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BHMS Weekly Update
Thursday, January 4, 2024
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May 2, 2024
5/3: Principal's Coffee Chat 9am Topic: Substance Abuse
5/3-5/4: Alice In Wonderland Performance
5/6-5/13: MAP
5/7: Academics Program Webinar 6 pm for Rising 6th Grade Families & New to BHMS
5/7-5/9: 8th Grade Algebra EOC
5/6-5/10: Teacher Appreciation Week & National Nurses Week
5/8: 7th & 8th Grade Spring Chorus Concert 6:30pm @Gospel Hope Church
5/9: 6th Grade Band and Honors Ensemble Concert
5/13: 6th Grade Treble Choral Concert 6:30pm @Gospel Hope Church
5/14: 7th & 8th Grade Band and Honors Ensemble Concert 6:30pm
Principal's Coffee Chat: Substance Abuse
Alice in Wonderland Performance: Click to Purchase Tickets
Teacher Appreciation Week
Principal's Corner
Dear Beacon Hill Students and Families,
The Principal’s Coffee Chat on the topic of Substance Abuse will be held on Friday, May 3rd from 9:00-10:00 am, in person in the BHMS Media Center or online at https://meet.google.com/cdg-oczw-txw?hs=122&authuser=0
Please join me, Dr. Lemon-Coordinator of Wraparound Services, Decatur Police Department, Decatur Parent Network, and others for an informative discussion about both local and national trends in substance abuse among teens. See you soon!
Best regards,
Derrick L. Thomas, Principal
Beacon Hill Middle School
“It Only Takes One”
We think this is a great in person opportunity to engage and ask questions, but understand the need to be virtual. The join link is below.
📰 BHMS News You Can Use 📰
🔬🌟Spotlight on Ms. Mendoza🌟🔬
This week's spotlight is on the incredible Maria Mendoza, our middle school science guru! 🌟 Maria is a true marvel, captivating students with hands-on scientific exploration every single day. She's not just a teacher; she's a catalyst for connecting students' daily experiences to the wonders of Physical Science. Maria's commitment to her students extends beyond the classroom; she also dedicates her time to Extended Day Tutoring, coaches tennis, and collaborates with the 8th-grade science team to enhance assessments and lesson plans. Maria's impact is felt far and wide throughout our school community. 👩🔬🔬📚🎾
BHMS Art Talent on Display
Last week, the CSD Art Exhibit showcased the incredible talent of our young artists! Accompanied by the delightful melodies of the BHMS Orchestra, our community enjoyed strolling through the awe-inspiring artwork created by our students. A big round of applause goes to the BHMS arts teachers for their coordinated efforts in bringing together these beautiful few days of student art for everyone to enjoy!
Applications Open for Middle School First Tech Challenge Robotics Team
Interested in robotics? Decatur Robotics is accepting applications for spots on the First Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics team. Application is open to students who will be in 7th and 8th grade in the 2024-25 school year. Applications are due Friday, May 17th. Visit www.decaturrobotics.org for more information. Please use the following link to apply:
BHMS Spring Football Combine
Attention all interested rising 7th-9th graders, if you're interested in playing BHMS football or DHS football next year, then you must attend the Decatur Football Combine on May 10th on the DHS football field immediately after school. Dress appropriately, bring cleats if you have them, and be ready to compete. The results from the combine will be used to create our Decatur Middle School team and High School JV team.
BHMS Cross Country
Is your child interested in trying out for BHMS Cross Country in the Fall, 2004?
If so, please complete the interest form here
Softball Opportunity for our BHMS Students
Attention all BHMS students interested in playing softball: Tryouts for a competitive middle-school-aged team will be held on May 9th at Oakhurst Park. Tryouts will be from 4:15-6:15 pm. This team will play through the Gwinnett County Softball League. Additionally, there will be teams for students to participate on for those who try out but are not selected through Druid Hills Youth Sports. If students have a conflict or would like more information, email Susan Smith (susan.hudgins@gmail.com)
Important: This is NOT a CSD-sponsored team. CSD does not offer an official middle school-sponsored softball team. We are committed to directing our students to opportunities to develop and prepare for tryouts with the DHS program at the JV and Varsity levels.
💛💙 From Our PTA💛💙
PTA Election Results
Close to 180 individuals cast ballots for our new PTA board members at last Friday’s meeting. Many thanks to our Nominating Committee and everyone who has volunteered so that the 2024-2025 school year will have a strong start. Extra appreciation is offered to our outgoing leaders who have dedicated so much time and effort over the last few years: Natalie Williams, President; Wendy Cromwell, Secretary; Katie Clark, Sponsorships; and Patricia Liscio, Safe Routes to School Committee.
Our newly elected officers are as follows:
- Amber Harris and Emilee Terry, Co-Presidents
- Becky Aemmer, Nydia Almond and Leah Humphries, Co-Vice Presidents
- Sybil McCullar, Treasurer
- Sarah Hagenbush Jones, Secretary
Our Sponsors Are the Best!
The PTA would like to thank all the sponsors who helped to make the 2023-2024 school year so successful. A new sound system, a mural in the cafeteria to help rebrand our school as Beacon Hill, a photo booth for the eighth grade dance and food for the teacher appreciation lunch are just a few of the gifts they have given to our community this year. We would not be where we are without you!
Presenting sponsors:
The Isani Family, Imtyaz and Shamsha Isani
Quest Orthodontics
Mural sponsor:
Green Orthodontics
Gold level sponsor:
Chick-fil-a Decatur
Blue level sponsors:
Keller Knapp Realty and Jim Ellis Automotive
Thank you, again, for making the 2023-2024 BHMS school year a successful and memorable
one.
Support PBIS Efforts
Families, encourage our students to end the year on a high note and support them through the pressures of end-of-year testing. Check out our PBIS Store volunteer and donation sign-up form. Volunteers are needed for all grades through May 17. You are not limited to your child’s lunch period. (In fact, your student might prefer you to select another period!)
Recap for Rising Ninth Grade Families
Our PTA partners at Decatur High School thank all who were able to attend the Parent/Guardian Welcome Event at DHS on April 24. The evening included musical performances from various student groups, a welcome from the DHS cheerleaders and food prepared by DHS culinary arts students. BHMS Principal Thomas was there to open the event and introduce the attendees to Dr. Sprull, the DHS principal.
Resources from the event:
Program Content Slides to which Dr. Sprull, other members of staff, and the Parent/Guardian group leaders spoke.
Save the date for a more robust Parent/Guardian Information Session on August 10 from 9
am to 12 pm.
CSD News and Announcements
Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker will host a spring series of listening sessions around the City Schools of Decatur to listen and learn from students, staff, families, and community leaders. Initial sessions were held in the fall as part of the first phase of Dr. Whitaker’s GEM entry plan. The GEM plan will continue, with a focus on gathering information, reviewing the findings to envision a plan forward, and maximizing the results.
The meetings will be held virtually and in-person. Here is a list of the sessions:
- Friday, May 3 - Clairemont Elementary in the Auditorium at 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 8 - Glennwood Elementary in the Media Center at 5:30 p.m.
- Monday, May 13 - Virtual at 11:30 a.m. https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/92804142262
Board of Education Virtual Public Hearings
The Board of Education will host two Virtual Public Hearings on May 7, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to receive feedback on the tentatively approved FY25 budget.
Link to Virtual Public Hearings: https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/91677024381
Parent & Community Stakeholders’ CLIP Meetings
City Schools of Decatur will hold the Annual Parent & Community Stakeholders’ Comprehensive Local Education Agency Implementation Plan (CLIP) meetings on May 6 and May 7, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at the Elizabeth Wilson School Support Center (125 Electric Avenue) to gather input on how resources will be coordinated to meet the identified needs of the district. To learn more, click here.
Youth Art Clothesline Show
The Decatur Arts Alliance will showcase CSD student art during the Youth Art Clothesline Show at the Decatur Arts Festival ArtWalk this Friday, May 3, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CSD art teachers will be on-site to assist our local young artists with hanging their artwork. Come out and support our student artists and teachers this weekend. For more information, visit: https://decaturartsfestival.com/artwalk/
Mental Health Awareness in Students- Parents and Families Workshop
In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month (May), the Division of Student Support Services is excited to host a parent workshop to empower parents and guardians with tools to increase their awareness of mental health and support student wellness. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Center (125 Electric Avenue). Parent registration will be required for attendance. Please scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link here to register.
All in Awards
The CSD Office of Equity invites students, staff, families, and community members to the All In Awards. On Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Decatur High School Performing Arts Center, we will honor student and staff recipients of the Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards and the Good Equity Troublemaker Awards. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served at 5 PM by DHS culinary arts students and the program will begin at 6 PM in the theater.
Recipients and attendees should RSVP here.
ESOL Celebration of Learning
Come join us for our ESOL Celebration of Learning—an exciting evening packed with food, music, and fun! Let's commemorate the end of the school year together!
Date: Monday, May 13, 2024
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: Decatur High School, 310 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030
This event is open to all ESOL students and their families. Let's come together to celebrate the achievements of the past year and create lasting memories!
Please enter near the library and follow the path to the courtyard near the cafeteria. Look for the balloons on the door to guide you. We can't wait to see you there!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
As a CSD stakeholder, your input and feedback is a critical component to ensuring academic achievement and overall success for all students. Please use the links below to access important feedback forms.
CSD Extra Mile Award
Students: Do you know a teacher or CSD employee who has gone "the extra mile" this year? Nominate them for the CSD Extra Mile Award! The Extra Mile Award is an annual award that allows students to show appreciation for the teachers or staff they feel go above and beyond what is expected of them.
Students (not parents) at any grade level can write an essay describing how their teacher (or staff member) goes the extra mile (parents can help younger children write the essay). The essays should be detailed and describe how the employee goes above and beyond.
Click here to submit a nomination. Students can also find the form any time via LaunchPad (it’s the purple icon labeled “Extra Mile Award nomination”).
The deadline is May 31, 2024.
These awards will be presented at the CSD Opening Day Celebration in July.
Questions? Contact cburnett@csdecatur.net or 404-371-3601
CSD Community Partners
Decatur Education Foundation
Teachers and staff LOVE receiving Step Up tributes, and they also LOVE being able to write grants for classroom equipment, books, experiences, and technology! Participating in DEF's Step Up for Teachers campaign checks both boxes - these funds support the Teacher Innovation Grants that DEF awards each fall!
For the rest of the school year, visit www.StepUpForTeachers.com, make a donation, and leave a short note of gratitude for a teacher, administrator, or school support member. Tributes will be posted on the website, and notifications will be sent to the individuals being honored.
DEF volunteers will deliver your "We Step Up" sign to your home for you! Have a graduating senior? Choose the "Congratulations!" sign instead!
Let's cover Decatur in signs of support for our CSD teachers, staff, and graduates!
* If you would like to make a tribute but donation is a barrier, please email Drew@DecaturEducationFoundation.org
City of Decatur Parks and Recreation
City of Decatur Parks and Recreation commits to providing exceptional experiences that foster healthy living and meaningful connections within our communities. Please visit their website, a one-stop-shop for information about after-school programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps. To stay up to date on all things Decatur Parks and Recreation, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter here!