Weekly Update

CSD has canceled school on Friday. Stay safe, but don’t forget to have some fun. Be sure to head out early to enjoy the snow, as the forecast suggests the precipitation may transition to freezing rain later in the day.

Looking ahead:

• If schools are closed on Monday, students will participate in remote learning. Assignments will be posted on Google Classroom.

• If closures extend beyond Monday, teachers will be available to support students via email or Google Meet during scheduled times. Students will also have access to learning platforms such as Google Classroom, Lailio, Freckle, and others as usual.

• Student instructions: BHMS Remote Learning Student Instructions

We understand that power outages or internet issues may arise. Please know that we will remain flexible and work to accommodate any challenges your family may encounter.

If you need IT assistance, please refer to the following resources:

• Access to Chromebook+ Google Meet and Google Classroom Help

• At Home Google Workspace and Chromebook Support

Lastly, we’re excited to share that your child's report card for the first semester will be available for review today at 4 p.m. You can access it through the Parent Portal.

This is a valuable opportunity to celebrate your child’s accomplishments and identify areas where they can grow. Take some time tomorrow to go through the report card with your child. If you have any questions or concerns about their progress, please feel free to reach out to their teacher.

Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education!

Stay warm and safe!

Derrick L. Thomas
Principal, Beacon Hill Middle School

City Schools of Decatur has continued to monitor the weather due to the potential of severe weather conditions. The safety of our staff and students is always our top priority. After consultation with local and state officials and the National Weather Service, CSD schools and buildings, including ECLC and the Frasier Center, will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 10, 2025. All athletic and after-school activities for Friday and Saturday are canceled.

Out of an abundance of caution in case of a continued closure on or beyond Monday, January 13, students in grades K-5 and Adapted Curriculum classes will be sent home with work packets and a CSD Chromebook for an independent learning day. Grades 6-12 will continue to take Chromebooks and chargers home to access Google Classroom for assigned work.

Staff and families should continue to check email, the CSD website, and social media channels for updates.

Got a snow day? Use it to unleash your creativity! Work on your entry for the Young Georgia Author’s Competition, a statewide celebration of K-12 students’ original writing. Whether it’s a poem, essay, short story, or narrative, there are no prompts or genre limits—just a 1,900-word max! Winners gain recognition at district and state levels, inspiring readers across Georgia.

Deadline: Submit your piece to your ELA teacher by January 17 at 3 PM.

Please take our school’s climate survey and make your opinion count! This survey expires March 31, 2025. Survey participation is critical because the data will be used to calculate School Climate Star Ratings for the 2025-26 school year. City Schools of Decatur appreciates the contributions of parents, students, and staff! Click to complete

On Wednesday, December 11, the BHMS Counseling Department hosted a winter wellness event for all staff. The staff were treated to a hot chocolate bar, a selection of holiday teas and coffees, sweet and salty treats as well as self-care and mindfulness activities. This event was designed to create community and promote whole school wellness. Thank you to the BHMS PTA's staff wellness committee for making this event possible and to the Decatur Education Foundation for providing the generous teacher innovation grant that allowed the Beacon Hill counselors to attend the GSCA state conference where this great idea was shared!

Information to help guide you and your child in course registration is now available on the district's Teaching and Learning webpage and our website. The link provides:

• BHMS & DHS Course Descriptions

• ELA & Math Course Decision Guides

• ELA & Math course progression Charts

Information about the course requests window for 25-26 is now available for current 6th and 7th grade families. Please click on the link below to access information on:

• General information on the selection process
• What's new for 25-26 at BHMS
• Tips to support the decision-making process

Eighth-grade students will be registering for ninth-grade courses during the week of January 13th.

During this time, current BHMS 8th grade students will have the opportunity to:

• Explore Course Options: Learn about the diverse range of courses available at DHS.
• Hear from DHS Students and Teachers: Gain firsthand insights about electives from DHS teachers and students on January 14th and 16th
• Receive Guidance and Support: High school staff will provide info on core course selections.
• Ask Questions: Participate in Q&A sessions to clarify any doubts or concerns.

Additional information will be shared with you soon. Please mark your calendars and get ready for this exciting next step in your child's educational journey!

When: January 24-26: Runtime: ~120 minutes + 15 minute intermission

Where: DHS Performing Arts Center

• Friday 1/24, 7:00 pm - Cast L
• Saturday 1/25, 2:00 pm - Cast L
• Saturday 1/25, 7:00 pm - Cast K
• Sunday 1/26, 2:00 pm - Cast K

This Show Is Rated G And Is Suitable For All Ages. DISNEY’S LION KING JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.co

Run With the Dogs 5K and Pup Trot, presented by Green Orthodontics, is a 21-year tradition supporting Decaturs Bulldog Boosters. In addition to being a Peachtree Road Race qualifier and a great community event, all proceeds support 19 sports programs at DHS and BHMS, which include 57 teams and over 1,100 student athletes.

Grab your friends and your pups and join this fun event on January 25 to support an amazing cause. All 5K and Pup Trot participants who register before Saturday, January 11 will receive our iconic long-sleeved t-shirt designed by artist (and Decatur lacrosse coach) Adam Pinsley. Register early for the best rates!

Are you a young storyteller with a passion for writing? Enter the Young Georgia Author's Competition and let your creativity shine! This statewide contest celebrates K-12 students' original written works, from poems and essays to short stories and personal narratives.

No prompts or genre requirements- with a limit of 1,900 words—submit your unique voice on paper! Winners at the state and district levels will gain recognition and a chance to inspire readers across Georgia.

Let your imagination soar and be part of this exciting celebration of young talent! All submissions are due to your ELA teacher by January 17 by 3 p.m.

The holidays may be over, but the gift of reading is one you can enjoy all year long! As we settle back into the school routine, now is the perfect time to reestablish (or kick-start) your family’s reading habits. Here are a few quick tips to help your child rediscover the joy of books:

• Create a Cozy Reading Spot: Dedicate a special space at home for reading with good lighting and comfy seating.

• Set a Regular Reading Time: Pick a consistent time each day for reading, like before bed or after school.

• Let Them Choose: Encourage your child to select books they’re excited about, whether it’s a favorite series or graphic novels.

• Read Together: Take turns reading aloud or enjoy the same book and discuss it.

Want more ideas? CLICK HERE to check out our full blog post for bonus tips.

The BHMS PBIS Store will resume this Friday and run every Friday until the February break. We need volunteers for 50-minute time slots during each grade’s lunch period. Can’t be on site to volunteer? Please consider donating treats to stock the store. We need full-size candy bars and candy in general. Sign up at https://bit.ly/PBIS-Store.

What students, parents, and teachers are saying about the PBIS Store…

“I like redeeming my points at Friday’s PBIS store!” — Naya, BHMS Student

“The PBIS program is a really great incentive for students. They are motivated to display positive behavior and perform acts of kindness to earn the points they need to purchase treats. I enjoy volunteering and seeing the students’ enthusiasm!” — Kim, BHMS Volunteer & Parent

“I give out PBIS points and am happy watching these kids stand in line to redeem their points. PBIS helps a lot.” — Susan, BHMS Staff

The annual Mead Road Mardi Gras Parade will be held Saturday, March 1. If you’re interested in being part of a BHMS parade krewe, then please email president@bhmspta.org. This could involve as little as reminding students the date and location to line up or as much as creating a float and costumes. Proceeds from this event support the Decatur Education Foundation’s music grants in all CSD schools. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

The PTA’s Student Wellness Committee hosted a Student Center open house before the break with coffee donated by Banjo Coffee and giveaways from Dekalb Youth Services. We partnered with staff to provide helpful information on the services offered by the Student Center, to explain the Tiered Support Services offered through the counseling department, and to share stress-reducing tips for the holiday break.

On the day of the event:

• Forty parents and caregivers engaged with us and took home valuable information.

• Ms. Minor led 10 personal tours of the center.

• Three caregivers had one-on-one conversations about supporting their students.

• One parent signed their child up for services on the spot!

Parents were impressed with the center’s services and the chance to learn more about how BHMS can support their children. Look for more exciting events coming your way in January!

As the new year and second semester kick off, please consider getting involved with the PTA. Maybe fall was too busy for you and you have more time for spring events? We appreciate any help you can provide…whether for an individual event or as part of a recurring committee. Express your interest here: Volunteer Interest Form.

You can find more information on the following:

Read recent issues of the weekly update below. Older issues of CSD Weekly may be found on CSD's district newsletter webpage or on our BHMS website

• BHMS Weekly Update - December 12, 2024

• BHMS Weekly Update-December 5, 2024

• BHMS Weekly Update - November 21, 2024

Social Media pages:

• CSDBeaconhllmiddleschool Facebook page
• BeaconhillPTA Facebook page
• CSDbeaconhill Instagram page
• Beaconhllmiddleart Instagram page

Other:

• Whom to contact if list
• Counseling Website
• School Website