The Paw Print
Burke County Public Schools Newsletter
December 14, 2022
We're jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rockin' our way into Christmas Break!!! Now is the time to take out your advent calendars or Google Santa Tracker and get that Christmas Countdown STARTED (and for those of you that start your Christmas countdowns WAY before necessary... your dedication is admirable).
Even though we are getting closer and closer (not close enough) to a break, finish this semester out strong! ;-). 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!
Readin' and Leadin'
Early Release and CHRISTMAS BREAK
What's Happenin'
Blakeney Elementary School recently held its spelling bee! BCPS wishes a big C-O-N-G-R-A-T-S to our winners.
Pictured Left to Right:
First Place, Melanie Luke (4th Grade)
Second Place, Olivia Trout (4th Grade)
Third Place, James Whitehead (5th Grade)
Doors of Discourse
Come out and support Burke County High School Art Club students as they present their Doors of Discourse. The four doors feature issues important to teenagers.
The Art Installation Opening Reception will be held Wednesday, December 14 from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM in the Waynesboro City Hall Lobby. The BCHS Gospel Choir will also be present to provide a couple of inspirational songs during this special event.
If you can't make it to the premier, the doors will remain on display in the Waynesboro City Hall Lobby until January 2, 2023!
Be Pro be Proud
The Be Pro Be Proud mobile workshop made a stop at BCMS and BCHS to teach students about the value of skilled trade professions. Students had the opportunity to experience simulations of welding, plumbing, healthcare, truck driving, and line work.
Quick the links below to watch the news stories regarding this event!
BCHS Gospel Choir
Come listen to the harmonies of the BCHS Gospel choir as they perform at the Stone Springfield AME Church "An Afternoon of Praise" event.
The event will be held Saturday, December 17, at 3:00 PM
7476 HWY-296
Stapleton, GA 30823
2022-23 Girls & Boys Basketball Schedule
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 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.
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 Altruistic. Altruistic is an adjective that means the selfless concern for the wellbeing of others.
The Christmas season is a perfect time to practice altruism. Give that cold friend your coat. Spend a little extra time wrapping those presents. Go out your way to make someone SMILE!
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
December 14 commemorates National Bouillabaisse Day, National Monkey Day and National Alabama Day. Burke County families can celebrate these special days by booking a 24 hour international flight and experiencing all of these different countries' offerings: the Bouillbaisse of France, the monkeys of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America, and the ALABAMA of the United States. Then once you have collected these three wonders of the world, you can fly right on back to Georgia and sleep for three weeks due to your losing battle with jet lag. Bon Voyage!
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
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
Looking for a previous edition of The Paw Print newsletter? Each edition of The Paw Print is archived and can be found by clicking this 'Paw Print Archive' button.