The Paw Print
Burke County Public Schools Newsletter
February 2024
Aww February! Love is in the air as Valentine's Day shimmies its way right onto our calendars. You can already taste the heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolate (and the filling roulette - watch out for the Orange Creme filling! YUCK!). Use this Valentine's Day as an opportunity to do something that scares you, like asking that pretty girl in class to be your Valentine!
In the words of the famous Forrest Gump, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get!" So, don't be afraid to do that scary thing, and just go for it! That pretty girl might just say yes ;-)! As always, Stay #BearBuilt!
The Paw Print newsletter features sports updates, events in the community, and fun activities for the family... so stay tuned!
Cupid Lands on Wednesday, February 14th
Walk-in deliveries are not encouraged. However, if you choose to make a walk-in delivery, the following guidelines MUST be followed:
* All BCHS students must present a valid photo ID when picking up their valentines.
From "A-B-C" to "Champion!" BCPS Students Spell Their Way to Victory!
January 19, 2024, the two top spellers from SGA Elementary, Blakeney Elementary, and Burke County Middle School participated in the annual BCPS District-Wide Spelling Bee competition.
Spelling their way to the top were, (pictured, l-r,) Rusty Maverick Walden, Rose Whitehead, Hope Williams, Melanie Luke, Bryson Alford, Brandon Jones, and Aiden Cillo (not pictured).
After several rounds, Burke County Middle School seventh grader, Hope Williams, won the BCPS District-Wide Spelling Bee. Blakeney Elementary School fifth grader, Melanie Luke, was the runner-up in the Bee.
Hope Williams will advance to the Local Qualifying Spelling Bee which will be held on February 24, 2024. By competing in this Bee, she will have a chance to advance to the state, and possibly national, Spelling Bee.
Burke County High School STARS
Ethan Coalson and Ms. Deirdre Roberson have achieved the titles of Burke County High School STAR Student and Teacher.
Seniors receiving the prestigious honor, along with their parents, and their STAR teachers, will be recognized during the annual awards ceremony, hosted by the Waynesboro Exchange Club, on Monday, Feb. 5. During this time, the district STAR student will be announced.
In order to be selected for the STAR student award, recipients must meet certain criteria. These students not only hold the highest SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) at their respective schools, but they must also be academically performing in the top 10 percent of their class.
BCPS thanks you for being such inspirational members of the community!
Lights, Camera, Action! 📹
(Pictured L-R): BCHS Principal, Dr. Walter Seabrooks; Parker Petitt, Denarion Perkins, BCPS Superintendent, Dr. Angela Williams; Maritza Rivera (Lead Student); Karsyn Posey; and Christina Hillis (Sponsoring Faculty).
The Georgia School Boards Association is thrilled to announce......
Burke County High School’s student video contest entry, Behind the Scenes Stars, won third place in the GSBA Student Video Contest for 2023! Students received an award and $250 prize money for their school.
GSBA sponsors a student video contest for public high school students all over the state. This year’s theme was, “Show us a positive way to brighten a teacher or *staff member’s day! *Staff members include custodial, food service, administrative, bus drivers, counselors, school nurses, coaches, etc.”
The GSBA Awards committee, made of board of education members from all over Georgia, critiqued the videos on how well they addressed the topic, as well as the quality of the production and the creativity of the videos. The videos were all one minute or less. No professional assistance was provided to produce the video. The format of the video was left up to the students (commercial, news broadcast, music video, etc.) There were 48 verified videos submitted for the contest this year.
To watch their winning video, click the button below:
Winter Break
We are BEAR BUILT! 🐻
❤️ A big thank you to WJBF News Channel 6 for highlighting our talented student-athletes!
Brandon Lively
Jeremy Richardson
National Black History Month, February 1-29, 2024
In celebration of Black History Month and this years theme, we would like to recognize our African American Fine Arts instructors:
- Florence Parris - SGA, Art
- Sherry Puryear - BES, Music
- Regina Thomas, BCMS, Band
- Breon Evans - BCHS, Chorus
- Reginald Carswell - BCHS, Chorus
- Dwayne DeBose - BCHS Band
- Devon Hill - BCHS Band
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, which is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black Americans in U.S. history. Black History Month was the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent Black Americans. The 2024 Black History Month theme, African Americans and the Arts, explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.
BCHS Beta Club honors former Mayor
Pauline Jenkins was not only Waynesboro’s first female mayor but also the city’s first African American mayor. She is fondly remembered for her kindness to all people and her great love for Waynesboro.
Golden Apples for Golden Teachers
Friday, January 5th, a delegation representing WJBF and the Golden Apple sponsors visited three of our schools to formally present Golden Apple Awards to the following select teachers:
🐻 Burke County High – D’Wayne DuBose, Jr. (Band, 9-12th Grade)
🐾 Burke County Middle – Dr. Melanie King (7th Grade)
🐼 Waynesboro Primary – Michaela Benson (Pre-K)
The Golden Apple Award honors teachers who believe in the true spirit of teaching by making the classroom a fun and safe place of learning. Special thanks to WJBF News Channel 6 and the Golden Apple Award Sponsors: Augusta Flooring, Great Deals on Furniture, and Kroger for recognizing the incredible work of our outstanding Burke County Public School teachers!
Click on the links below to view their news clips! 🎥
BCHS Host Border Bowl XI
For the first time in WJBF Sports Border Bowl history......
Each year in January, some of the best senior high school football players and cheerleaders in the CSRA face off against one another in the annual Border Bowl as Team Georgia vs. Team South Carolina, for a chance at victory and of course, the coveted trophy.
Making history at the Border Bowl, the game was held in the Bear Den for the first time, while The Pride of Burke County became the inaugural halftime band, and BCHS's Graphic Design students designed, printed, and sold the official game programs! #Proud2BeBC
$12,565 Donated to Local Charity
Team Georgia Wins!
This year, 9 Burke Co. High School seniors were chosen to represent our hometown and State on the GA Cheer Squad and GA Football team:
Cheerleaders: Kaneria Wesby, Catelyn Rodriguez, Stalayah Crawford, & Kameryn Cooper.
Football Players: Jeremy Richardson, Ronderius Gray, Jensen Brantley, Brandon Lively, & Chase Allen.
BrandsMart USA, Border Bowl Sponsor
Beyond the fun and games, the Border Bowl was a reminder of the power of coming together for a good cause. It fills our hearts with joy knowing that we were able to raise money to help our BCPS students and The Ronald McDonald House.
The deadline to update student information for the 2023-2024 school year has passed. If you previously submitted your updates and need to make changes, please contact your child's school directly. The next window to update student information will open on July 29, 2024.
Superintendent's Advisory Councils
Students
Sitting (L-R): Jocelynn Ahliel (BCMS), Dailey Blanchard (BCMS), Emmerson Chance, Eli Crockett (BCMS), Kellen Culley (BCMS), Derrick Mitchell (BCMS), and Kayla Chastain (BCHS).
Standing (L-R): Aiden Olver (BCHS), DeAsia Roundtree (BCHS), Jamya Price (BCHS), Ta'Nya Ross (BCHS), Kaleigh Jackson (BCHS), Dr. Angela Williams (Superintendent), Trinity Mathis (BCHS), Terrence Ross (BCHS), Martra Collier (BCHS), and Dr. LaToscha Evans (Assistant Superintendent).
Not pictured: Maggie Lane (BCMS)
Faculty & Staff
Sitting (L-R): Jodi Jarvis (SGA), Tara Gilpin (BCHS), Amanda Burke (BES), Ashley Goodin (BES), Ambria Lewis (BCMS), and Tamia Bates (BCMS)
Standing (L-R): Dr. LaToscha Evans (Assistant Superintendent), Dr. Stan Dodson (BCHS), Jeffery Heggs (BCHS), Dr. Angela Williams (Superintendent), Annie Roberts-Kelly (WPS), Jami Walden (WPS), Maurice Boyd (BCHS), and Shironda Brown (BCMS)
Not Pictured: Nikkia Moore (BCMS) and Kate Free (SGA)
Junior Ring Ceremony
Marking a significant milestone, BCHS juniors received their class rings during a special ceremony on January 23rd.
A wave of color washed over the auditorium as the graduating class of 2025 slipped on their class rings. Silver, black, and blue gleamed under the lights, reflecting the pride and excitement shared by students, families, and friends.
After receiving his new ring, BCHS junior, Kaleb Preston, steped into the spotlight with his mother, Latyshia Preston.
Parent Survey
The Georgia Parent Survey was developed to measure parent perceptions of school climate at your child’s school. Parents may complete the survey using a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Your survey responses are confidential and will be combined with the survey responses of other parents at your child’s school to identify areas in need of improvement.
It should only take ten or fifteen minutes to complete the survey. Please provide your voice for Burke County Public Schools by clicking this link or on the picture.
Upcoming School Calendars
Our School Board adopted Calendar B, the clear favorite among stakeholders
Click the red buttons below to access our upcoming school calendars.
We want every member of our Bear Family to stay connected and informed. So, please stop for a minute and add us to your cellphone Contact list today!
Name: Burke Co. Public Schools
Phone Number: 855-977-0602
This is the phone number for the Burke Co. Public Schools Mass Notification System, so don't block us - add us!
We Did It!
In this year’s United Way fundraising campaign, our amazing faculty and staff put all of our paws together to raise….
Drum roll…..... $12,200!
High fives and confetti to Burke County Middle School! They crushed the "Change for Change" challenge, raking in a massive $416.05!
We appreciate everyone who contributed. Because of you all, The United Way of the CSRA will continue to be able to support our local families in need.
If you need help finding assistance or available resources in the CSRA, visit http://www.211csra.org to use the online database, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Severe Weather Preparedness Week 2024
Is your family ready for anything?
BCPS geared up for severe weather during Georgia's Preparedness Week, readying schools and communities for nature's challenges.
Each day tackled a crucial topic:
- Monday: Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day
- Tuesday: Thunderstorm Safety
- Wednesday: Tornado Safety
- Thursday: Lightning Safety
- Friday: Flood Safety
Severe weather is no stranger to the state. The past few years have brought a number of higher-impact severe weather events to the region. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe!
Kidz Korner ......
Word of the Day
The word of the day is Lackluster. Lackluster is an adjective that means lacking brilliance, radiance, or enthusiasm.
Your Paw Print Pals hope that you do not have a lackluster Valentine's Day! Make sure to eat plenty of different chocolates!
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!
The History of Valentine's Day
Celebrate Black History Month with Blue!
In honor of Black History Month, a clip from the Blue's Clues Black History Month Special is attached below!
Looking for a previous edition of The Paw Print newsletter? Each edition of The Paw Print is archived and can be found by clicking the 'Paw Print Archive' button located above.
While the Paw Print has a lot of great highlights, more school and local news can be found in the local newspaper, The True Citizen!