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Children and adults pose with educational displays about invasive species and fish in a classroom.

Park View Elementary students won first place in the Elementary Division of the 2026 Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) Statewide Design Challenge for their innovative solution to invasive carp in Tennessee, also earning the prestigious “Boots on the Ground” Award for a practical conservation approach. The team researched the issue, collaborated with wildlife professionals, and developed a crowd-sourcing app to report carp sightings, advancing from a district win to the state championship in Nashville. Their work highlights the power of hands-on STEM learning, combining research, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving.

Park View Elementary students won first place at a state competition in Nashville recently for their solution to the problem of invasive carp in the state of Tennessee. Students won first place in the Elementary Category of the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network Statewide Design Challenge. They also won the Boots on the Ground Award for their project.

Park View Elementary students Lochlan Burns, Dani Casavant, Dane Landers, Mya Moore, Grayson Pike, and Emma Scofield presented their research and app they created at the state-level competition in Nashville on April 15, 2026. Park View Elementary won first place in the state competition in the Elementary category. Park View Elementary School also received the 2026 TSIN Statewide Design Challenge Boots on the Ground Award. The Boots on the Ground Award is given to one team out of all K-12 participating teams for “a practical conservation solution that can be realistically implemented by TWRA”. 

Ms. Lauren Suits attended the Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit on May 5-6, 2026, where she presented a poster session on the students’ experiences working on the Statewide Design Challenge. She also received trophies for the students’ win in the Elementary Category and their honor for Boots on the Ground.

The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) offers a Statewide Design Challenge to students in grades K-12. The TSIN Statewide Design Challenge provides an opportunity for students to combine their own background knowledge with new research as they work to solve a problem. Students work through the stages of the Engineering Design Process through this project. It’s a great opportunity for students to be creative and to design and build solutions to real-world problems.

This year, the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) partnered with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for the challenge prompt. The 2026 TSIN Statewide Design Challenge Prompt is “How can we develop innovative, sustainable solutions that protect, restore, enhance, as well as maintain terrestrial ecosystems in Tennessee?”. This prompt offers students a range of interesting issues to explore.

At Park View Elementary School, Mrs. Lauren Suits offered fifth-grade students the chance to participate in the 2026 TSIN Statewide Design Challenge through an after-school class. Local TWRA professionals, Ashley Padgett and Cody Ritter, educated students on current issues. Through this partnership, students learned about invasive species and some of the challenges TWRA faces in combating invasive species–particularly invasive carp.

Students decided that an app could help TWRA crowdsource carp spotting by enabling people across the state of Tennessee to identify invasive carp and report sightings easily. Students then partnered with a Bradley County Schools Innovation Specialist, Betsy Clem, to learn about app design. Students worked as a team to continue researching invasive carp, design the app, and build a functioning prototype. Mrs. Suits’s after-school group worked for many weeks to research, build, refine, and present their ideas and prototype to multiple groups.

Students presented their app on campus to a team of judges and also participated in the Bradley County Schools STEM Competition and received first place.

Six women stand on a stage holding awards in front of a backdrop with the Tennessee outline and "Future STEM" logo.

Park View Elementary Teacher Lauren Suits (first person on the left) and Ocoee Middle School Teacher, Jami Thomason (first person on the right) receive TSIN awards at the TSIN STEM Summit in May in Nashville, TN.

A woman stands in front of a large poster board displaying a "Statewide Design Challenge - Middle School Winner" award, with a blurred background of a conference hall filled with people and displays.

Jami Thomason, STEM Teacher at Ocoee Middle School, presents a poster session on her students’ winning project in the Middle School Category.

In the foreground, a young woman presents a poster to a group of attendees, while the background reveals a crowded conference hall with other participants and displays.

Lauren Suits, fifth-grade teacher at Park View Elementary, presents a poster session at the TSIN STEM Summit in Nashville on her students’ winning project in the Statewide Design Challenge.

Six children stand on a stage in front of a large screen displaying the STEM Design Process.

Park View Elementary students present their research and app at the state-level competition for the TSIN Statewide STEM Design Challenge in Nashville.

Five children stand in front of a backdrop featuring a colorful autumn forest scene and wildlife agency logos.

Park View Elementary students participate in the state-level competition of the TSIN Statewide STEM Design Challenge in Nashville. From left to right: Dani Casavant, Emma Scofield, Mya Moore, Lochlan Burns, Grayson Pike, and Dane Landers.

A man and a woman shake hands in the foreground of a blurred classroom with students in the background.

TWRA Representative, Cody Ritter & Fifth Grade Teacher, Lauren Suits

Children and adults stand in a classroom holding educational materials about invasive species, with a whiteboard and posters visible in the background.

Back: TWRA Representatives, Ashley Padgett and Cody Ritter

Students and a teacher work on laptops at a table in a classroom decorated for Christmas, with a whiteboard and a festive tree visible in the background.

Front: Dani Casavant, Grayson Pike, Dane Landers, Mya Moore, Lochlan Burns, and Emma Scofield

Students and a teacher work on laptops at a table in a classroom decorated for Christmas, with a whiteboard and a festive tree visible in the background.

Park View Elementary students design an app.

Two girls in the foreground are working on laptops and a tablet, while in the background, other students are also engaged with technology in a classroom setting.

Park View Elementary students design an app.

Read More about #WhereLearningLeads Series - Park View Elementary Students Receive State Awards for STEM Project
OMS 2026 TSIN Design Challenge winners
  • Where Learning Leads

A team of sixth-grade students from Ocoee Middle School earned middle school champion honors in the TSIN Design Challenge for their innovative environmental monitoring app. Their project, Animal Health Care Center, is designed to track real-time air, water, and soil conditions across Tennessee, helping identify pollution trends and environmental risks. The app includes features such as alert systems for wildfires and pollution threats, as well as an easy-to-use dashboard mapping environmental data. Their work highlights the impact of student-driven innovation in addressing real-world challenges while connecting communities and scientists.

A team of sixth-grade students from Ocoee Middle School, Molly Withrow, Neriah Gluckner, Emberly Love, and Brylee Sams (pictured left to right), have earned top honors as middle school champions in the TSIN Design Challenge. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented their school, sharing their ideas at each level of the competition with confidence.

Their project focused on creating an environmental monitoring app specifically for Tennessee. They designed an app, Animal Health Care Center, that could track pollution across rivers, forests, and urban areas, collecting real-time data on air, water, and soil conditions. Their goal was to help scientists better understand patterns like seasonal changes, flooding, and pollution trends across the state.

One of the standout features of their idea was an alert system that could notify wildfire officers, local residents, and community leaders when environmental risks arise. They also included warning signals for parks and areas near rivers, along with a dashboard that maps pollution hotspots, water quality, soil health, and wildlife risk zones in a way that’s easy to understand.

What makes their project especially meaningful is the focus bringing communities and scientists together and making important environmental data more accessible. Their idea shows how thoughtful design can help protect wildlife, improve safety, and support better decision-making.

Their achievement highlights not only their creativity and hard work, but also the power of student-driven ideas to inspire real-world solutions.

  • Middle School TSIN Challenge
Read More about #WhereLearningLeads Series - OMS teams wins TSIN State Design Challenge
J Baynham - Congressional App Winner
  • Where Learning Leads

Jimmy Baynham, BCHS students, won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge, one of the top awards for computer science.

Last week, Jimmy Baynham traveled to Washington, D.C., on behalf of Bradley Central High School as a winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is among the most prestigious prizes in student computer science, and you should be very proud of what you've created with Blast Off. All winners received the following for this year's Congressional App Challenge:

· Showcasing your winning app at the U.S. Capitol for one year.

· Showcasing of your winning app on House.gov for one year.

· Showcasing your winning app on the App Challenge website

· An invitation to #HouseOfCode, our Congressional celebration for winners of the Congressional App Challenge

· A copyright fee waiver through the ARTS Act. 

This was a great opportunity for Jimmy to showcase his achievements to Members of Congress, the D.C. tech community, and beyond. Bradley Central High School and the Baynham family would like to thank King Control Systems, The BCHS Cave, Amanda Lee, and Dr. Cash for helping make this a once in a lifetime experience. 

  • App Challenge
Read More about #WhereLearningLeads Series - Baynham wins Congressional App Challenge
Construction Update 04082026
  • Built for Learning

Recent construction projects across Bradley County Schools are reshaping learning environments and reinforcing the district’s commitment to student success. From classroom expansions and infrastructure upgrades at Ocoee Middle School to enhancements at Hopewell Elementary, Park View Elementary, and Bradley Central High School, these improvements reflect a strategic investment in both current needs and future growth. As each campus undergoes transformation, students and staff are already beginning to benefit from safer, more modern, and more flexible spaces designed to support innovative teaching and learning.

In August of 2026, Ocoee Middle School officially opened the new academic wing, specifically designed as developmental classrooms. The addition included two state-of-the-art classrooms, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, kitchen appliances, and office space. In addition to the new classrooms, the existing technology building received several upgrades, including new classroom furniture, window coverings, paint, and lighting, all designed to enhance student experiences in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes.

"I cannot say thank you enough to Dr. Linda Cash, the Bradley County Commission, and the Bradley County Board of Education for supporting this project. This represents more than a commitment to these amazing students; it is a commitment to promoting a culture of creativity and inclusivity." - Dr. Corey Limburg, Ocoee Middle School Principal

Phase I expansion at Hopewell Elementary consists of 12 classrooms and 2 sets of restrooms. The existing lower building at Hopewell will be torn down and replaced by a new gymnasium and music room complex during Phase II. During Phase III, the current gym will be transformed into our new library/media center, and the cafeteria will be expanded to hold 100 additional students. Hoepwell Elementary has seen steady growth over the past several years and looks forward to serving more students and their families in the years to come.

"This expansion impacts hundreds of students and provides state-of-the-art facilities for students to learn and grow. Our students have witnessed the construction process and have seen many STEAM careers in action on our campus. Hopewell is an exciting place to be!" - Amber Winters, Hopewell Elementary Principal

Park View is a beautiful school, originally built in 2010 with future growth in mind. Today, Park View Elementary is excited to continue that vision with the addition of eight new classrooms—four on each side—allowing Park View Elementary to better serve and accommodate the growing needs of our community.

This building project reflects who Park View is and what they believe: Built for Learning. It aligns seamlessly with the Bradley County mission of Growing Students, Building Futures. And as Park View proudly says, Growing Knights, Building Futures.

"While this addition is an important step forward, we know that a building alone is not what defines a school. What truly makes Park View Elementary special is what lives and breathes within these walls—the teachers and students who fill each day with learning, inspiration, and purpose.This project represents more than expansion; it is a commitment. A commitment to our students, our staff, and a future filled with opportunity. We are building something that will last far beyond these walls. We are building a legacy." - Jodie Grannan, Park View Elementary Principal

Bradley Central High School has been blessed with two recent expansions and one future expansion that will have a significant impact on its campus.  First, the new vestibule provides a secure entryway for the first time in the school’s history.  It consists of an enclosed space for visitors to be screened and is a protective hedge between the community and the school population. A second impactful expansion has been the new baseball field house. The previous facility (a portable trailer which was initially intended to be temporary) had been used for over 25 years.  The new facility has revolutionized the services available to our baseball athletes and coaching staff.  It includes new locker facilities, a team room, shower facilities, and coaches' quarters. It was a true collaboration between our school entities and the community that desires to support our students. Thirdly, we are excited about the upcoming groundbreaking of our Science Wing. 

"Our 1600 students are currently served by a single lab that is over 50 years old. This expansion will add 10 new classrooms & labs to our campus and provide teachers and students with tools for scientific exploration that have never been available in the history of Bradley Central High School.  The impact of these expansions on our campus in the years to come will be immeasurable, and we are profoundly thankful for the investment in our students!" - Patrick Spangler, Bradley Central High School Principal

These projects stand as a testament to Bradley County Schools’ ongoing dedication to providing high-quality facilities that support student achievement. By investing in modern, functional learning spaces, the district is not only meeting the demands of today but also preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.

  • Bradley Central
  • Construction
  • Hopewell
  • Ocoee Middle
  • Park View
Read More about #BuiltforLearning Series - Bradley County Schools celebrate new construction projects
Math Competition 003-2026

The 7th Annual Bradley County Schools Math Meet was hosted by Walker Valley High School’s Mu Alpha Theta students on Saturday, March 28, 2026.  Nearly 270 students completed a paper test where they used their critical thinking skills to solve problems aligned to their grade level standards.

Students competed in a highly competitive buzzer round competition where many teams advanced on to the next round of the bracket by a narrow margin, winning by only one question.  In between events, students played in the gym, enjoyed the great outdoors, and enjoyed snacks from the concession stand.  School-level teacher sponsors were treated to a delightful hospitality room in the media center where they could relax, snack, and enjoy a break while their students exercised their best problem-solving skills on the paper test.

Math Competition 001-2026

The BCS Math Meet is a long-standing tradition for our students starting out at Park View Elementary School in 2018 for grades 4 and 5.  The event eventually moved to Lake Forest Middle School, and middle school teams were invited to join.  WVHS’s Mu Alpha Theta students served in the grading room in those early years, and the event has evolved over time to being completely student-led.  Mu Alpha Theta sponsors, Molly Scarbrough and Megan Webb, work hard all year, training their students in moderating buzzer rounds and writing mathematical problems aligned to state standards.    Over 40 Walker Valley High School students worked the event.

School teams are awarded a trophy for 1st or 2nd place in the buzzer rounds, and individual students are recognized for placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the paper test competition.  Each year, new mathematicians are welcomed to the stage for their award, but it is not uncommon to have some repeat winners.  Paper Test Winners are as follows: 

4th Grade: 1st:  Sutton Wentz, Black Fox.  2nd:  Harper Hulet, Hopewell.  3rd:  Journey Johnson, Hopewell.  5th Grade:  1st:  Riaan Patel, North Lee.  2nd:  Rafe Paul, Michigan Avenue.  3rd:  Kinsley Templin, Michigan Avenue.  6th Grade:  1st:  Elijah Daugherty, OMS.  2nd:  Kinley Hicks, OMS.  3rd:  Jerome Emerson, LFMS.  7th Grade:  1st:  Lexi Owens, OMS.  2nd:  Blake Smith, OMS.  3rd:  Greyson Cannon, OMS.  8th Grade:  1st:  William Cramer, OMS.  2nd:  Riggs Tenenbaum, OMS.  3rd:  Mason Beard, LFMS.  

Buzzer Round Winners are as follows:
 4th Grade:  1st:  Hopewell  and 2nd:  Black Fox.  5th Grade:  1st:  North Lee A and 2nd:  North Lee B.  6th Grade:  1st:  OMS A and 2nd:  LFMS A. 7TH Grade:  1ST: OMS B and 2ND:  OMS A.  8TH Grade:  1ST:  OMS B and 2ND:  OMS A.

Students have been heard saying, “This is the greatest day of my life!” and “I’ll never forget this day!”  It is a tremendous day of celebrating mathematical prowess, and everyone looks forward to the event year after year.

Math Competition 002-2026


    

Read More about #WhereLearningLeads - Bradley County Schools 2026 Math Competition