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BHMS Weekly Update
Thursday, January 4, 2024
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April 25, 2024
National Arab American Heritage Month
National Autism Acceptance Month
National Poetry Month
4/18-4/26: GMAS Testing
4/26: PTA General meeting 9:30am @BHMS Media Center
4/30: Board of Education Community Meeting 6:30pm @BHMS
5/3 & 5/4: Alice In Wonderland Performance @BHMS Cafeteria
Alice In Wonderland
8th Grade Events
Board of Education Community Meeting
Principal's Corner
Dear Beacon Hill Students and Families,
As we transition into the vibrant season of spring, I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to you today to kindly remind you of our shared commitment to upholding behavioral standards at Beacon Hill Middle School.
At Beacon Hill, we are dedicated to fostering an environment of excellence, where every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As we approach the final stretch of the school year, it is crucial that we maintain consistency in our expectations and continue to reinforce positive behavior among our students.
I kindly request that you take a moment to have a conversation with your child about the importance of adhering to our school's behavior expectations. By reinforcing these standards at home, we can ensure a smooth and successful conclusion to the academic year for all students.
For your convenience, I have included a link to the City Schools of Decatur Code of Conduct, where you can find detailed information regarding our behavioral guidelines: https://www.csdecatur.net/Page/1269
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting a positive and productive learning environment for our students. Together, we can finish the school year on a high note and celebrate the achievements of our Beacon Hill community.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. Your feedback is invaluable as we work together to ensure the success of every student at Beacon Hill.
Best regards,
Derrick L. Thomas, Principal
Beacon Hill Middle School
“It Only Takes One”
Do you want to know how to support your child with the school year's end?
Check-In on IC: Log in to the portal to get a snapshot of your child's academic journey. This will give you an overview of their progress and areas where they may need extra support as they finish up this academic year.
Set Goals Together: Use the information from IC to help your child set goals for finishing the year strong. Setting achievable targets can motivate them and keep them focused.
Regular Monitoring: Teachers have been updating grades and providing feedback throughout the term. By checking IC frequently, you can stay updated on your child's progress and offer assistance as needed.
Celebrate Achievements: Take the time to celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing their efforts can boost their confidence and motivation.
Identify Areas for Improvement: Use IC to identify any areas where your child may need additional support. This could involve reaching out to teachers for clarification or seeking extra help outside of school.
Communication is Key: Don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher with any questions or concerns. Encourage your child to advocate for themselves as well, whether it's asking for clarification on assignments or seeking help with difficult concepts.
Stay Engaged: Remember that open communication between parents, students, and teachers is crucial for a successful educational experience. If you have any concerns about your child's progress or academic performance, reach out to the teachers or school administration for support.
Support with Infinite Campus:
Gradebook in Infinite Campus- CSD uses Infinite Campus for all grades. You should be able to login and see new grades posted weekly (either formative or summative).
Click here for information on viewing grades.
Mr. Thomas hosted a Parent Chat in August to share general information about grading here at BHMS. The recording of information shared at that Parent chat can be found here. There is detailed information about grading on our school website.
📰 BHMS News You Can Use 📰
🎉 Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Kraemer Named Teacher of the Year! 🎉
Congratulations to Dr. Kraemer, our beloved band teacher and BHMS Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025 🏆 For the past six years, Dr. Kraemer has orchestrated symphonies of success, harmonizing the talents of our budding musicians and instilling in them a passion for music that resonates far beyond the classroom.
Her dedication to nurturing young talents and fostering a love for music has struck a chord with students, parents, and colleagues alike. Whether she's conducting rehearsals, organizing performances, or simply sharing her infectious enthusiasm for music, Dr. Kraemer's impact is undeniable and her work is appreciated. She teaches not only music but skills that reach beyond the classroom walls like resilience and perseverance. Bravo, Dr. Kraemer! 🎶👏To find out more about Dr. Kraemer visit here
Best Buddies Club
🎉 BHMS and DHS Best Buddies put their best foot forward Saturday at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk! It was a day filled with laughter, smiles, and unforgettable memories. 🚶♂️🚶♀️🌟 #BestBuddies #FriendshipWalk #WalkForInclusion
Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland-Tickets On Sale Now!
Decatur Performs is delighted to announce that tickets to Beacon Hill Middle School's production of
Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland
are available online at www.decaturperforms.org.
The finale has Alice watching a trial, but she suddenly finds herself
the accused! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.
Purchase tickets now!
Student $10, Adult $10
8th Grade Service Learning
8th graders in the Gifted Resource class recently focused efforts on supporting Georgians experiencing food insecurity and teaching younger students about the importance of food as fuel. Volunteering at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, students sorted over 1,700 pounds of items to be distributed to people in need. They then prepared engaging lessons to teach Oakhurst 2nd graders about different topics related to nutrition, Students flexed their leadership skills through teamwork, problem solving, and modeling engagement with the younger group.
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:
🎤 Calling all Poets and Performers! 🎤
Last month's Poetry Slam was a blast, and now there's another chance to shine! 🌟 The Decatur Arts Festival invites BHMS and DHS spoken word artists to showcase their talent on May 4th, 2-2:45 pm at the old Decatur Courthouse. 🏛️ Whether your student participated in the slam or not, they're welcome to share 1 or 2 original poems. 📝 To sign up, email Ms. Wicks or Ms. Vizethann by April 10th. Let's show the community the amazing talent at BHMS! 🎶 #SpokenWordSpotlight #BeaconHillTalent
Medication Pick Up
We are rapidly approaching the end of the school year. All student medications (prescription and over-the-counter) must be picked up by the end of the school day on Wednesday, May 22. Medications are not allowed to remain in the school clinic over the summer. Any medications not picked up by the last day of school will be properly disposed of. Students are not permitted to transport medication home. If, for any reason, you are unable to pick up your student’s medication by the last day of school, you must make alternative arrangements by contacting your student’s nurse in writing before the end of the school year. We appreciate your support and understanding of this important request.
💛💙 From Our PTA💛💙
PTA Elections…This Friday!
The next general meeting of the BHMS PTA will be Friday, April 26 at 9:30 am in the Media Center. (Because of GMAS testing, there will not be a Principal’s Coffee Chat before the meeting.) We will be electing next year’s PTA officers and would like broad community input.
The Nominating Committee is offering the following slate of officers for your consideration:
Amber Harris and Emilee Terry, Co-Presidents
Becky Aemmer, Nydia Almond and Leah Humphries, Co-Vice Presidents
Sybil McCullar, Treasurer
Sarah Hagenbush Jones, Secretary
Nominations also can be made from the floor.
Please attend to hear more about these dedicated volunteers, express any interest you may have in being involved in one of the committees listed below, and help us plan for our next amazing school year.
Current Committee Opportunities:
Safe Routes to School
Spirit Night/Spring Fling
Corporate Sponsorship/Fundraising
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Teacher Grants
Hospitality
Student Center
PBIS Store
Volunteer Coordinator
Spiritwear
Student Dances (Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades)
Family Engagement
Volunteers Needed: Teacher Appreciation Week
Help us celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6 through 10). We need volunteers to make sure our events run smoothly and that our teachers and staff feel all the love! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/teacherappvols. Thank you to all who helped us to reach our donation goal!
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. You are not limited to your child’s lunch period. (In fact, your student might prefer you to select another period!)
CSD News and Announcements
A round of applause for City Schools of Decatur on being recognized as a Best Communities for Music Education by the National American Music Foundation! This is our third year receiving this award. Let’s celebrate our students, teachers, administrators, and community members’ dedication to music education for all students.
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.
Spring Listening 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/91210511997
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.
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.
Special Education Parent Survey
Please complete this short survey to help identify family involvement needs within the state and local school districts.
BOE Community Meeting
City Schools of Decatur’s Board of Education Spring Community Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Beacon Hill Middle School.
Super Saturdays
Is your child interested in STEAM? Sign them up for Super Saturday today! CSD teachers & staff will guide K-5 students through STEAM inspired lessons at no charge to families. The time is from 9a - 12p at Beacon Hill Middle School.
Saturday School
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.
Curriculum & Cuisine
Join ESOL & Federal Programs and Teaching and Learning for an evening of curriculum updates and international cuisine! RSVP here.
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 Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Center (125 Electric Avenue). Parent registration will be required for attendance. Please click the link here to register.
Decatur Robotics Showcase
Decatur Robotics invites students and families interested in learning more about robotics to attend its showcase on April 27. Existing teams from the elementary to high school level will be there to talk about and demonstrate their products from this year.
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 Budget Book Cover Student Design Contest
Calling all talented City Schools of Decatur K-12 student artists! We are seeking submissions for the cover of our first-ever FY25 Budget Book. The book will tell students, families, and community stakeholders how CSD receives and spends money to educate all students. It includes the school district's history, financial documents, and organizational structure for ensuring all students are safe, seen, and successful.
The contest winner’s design will be featured on the cover of the budget book, on all CSD social media platforms, and in all school newsletters. The winner will also be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting.
We can’t wait to see the creativity of our talented student artists on display! To enter, upload your design in a JPEG or PNG format using this form by May 10.
Last Chance! CSD K-12 Art Exhibition
Last chance! CSD K-12 Art Exhibition ends tonight! Our teachers and students are excited about showing off their hard work this year. The exhibition will be held tonight, April 25, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Solarium. Special thanks to the Decatur Education Foundation, Decatur Arts Alliance, and The Solarium for their funding and support.
CSD Community Partners
Decatur Education Foundation
Have You Stepped Up for Your CSD Teachers and Staff?
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
Live Music + Student Behavioral Health = No Ordinary Joe
Get your tickets for DEF's No Ordinary Joe Coffee House Music Series, happening Thursday, May 2nd at Waller's! This event features talented DHS musicians AND supports Joe's Fund, DEF's behavioral health initiative.
Through Joe's Fund, we are able to support the important work being done at our Decatur Student Centers, offer behavioral health grants in all of CSD's schools, and provide suicide intervention training for CSD staff, faculty, and community members.
Come enjoy an evening of live music and support our work that supports our kids. To get your tickets and to learn more about Joe's Fund, use the QR code, or go here: www.DecaturEducationFoundation.org/NoOrdinaryJoe/
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!