BHMS Weekly Update
Thursday, August 17, 2023
November 16, 2023
Upcoming Events
11/20-11/24: Thanksgiving Break
11/27-11/29 7th Grade Rock Eagle Trips A & B
11/29: Early Release
11/30 - Young Georgia Author’s Submissions due by 9:30 am
12/1: Principal’s Coffee Chat
Principal's Corner
Dear Beacon Hill Students and Families,
As we enter this week of Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to extend my gratitude for putting your trust in our school to provide your children with a first class education. We have just a few weeks before we close out this awesome first semester and we are looking forward to an even better second semester beginning in January. So get some rest, enjoy your families, and we’ll see you on November 27, 2023.
See you soon!!!
Derrick L. Thomas, Principal
Beacon Hill Middle School
“It Only Takes One”
📰 BHMS News You Can Use 📰
🔦Staff Spotlight BHMS Celebrates. Ms. Beyer and Ms. Petermann🔦
Let's give it up for Beverly Beyer and Jennifer Petermann, our staff superstars of the week for their outstanding leadership in reviving the interdisciplinary unit Aqua Vita. The two educators worked tirelessly to bring the unit back to life and make it relevant for today's students.
Their efforts included inviting guest speakers to share their expertise, recruiting volunteers to assist with hands-on activities, and carefully selecting materials that would engage and inspire students. In addition, they collaborated with their colleagues to align instructional goals and ensure that the unit provided students with meaningful and authentic learning experiences. Students in Aqua Vita have been able to explore the interconnectedness of the natural world and gain a deep appreciation for the importance of water conservation and preservation.
A Week In the Life of a BHMS Bulldog
Aqua Vita Returns!
This week sixth grade students participated in Aqua Vita. This interdisciplinary learning experience focused on the global clean water crisis. Highlights of the event included an empathy walk and an engineering challenge in which students worked in teams to design and build water transport systems. Students also had various professionals and experts come and speak on the issues of access to clean water. Students flexed their collaboration and research skills to think creatively and critically about a real world problem.
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.
BHMS Debate Team
Thanks to all who supported our Decatur debate team in hosting the LARGEST AUDL (Atlanta Urban Debate League) tournament since pre-covid! We hosted 125 teams representing schools from all over the state (traveling from as far away as Columbus!)
Beacon Hill took home 9 speaker awards, including 1st in the Middle School Varsity division, 5 separate teams placing in their divisions, and BHMS took first in the overall Middle School Sweepstakes!
Big thanks to all of our volunteer judges, parents, and the AUDL staff for a great tournament!
Alert- Field Trip Bus Staging Nov 27th-29th.
Starting Monday November 27th through Wednesday November 29th our 7th grade students will be traveling to Rock Eagle. We will be staging buses in the front of the school.
- Car riders not attending the Rock Eagle trip that day should be dropped off on either side street of our school (Adams St and Kings Highway) unless prior arrangements have been made. Please plan accordingly extra time may be needed.
- We will have only one lane open instead of two Monday through Tuesday morning.
Thanks for your cooperation!
📚From our Media Center📚
Thank you for your support!
The media center wishes to thank all of the PTA parent volunteers and everyone else who supported the Beacon Hill Middle Book fair! But it’s not over! There’s one more day and it’s a perfect way to pick up a new book before the holiday!
We also have new ebooks in Libby, which your student can access any day or night through their CSD account!
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:
💙💛From Our PTA💙💛
Donate-a-Thon Is Coming
Our PTA’s largest annual fundraiser is kicking off right after Thanksgiving break. We have a BIG GOAL to make a BIG IMPACT: $25,000 to support our annual PTA initiatives (teacher and staff appreciation, Spirit Night, grade level dances, diversity and equity programming, teacher grants), while also funding larger projects like new AV equipment, a mural in the cafeteria and a makeover for the Student Center.
This year, you have the chance to double your impact. The Isani family has generously pledged to match the first $5,000 in contributions. Please take next week’s break to consider your family’s gift. And 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.
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!
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.
CSD News and Announcements
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.
Reminder!! City Schools of Decatur's upcoming Early Release Day is Wednesday, November 29.
Pre-K - 12:15 PM
Lower Elementary - 12:50 PM
Upper Elementary - 12:15 PM
Middle School - 1:45 PM
High School - 1:35 PM
College Heights' infant through preschool program will remain on its normal schedule.
The remaining schedule of Early Release Days includes the following dates:
Wednesday, November 29
Wednesday, December 20
Wednesday, January 31
Wednesday, February 28
Wednesday, March 27
Wednesday, April 24
Schools will communicate more specific details related to the schedule for the day, dismissal, and extracurricular activities.
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 for Parents
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 parents through the document.
IEP 101 For Parents (Virtual Meeting)
Date: November 30th
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
RSVP here. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Grant cgrant@csdecatur.net.
Community Partner Announcements and Updates
Unleash Your Creativity with DEF's Student Challenge Series!
Educators & Parents — The Decatur Education Foundation challenges YOUR ARTISTIC SUPERSTARS to design the next iconic sticker that screams Decatur pride! Introducing DEF’s 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 by 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, you can visit decatureducationfoundation.org/DEFstickercontes or click on the QR code below. Let’s showcase what makes Decatur schools extraordinary! #DEFStudentChallenge #DecaturCreativityUnleashed #ForOurKids