CatoosaCONNECTS

Great school districts start with great school boards! This is because school boards set the vision, policies, and priorities that drive student success. A strong board ensures schools are safe, teachers are supported, parents and the community are engaged, and doing what’s best for kids remains the priority. When a school board is effective, the district has the leadership and support needed to provide high-quality education, leading to better outcomes for students.

This year, Georgia School Board Appreciation Week is observed from March 10-14. This week offers us a dedicated moment to honor the steadfast commitment of our Board of Education members, whose leadership profoundly influences the success of Catoosa County Schools.

Our school board members are more than policymakers; they are champions for our children. Their collective vision extends beyond the classroom, influencing local businesses, economic development, and the broader future of our community.

We are exceptionally proud that our School Board has been recognized as an Exemplary School Board for ten consecutive years by the Georgia School Boards Association! This accolade reflects their unwavering dedication to educational excellence and their proactive approach to fostering an environment where every student can thrive. Below is each Board Member, their district, and their email address. Please feel free to email them thanking them for their service to our community.

Chairman, David Moeller (District 4)

dmoeller@catoosa.k12.ga.us

Gloria Hunt (District 1)

ghunt@catoosa.k12.ga.us

Jerry Jeffers (District 2)

jjeffers@catoosa.k12.ga.us

Denia Reese (District 3)

dreese@catoosa.k12.ga.us

Vice Chair, Suzan Gibson (At large)

sgibson@catoosa.k12.ga.us

Our school board does more than establish policies—it propels progress. Our board champions initiatives that bridge opportunity gaps, ensuring all students, irrespective of their backgrounds, have access to quality educational opportunities. They advocate for curricula that cultivate critical thinking and civic responsibility, preparing students to lead and contribute meaningfully to society. Recognizing the intrinsic link between education and economic growth, they collaborate with local enterprises to create opportunities like the College and Career Academy, where students acquire practical skills that drive innovation and success.

What truly distinguishes our Board is their unwavering belief in the potential of every child. They forge robust connections between schools, families, and the community to ensure our schools remain the schools of choice for Catoosa County. Their vision and dedication ensure our schools are a formidable force, impacting every child, every day, without exception!

This month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Board of Education for their leadership, service, and relentless advocacy for our students and staff. Their efforts make a tangible difference, and we are profoundly thankful for the enduring impact they have on Catoosa County Schools.

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, 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 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