CatoosaCONNECTS

Dear Catoosa County Families,

Spring is here, and it’s a great time to pause and recognize the growth we’ve seen, not just in the world around us, but in our students as well. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, it’s a good reminder that growth shows up in many ways, some we can measure and some we simply witness every day.

One of the more visible ways we measure academic growth is through the Georgia Milestones assessments, which are quickly approaching. These assessments provide valuable information about where students are in their learning and what support they may need moving forward. However, it’s important to remember that for us in Catoosa County Schools, Milestones are not just about a test score, they are about measuring how far each child has come. Growth is the most important indicator of whether or not a child is thriving, and every child’s journey looks different.

While achievement tests capture academic progress, they only tell part of the story. Every day, our students are growing in ways that a test can’t measure. Throughout the year, we’ve watched our students learn how to communicate their ideas, work through challenges with their peers, and show kindness and empathy. We see this growth in classroom discussions, collaborative projects, and even in the way students handle disagreements or support one another on the playground.

These moments, though untested, are just as powerful as academic achievements. They prepare our students not only to succeed in school but to thrive in life. Learning how to be a good friend, resolve conflicts, and work as part of a team are skills that will carry them far beyond the classroom.

As we head into this final chapter of the school year, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating ALL of the ways your child has grown. Encourage your child to reflect on their own progress and be proud of their hard work. Remind them that growth doesn’t happen overnight, but every step forward matters.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s growth every single day. We are proud of all they’ve accomplished this year, and we are excited to see them finish strong.

Student voice matters! The Superintendent's Student Council provides a direct line between students and district leadership, ensuring their perspectives influence the daily operations of our schools. Each year, this council travels to the State Capitol in Atlanta during the legislative session, offering students a unique opportunity to meet with local legislators, explore civics in action, and witness democracy firsthand. This experience allows them to engage in meaningful conversations, observe legislative processes, and develop a deeper understanding of their civic responsibilities. The Superintendent's Student Council exemplifies our district's commitment to valuing student input, recognizing that their insights are crucial for creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

Dear CCPS Bus Rider Families,

We are excited to announce a new bus-tracking app called Traversa MyRide K-12. The district wide app launched in March. CCPS Parents will have access to our new app, MyRide K-12. Please scan the QR code shown in this article 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.

Please click here for 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

5 CCPS Schools Qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2024-2025 School Year.

What is the CEP Program?

CEP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and allows qualifying schools to provide meals to all enrolled students at no charge. Students at Cloud Springs, LMS, LFO, West Side, and Tiger Creek will receive school meals for the 24-25 school year at no cost and without needing to complete the free/reduced meal applications.

Do all schools qualify for the CEP Program?
Not all schools within CCPS qualify for CEP. This is due to the number of students qualifying for free/reduced meals in each school. CCPS is closely monitoring all numbers and will add schools as they qualify.

Can students not in the CEP Program still recieve free/reduced meals?

Students at all other CCPS schools may still receive free/reduced-priced meals, if they qualify, by using the meal application found online by clicking here.

For additional information, please visit the Child Nutrition page on the CCPS site by clicking here.

Please call the Child Nutrition office if you need any assistance, 706-965-2414.

Please click here to watch a video tutorial about how to apply for meals

We value your input. If you would like to ask us a question please use the email address provided below in our contact information.

Email: questions@catoosa.k12.ga.us

Website: www.catoosa.k12.ga.us