The Paw Print
Burke County Public Schools Newsletter
November 9, 2022
YAWN! Are y'all feeling well rested after this weekend's one hour addition... yeah, neither do your Paw Print Pals. Either way it's Wednesday, November 9.. only two days before Saturday... and only 8 school days before Thanksgiving Break! So just keep pushing, Burke County!
Even though we are getting closer and closer (not close enough) to a break, keep working hard! Progress reports go out today, and that should be motivation enough to 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!
District Teacher of the Year
Thank you, Mrs. Green, for all that you do for your students and the community. Your influence has greatly impacted your students' lives for the better. Mrs. Green will go on to represent our district in the State Teacher of the Year Competition.
School-Level Teachers of the Year
Burke County wishes a big congratulations to our 22-23 Teachers of the Year! We are all so appreciative for all that you do for our students and our community. We are grateful that you all have led by example to provide your students with the education they deserve!
BCHS, Jeffery Heggs; SGA, Mary Ann Terry Heggs; BES, Pamela Green; BCMS, Regina Thomas; WPS, Ryan Williams
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.
BCMS 8th graders are REACHing for the stars!
Congratulations to Cherry Ball Walker, Miriam Lopez, Ja'Miyah Mcbride, Skyler Wiren, and Chandler Neal Hawthorne for committing themselves to participate in Georgia's REACH program.
REACH Georgia is a mentorship and scholarship program that provides scholars with the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school, gain access to college and achieve post-secondary success.
Upon successful completion of the program, qualifying students earn a $10,000 scholarship towards the cost of attendance at a HOPE-eligible post secondary institution.
Burke County Public Schools is thankful for Peach State Federal Credit Union, SRP Federal Credit Union, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Herff Jones, BCHS Alumni, Planters EMC, and Kozy Kids Daycare and their contributions to the REACH program and the education of our students.
PBOC Wins 1st Place!
The Pride of Burke County BCHS Band took the SHOW this weekend at Butler High School's 5th Annual Battle of the Bands.
With their mix of both old-school and new-school jams, the band placed FIRST at the esteemed musical competition. It's a beautiful day to be a BEAR!
*Click the photo or this link to watch their entertaining performance!
WPS Pumpkin Parade
Friday, October 28 Waynesboro Primary School decorated pumpkins, dressed up as their favorite book characters and hosted a parade for all of Burke County to come out and see.
We love seeing their creativity and love for reading!
ESOL Parent Night
Each year two parent meetings are held for the parents of English Learners in the district. Hispanic Heritage Month was the theme for the evening. Ortiz Rentals provided a beautiful photo backdrop and Camino Real provided prizes for a trivia game hosted by students.
Loli Anderson, the district's EL tutor, worked with students throughout the district to provide decorations, artwork, and research for the parents' enjoyment. The ESOL contacts and staff appreciate the many parents who are always faithful in attendance and support.
Fall Festival
This year's fall festival was a success! Burke County families were welcomed to Burke County High School for hay rides, face painting, crafting, a pumpkin patch, games, and resources about Title I and volunteering in our schools all for the price of one canned good per person!
*Click the photo to view our fall fest pictures!
Art Club Christmas Shirts
Back by popular demand, the BCHS 'ARTreach' Art Club is once again selling the 'Beary' Christmas long sleeves shirts, available this year in red! This FLASH sale is happening now and ends this Friday (11/11/22). All profits help support the BCHS Art Club and the students' year-long community service projects.
Shirts are $25 for sizes S-XL and $28 for 2XL and up. Please see the Google Form to order, payment is required prior to finalizing order on November 11th. Shirts will be printed and ready the week of November 28th. Shirts: Gildan 100% cotton LS. Please route payment to BCHS, Attention Mr. Stan Dodson.
Click the link below or click on the image above to make a purchase:
https://forms.gle/NNyDfHT8sAb586bF6
Thank you so much for supporting the Burke County High School Art Club students.
Stan Dodson, Ed.S.
GAEA President / BCHS Fine Arts Department Chair
Check out Mr. Dodson's classroom projects!
New BC Fan Gear
BEAR NATION!!! Please consider supporting your BCMS Cheerleaders and BC by ordering new BC Fan Gear from our Fancloth Fundraiser.
Don't delay - Campaign ends soon!
Thanks for your support,
Brandy Taylor, btaylor@burke.k12.ga.us
BCMS 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher & BCMS Cheer Coach
Thanksgiving Break
Enjoy some turkey and be ready to come back to school on the following Monday, November 28!
BCPS Exceeds United Way Campaign Goal!
Because of you all, the United Way of the CSRA will continue to be able to support our local families in need.
As scheduled in our academic calendar, Friday, November 18th, will be a Learn-From-Home Day for all BCPS students. Employees are expected to report to work as normal.
During this time, your child's teacher will post his/her assignments in Google Classroom. Please ensure that your child can log on and complete his/her classwork.
There will be no required live sessions during this time.
Tim Tebow Coming to BCHS Auditorium
The Burke County Health Foundation is bringing Tim Tebow, former Heisman Trophy Winner and NFL quarterback, to Waynesboro for their inaugural "Your Health, Our Mission" benefit on Thursday, November 10th at 6:30 pm at BCHS' J.D. Smith Auditorium. Tim will share his inspiring message of hope and determination. Doors will open at 5:45 pm.
Tickets are $50 and include both entry into the event as well as a chance to win a Recteq RT-700 pellet grill. All proceeds go to support both access and continuity of care for the most vulnerable established public health patient.
For more information, contact the Burke County Health Department.
Speaking of Football...
Coach Eric Parker on the Road to Recovery
In light of the event, WRDW News Channel 12 covered the increased motivation seen in BCHS football players to make their coach proud. The story is linked in the image above.
First Round of Playoffs
BCHS Bears succeeded to the FIRST ROUND OF PLAYOFFS! The game will be against LaGrange High School at Calloway Stadium on Saturday, November 12th at 6:00 PM.
If you want to stay updated with this year's playoff schedule, the GSHA High School Football state playoff bracket link is attached to the picture above!
Ticket Sales
Pep Bus $60
Leaving from Walmart at 12:30 PM (Please be on time)
CASHAPP $ashtontwins
706-726-3639
Are you watching or listening to the game?
If you are supporting the Bears from home, listen to our Live stream of the game with play-by-play action from the BC Broadcast Crew!
Click on the “Bears Football Radio Broadcast” icon which can be easily located on the official Burke County PS App!
You also have the option to listen to our Live Broadcast by tuning your radio to 92.9, The Soul Mine!
2022-23 Girls & Boys Basketball Schedule
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
By attending #SchoolEveryDay, students can access valuable resources, from meals & mental health support to fun enrichment activities, both in school & after school, to support growth & learning.
*Click on image for more information about the importance of attending school.
American Rescue Plan 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.
Give the Gift of Reading Book Drive
Help us build readers in our children! Burke County Public Schools is hosting a book drive from November 7th-December 2nd.
We accept all new or gently used books!
If you have any questions, please contact:
Katharine McCullough, Ed.S.
School Psychologist
Burke County Public Schools
BCHS Annual Relay For Life Community Yard Sale
Our annual BCHS Relay for Life Community Yard Sale will be held on November 19th, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at BCHS (the student pick-up parking lot). If it is too cold, rainy, or windy, the event will be moved inside (from the bus dock entrance to the mall area). There is still room for more vendors, so clean those closets, empty the attic, and go to your storage unit to get items to sell at the yard sale!
Remember, a slot with a table is $20.00, and you keep all your profits! Cash only! Visit BCHS and Pay Ms. Williams or Ms. Wilson (front office staff) to receive your slot # and receipt.
If you have any questions, you may contact:
Dr. Tracy Colebrooke,
tcolebrooke@burke.k12.ga.us or 706-554-6691.
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!
Progress Reports
Second nine weeks progress reports go home today, November 9, 2022!
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.
Students: Your School Has a Tip Line
The Burke Co. Public School App has a 'Tip Line' feature that allows anyone to send their questions, comments and concerns in for review. We accept anything - even if you just need to vent. We are here to help.
Download our App from the Apple Store, Google Play or simply click on the image to the right to access the Tip Line now!
What's For Lunch?
- Breakfast Menus
- BC Social Media News Feeds
- Grades in Powerschool
- Live Streamed Bears Football Broadcasts
- School Calendar Events
- And much more!
The app is compatible with both Iphone and Android. Just search Burke County PS in your phone's respectable app store!
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 moonshot. Moonshot is a noun that means a plan or aim to do something that seems almost impossible.
Bringing home straight A's is not a moonshot idea when you also plan to put in the extra work!
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
November 7 commemorates National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day, National Retinol Day, Color the World Orange Day, and Job Action Day.
National Color the World Orange Day was founded in 2014 to bring awareness to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (OR CRPS). CRPS is a broad term that refers to excess amount of pain being felt in an area after an injury.
National Color the World Orange Day can also be experienced as a reminder to listen to your body and what it may need. There is no greater responsibility than your health, even though it may seem easy to overlook.
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:
Facebook: Burke County Public Schools
Twitter: @BCPS_Bears
Instagram: @burkecountyps
Our very first story is Statesboro High School's kindness towards our very own Bears Football Team. In light of Coach Parker's recovery, the Statesboro High School Blue Devils sent our Bears some Pineland Bakery Cookies as well as an encouraging note.
The note concluded with the sentence, "We may be rivals on the field, but we are all brothers in blue." We thank you, Statesboro Football!
We also thank Heather & Annie Hickman, Coach Williams, and Dianne Williams for making the needed connections.
Remember......Kindness is Contagious!
A Little More About Daylight Savings Time
Scholarships, Competitions, and Learning Opportunities!
In this section, there will be links to scholarships, competitions, and other opportunities that are upcoming. These 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!
If you have any questions or comments, you may contact your Paw Print Pal, Jada Curd.
Jada Curd, BCHS Senior
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