BHMS Weekly Update
Thursday, August 17, 2023
November 30, 2023
The PTA Donate-a-Thon Is Live!
Help the PTA make a BIG IMPACT at BHMS by raising $25,000 to support initiatives like new A/V equipment and a mural in the cafeteria, a more inviting Student Center, teacher and staff appreciation events, Spirit Night, grade-level dances, diversity and equity programming, and additional teacher grants.
Give today at https://tinyurl.com/DonateBHMS. The incredibly generous Isani family has agreed to MATCH THE FIRST $5,000 in donations. Make your gift today to DOUBLE your impact! Thank you to Imtyaz and Shamsha Isani for their incredible support of our school. As a reminder, if you donate $200 or more, your family will join the other Pawtastic families featured in the front lobby of the school.
How can you help beyond the Donate-a-thon? Does your employer match your charitable giving? Check to see if you can increase your impact through your employerโs match program.
Upcoming Events
11/30: 6th grade Winter Concert with Honor Ensembles 6:30pm
11/30: Young Georgia Authorโs Submissions Due
12/1: Principalโs Coffee Chat @9:30am
12/2: District All State Band Auditions
12/4-12/15: Winter MAP testing
12/5: Pizza with the Principals 5pm @DHA
12/5: 7th & 8th grade Band Winter Concert
Principal's Corner
Dear Beacon Hill Students and Families,
Coffee Chat Tomorrow
Do you have questions about mental health in kids? Do you know the signs? How do you support mental health in your students? What resources does CSD have to support student's mental health? Beacon Hill invites all CSD parents to our upcoming coffee chat on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 9:30 in the BHMS Media Center to have these questions answered by school level counselors and our district support team. Hope to see you there.
Pizza with The Principals Tuesday
Come and join us on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 5:00 for Pizza with The Principals at the Decatur Housing Authority. Instructional Coaches from across the district will provide literacy resources and strategies for parents to use at home.
See you soon!!!
Derrick L. Thomas, Principal
Beacon Hill Middle School
โIt Only Takes Oneโ
๐๐We are so grateful for our PTA for funding so many awesome ideas from our teachers! It takes us ALL to ensure ALL our kids learn and grow!๐๐
๐ฐ BHMS News You Can Use ๐ฐ
๐ฅฆ๐ Staff Spotlight: Middle School Nutrition Heroes๐ ๐
In the hustle and bustle of our school days, it's high time we shine a bright light on the incredible individuals who keep our students well-fed and energized โ our Middle School Nutrition Heroes!
This spotlight is not just about acknowledging the hard work; it's about celebrating a team that embodies all our CSD values! This team continues to put their heart and soul into ensuring our students receive quality meals. Their resilience, positive spirit, and genuine care for the well-being of our students make them the unsung champions of our school. Thank you for being the heartbeat of our school, and we are immensely grateful for everything you do!
Winter MAP Screening Begins Next Week!
BHMS will begin our Winter MAP screening on December 4th. Students are being tested during Social Studies and Science classes. Please remember to bring your device fully charged to school each day.
Testing Administration Schedule:
12/4-12/6- Reading in I&S Classrooms
12/7- 12/11- Math in Science Classrooms
Makeups will continue 12/12-12/15
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments are norm-referenced, adaptive assessments that are used in the City School of Decatur to understand each student's individual achievement levels and growth. Individual growth reports will be sent home with students after the Winter Break. Results from winter MAP assessments will also be uploaded to the student's Infinite Campus account, and parents will be able to review results in the parent portal once all testing is complete. This is one of the ways we will monitor student academic progress at BHMS this school year and helps us inform our WIN time with students.
Math and ELA Honors Classes Coming in 2024-2025 Academic School Year!
Dear City Schools of Decatur Families:
As we approach the course request period for the 2024-25 academic school year, we want to ensure that you have access to all of the necessary information to make informed decisions about new courses.
We are excited to introduce new Honors classes in 6th-10th grades in ELA and Math. These Honors classes aim to provide an enriched and challenging academic experience for students who seek to excel in these subjects. They will also help prepare students for the rigor of AP and IB course opportunities in 10th-12th grades, though they are not required for taking AP and IB courses.
To facilitate a better understanding of the Honors course offerings, we will be hosting an Honors Courses Webinar for families on Thursday, December 14th, at 6:30 pm.
We understand the importance of making informed decisions regarding your child's education, and we encourage you to participate in this webinar to gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available. For those unable to attend the webinar, the recorded session and frequently asked questions will be made available on the district website for later viewing.
Saturday School Upcoming Dates for 6th-12th
Does your child need tutoring, or time to complete make-up work? Sign up for Saturday School today! CSD teachers will provide academic support to students in grades 6-12. This program is free to CSD families. The time is from 9a - 12p at Beacon Hill Middle School.
Teen LuresTM Prevention Program
Beginning Tuesday, November 28 to the end of February, our school counselors will offer lessons from the Teen LuresTM Prevention program to students in grades 6-8. Sixth and Seventh grade lessons will take place in November and December. Eighth grade lessons will take place in January and February. You can learn more about the program at www.childluresprevention.com. Please be aware that more information is provided on the website than is actually used in our schools. Additionally, if you would like a virtual preview of these lessons, please contact your grade level school counselor as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Please read the informational letter by clicking here or on the photo below.
A Week In the Life of a BHMS Bulldog
YLOE Makes 300+ Lunches for People in Need!
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Decatur High School and Beacon Hill Middle School's Young Ladies of Excellence (YLOE) joined forces on Sunday, November 26th for a "Sandwiches for Hope" community service event. Partnering with the Operation Need to Feed Organization.The Young ladies and their parents came together with dedication and enthusiasm. What was initially an ambitious target of 200 sack lunches was not only met but exceeded, with an impressive 300+ lunches packed! The level of participation and interest displayed by everyone involved was nothing short of exceptional, showcasing the community's genuine commitment to making a positive impact.
The energy and passion exhibited by the young ladies and their parents played a pivotal role in the event's resounding success. Their efforts not only met an immediate need within the homeless community but also demonstrated the power of collective action and the joy that comes from selflessly giving during the holiday season. The "Sandwiches for Hope" event stands as a shining example of the positive change that can be achieved when communities unite for a common cause.
7th Grade Rock Eagle 2023 was a Success!
7th-grade students participated in a science-based team-building excursion at Rock Eagle this week. The event was a huge success, and both students and staff had a fantastic time. Huge high fives to the epic volunteers who made it all happen! Our sincere gratitude goes out to all the volunteers who helped make this trip possible, as well as those in the community who showed flexibility with transportation plans. From canoeing on the lake to low ropes challenges and getting lost in nature, the students soaked up the fun like a sponge!
BHMS BSU Visits Google!
On Friday November 17, 2023 BHMS Black Student Union had the pleasure of touring the Atlanta Google office. The BSU members were able to speak with African American Google employees about their careers and the foundation of Google. Providing such interactions and visits was beneficial for the students, giving them real-world insights, networking opportunities, and inspiration as they explored career paths such as Artificial Intelligence, People Operations, Customer Engineers, Software Engineers, Accounting/Finance, Data Center Technicians, and Program Management. These relationships were another step forward to foster connections between students and professionals in the industry.
7th Grade Gifted Resource Explores Sustainability in Decatur!
Before Thanksgiving break our 7th grade gifted resource class did a walking tour to explore Decatur's sustainability practices. Assistant City Manager, Cara Scharer , was kind enough to show our students green infrastructure and sustainability practices at Fire Station #1, Legacy Park, and the Public Works building. Students learned about rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, solar panels, invasive species removal, and the Global Growers program.
6th Grade Design Engineering Wires Arcade Games!
Design engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of engineering, design, and problem-solving skills to create innovative solutions. One of the many exciting activities that students in design engineering can enjoy is wiring arcade games. Arcade games are a great way to learn about electronics, circuits, and programming.
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:
๐๐From Our PTA๐๐
Donate-a-Thon Is Here!
Help the PTA make a BIG IMPACT at BHMS by raising $25,000 to support initiatives like new A/V equipment and a mural in the cafeteria, a more inviting Student Center, teacher and staff appreciation events, Spirit Night, grade-level dances, diversity and equity programming, and additional teacher grants.
Give today at https://tinyurl.com/DonateBHMS. The incredibly generous Isani family has agreed to MATCH THE FIRST $5,000 in donations. Make your gift today to DOUBLE your impact! Thank you to Imtyaz and Shamsha Isani for their incredible support of our school. As a reminder, if you donate $200 or more, your family will join the other Pawtastic families featured in the front lobby of the school.
How can you help beyond the Donate-a-thon? Does your employer match your charitable giving? Check to see if you can increase your impact through your employerโs match program.
New Spirit Wear On Sale Now
New Spirit Wear On Sale Now
The BHMS PTA is excited to share some amazing new spirit wear options, just in time for the holidays. Items are print-to-order, so place your orders early. We are excited to see our BHMS family sharing our Bulldog pride through youth apparel, adult apparel and other spirit items. Thank you to BHMS parent Anja Duering for creating these amazing designs! Log on to the BHMS Spirit Wear Store here.
Share Your Special Skills
The PTA is seeking parents to help with specialized projects around the school. Do you have a flair for interior design? Help make our Student Center a warmer and more inviting space! Do you have technology skills? Become an advisor on A/V projects being implemented at school. Are you an amateur (or professional!) photographer? Help us document school events for use in the yearbook or promotional materials. The time commitment for all these projects is minimal. Photographers, please contact Wendy Cromwell. All others, contact Emilee Terry.
PTA Focus on the Arts
The BHMS PTA is a proud supporter of our school music programs. Please mark these dates on your calendars and support our young musicians!
Thursday, 11/30 โ 6th Grade Band and Honors Band Concert, BHMS Cafetorium, 6:30 pm
Saturday, 12/2 โ All-State Band Auditions @ BHMS (400 students from several school districts will convene at BHMS for All-State auditions; 48 students from BHMS will audition.)
Tuesday, 12/5 โ 7th and 8th Grade Winter Band Concert (BHMS Cafetorium, 6:30 pm)
Friday, 12/8 โ 6th Grade Cambiata Choir performance at the Georgia Capital (12 pm โ 1 pm)
Monday, 12/11 โ 6th Grade Treble Chorus Winter Choral Concert (Holy Trinity Church, 6:30 pm)
Tuesday, 12/12 โ 7th and 8th Grade Winter Choral Concert (with 6th Grade Cambiata), Gospel Hope Church (formerly Avondale Estates Baptist Church), 6:30 pm
Wednesday, 12/13 โ All-Grades Winter Orchestra Concert, BHMS Cafetorium, 6:30 pm
CSD News and Announcements
Community Input Needed!
CSD is currently soliciting stakeholder input for the 2025-2026 academic calendar. Your feedback is important and appreciated. To access the survey, please click on the link: https://tinyurl.com/CSDCalendar25-26. The survey will remain open through November 30, 2023.
IEP 101: Decoding the IEP Process
The CSD Special Education team will give an in depth look at key sections of the IEP document. The Special Education team members will give clear examples to help families with understanding the IEP. This is a great way for families new to this process to learn about the IEP or for families who may need more clarity.
Our special education staff members look forward to connecting with you and guiding families through the document.
IEP 101: Decoding the IEP Process
Date: November 30, 2023
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: 125 Electric Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030
RSVP here. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Grant cgrant@csdecatur.net.
Community Partner Announcements and Updates
Decatur Performs: Once Upon a Mattress
Rating Warning: This show is rated PG.
Decatur Performs is pleased to announce tickets to the Decatur High School production of "Once Upon a Mattress" are available online for purchase.
Check out showtimes and purchase your tickets now at www.decaturperforms.org.
Unleash Your Creativity with DEF's Student Challenge Series!
Educators & Parents โ The Decatur Education Foundation challenges YOUR ARTISTIC SUPERSTARS to design the next iconic sticker that screams Decatur pride! Introducing DEFโs Student Challenge Series, kicking off this month with our first Sticker Design Contest. Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
Capture the essence of Decatur schools' uniqueness.
Splash it with color! Make it eye-catching and crazy fun!
Squeeze your masterpiece into a 3" by 5" space (the size of an index card).
Don't forget to incorporate "Decatur Education Foundation" into your design!
Submit your artistic brilliance in PDF or JPG form to meg@decatureducationfoundation.org before Friday, December 15. Winners will snag professionally printed stickers, a local arts & crafts store gift card, and the spotlight on our social media platforms. For full contest details, please visit DecaturEducationFoundation.org/DEFstickercontest. Letโs showcase what makes Decatur schools extraordinary! #DEFStudentChallenge #DecaturCreativityUnleashed #ForOurKids
Run With the Dogs
The Decatur Bulldog Boosters are pleased to announce that registration for the 20th Annual Run With The Dogs 5K is now open! The race is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, and includes a one-mile "Pup Trot" beginning at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K race at 9:00 a.m. Runners of all ages are invited to participate, and dogs are also welcome on the course. All runners who register before January 15 will receive a coveted Run With the Dogs 5K long-sleeved t-shirt featuring original "Face of the Race" artwork by Decatur Artist Adam Pinsley.
Don't forget to vote for this yearโs Face of the Race! Please vote for one dog you would like to see represented on the 2024 Run With the Dogs 5K t-shirts, posters, and outreach. Voting closes at Noon on Wednesday, December 6.
The Run With the Dogs 5K is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Race proceeds benefit the Decatur Bulldog Boosters, supporting youth athletics at Decatur High School and Beacon High Middle School. Register today at http://www.rwtd5k.com. Woof!
Atlanta Hawksโ City Schools of Decatur Night
BONUS! BHMS Chorus will perform the National Anthem
Start the new year off at the Atlanta Hawks' City Schools of Decatur Night at State Farm Arena on Saturday, January 13, 2024! As a bonus, you can support the BHMS Chorus, which will perform the national anthem. The City Schools of Decatur ticket offer includes a $10 food and beverage credit and through this offer, a portion of each ticket purchased will benefit City Schools of Decatur. Click here to purchase tickets.