Weekly Updates

I hope you and your family enjoyed a restful and refreshing Fall Break! Fall Break gave us an opportunity to pause, recharge, and spend quality time with the people who matter most. Now, we are ready to finish the month strong and continue building on the progress our students have made. Thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement, and support. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in your child's success.

As we settle back into our routines, please help your child start the week prepared for learning by ensuring they get plenty of rest, arrive at school on time, and come ready to give their best each day. Together, we will continue creating opportunities for our students to learn, lead, and thrive.

Warm Regards,

🍏Ms. Wells

At Brighten Academy, we are grateful for the dedicated instructional and support staff who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our scholars and families. Do you know a staff member who deserves to be recognized for their hard work, kindness, dedication, or outstanding service? We want to hear from you!

Families are invited to nominate an instructional or support staff member who demonstrates excellence, a positive attitude, and a commitment to helping our scholars grow and succeed. Whether they make learning exciting, provide encouragement, or help keep our school running smoothly, we want to celebrate the people who make Brighten Academy special!

Submit your nomination today!

Brighten Academy is proud to participate in the scarecrow competition with a creative scarecrow designed by Ms. Luhr and our amazing 8th-grade students! 🍂👻

We need your support to help BACS win the People’s Choice Award! 🏆

📣 Here’s how to vote:

• https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F9ZgJyjM7/
• 👍 Like, ❤️ heart, or 😂 laugh on the photo of the BACS scarecrow to cast your vote!

🗓️ Voting is open through October 31st!

🎃 Want to see the scarecrows in person? Visit the Cultural Arts Council of Dougalsville Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and submit a paper vote!

💙💛Vote BACS! Every reaction counts! 🎃🙌

Parking Lot Safety Reminder

The Park & Walk area is for families who park and walk their students into the building. It is not a drive-and-drop area. Please use the designated drive-and-drop areas.

For everyone’s safety, please:

• 🐢 Drive slowly through the parking lot.

• 👀 Watch for students and families crossing between vehicles.

• 🛑 Yield to pedestrians and allow them time to cross safely.

• 🚶 Ensure an adult walks students through the parking lot. Never allow students to cross alone.

• 🚗 Do not use the Park & Walk area for drive-and-drop.

• 🅿️ Do not park in staff-designated parking spaces.

• ❤️ Be patient and courteous to help keep everyone safe.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe parking lot for all Brighten Academy families and staff!

At Brighten Academy, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priority. We are committed to maintaining a positive, respectful environment where students can learn without unnecessary disruptions.

• In accordance with Georgia law (GA Code § 20-2-1181) and school policy, any behavior that intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly disrupts or interferes with school operations is not permitted. This includes inappropriate or aggressive behavior on campus, at school events, on school transportation, or through electronic and other forms of communication.
• Individuals who engage in threatening, aggressive, or disruptive behavior may be immediately removed from campus and prohibited from returning.

Math Is Everywhere!

Math happens everywhere, not just in the classroom! Families can build math skills through everyday activities like shopping, cooking, driving, and playing games.

🏡 Try It at Home!

• 🛒 Shopping: Which item is the better deal? Can we stay within a $20 budget?

• 🍪 Cooking: If a recipe serves 4, how much do we need for 8?

• 🚗 Driving: If we leave at 3:15 and the trip takes 25 minutes, when will we arrive?

• 🏠 At Home: Which room has the most space? How could we measure it?

⭐ Family Challenge

Instead of asking only, “What's the answer?” ask:

• “How did you figure that out?”

• “Can you solve it another way?”

💡 Family Tip

When your child makes a mistake, ask, “Let's look at your thinking. Where did things start to change?”

Encouraging children to explain their thinking helps build problem-solving skills, confidence, and perseverance.

The Brighten Athletic Gear Shop is now open! Support our school and show your Brighten pride by purchasing your favorite school and athletic gear.

Whether you’re cheering from the stands, supporting our athletes, or representing Brighten around town, there’s something for everyone!

Shop here: Brighten Academy Gear Shop

Support your school. Show your pride. Wear Brighten!

Congratulations to our 4th and 7th grade classes! They logged the most reading minutes on Beanstack since the start of the school year, and they earned the Beanstack Slime Celebration. It was a gooey, green, fun-filled way to celebrate their hard work.

A big thank-you to the staff members who volunteered to take the slime for the team: Dr. Littles, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Clowers, Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Durham, and Mrs. Johnson. You were great sports!

The reading doesn't stop here! Students should keep logging their minutes on Beanstack. Our school-wide goal is 400,000 minutes. If we reach it, we'll celebrate in January by taping Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Washington-Knight to the wall!

Students should also keep working toward their individual BINGO challenge. Every minute counts, so keep reading and keep logging.

We want to remind you that our school counseling team is here to support your child’s academic, social, emotional, and personal needs. If you have concerns about your child or feel they may benefit from checking in with the school counselor, you may submit a Parent Counselor Referral Form.

Parents may refer their child for support with concerns such as:

😊 Social or friendship concerns
💭 Emotional or behavioral concerns
📚 Academic or school-related challenges
😟 Anxiety, stress, or coping skills
💔 Grief or significant life changes
🌟 Self-esteem and confidence
🤝 Peer relationships or conflict
Or any other concern you feel may be impacting your child at school.

We appreciate your partnership and are committed to working together to help your child feel supported, successful, and connected at school.

Please complete the referral form using the link below. Once submitted, a member of the counseling team will review the information and follow up as appropriate.

Grades K–5: Students will store their devices in the classroom lock boxes.

Grades 6–8: Students have been assigned lockers and should store their devices securely in their assigned lockers.