BHMS Weekly Update
Thursday, January 4, 2024
March 13, 2024
3/16: Saturday School
3/19: SLT mtg 4:30pm Media Center
3/22: 7th grade Dance
3/28: Teacher/Student Basketball Game 5pm
3/29: Principals Coffee Chat "Spring testing season"
Principal's Corner
Dear Beacon Hill Students and Families,
Thanks to all who came out to the last Principals Coffee Chat. If you missed it, you can access the recording via our website. Our next Coffee Chat will be very helpful as we get into our Spring testing season. The chat will cover test anxiety in kids. We invite you all to come out 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 Voshonda Bolton 🌟
Our weekly spotlight this week is on Ms. Voshonda Bolton, a caring educator whose passion for teaching technology sparks the imaginations of her students. With a knack for innovation, Ms. Bolton constantly seeks out new methods and ideas to engage her classroom. Her commitment to fostering creativity has resulted in an environment where children not only learn the basics of coding, but also design their own games. By attending conferences and being an active participant in school leadership opportunities, she stays at the forefront of educational trends, incorporating the latest tools and techniques into her curriculum. She serves as co-chair of our Connections team and continuously works to reflect on the impact of her teaching practice.
As the facilitator for the Girls Who Code club, Ms. Bolton champions inclusivity in the tech world, empowering young girls to explore their potential in coding and game design. Through her guidance, students develop not only technical skills but also confidence in their abilities. Her dedication to her craft and her students' success is evident in the inquiry and projects that characterize her classroom. Way to go Ms. Bolton! BHMS is lucky to have you!
2nd Annual Panther Paw Program with CAU
On March 5, 2024 the BHMS BSU, YLOE, and GENTS visited Clark Atlanta University for their 2nd Annual Middle School Panther Paw Program. This program was created to foster early awareness of post-secondary opportunities to middle school students. Our BHMS students participated in interactive activities that focused on career and educational exploration.
BSU Travel to Birmingham
Saturday morning members of the Black Student Union traveled to Birmingham, Alabama for a civil rights tour to see up close and personal the artifacts of the 1963 movement as well as to learn the stories of community members who lived through domestic terrorism. This tour is a continuation of our scholars' education in social studies and in developing an understanding of what the ancestors' have experienced to develop the resilience which is embedded in their DNA. One of the most powerful exhibits was the Children's Crusade allowing our students to see the power of student activism.
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.
8th Grade Visits DHS Frasier Center!
Students from International Perspectives had an opportunity to explore a career in education by visiting and leading lessons with students at the DHS Frasier Center!
Adventure Quest Explore Water and Survival
Water is very important for survival purposes - you can only live 3 days without it in the wild. Knowing this, Adventure Quest students have been learning strategies to locate, catch, and purify it. Groups built water catchments to collect rainwater that they then purified (filtered and boiled). Students then made hot chocolate and MREs; breakfast skillet and chicken alfredo were class favorites. They even used their rainwater to drown the campfire they used for s'mores.
BHMS Media Center Updates From Mr. Lynch
Attention All Rising 6-8th graders!
Do you love to read? BHMS is looking for new team members for the Reading Bowl Competition Team. Reading Bowl is a fun, fast paced competitive team that meets twice a week from September-February. Students read 10 books over the spring and summer, and begin practice meetings in September.
The practice season culminates in a Metro level competition the second weekend in February. Winners advance to state competition.
If interested in joining the team, please reach out to coach Tammie Willis at tammie_s_willis@yahoo.com
💻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.
17th Annual Beacon Hill Poetry Slam - Sign up now!
Mark your calendars now for the 17th Annual BHMS Poetry Slam on Wednesday, March 20th at 6:30pm at the DHS PAC - a special night of spoken word artistry by BHMS students. The Poetry Slam is open to all BHMS students and it's not too late to sign up! Any students not yet signed up should contact their ELA teacher, Ms. Holly Lanford (hlanford@csdecatur.net) or Dr. Dawn Bolton (dbolton@csdecatur.net). Interested students are strongly encouraged to attend the weekly coaching sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:50 - 4:50 in Ms. Wicks' classroom, where they have the opportunity to work with a professional slam poet. to craft their poems and hone their spoken word performance. The BHMS Poetry Slam is funded by a generous grant from the BHMS PTA.
💛💙 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 pre purchased 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!)
Our most urgent need is running the store! 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
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!
The 2024 Annual Parent Involvement Survey for Families Raising a Student With a Disability is Open!
GaDOE is surveying parents of students with disabilities in Georgia to determine their perceptions of parent engagement with schools. It is critical that the GaDOE assist local school systems in partnering with families to raise the achievement rate for students with disabilities. This short survey will help identify family involvement needs within the state and local school districts. The data is reported as a percentage of parental involvement in the Annual Performance Report and is kept confidential.
Fiscal Year Budget Feedback
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.
ELA Adoption Feedback
Parents, teachers, and community stakeholders are invited to view presentations from the vendors of the ELA textbooks currently under public review. Please see the virtual vendor presentation dates/times below.
March 13, 2024 - 12:00 p.m. (Grades 6-8), 6:30 p.m. (Grades K-5)
Access the Virtual Vendor Presentation here (all sessions)
Zoom Link: https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/99868402923
Please complete the Feedback Survey below after attending the virtual presentation, reviewing the materials in person at the Wilson Center, or accessing the digital content on the ELA Adoption webpage linked here.
Parent Feedback Survey Link- K-5, 6-8
Teacher Feedback Survey Link- K-5, 6-8
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.
PTA/PTO/PTSA Upcoming Events
PTA/PTO/PTSA Upcoming Events
Mar 15: Oakhurst Auction from 7-11 p.m.
Mar 16: Glennwood Casino Night from 7-10 p.m.
Mar 23: Talley Tigerfest from 11-3 p.m.
Mar 23: Westchester Holi Event from 2-4 p.m.
CSD Community Partners
Tour deCatur is days away!
Join your Decatur community on March 16th for Decatur Education Foundation’s annual Tour deCatur 5K, One-Mile Fun Run, and the adorable Tot Trot (for the four and under crowd)!
This is DEF’s largest fundraiser, and your support provides funding for programs addressing racial and economic inequity, food insecurity, behavioral health, and learning differences.
Beat the race-day rush, and register now! In-person registration and packet pick-up will be available at the following locations:
DEF’s Office at Legacy Park - 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
Wednesday, March 13 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday, March 14 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
Friday, March 15 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Mathnasium - 1248 Clairmont Rd #3C, Decatur, GA 30030
Thursday, March 14th, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (Mathnasium Decatur's Pi Day Party)
Thank you for supporting this important work! See you at the starting line!
Fair on the Square
Come join the Decatur Youth Council and friends at the inaugural Fair on the Square.
Saturday, March 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Decatur Square.
This year's Decatur Youth Council Spring Project is something special! The DYC, along with help from other high-school leadership teams and city staff members, is hosting the first-ever Fair on the Square.
Our event is a way to leap into spring with a carnival-themed festival that will be fun for the whole family. Entry to the festival is free, and attendees will enjoy live music performed by local bands.
There will be the opportunity to purchase carnival tickets for carnival games and attractions. Some of the attractions at this year's festival include a mechanical bull and a dunk tank with your favorite local celebrities!
Food trucks will be on-site with carnival treats for purchase. Attendees can also pop into the local restaurants surrounding the Square.
The DYC and friends look forward to seeing you at the Square on March 16 from 12 to 5 p.m.!
Wylde Center Artist Series
Wylde Center invites you to join artist, Lindsey Checker, for our first class in the 2024 Wylde Artists Series on March 17, 4-6PM in the children's garden at Oakhurst Garden. The Wylde Artists series focuses on connecting youth to nature through art.
Lindsey is the owner of Green Scenes Workshop. Her work combines her love of plants and woodworking with a focus on sustainability. She uses reclaimed wood and other up-cycled materials sourced from Atlanta and Decatur neighborhoods.
Lindsey will be teaching students how to construct a water propagation station out of wood.
Each student will leave with their very own propagation station and plant as well as new skills in woodworking and propagation!
This class is appropriate for students age 12 and up or students under 12 that are accompanied by an adult.
Register here: https://wylde-center-online-shop.myshopify.com/products/propagation-station-workshop