BHMS Weekly Update
Thursday, April 20 2023
April, 20 2023
Principal's Corner
Dear BHMS Community,
GMAS
Georgia Milestones Testing is right around the corner. We’ll begin on Monday, April 24-May 2. We ask that all students get a good night's rest and a good breakfast. Additionally, we ask that you please do not check out students during testing.
Principal’s Coffee Chat
Our final Principal’s Coffee Chat of the year is rescheduled for Friday, May 5, 2023 at 9:00 am. Hope to see you there.
Derrick L. Thomas, Principal,
Beacon Hill Middle School
Teacher Spotlight
This week's teacher spotlight is on Kim Boswell and Sarah Nathaniel from our Visual Arts Department!
Ms. Boswell teaches our Photography courses at BHMS and ensures our students have opportunities to learn not only strategies for taking beautiful photos, but also opportunities to express their ideas and themselves through this art form. She and her 8th grade crew are in charge of our BHMS yearbook as well, and we can’t wait to see what they’ve put together for us this year!
Ms. Nathaniel works hard to showcase the awesome work of our visual arts students by creating and updating displays throughout the building as well as online- She is always working to ensure that our students study the works of diverse artists so that all students can see themselves as artists. If students don’t get enough art during their classes, they can also attend the BHMS art club after school with Ms. Nathaniel.
If you haven’t already- please be sure to attend the CSD ART Show at the Solarium today and tomorrow- We are so lucky to have these two amazing arts teachers supporting and teaching our BHMS artists!
From the Desk of Our PTA
Teacher Appreciation
The PTA is preparing to celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week May 8-12 and we need your support! We are asking for gift card donations that will be awarded to teachers and staff throughout teacher appreciation week. If you would like to contribute, the PTA will gladly accept gift cards in value of $10 -$25.
Donations can be sent in to the front office by April 28, 2023. Please label donations for PTA.
Don’t have time to buy gift cards? You can contribute via this link.
If you have any questions, please contact the PTA/Hospitality Committee:
Mary Ann Nobles at mary.nobles2011@gmail.comor Natalie Williams at natjowilliams@gmail.com
Thank you for your support!
BHMS News You Can Use
Congratulations Gavin Messer! Frank Ski Kids Foundation Contest Finalist!
Student shout out to 8th-grade student-Gavin Messer, for being selected as a finalist in the Frank Ski Kids Foundation-Green Science Trip contest for his essay on climate change. This summer Gavin will go on a trip to study the effects of climate change in the Galapagos, Ecuador To find out more about the Frank Ski Kids Foundation contest click here. Congratulations Gavin!
Milestones Testing Beings Monday
GA Milestones
6th, 7th and 8th graders will all take ELA and Math sections of the Milestones assessment April 24- May 2. Testing will begin first thing in the morning, so please be sure students are here on time. See below for the schedule.
Testing can cause anxiety for students- be sure to check in with them and do what you can to help them be prepared.
How can I ensure my child is ready to do their best?
Ensure the are well-rested and have breakfast each day
Discuss their strengths and remind them that this is an opportunity to show what they have learned
Review the materials from GaDOE so you are informed as well!
How can I ensure my child is ready to do their best?
Ensure they are well-rested and have breakfast each day.
Discuss their strengths and remind them that this is an opportunity to show what they have learned.
Review the materials from GaDOE so you are informed as well!
*Teachers like to provide mints for students during testing- please consider donating a bag or two of mints to your child’s team!
Testing Schedule:
Save the Date! 16th Annual Beacon Hill Poetry Slam - April 26th, 6:30pm @ the DHS PAC
Mark your calendars now for the 16th Annual BHMS Poetry Slam on Wednesday, April 26th at 6:30pm - a special night of spoken word artistry by BHMS students. Our student poets have been working for several weeks to hone their original poems and their personal style for the stage. They have something to say that we all need to hear! A true poetry slam needs an active and supportive audience to make that spotlight shine a little bit brighter. for each student in the competition so please come and give them your support. Members of the BHMS Concert Band and the BHMS Orchestra will also perform to round out a night of excellent student work. The BHMS Poetry Slam will take place in the Performing Arts Center at DHS.
Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!
BHMS and Decatur Performs presents The Wizard of Oz! Come see your friends in this delightful production of a beloved classic. Performances will be held at Decatur High School on May 5th at 7pm, May 6th at 2pm & 7pm, and May 7th at 2pm. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for adults and go on sale April 24. We expect all shows to sell out, and you don’t want to miss it!
Calling All 8th Grade Families!
8th Grade Families - we could use some help with our end of year activities. There are two sign-ups below, one for chaperones for our experiences on May 12th, and one for chaperones and donations for the dance May 19th and our picnic on May 25th. We are grateful for any way that you can help out!
BHMS Club Updates
German Club Members honored at the Annual American Association of German Event
Calla Lockwood, Charlotte Kempter, Ivy Arnold, M Eastman, and Ellie Green (not pictured) were honored for the Academic Achievement in German at the annual American Association of German ceremony at Emory on Sunday. Calla and M received Gold Medals, while Charlotte, Ivy, and Elle received Silver.
BHMS JR BETA IS SUPPORTING THE UNITED WAY SHOEBOX PROJECT!
We are asking for donations of hygiene products to fill the boxes that we will donate. Please drop off donations in the media center by Tuesday, April 25. Email Lgary@csdecatur.net with questions.
Weekly Grade Level Newsletters
Every Thursday, each grade level will publish its newsletter. Please check them out after you read the school Eblast. Here are the links:
CSD Athletic News and Updates
Dine Out to Support Athletics
Chef-inspired burgers, wings, nachos, and chopped salads? Yes, please! Head on out to Bad Daddy's in Decatur on Wednesday, April 26 for a delicious dinner while also supporting Decatur Athletics. Raising money never tasted so good!
DHS/BHMS Softball Tryouts Happening Soon!
Attention, all students interested in trying out for softball. Tryouts for our DHS and BHMS Gold team will happen in May. Please see the document detailing tryouts below from Coach Williams. Pay close attention to positions, dates, and times and let Coach Williams know if you have any questions.
2023 Softball Tryout Information
DHS Softball Tryouts: May 1-3 - Open to all Rising 8th-Graders and above.
BHMS Gold Tryouts: May 8-9 - Open to all BHMS students (Rising 8th-Graders should plan to attend both weeks of tryouts)
**Tryouts for other BHMS Softball teams will take place at the start of the ‘23 school year.
BHMS Cheer Interest Meeting, April 24
Attention, all students interested in cheering for BHMS next school year should plan to attend a mandatory informational meeting on April 24. The meeting will be held in the BHMS gym from 4:15-5:15. This first meeting is for students only.
Cheer packets will soon be available in the front office with Ms. Jackie and on the athletics webpage. See the details below regarding the upcoming cheer clinic and tryouts.
Contact Coach Evans with any questions (cevans1@csdecatur.net)
Summer Lacrosse Opportunities
If your student is interested in playing lacrosse this summer, our Decatur Recreation Department has opportunities for middle and high school students. This is a great time to hone your skills and/or start to learn about the game! See this graphic below for more information.
CSD News and Announcements
Extra Mile Awards
Students: Do you know a teacher or CSD employee who has gone “the extra mile” this year? Nominate them for the CSD Extra Mile Award! The Extra Mile Award is an annual award that allows students to show appreciation for the teachers or staff they feel go above and beyond what is expected of them.
Students (not parents) at any grade level can write an essay describing how their teacher (or staff member) goes the extra mile (parents can help younger children write the essay). The essays should be detailed and describe how the employee goes above and beyond.
Click here to submit a nomination. The deadline is May 31.
These awards will be presented at the CSD Opening Day Celebration in July.
Questions? Contact cburnett@csdecatur.net or 404-371-3601
DHS SGA Earth Day 5K
The DHS Student Government Association (SGA) is hosting their inaugural SGA Earth Day 5K at Legacy Park on April 29, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Proceeds from this event will support SGA’s future sustainability efforts and the Decatur Track and Field. Bring the family and enjoy sprint races and activities, music, prizes, and food vendors.
CSD Special Education Department
This month we are hosting a Parent Engagement Meeting for families of students with IEPs on the topic of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Please share the following with families:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, April 27th, 6-7pm
WHERE: This is an online event.
WHO: Parents of students that are served through an IEP (ECLC- 12th).
MORE INFORMATION
Ms. Alicia Lipscomb, Public Affairs Specialist, for the Social Security Administration will share an overview of how to access SSI for individuals with a disability.
What is SSI?
How do parents apply for their student?
What does it mean to qualify for SSI?
What comes with the SSI benefits
What recourse do families have if denied the benefit?
Click here to RSVP or email Cheryl Grant, cgrant@csdecatur.net
Community Partner Announcements and Updates
CSD Budget Survey Results
Thanks to all who participated in the parent-led, anonymous survey a few weeks ago. As promised, we are sharing the results of the survey. These results were also shared with the CSD school board and Dr. Fehrman on March 28th. It has been our pleasure gathering this vital community feedback.
Click here to view the results from the survey.
Thanks,
Kristin Ebersold, India Epps, Patricia Liscio, Richard Malerba, Samantha McMahan, Kunle Oguneye, Weonhee Shin, Natalie Jo Williams, Sara Weathersby, and David Custer
City of Decatur Downtown Master Plan Final Community Meeting
Join the City of Decatur for the third and final Community Meeting for the Decatur Town Center Plan 2.0, Thursday, April 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. This meeting will be an opportunity for the planning team to share what they have learned from the community and to introduce the plan’s concepts, ideas, and action items.
The Decatur Town Center Plan 2.0 is the first comprehensive look at downtown since the 1982 Town Center Plan. Whether you live, learn, work, or visit Downtown Decatur, your input helped shape the vision.
Decatur Education Foundation
It's time to Step Up for Teachers!
The yard signs are being ordered and will be available for pickup soon! www.stepupforteachers.com is live and ready for your tributes to CSD teachers, paraprofessionals and staff. For a small donation,
you leave a message of appreciation, we'll notify the honored person and post it on our website. For a gift of $50 or more, you
can select between a "We Step Up" or a "Class of 2023" yard sign. If you would like a sign but cannot contribute, please email drew@decatureducationfoundation.org with your tribute and your sign preference. Together we make a difference for our teachers,
our schools and our kids.
Nominate a Hero
Do you know a CSD teacher, paraprofessional or employee who has shown extreme care and compassion for a student at a time of great need or crisis? We are currently accepting nominations for the Clarence Strickland Make A Difference Award HERE. Nominations are due by April 20th and the recipient will be recognized at our scholarship event on May 15th.
Care to help Decatur students and combat food insecurity? You can donate to our Lighten the Load Weekend Backpack program which provides supplemental food to Decatur families who need it. The snack pantry ensures that no one at the middle school goes hungry during the school day. Here are the wish lists for both programs:
Beacon Hill Middle Snack Program: /a.co/d0HJHTr
Weekend Backpack Program: https://a.co/6Etc74W
Tickets now on sale! Amplify Decatur is hosting their Spring Concert in the Square on Saturday, April 29th and DEF is so pleased to be one of the beneficiaries. The line-up is chock full of some amazing musicians – check them out and purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amplify-decatur-music-festival-tickets-527859721637.
If you’d like to enjoy live music for FREE, consider volunteering at the concert! There are spots at every time of day available. Click here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084caba628abff2-amplify1#/ Your evening of live music will support DEF, Decatur Cooperative Ministry and Giving Kitchen.
Decatur Prevention Initiative and Decatur Parents Network
The Decatur Prevention Initiative in collaboration with Decatur Parents Network will be hosting an exclusive showing of the newly released film, Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs and Alcohol in the Digital Age. This film addresses many of the concerns our parents have been expressing. The Decatur showing is the first showing on the East Coast, and the filmmaker is flying in as a special guest and to be on the panel. Tickets are free, but are limited, so register today!