A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Iwanttotakeamomenttorecognizeandcelebratethetremendousstartwe've hadtogetherYourdedicationisalreadysettingthetoneforwhatpromisesto beanexceptionalyear
Ourthemethisyear,"GameChangers,"couldnotbemorefittingAcrossthe district,Iseeeducators,supportstaff,andadministratorssteppingupin innovativewaystochallengethestatusquoandcreatelasting,positiveimpacts onourstudents’livesWhetherit'sthroughcreativeteachingmethods,fostering inclusiveenvironments,ordevelopingprogramsthatmeetthediverseneedsof ourlearners,youaremakingadifference
We'veseenfirsthandthepowerofbeinga"GameChanger" whetherit’sour focusondata-driveninstruction,thecollaborativespiritthatflowsthrougheach school,orthepositiveconnectionsbeingbuiltwithfamiliesandcommunity partnersEveryinitiativeandinteractionmatters,andyouaresettingthebar highereveryday
Aswemoveforward,let’scontinuetoembracethespiritofthisthemeLet’s challengeourselvestocontinuetobegamechangersforourstudents, colleagues,andcommunityTogether,wewillshapeafutureofexcellenceand opportunityforeverystudentinBradleyCounty.
Thankyouforyourunwaveringcommitmenttoourdistrict’svisionandtothe successofourstudentsIamproudofthestrideswe’vealreadymadeandlook forwardtotheincredibleworkwewillcontinuetoaccomplishtogether
Withgratitudeandexcitement,
BLACK FOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
DidyouknowthatBlackFoxElementaryhasanarcheryteam?Lastspring,theteamachievedanimpressivethird-place finishintheentirestateofTennessee Asaresult,over20BlackFoxstudentsearnedtheopportunitytocompeteinthe NationalArcheryTournamentinLouisville,KY!Thiswasanincredibleachievementforthestudentsandaproudmoment fortheschool
Archeryisasportthatfostersself-disciplineandagrowthmindset,asitemphasizespersonalimprovementratherthan competition against others Each archer strives to surpass their previous scores, making the journey one of individual progress This focus on personal achievement can be especially motivating for students who excel in goal-setting environments Thesport’sstructurednatureprovidesclearbenchmarksandinstantfeedback,boostingconfidenceand providingasenseofaccomplishment.
MICHIGAN AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Michigan Avenue School held a special event to commemorate the opening of its new playground The ribbon-cutting ceremony honored Mr Jackie Evans, a long-time supporter and valued friend of the school, by dedicating the playground in his name The event was attended by notable local leaders, including state representatives, the mayor, county commissioners, board of education members, the sheriff, district school administrators, PTO members, and the generousdonorswhosecontributionsbroughttheprojecttolife.
Many months of working, dreaming, planning, and fundraising went into the completion of this incredible project. The Michigan Avenue community rallied behind the dream and made it a reality. The playground will serve as a safe and fun space for students to enjoy for years to come, and the dedication in Mr Evans’ honor stands as a lasting tribute to his generosityandunwaveringcommitmenttothewell-beingofchildrenacrossBradleyCounty
WATERVILLE COMMUNITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Waterville’s mission statement is to engage every student, every day, which parallels wonderfully with the district’s “game changer” theme Teachers are exploring new ways to engage kids through play during instruction Waterville is extremely fortunate to host CDC classrooms, a Pre-K on campus from the Family Resource Agency, a thriving student bodyof678students,andaplethoraofservicesandsupports,
Watervillehastenafterschoolclubsthatenrichthelearningofover90students:BeginningTheater,AdvancedTheater, FilmMaking,BookClub,twoLegogroups,aTechTeam,CherokeeChoir,GoodNewsClub,andModelRocketClub And, bothadministratorshostclubsatWaterville!Inadditiontotheseoptions,studentsalsoattendYMCA,Boys&Girls’Club, BCU,andrecleaguesports
LAKE FOREST MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lake Forest Middle School has been recognized and honored as a Tennessee STE(A)M Designated School! STE(A)M standsforScience,Technology,Engineering,Art,andMath
The journey to becoming a STE(A)M Designated School involved a detailed self-assessment, submission of evidence demonstratingSTE(A)Mintegrationacrossthecurriculum,professionaldevelopmentforfaculty,andtheimplementation of innovative teaching strategies Our staff worked tirelessly to align our programs with state and national STEAM standards, incorporating project-based learning and real-world applications into every classroom. Through ongoing collaboration and hard work, we met the criteria to create a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where students areempoweredtothinkcriticallyandcreatively.
OCOEE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ocoee Middle School is thrilled to spotlight its participation in the United Sound program, now in its ninth year As the third middle school in the nation and the first in Tennessee to implement this innovative initiative, Ocoee Middle School has created an inclusive environment where students of all abilities come together through music. The program features peer mentoring, with students without disabilities guiding their peers with disabilities in learning to play instruments and participating in band activities The United Sound musicians perform throughout the year with the OMS 8th grade band This collaborative approach fosters friendships, enhances social skills, and builds confidence among all participants By breaking down barriers and promoting understanding, the United Sound program enriches the music curriculum and encourages community engagement, showcasing student performances and raising awareness of diverse abilities. Ocoee Middle School is proud to lead the way in promoting inclusivity in music education throughout Bradley County andbeyond,settingapositiveexampleforotherschoolstofollow
CENTRAL OFFICE - GRANTS DEPARTMENT
Bradley County Schools is managing several competitive grants to enhance district services and programs. These include the USDA Rural Business Development Grant ($53,500), the 21st Century Extended Learning Program grant ($2M+over5years),SPARC40($95,158),andtheSchool-BasedMentalHealthServicesgrant($95M+over5years)
The district received $252,002 from the Tennessee Department of Health for a 3-year HRP Practice Transformation and Extension grant to add a float nurse position Representatives from the TN Department of Health visited to celebrate the grant award Additionally, BCS received $500,000 from the US Department of Justice for a COPS School Violence PreventionProgramgranttoimprovedistrictsecurity.
These grants play a vital role in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional needs Programs like after-school enrichment and mental health services help students thrive in safe, healthy learning environments, promoting their holisticdevelopmentandlifelongsuccess.
FUN FACT
The Bradley County Schools Nutrition Department is thrilled to share that all 16 of our cafeterias have recently "adopted" calves from a local farm! Through the Adopt-a-Cow program, we’re building meaningful connections with local farmers and educating our students on the vital role they play in our community Throughout the school year, we’ll be receiving photos and updates as our calves grow, letting us learn more about their personalities We’re excited to involve our students in this experience and can't wait to take them along on this fun journey!
IMPORTANT DATES
November5
SchoolsClosed-StaffDevelopment
November14
BoardofEducationMeeting
November25-29
SchoolsClosed-ThanksgivingBreak
December12
BoardofEducationMeeting
December20
AbbreviatedDay
December23-January3
SchoolsClosed-ChristmasBreak
January6
SchoolsClosed-StaffDevelopment
January7
StudentsReturn
