IN THIS ISSUE A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
As we embark on this new quarter, I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective journey and the incredible potential we have as a district Bradley County Schools has a strong foundation of excellence, built on the dedication and talentofeachofyou Butourgoalisn’tjusttobegood it’stobegreat
Greatness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey that requires focus, effort, and a commitment to continuous improvement It means embracing challenges as opportunities, fostering innovation, and working collaboratively to create the best possible outcomes for our students Every lesson taught, every student supported, andeverydecisionmadeisasteptowardturningpotentialintoachievement.
This year, our theme is "Game Changers," and that’s exactly what each of you are You change the game every day by inspiring students, supporting colleagues, and driving forward our shared mission to provide exceptional education in every classroom, every day Together, we have the opportunity to leave a legacy that will impactgenerationstocome
As we move forward, I encourage you to reflect on how you can continue to elevate your work from good to great Whether it’s trying a new approach in your classroom, mentoring a colleague, or finding new ways to engage our families and communitypartners,knowthateveryeffortmakesadifference.
Thank you for all you do to make Bradley County Schools a place where students thrive and dreams take flight. Let’s keep pushing boundaries and setting new standardsofexcellence Together,weareunstoppable
Here’stoagreatquarterahead!
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Charleston Elementary School
Oak Grove Elementary School
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Prospect Elementary School
GOAL Academy
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Bradley County Virtual
Central Office - Transportation Department
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Important Dates
Fun Fact
CHARLESTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
At Charleston Elementary STEAM Academy, our vision emphasizes a deep focus on the engineering process through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Agriculture, and Math) projects, extending learning beyond the classroomtocreateameaningfulhome-schoolconnection.Whileweareproudofthepast,weremainfocusedonthe future,continuallyevolvingtomeetourstudents’needs.In2024,weintroducedoptionalat-homeSTEAMprojectsasa complement to our school-wide monthly in-class STEAM Days Designed with accessible household materials, these projects are available to all students, encouraging them to engage in STEAM learning outside the school environment Studentsareinvitedtoshareabouttheirdesignandtheirthinkingprocessesthattookplaceastheycreatedtheirathome project, including failures and revisions. Community partners, businesses, and industries, who actively engage in our vision and mission while observing the talents and potential of our future, are invited to judge the designs using rubrics aligned to each project. This approach fosters self-directed learning, empowering students and families to exploretheiruniqueinterestswhileindependentlypracticingtheengineeringdesignprocess.
OAK GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
OakGroveElementaryrecentlyheldtheFirst-AnnualOakGroveCommunityMarket!Vendorsandcommunityyardsales were sold spots in the Oak Grove Parking Lot Community resources like free dental screenings, giveaways from local agencies, balloon animals and bounce houses were all part of the fun. Funds raised from this event will go toward playground repairs Oak Grove is a community-minded school, and we invite families to enjoy our playground and walkingtrackontheweekends
PROSPECT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Prospect School’s Fall Running Club had a fantastic semester with an impressive 55 members, all guided by the leadership of Tina Shoemaker and Traci Elder The club recently hosted its annual Fall Color Run, a highlight of the season. Participants and spectators enjoyed a burst of vibrant colors and a fun-filled day of fitness. With a 15-year history at Prospect, this growing club continues to inspire students to stay active, set goals, and build a sense of community.Congratulationstoallmembersandleadersfortheirdedicationandenthusiasm!VFL
GOAL ACADEMY
GOAL Academy focuses on equipping students with the skills and strategies needed to thrive in any environment Our mission is to ensure that students leave prepared to face and overcome obstacles when returning to their home schools or transition into the workforce “GOAL Gives Back” was developed in coordination with local Parks & Recreation, to provide students with hands-on learning while fulfilling a community need It builds on school discussions about community service, responsibility, practical life skills, and reinforcing the importance of contributing to one’s community Students learn proper techniques for safe shrub and limb trimming and the importance of maintaining public green spaces They gain teamwork experience, develop respect for public property, and understand the impact of volunteering This GOAL Gives Back workday also highlights the school’s commitment to holistic education, blending academic growth with character development. By stepping outside the classroom, students see the immediate results oftheireffortsanddevelopasenseofaccomplishmentandpride.
BRADLEY COUNTY VIRTUAL SCHOOL
Bradley County Virtual School (BCVS) fosters community by hosting monthly in-person events, allowing students to build relationships beyond the screen Activities like bowling, skating, Lunch Bunch, and bi-weekly Art Club encourage teamworkandcommunication,withtheFallFunCupcakeDecoratingPartybeingahighlight thankstoatalentedparent whotaughtstudentsfrostingtechniques
This hybrid approach blends the flexibility of virtual learning with the social benefits of face-to-face interactions. These gatherings also give teachers a chance to provide holistic support while promoting a strong, connected school culture wherelearningthrivesthroughmeaningfulrelationships
CENTRAL OFFICE - TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Bradley County Schools’ Transportation Department ensures students’ safety and efficiency in daily travel while addressing a wide range of needs for parents, schools, and drivers Over 8,000 students rely on the department’s services, which include 45 regular bus routes, 15 special education routes serving approximately 170 students, and 2 PIE Centerbusesconnectingbothhighschools.
In Spring 2024, the district upgraded its fleet with six new buses to enhance safety and reliability Special education and athletics buses are maintained by local mechanics and through a learning program at the PIE Center, where students gainhands-onexperienceindieselmechanicswhileensuringvehiclesremainoperationalforcountyuse
Led by Director of Pupil Services Terry McElhaney and Transportation Administrative Assistant Pam Dipetro, the department’s dedicated team works tirelessly to provide secure, efficient, and responsive transportation services, supportingstudentsuccessandwell-being
FUN FACT: BRADLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS' STATE-LEVEL EXCELLENCE
DidyouknowthatBradleyCountySchoolsboastsanimpressiverecordof state-levelwinnersineducation?Overtheyears,ourdistricthasbeenhome tosomeofthemostdistinguishededucatorsandleadersinTennessee!
TennesseeRISEAwardWinner
TheRecognizingInspiringSchoolEmployees(RISE)Awardhonorsclassified schoolemployeeswhoprovideexemplaryservicetostudents 2025:TinaMcCracken
TennesseeTeachersoftheYear
Ourclassroomshavebeenshapedbysomeofthebestteachersinthestate: 2009:LuajeanBryan,WalkerValleyHighSchool 2001:DoreneHarrisLowery,BlackFoxElementary
TennesseeSupervisoroftheYear
Inthe2023-2024schoolyear,ArletteRobinson,CTESupervisor,was recognizedastheTennesseeSupervisoroftheYearHervisionaryleadership inCareerandTechnicalEducationhasprovidedstudentswithinvaluable opportunitiestoprepareforfuturesuccess
TennesseeSuperintendentsoftheYear
BradleyCountySchoolshasalsobeenledbyextraordinarysuperintendents whohaveearnedstatewiderecognition: 2025:Dr.LindaCash 2013:JohnnyMcDaniel
Bothleadershaveleftalastingimpactonourdistrict,championing innovation,collaboration,andexcellenceineducation
ALegacyofExcellence
BradleyCountySchoolscontinuestosetthebarhigh,provingthatourdistrict istrulyahubofeducationalexcellence!
IMPORTANT DATES
January13
SteeredStraightParentNight
January16
BoardofEducationMeeting
January20
SchoolsClosed-MLK
January26-February1
SchoolBoardAppreciationWeek
February13
BoardofEducationMeeting
February14
AbbreviatedSchoolDay
February17
SchoolsClosed-President’sDay
March4
HonorChoirConcert
March6
KindergartenRocksandNewStudentNight March7
MakeaChangeDay March10-14
SchoolsClosed-SpringBreak
