 57.8% to 70% on the Spring Map Fluency Assessment.

• 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.

"Dreams are no value if they're not equipped with wings."

- Dolly Parton

It’s hard to believe we’re already in March—this year is flying by! The next few months are packed with exciting activities, and we’re committed to keeping you informed through this newsletter, School Messenger, and teacher communications.

APEX Fundraiser

Our APEX Fundraiser is happening this month! This is a fantastic event for our school, combining character-building lessons with a fun run that students love. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to support teacher supplies, student awards, technology, computer programs, and other essential resources. Below, you'll find more details on the fundraiser, including key dates.

Arrival & Dismissal Reminders

To help traffic flow smoothly in the mornings and afternoons, please use both lanes at the back of the school before merging into one lane around the building. This prevents traffic from backing up and blocking the back entrance to BPS. As you merge, please be patient and respectful of others.

Additionally, all student drop-offs should take place at the front entrance—not the side entrance. The side entrance is reserved for buses from 7:00–8:00 AM and 2:00–3:00 PM. If you need to enter the school during these times, please follow the drop-off route and park in the front lot. Our top priority is keeping all students safe during high-traffic times.

School Improvement & Testing

Our 2023-24 school improvement goals are listed at the top of this newsletter. As we prepare for Georgia Milestones testing (April 21–24), we are working hard to meet these goals. You can support our efforts by ensuring your child is present and on time each day. If your child is sick and must stay home, please submit a signed parent note or doctor’s excuse for our records.

Important Dates

• Thursday, March 13 – Half day for students (Dismissal at 11:00 AM)
  • Buses will run as usual.
  • YMCA will provide after-school care from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM.
• Friday, March 14 – Teacher Workday (No school for students)
• Spring Break: Monday, March 31 – Friday, April 4
  • Students return on Monday, April 7.
• Friday, April 18 – No school (Good Friday)
• Monday, April 28th - HMS Upcoming 6th Grade Parent Night @ 6:00 pm

Below, you will find the 2025-2026 Catoosa County School Calendar, which was approved by the Catoosa Board of Education at the February meeting.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a great place for students to learn and grow!

We Are Battlefield.

Dr. McCrary

Parents,

I wanted to share an important update regarding a recent change at BES. We have relocated Ms. Donna’s desk into the front office, and this will be a permanent change.

This adjustment is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors. We understand that adapting to new routines takes time, and we appreciate your patience as we work to create a safer and more efficient entry process. Additional building updates are planned for this summer to further enhance security measures.

With Donna’s desk relocation, we’re also taking the opportunity to refresh our front lobby. We’ve ordered new chairs and tables to enhance the space, which will also serve as our mentor meeting area.

Updated Procedures for the Remainder of the Year:

• Visitors will continue to be asked for identification and the reason for their visit.
• Ms. Donna will buzz you into the building.
• Upon entry, please check in with Ms. Donna at the office.
• If you are visiting or checking out a student, a valid driver’s license is required.
• If you are checking out a student, you may wait in the lobby while your child is called from the classroom.

The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to maintain a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.

3/18: Apex Fundraiser Kick-Off

3/19 - 3/26: Apex Fundraiser

3/27: Apex Fun Run

4/14: Track Meet at Heritage High School @ 5:00

4/17: Track Meet at LFO @ 5:00

4/24: Track Meet at Heritage High School @ 5:00

5/2 Tentative Glow Party

5/5: AR field trip to UTC Aquatic Center

5/5 - 5/9: Teacher Appreciation Week

5/8: Field Day

5/9: Field Day Make up Day

5/12: Senior Walk

Dear Parents,

We invite you to participate in the Georgia School Climate Survey for Parents, which replaces the Georgia Parent School Climate Survey (GPSCS). Your feedback is essential in helping us create and maintain a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment for all students.

The information gathered from this survey will assist districts and schools in providing resources and technical support to enhance student experiences and improve instructional outcomes. Your input plays a vital role in shaping policies and practices that benefit our children’s education.

We appreciate your time and support in this important effort. Please take a moment to complete the survey and help us make a difference in our school community.

The deadline to complete the survey is March 31, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact me at kmccrary@catoosa.k12.ga.u or (706) 866-9183.

Dr. McCrary

The Parent Portal in Infinite Campus is a secure online platform that provides parents and guardians with real-time access to their child's academic information. Through the portal, you can:

• View Grades & Assignments – Stay up to date with your child’s progress by checking grades, and missing assignments.
• Monitor Attendance – Track daily attendance, tardies, and any absences.

How to Access the Parent Portal

1. Visit https://campus.catoosa.k12.ga.us/campus/portal/catoosa.jsp.
2. Log in with your assigned username and password.
3. If you are a new user or need assistance with login issues or account setup, contact Chasity Purcell at cpurcell@catoosa.k12.ga.us to receive a login and password.

Dear Parents & Guardians,

We hope this message finds you well. Currently, our school’s cafeteria debt has reached $4,500, and we kindly ask for your help in reducing this balance. Ensuring all accounts are up to date allows us to continue providing nutritious meals to all students.

Please take a moment to check your child's meal account and make any necessary payments as soon as possible. Payments can be made online through the school’s payment portal or in person at the cafeteria. If you need assistance or have any questions about your child’s balance, please contact Ms. Jenny Hastick at jhastack.bat@catoosa.k12.ga.us or (706) 866-9183.

More information about our new cafeteria payment system can be found in the link below. Click on the picture for more information.

We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and your continued support of our school!

Get ready for our biggest event of the year—the Apex Fundraiser is coming this March! As our only fundraiser of the year, this is a crucial opportunity to support our school. The excitement kicks off on Tuesday, March 18, and will wrap up with an action-packed Fun Run on Thursday, March 27. Our school goal is to raise $10,000, and every donation helps us get closer to that milestone!

Apex takes fundraising to the next level with a unique, positive, and fitness-based program. Along with exciting fun runs, obstacle courses, and dance parties, students will participate in leadership and habit-building lessons designed to inspire them to be their best selves. Throughout the fundraiser, text updates will be sent to keep everyone informed and motivated. Plus, students and homerooms will have the chance to earn awesome prizes along the way! All funds raised will go directly toward academic needs and student rewards, making a meaningful impact on our students’ education and experience. Stay tuned for more details, and let’s make this fundraiser a huge success!

As we continue to utilize Chromebooks for learning, we want to remind you of the importance of taking care of these devices. Unfortunately, damages can occur, and when they do, it is the responsibility of the student to cover the repair or replacement costs.

Below is the list of charges for the 2024-2025 school year for Chromebook repairs and replacements:

• Screen: $25.00
• Keyboard: $50.00
• Trackpad: $45.00
• Broken Case (Top): $20.00
• Broken Case (Bottom): $20.00
• Bezel: $20.00
• Hinge: $10.00
• Hinge Cover: $10.00
• Damaged Headphone Port (requires system board replacement): $140.00
• Damaged USB Ports (if not part of system board): $15.00
• Charger: $15.00
• Damaged Camera: $15.00
• System Board: $140.00
• Complete Chromebook Replacement: $320.00

We encourage students to handle their Chromebooks with care to avoid any damages. If a device is damaged, prompt payment will be required to ensure timely repairs and continued use.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining our technology resources.

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

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I wanted to share with you an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Catoosa County Public

Schools’ new School Bus Driver Recruitment Campaign at Battlefield Elementary.

The program is an exciting opportunity to involve the community in helping our students find

qualified candidates to drive school buses in the (Ringgold/Heritage/Ft. Oglethorpe) area. To participate, please speak with your friends, family, and neighbors to see if they may know of anyone interested in becoming a part of our outstanding team.

If you have any questions, or if you know someone who may be interested in driving a school

bus, please contact Mr. Ellis or Mary Lanham by email at eellis@catoosa.k12.ga.us or mlanham@catoosa.k12.ga.us by phone at 706.965.2913.

I know that our Battlefield community will lead the charge in helping recruit qualified

school bus drivers who can continue to provide courteous, reliable, safe, and professional

transportation for our students!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kent McCrary

Catoosa County Public Schools

Why Drive with Us?

★ Earn $16.44/hour starting pay with no experience required.

★ More experience = more money! Earn up to $20.03 per hour with experience.

★ Enjoy PAID, in-house training to earn your CDL!

★ Excellent benefits include vision, dental, medical, and retirement packages!

★ Relax on your time off during the summer months and holidays.

★ Choose from a variety of bonus hours driving for field trips and other school activities.

Apply today! Email eellis@catoosa.k12.ga.us or call 706.965.2913

Stay Connected with the CCPS Mobile App! 📲

Click on the picture to get more information about the Catoosa County Public Schools (CCPS) Mobile App and discover how it keeps you updated with important school news, events, and student information—all in one place!

Download today and stay informed on the go!