The Paw Print
Burke County Public Schools Newsletter
January 13, 2023
WHO LET THE DAWGS OUT? The UGA Dawgs took home ANOTHER national championship with a score of 65-7, the largest margin of victory in National Championship HISTORY! Even though we may only be able to see their success on the outside, it required a lot of RESILIENCE to maintain their title. Throughout practices and games, the dawgs have encountered setbacks, but they were able to brush them off and just keep going!
In this new year, with everything you participate in, do not give up after one setback. Ask yourself, "how far would you go if you knew you couldn't fail?" As always, Stay #BearBuilt!
The Paw Print is released on the 2nd and 4th weeks of every month. The newsletter features sports updates, events in the community, and fun activities for the family... so stay tuned!
Are You Smarter Than an 8th Grader?
BCPS screams a big CONGRATULATIONS to District Spelling Bell winner, Asher Price.
BCPS thanks all of our District Spelling Bee spellers for making it to the final round and giving their very best! A big thank you to our parents, judges, school bee coordinators, and central office staff that made this year's District Spelling Bee a buzzing success!
After watching these students spell, we have decided that No, we are not smarter than 3rd-8th graders. :-)
Pictured (L-R): Winner-BCMS 8th grader, Asher Price; BES 4th grader, Olivia Trout; Runner-up-BES 4th grader, Melanie Luke; SGA 5th grader, Allyssa Davis; and SGA 5th grader, Aaliyah Rhodes.
School District Closed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Students will return to school Tuesday, January 17, 2023.
First Superintendent Advisory Council
BCPS Superintendent, Dr. Angela Williams has selected students, 5-12th Grades, and faculty members from all schools to provide feedback on the impact of district policies and procedures. It is an honor to be a member of these groups and an even greater honor to be able to serve their peers and their community in such a profound way!
Donna Martin Receives GENYOUth Award
Congratulations to BCPS School Nutrition Director Donna Martin for receiving the GENYOUth Genny Award. The Genny award is bestowed upon individuals who build healthier communities within their schools. Donna Martin and her amazing nutrition staff strive to provide BCPS students with healthy meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) every single day!
So, the next time you are in the lunch line, give your lunch lady a BIG THANK YOU!
The BCHS Art Club Doors of Discourse Reception was a success! BCPS thanks the BCHS Art Club for representing the voices of our students and the BCHS Gospel Choir for serenading the event with their beautiful voices.
We would also like to give a shout out to Mayor Tinley and the City Council for allowing the doors to be displayed downtown at City Hall. And we must not forget, these doors were not equipped with legs or wheels, so a great big thank you to the BCPS Maintenance Dept. for delivering the heavy doors all over the City!
If you would like to find out more, click here!
The Doors of Discourse are now on display at the Burke County Public Library until February 17!
Speaking of Football....
2022-23 Girls & Boys Basketball Schedule
2022-23 Girls & Boys Wrestling Schedule
If you want to keep up with Bears and the Lady Bears Wrestling teams, click the link below to view their MaxPreps game updates!
FREE Academic Support!
Dear Parent or Guardian,
We’re excited to tell you about a free program, ENGAGE Georgia, that will provide your student with an extra layer of academic support this school year. Here’s what one parent had to say about this program:
“I couldn't ask for better dedication and support for my daughter. Our Academic Success Coach is a blessing and has incredible energy. I love how she got my daughter out of her shell and talking more (and finding her voice to speak up more). Thanks to our coach and this program, my daughter loves school and learning again. This program is the best thing that could ever happen for my daughter and me!” — ENGAGE parent
The state has partnered with Graduation Alliance to provide an extra layer of support for K-12 students and their families to boost school engagement and academic success during the school year.
If your student chooses to participate in the program, they will be assigned an Academic Success Coach who will answer questions, connect them with resources, and develop a plan to help them stay on track and engaged with their schooling!
Their coach will reach out by phone, email, text message, and more to provide support such as:
- Encouragement and motivation to help them stay on track with their studies
- Organization and study tips
- Technical support or assistance connecting with teachers
- Educational resources and exercises to help strengthen reading and math skills
- Referrals to local agencies and organizations that can provide social-emotional support
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity! If you have any questions, feel free to email the program directly at EngageGA@graduationalliance.com or visit RegisterGA.GraduationAlliance.com.
Don't Miss Another Important Call
855-977-0602 is Burke County Public Schools Mass Notification phone number.
Unfortunately, some phones may send this number into a spam folder which leaves you to miss out on all of the news and updates sent by the school.
There is a way to prevent that from happening! Simply add 855-977-0602 to your contacts and you will receive all of the informational updates we send out!
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides monthly assistance toward the cost of internet access and a one time subsidy toward the purchase of an eligible device to the parents of students that qualify.
The qualifications include participation in the Free or Reduced Lunch Program, SSI, and SNAP among others. *If your student attends BCPS, then you qualify for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program!
Click the image above for more information!
American Rescue Plans Funds Stakeholder Feedback
American Rescue Plan funds may be spent for learning improvements, educational technology, health and safety, buildings and facilities, and continuity of core staff and services.
Please share with us any suggestions or feedback that you have regarding the use of these funds for Burke County Public Schools.
Clicking here or on the image above will redirect you to a google form that allows you to enter your suggestions. Your feedback is greatly valued and appreciated.
*Images below are hyperlinked.
Broadband is Expanding in Burke!
Watch the news story featuring 3 of our very own superstars!
Attendance Matters
Attendance is a key indicator of a child's academic success. You may reference the Burke County Public Schools attendance page for more information.
BC App How-To Video: Customize Your Calendar Needs
Parents & Guardians Have Homework Too!
The online process replaces the paper forms sent home at the beginning of each school year used to update student information.
We strongly encourage all parents and guardians to complete their student's information update. Updating your current contact information is imperative for receiving report cards and other important messages.
Burke County families will access the online student information update through their existing Power School Parent Portal account by following these simple steps:
1. Check your email, including the junk or spam folders, for an email from noreplyregistration@powerschool.com. This email
contains your student’s unique verification passcode, called a “SnapCode.”
*If you are a parent/guardian of multiple returning students, you received a separate email for each student.
2. Review the emailed directions on completing the online verification form.
3. Follow the link to log into PowerSchool using the provided “Snapcode.”
Kidz Korner ......
Word of the Day
The word of the day is Resilience. Resilience is a noun that refers to the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties.
It is important to be resilient throughout every situation in life. You will always face rough spots or find yourself wandering in the dark, but even seeds don't know that they will be flowers with just a little patience!
We challenge you all to use this word as many times as you can this week, extra points if you use it in the right context, EVEN MORE points if you have to explain to somebody what it means!
National Day Calendar
January 13 commemorates National Rubber Ducky Day, National Sticker Day, and National Blame it On Someone Else Day.
Burke County Families can celebrate this holiday by going to every store in town and placing stickers on every rubber duck they may find! Just kidding! Don't do that (or do and just blame it on someone else... today is the best day of all days to do that)!
Kindness COUNTS
Welcome to The Paw Print's newest column: Kindness COUNTS. Tune in every Paw Print to read a curated "Good News" News Story, because kindness IS out there and it DOES count!
If you would like us to feature your story, post it on social media and tag the BCPS Social Media Pages or send your story to us via the BCPS Contact Form:
Facebook: Burke County Public Schools
Twitter: @BCPS_Bears
Instagram: @burkecountyps
It really IS okay to not be okay. All of the schools in the district have counselors that are there to listen! So please, if there is anything you need to get off your chest or just need someone to be there, don't be scared to reach out. We are here to help.
Why We Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Scholarships, Competitions, and Learning Opportunities!
Click this link for upcoming scholarships! The scholarships listed are just a small percentage of all the opportunities that are out there! Stay on the lookout for different scholarships and just any opportunity you can learn from!
Also, don't forget to check with your guidance counselors to learn more about Local Scholarships. Don't delay - Apply Today!
If you have any questions or comments, you may contact your Paw Print Pal:
Jada Curd, BCHS Senior
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