BHMS Weekly Update
Thursday, January 4, 2024
March 21, 2024
3/22: 7th grade Dance
3/27: Early Release Day
3/28: Teacher/Student Basketball Game 5pm
3/29: Principals Coffee Chat "Spring testing season"
4/1-4/5: Spring Break
Early Release
7th Grade Dance!
Student Teacher Basketball Game!
Principal's Corner
Dear Beacon Hill Students and Families,
We are grateful to all participants and volunteers contributing to the various events hosted within our school community. The diverse talents and interests of our students continuously engage and enrich us. Our upcoming Coffee Chat will address the topic of test anxiety in children, offering valuable insights as we approach the Spring testing season. We invite you to join us on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 9:30 am.
See you soon!!!
Derrick L. Thomas, Principal
Beacon Hill Middle School
“It Only Takes One”
📰 BHMS News You Can Use 📰
🌟Spotlight on Abigail Crerie 🌟
Congratulations to our Speech and Pathologist teacher Abigail Crerie for shining bright in the Teacher Spotlight this week! Ms. Crerie's passion for shaping the speech and communication skills of middle schoolers is simply awesome. Her dedication, creativity, and unwavering support for her students stands out. Establishing an inclusive environment where every student can thrive is a remarkable skill worthy of recognition. The positive impact she has on students' lives and the welcoming space she has created is a superpower worth celebrating. Big thanks for all the positive vibes you bring to your students' lives. Keep rocking it, Ms. Crerie!
Disability Awareness Month at BHMS
Under the guidance of Ms. Stoer, Ms. Ehmner, Ms. Crerie, and Ms. Bailey-Isaacs, students from all of our 7th & 8th social studies classes dived into a whirlwind of activities to walk a mile in the shoes of their peers with disabilities. They got to experience different perspectives by taking on simulated disabilities and formed awesome bonds with classmates. The week was all about celebrating Assistive Technology for everyone, shining a light on how important it is for everyone to understand and appreciate the diverse views of individuals with unique abilities. It was an extraordinary opportunity for everyone involved and all of the students had fun!
Congratulations to the Winners of the Poetry Slam!
Last night 14 students participated in the 17th Annual Stacey "Momma" Daniel Poetry Slam. The overall quality of the writing and the performances on display were outstanding. At the end of two rounds of fierce competition the scores were tallied and the top three in a very close competition were named.
1st Place - Elsa Chapman, 8th grader
2nd Place - Annabel Kim, 7th grader
3rd Place - Camila Mendez, 8th grader
All of our poets did an amazing job performing their original poetic pieces, as well as supporting other poets demonstrating true community! The band, under the direction of Christine Kraemer, warmed the crowd up for the poets and provided music during intermission. We were honored with the presence of Decatur City Council Member, Lesa Mayer, who participated as one of our judges. In addition, the audience was treated to guest poet, Jamee "Jem" McAdoo, who blew the audience away with her beautiful voice and relevant messages. Many thanks go out to Ms. Wicks and Ms. Vizethann who sponsored the poetry club and hosted renowned poet Abyss who coached the students. Dr. Bolton and Ms. Lanford were the Poetry Slam faculty sponsors who coordinated the event. This event would not have happened without the very generous support of the BHMS PTA. A special thanks is given to Nia Schooler for her tireless advocacy for the arts!
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Feedback
DHS/BHMS is gathering information to prepare for our IB MYP evaluation that is happening in the 24-25 school year. Every 5 years we engage in an evaluation process for our IB Programming. We are asking that you take a few moments to complete the attached survey. Your input will help support us as we are working to reflect on our practices as an IB MYP Programme.
If you would like to learn more about the IB MYP, BHMS hosted a Principal's Chat last month on the topic. You can read/watch here to find out more.
🍩BHMS Jr Beta Club - Krispy Kreme Digital Dozens Fundraising Campaign🍩
💙💛🍩Doughnut lovers we have a treat for you... Charitable (so guilt-free), fresh to order (and perfectly glazed), dozens!! Beacon Hill MS Jr Beta Club just launched a GroupRaise x Krispy Kreme Digital Dozens fundraising campaign. From now until April 15, 50% of orders will be donated back to our cause when you purchase your doughnuts using our fundraising sales page. $15 per dozen!! Check it out here: https://grouprai.se/krispykreme40368sa #krispykreme #doughnuts #groupraise #digitaldozens #krispykremefundraiser #beaconhillmsjrbetaclub #donuts #fundraiser #treatyourself
BHMS Great Finish to Season at Dekalb Championships!
The Dekalb County Middle School Track & Field Championships took place this past Saturday with the finals held on Monday. Congratulations to ALL of our athletes at Saturday's track meet and yesterday's finals. We had several athletes who set personal best times, jumps, and throws and we are so proud of all of them!
Click HERE to see a full list of our students' accomplishments. We are so proud of ALL of our athletes. Thank you to Coach Frazier, Coach Rabold, and Coach Philippi for their hard work and dedication to our students and their families this season!!
Orchestra Has Exciting Week:
- Last Tuesday our 7th grade orchestra earned straight superiors for their performance and sight-reading at LGPE
- Last Wednesday our 8th grade orchestra earned straight superiors for their performance and sight-reading at LGPE
- Last Friday Friday our 7th and 8th grade orchestras performed for the Southern Star Music festival and BOTH groups earned "Gold" - and our 8th grade orchestra was awarded the "Sweepstakes Award" for having the highest score in our category.
- On Saturday we spent a day in the Six Flags theme park where the students celebrated their wins and attended an awards ceremony.
Please congratulate these hard working HUGE shout-out to Herr Smith, Profe Blanco, and Jordon Muse for coming with us on Saturday as BHMS chaperones!
BHMS Cheer Interest Meeting - March 26
All students interested in participating on the BHMS Cheer team in the 2024-2025 school year should attend the upcoming Interest Meeting. Our coaches will meet with students in the cafeteria at 4 PM to discuss tryouts and expectations.
Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards 2023-2024 Application
Students are invited to submit an application for the 2023-2024 Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award by Monday, April 15, 2024, at 4 PM EST to their local schools. K-2 students at some schools require a nomination to participate, which are due Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. Submissions will address characteristics of Mrs. and Dr. King connected to many characteristics our scholars demonstrate daily. See the application document for local school contacts and materials.
💻Is your Device Ready to Support your Learning this Spring?💻
Updated Devices:
Your Chromebook/your child's Chromebook might be needing an update. If you need help, please watch this video.This is very important to ensure your Chromebook is ready for testing at the end of the semester! If you need help, please come to the media center.
Chargers:
Chargers for devices are part of district-issued equipment. We currently have a low supply of chargers. Please check your charger to ensure it is working and follow the steps for replacement. Every student who does not turn a charger in with a device at the end of the school year will be charged for replacement in accordance with our district-issued Equipment policy. Click here for directions for replacing chargers.
💛💙 From Our PTA💛💙
Support the PBIS Store
Help is needed for the PBIS program through the end of the school year. There are two ways to get involved: (1) Donate snacks and drinks that students can purchase with their PBIS points, or (2) volunteer to set up the rewards cart and distribute prepurchased items during any Friday lunch hour that fits your schedule. (A note from our students: Cart duty does not have to be during your child’s lunch period…and many prefer that you select a different time!) We have a lot of spots available and are running the risk of not being able to keep the store open. Click here to see what is needed and what time slots are available. Thank you for your support!
Seventh Graders...Get Ready to Dance!
The Seventh Grade Spring Dance Party, organized by the BHMS PTA, will begin after school on Friday, March 22 in the BHMS Cafeteria and run until 5:30 p.m. All attendees must be BHMS seventh graders. Admission is $5. BUY TICKETS HERE. Snacks will be sold for $1 each. (Please send small bills.)
Are you able to donate supplies or help at the dance? SIGN UP HERE. Party decorations and candy donations should be made through our Amazon list; items will be shipped to Kellei Johnstone, who will drop them at the school. All soda donations need to be purchased separately and dropped off on the day of the dance at the front office. We appreciate your willingness to donate and help!
Events like our grade-level dances would not be possible without the generosity of our amazing PTA sponsors: Quest Orthodontics and the Isani Family/Imtyaz and Shamsha Isani, Green Orthodontics, Chick-fil-A Decatur, Keller Knapp Realty and Jim Ellis Automotive Group. Whether you are a local business or a BHMS family that wants to do more, we have a sponsorship level to suit you. Learn more on the PTA website.
The PTA Needs You!
The BHMS PTA is recruiting leadership and volunteers for next school year. We have opportunities for casual volunteers as well as for those who want to become more involved with our school community. If you’d like to learn more about PTA activities and how you can use your skills and talents to benefit our students, teachers and staff, email Emilee Terry at emileeraeterry@gmail.com.
CSD News and Announcements
Early Release March 27th
Saturday School April 20th
Countdown to the April 8 Solar Eclipse
On April 8, residents in northern Mexico, the U.S., and southeastern Canada will witness totality – a rare darkness during daylight offering a glimpse of the Sun's corona. Scientists suggest that this could be the best eclipse in many centuries and for years to come.
To ensure safe viewing of the eclipse, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Astronomical Society are collaborating to educate the public. Staring directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, can lead to permanent vision damage or blindness.
Since the solar eclipse will occur during dismissal, CSD will provide solar eclipse glasses for PreK-12 students to safely enjoy the event. However, after students are dismissed from school, as walkers or after they disembark from the bus, CSD cannot monitor nor ensure proper use of the eyewear by students. Families are encouraged to help in communicating the following guidelines to all students:
Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
View the Sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device.
Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens (including a cell phone camera), telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer. Those require different types of solar filters. The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.
Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
Do NOT use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. When viewing the partial phases of the eclipse through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes equipped with proper solar filters, you do not need to wear eclipse glasses. (The solar filters do the same job as the eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.)
If you have concerns about your child using the eclipse glasses properly, please plan to pick them up for early dismissal. Families who would like to enjoy the event together are also encouraged to check students out for early dismissal.
All outdoor after-school activities will be canceled. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
FY25 Budget
The City Schools of Decatur is in the process of establishing the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. We are interested in input from the community on any suggestions, concerns, or questions. Please click here to provide your feedback.
Click here to access the entire FY25 Preliminary Budget 5-Year Financial Review presentation.
(ESSER) Fund Feedback Surveys
City Schools of Decatur is reviewing its ARP ESSER LEA Plan and ARP ESSER Budget. We are soliciting stakeholder feedback through April 10, 2024.
Please use the link below to view the plan and budget and share your input: https://www.csdecatur.net/Page/4415
ELA Adoption Feedback
The City Schools of Decatur Literacy Department, alongside the ELA K-8 curriculum adoption committee, identified and reviewed five programs on the approved Georgia House Bill 538 High-Quality Instructional Materials List. The proposed curricula are available in the following locations through March 25, 2024, for examination and feedback:
Option 1: Visit the Elizabeth Wilson School Support Center lobby located at 125 Electric Avenue, Decatur on Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:00 pm.
Option 2: Digital access of the City Schools of Decatur ELA Adoption webpage is available.
After reviewing the proposed ELA K-8 curricula, complete the survey below that applies:
Student Restorative Practices and Code of Conduct Handbook (SRPCCH)
It’s time for the yearly review of the Student Restorative Practices and Code of Conduct Handbook (SRPCCH), and we value your feedback and contributions. Please use the provided link to access the Stakeholder Review Feedback Form. The deadline to submit feedback and input is March 31, 2024.
CSD FY25 Budget Book Cover Student Design Contest
Calling all City Schools of Decatur K-12 talented student artists! We are seeking submissions for the cover of our first-ever FY25 Budget Book. The budget book will tell students, families, and community stakeholders how CSD receives and spends money to educate all students. It includes the history of the school district, financial documents, and the organizational structure for ensuring all students are safe, seen, and successful.
The contest winner’s design will be featured on the cover of the budget book, on all CSD social media platforms, and in all school newsletters. The winner will also be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting.
We can’t wait to see the creativity of our talented student artists on display! To enter, upload your design in a JPEG or PNG format using this form by April 14.