A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
As another school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of the most meaningful parts of our journey together graduation
Our ceremonies this year were nothing short of beautiful. They were a celebration of hard work Each diploma handed out wasn’t just a piece of paper it represented a student’s story and the obstacles they’ve overcome along the way And you our dedicated staff played an essential role in every single one of those stories
Whether you worked behind the scenes or in the classroom, helped guide a student’s path or supported a colleague who did, your fingerprints are on those successes. Just think: because of your commitment, countless young people are now stepping into the world more prepared, more confident, and more hopeful about their futures
It was truly inspiring to see our families, schools, and communities come together to celebrate these milestones The joy, the pride, and even the tears reminded us all why we do this work
Thank you for being part of a team that makes dreams possible Have a restful and well-deserved summer you ' ve earned it.
IN THIS ISSUE
2
North Lee Elementary School
Valley View Elementary School
. 3
Bradley Central High School
Walker Valley High School
. 4
Central Office - Maintenance Department Pg 5
Important Dates
Guest Writer - Sha’Ree Morgan
NORTH LEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
NorthLeeElementaryiscelebratingthreegenerousBCPEFgrants
Ram’sday. CounselorsnowusecolorcodedLEGO® kitsalignedw “feeling robots, ” obstaclecourse models of personal challenge translateemotionsintoconstructiveleadershipskills
Kindergartenclassesgainedcampustohomeaccesstotheadap for every learner from budding bookworms to English learners familiescheerstudentson. Meanwhile, a $4,948.78 BuildingBrighterFuturesawardstockedclassroomswithSTEMbins, math manipulatives, and LEGO®Robotics kits that spark collaboration, clear communication, and creative problemsolving allessentialtraitsforourfutureengineersandinnovators
Together, these grants amplify NorthLee’s core mission: nurturing resilient leaders, fluent readers, and inquisitive thinkerswhoareequippedtoexcellongaftertheyleaveourhalls Thankyou,BCPEF,forinvestinginthebrightfuturesof ourRams!
VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Our third-grade green thumbs have been busy in the Valley View greenhouse, growing everything from flowers and broccoli to onions yes, even onions! With plants nurtured through curiosity and care (and maybe a few conversations), students prepared these homegrown treasures to share with our community Students shared these plants with parents in the car dismissal line
In addition to growing, our young gardeners have been collaborating across grades. When Kindergarten students noticed their green beans weren’t sprouting, third graders stepped in to help troubleshoot. After brainstorming potential problems and sharing their ideas, they reported back to help Kindergarten improve their planting process It was a great example of teamwork and learning through problem-solving and a whole lot of fun! Go Cubs!
CENTRAL OFFICE - MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
The maintenance department is a team of 16 skilled professionals certified in Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Carpentry, and Locksmithing Each major campus (BCHS, WVHS, OMS, LFMS, PIE Center) has a full-time technician for daily operations andafter-hoursemergencies. Floatingstaffhandledistrict-widerepairsandupgrades.
In addition to trade licenses, many staff hold specialized certifications in areas like Playground Safety and Wastewater Management. The team starts early and often prevents school closures through rapid emergency response, such as floodmitigation
A well-stocked inventory of critical parts and investment in heavy equipment have enabled in-house completion of major projects like HVAC replacements, plumbing excavations, and parking lot seal coating saving time and costs whilekeepingschoolsoperational.
Our team recently completed in-house HVAC replacements at Lake Forest, delivering significant savings to taxpayers FourunitswerereplacedinonedayatOakGrove, withanotherfourscheduledatProspectElementarythissummer. We focus on replacing the oldest systems with high-efficiency models backed by strong warranties Roof replacements at WatervilleandCharlestonElementaryarealsoplannedforthissummer.
STEM IN THE GYM – INVENTION CONVENTION
Bradley County Schools recently hosted the annual STEM in the Gym, anditwasnothingshortofafantasticcelebrationofhands-onlearning, creativity, and innovation! Each school brought its unique flair, setting up engaging booths that invited students to dive headfirst into the excitingworldofSTEM Science, Technology, Engineering, andMath.
From student-built inventions to interactive experiments and real-time problem-solving challenges, the event buzzed with energy and curiosity Students showcased their ideas and collaborated with peers to bring their visions to life. The entire convention served as a vibrant reminderofwhathappenswhenimaginationmeetsinnovation
A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated staff and community partners who helped bring this event to life Your support empowers ourstudentstothinkcriticallyandexplorefearlessly
Innovation is alive and thriving in Bradley County Schools and the futureislookingbright!
DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?
by Sha’Ree Morgan
A Reflection on the Power of Being Seen at the End of the Year
As the school year winds down, there are always a flurry of checklists, final grades, goodbyes, and celebrations It’s easy, in the rush, to overlook just how much has happened in these months not just academically, but personally. For your students, this year was more than just content and curriculum It was full of moments that shaped how they see themselves and how they believe the world sees them
And at the center of it all…was YOU!
Many of your students sat before you with one unspoken question lingering in their minds, “Do You Know My Name?”
Do you see me? Do you notice when I arrive late because the morning at home was hard? Do you remember what I am passionate about - or what I am afraid of? Do you care about who I am beyond what I produce?
The beautiful, quiet truth is that YOU have answered these questions a thousand times over - without ever saying a word When you greeted them at the threshold each morning with a smile and a high five - the answer was YES When you remembered their story or served as their personal cheerleader in the small victories - the answer was YES. When you gently asked them what was wrong, or called their name them from the stands - your answer was YES And when you lovingly wiped away tears or counseled them through daily frustrations - the answer was a resounding YES
Through time, moments like these can get lost deep in our memories, but they often stay with our students for the rest of their lives Isaiah 43:1, we hear the voice of God saying:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ”
There is a deep power in being called by name. It signifies that we are known and we belong When we, as educators, give that gift to our students - through attention, kindness, and consistency, we reflect something sacred
As this year comes to a close, your students will almost likely forget various facts and formulas, but they will never forget how it felt to be known in your classroom by YOU!
So if you find yourself weary and wondering if it was enough, remember this:
You gave more than lessons. You gave identity. You gave belonging. You gave your students the gift of being KNOWN
Thank you for knowing their names.
IMPORTANT DATES
May 23 LastDayofSchool
