BHMS Weekly Update
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Flags designed by 8th grade to represent each team.
May 16, 2024
Principal's Corner
Dear Beacon Hill Students and Families,
As we near the end of another successful school year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our stakeholders. Your support and involvement have contributed immensely to the fulfillment and achievements of this academic year.
With just 74 days remaining until the start of the new school year on July 30, 2024, I am filled with excitement for the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. While others may be counting down this year, our anticipation is focused on continuing the journey of growth and learning that we've shared.
Thank you for your enduring support and dedication. Enjoy a well-deserved summer break, and I look forward to seeing you all again for the first day of school.
Warm regards,
Derrick L. Thomas, Principal
Beacon Hill Middle School
โIt Only Takes Oneโ
Beacon Hill Middle School proudly presents the second installment of the student-produced web series "Principal of the Matter," hosted by Derrick Thomas. Our second episode showcased an exclusive interview with Rodney Thomas (Director of Activities & Athletics) and David Harbin ( Assistant Director of Activities & Athletics) Stay tuned for upcoming episodes!
๐ฐ BHMS News You Can Use ๐ฐ
๐Spotlight on BHMS All-In Award Ceremony Winners๐
Last week, the City Schools of Decatur Office of Equity hosted the "All-In Awards Ceremony", a celebration of our community's commitment to equity. At this inspiring event, BHMS staff and students were presented the 2023-2024 Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., along with the Good Equity Troublemaker (GET) Awards. It was a powerful showcase of individual students and educators who embody the ideals of the CSD Scholars and actively champion equitable outcomes.
Congratulations to Ron Johnson our 8th Grade Assistant Principal! He was the recipient of the BHMS GET award, recognizing his dedication to promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for all BHMS students.
Congratulations to Sian Kim and Annalyn Hawkins for winning the 2024 BHMS MLK/CSK. Their inspiring artwork beautifully captures the spirit and vision of Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A shout out to Ms. Nathaniel and Ms. Crockett for their invaluable assistance to students throughout the submission process. A special thank you goes to Mr. Bell, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Jordan, Coach Fenn, and Mr. A. Johnson for their dedicated efforts in judging the submissions, ensuring a fair and meaningful selection process.
Former Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court visits Gents
The BHMS GENTS hosted former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, Judge Harold Melton, who generously shared his wealth of wisdom and experiences. This engaging experience helped students understand the importance of dedication and self advocacy. Students also learned the various types of legal fields and how they impact our society.
Spring Concerts Inspire and Celebrate our Schools musical Talents!
These last few weeks our music department and students have dazzled us with their incredible talents of our middle school musicians at this year's Spring Concerts! Our orchestra, band, and chorus have been hard at work and we want to thank them for providing such wonderful spring concerts.
Device Return Schedule and Information
All devices and loaned equipment will be returned between May 16th and May 23rd. A failure to return your device or an intentionally damaged device will result in charges to Students' Infinite Campus accounts in accordance with our student computer loan form: $250 for a CSD Chromebook, $30 for a case, and $30 for a charger. Follow these instructions to prepare for the device return.
For more information about Technology Use Responsibilities and Other Technology Notices visit the 2023-2024 CSD Student & Family Handbook
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
8th Grade Capstone Information
Click below if you are an 8th grade parent needing information about Capstone.
๐๐ From Our PTA๐๐
Thanks for the Memories!
Thank you to Quest Orthodontics, one of our 2023-2024 Presenting Sponsors, for providing the photo booth at this yearโs eighth grade spring dance. Photos were free to all students, staff and volunteers in attendance.
Barbie Comes to Beacon Hill
Shout outs to the BHMS Hospitality Committee, led by Mary Ann Nobles and Morgan Holley, for organizing our Teacher Appreciation activities and to all the BHMS families who contributed to our gift card collection. The Barbie-themed week included a Barbie Dream Breakfast, a Barbie-Q lunch, an ice cream bar and photo booth. Our teachers did an amazing job expressing their inner Barbie or Ken! Additional thanks are offered to our PTA sponsors for supporting our celebration: Quest Orthodontics; The Isani Family, Imtyaz and Shamsha Isani; Chick-fil-A Decatur; Green Orthodontics; Keller Knapp Realty; and Jim Ellis Automotive.
We Love Our Sponsors!
We appreciate additional local businesses that stepped up to support end-of-the-year events at BHMS, including our recent Spring Fling: Colordrunk Designs; Fraser Roofing; Highland Mortgage; Mojo Pizza Nโ Pub; Natalie Martinez Homes; Oakhurst Market; Rebel Teahouse; Revolution Doughnuts; and The Reading Room.
Get Involved in the New School Year
The BHMS PTA works to build a dynamic and engaged school community that contributes to a safe and equitable educational environment for all students. We show appreciation to our teachers and staff and promote programs, initiatives and school spirit to enrich our students and school. Tell us how you would like to participate by completing our 2024-2025 Volunteer Interest Form.
CSD News and Announcements
Name / Gender Change Request
Parents and families have the option to request a name change for your student. If you wish to have your child's chosen or preferred name updated in our records, please complete the name/gender change request form. Please note that the updated name and gender marker will be reflected in our Infinite Campus and Google Workspace applications. However, it's important to keep in mind that only legal names will be used on official documents such as transcripts requested by outside sources.
If a legal name change has occurred, please contact your child's school to have the student's records updated accordingly.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us ensure that our records are accurate and respectful of each student's preferences.
Board Approves Food Services Management Policy for 2024-2025 School Year
The Food Services Management Policy EE was approved by the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) Board of Education during the board meeting on May 14, 2024. The Board is committed to providing every child with access to a healthy breakfast and lunch during the school day. CSD is required to comply with all federal regulations concerning the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. The School Nutrition Program (SNP) functions as a self-sustaining entity, covering its costs through meal payments and reimbursements from the federal and state governments.
Implementation of the new Food Services Management Policy EE will begin in the 2024-2025 School Year. The full policy is available in Simbli on the Board of Education section of the CSD website.
CSD Grading Quick Facts for Grades 6-12
Thank you to parents, staff, and students for your partnership and feedback as CSD's school board developed a new grading policy this school year. As we prepare to implement this policy for the 2024-25 school year, we would like to provide you with quick facts about the grading system. At the beginning of the school year, you'll receive an updated grading handbook for reference, and our schools will hold parent informational sessions to ensure clarity and understanding. Together, we'll support our students' success!
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.
Mark Your Calendars for the All-In Decatur 2024-2025 Back-to-School Bash!
City Schools of Decatur is excited to invite all students, families, staff and the community to the 2024-2025 All-In Decatur Back-to-School Bash, Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 4 pm - 7 pm, at the green space across from the Elizabeth Wilson Student Support Center and Ebster Gym. The Rain Date will be Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 10 am - 1 pm.
Join us in jump-starting the new school year during a fun-filled day of togetherness and activities for all ages to enjoy!
As valued members of our All-In CSD community, opportunities are available for you or your organization to support this event by donating food, school supplies, and book bags, or by offering on-site health services, school resources, and educational programs. Your involvement will make this year's bash an incredible event for our school community.
Attached is a form for you or your organization to confirm your participation. Your response is kindly requested by May 30. If you have questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Chanell Huff-Cox at chuff-cox@csdecatur.net or 770 901-1018.
Let's work together to kick off another great school 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 (itโs the purple icon labeled โExtra Mile Award nominationโ).
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
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!