BHMS Weekly Update

Our February Parent Coffee Chat was a fantastic session focused on the holistic well-being of our students. In partnership with the BHMS Counseling Department, we took a deep dive into the BESS Assessment—our proactive tool for supporting student emotional needs—and the Sandy Hook Promise "Say Something" anonymous reporting system.

Missed the live session? You can watch the full recording on our school website or via the link below to stay informed on how we are working together to keep our campus safe and supportive.

🔗 Watch the February Coffee Chat Recording Here

We are excited to invite you to our Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) on Wednesday, March 25th (Early Release Day).

At Beacon Hill Middle School, we believe in empowering our Bulldogs to take ownership of their learning. These conferences offer a wonderful opportunity for your student to lead the discussion about their academic progress, celebrate their strengths, identify growth areas, and set meaningful goals for the rest of the year.

What to Expect

During these sessions, your student will take the lead. Over the course of 15–20 minutes, they will guide you through their educational journey. You will have the opportunity to:

• See and hear your student's personal reflections on selected summative work and projects.

• Review mid-year assessment data (including STAR growth) as your student explains what the numbers mean for their progress.

• Support their vision by discussing the academic and personal goals they have set for the coming months.

• Provide written feedback and encouragement for your student at the conclusion of the conference.

Logistics & Scheduling

• Where: Most conferences will be held in your student's 5th-period classroom following early release on March 25th. Your 5th-period teacher will be communicating with you to sign up for a time slot.

• When: Primary sessions are held on March 25th, though some teachers may offer alternative slots between March 16th–20th.

• Action Required: Please ensure you schedule a specific time slot with your student's 5th-period teacher.

• 7th Gold/Silver: Be on the look out for an alternative sign up sheet from your student's teacher due to Rock Eagle trip!

Note: Teachers will be sending out sign-up links by March 12th. If you have not heard from your student's 5th-period teacher by that date, please feel free to reach out to them directly to secure your time. We look forward to seeing our Bulldogs shine as they share their achievements with you!

Dear Beacon Hill Middle School families and guardians:

This letter is to inform you about the upcoming Scoliosis Screenings at Beacon Hill Middle School for 6th and 8th-grade students. Your child's health and well-being are of utmost importance to us, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Scoliosis screening is a requirement for all students in the 6th and 8th grades who attend public school in Georgia. Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. The Adams Forward Bend Test is a short, noninvasive test screening for scoliosis. The screening includes an examination of the unclothed spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebral segments) from the front, back and sides under adequate illumination while a student is both standing and bending forward at the waist, with observations of the range of motion of the spine in all directions. Students will need to remove their tops and shoes for the screening. Tank tops, full leotards or bathing suits do not permit examiners to observe spines unclothed. However, a bra or bikini top is acceptable.

See the video for a Scoliosis demonstration: Scoliosis Screening Video

Parents may choose one of the following Screening Options:

1. CSD School Health Team provides screening: No further action is required.

2. Private Health Care: Provider completes DPH Form #4400. Parent/guardian submits it to BHMS

3. Local Health Department: Provider completes DPH Form #4400. Parent/guardian submits it to BHMS

4. OPT-OUT: Parents complete the OPT-OUT portion of DPH #4400 and submit it to BHMS, or opt out at the time of screening

For the CSD School Health Team screening option, a DPH Form #4400 is available on the CSD website and posted in the school newsletter. Hard copies will be accessible at the BHMS front desk. Please ensure that forms are submitted before the screening dates listed below:

Screening Schedule:

• 6th-grade screening: Friday, March 27, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• 8th-grade screening: Friday, April 3, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Should you have any questions or require clarification on any aspect of the upcoming scoliosis screenings, please do not hesitate to contact BHMS Health Staff:

Haniyyah Jackson, School Nurse, hjackson@csdecatur.net, (404) 370- 4440 x 5021 or Chanell Huff-Cox, District School Health Coordinator, chuff-cox@csdecatur.net, (770) 901-1018.

A huge round of applause to everyone who participated in our "Local Legends" Door Decorating Week during Black History Month! Our hallways were filled with many doors honoring local Black leaders and changemakers. Our PAC students had the difficult task of judging so many creative displays, and we are thrilled to announce this year's winners:

• 1st Place: Ms. Nettleton’s Class

• 2nd Place: Ms. Nicks’ Class

• 3rd Place: Ms. Plishka’s Class

  
  

Thank you to our students and staff for bringing history to life on your classroom doors and for celebrating the enduring legacy of our local leaders!

Students in Adventure Quest recently participated in “Monadnock Madness: Adventure Quest Edition,” a hiking challenge inspired by metro Atlanta’s famous granite monadnocks. Using Adams Street, a steep neighborhood hill, with about 50 feet of elevation gain, students repeatedly climbed to simulate the elevation gains of Arabia Mountain (~4 climbs), Panola Mountain State Park (~5 climbs), and Stone Mountain (~13 climbs). Several students “summited” BOTH Arabia and Panola (9/10 climbs), and a few even completed 13+ climbs to summit Stone Mountain!

Families interested in trying the real challenge can participate in the regional Monadnock Madness Triple-Hike on Sunday, March 22nd and explore these three mountains on their own.

👉 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER👈

Our Track and Field team showed incredible speed and spirit at their first meet of the year. Want to see our athletes in action? Watch the latest episode of the BHMS News here for an exclusive interview and a recap of how the season is off to a flying start!

Check out all the club and extracurricular activities here and on our website!

Do you have strong opinions on big topics—like whether college athletes should be paid? Here is your chance to be heard! The Atlanta Urban Debate League (AUDL) invites you to record a 2 to 3-minute speech sharing your perspective.

• Deadline: Submit your recording by March 16th.

• Expert Feedback: Every participant will receive feedback from Emory University students, staff, and faculty.

• Get Featured: Your speech could even be highlighted on the AUDL social media pages!

  
  

Ready to start? Swing by Ms. Carol’s room (across from yoga) to pick up your step-by-step packet and get all the details you need to succeed. Don't stress—the packet will guide you every step of the way!

Read the March 12, 2026, issue of CSD Weekly, the district-wide newsletter.

The Beacon Hill PTA is gearing up for the next school year, and we would love for you to get involved. Please check out this link to learn more about opportunities to serve.

Beacon Hill Middle School car magnets are a great way to show school spirit and support the PTA! They are available for $5 each through this payment link. (Please include your student’s name in the comment section.) Magnets can be picked up at the front office for pickup by you or your child.

The PBIS B.A.R.K. Store celebrates students who demonstrate Best Effort, Accountability, Respectfulness and Kindness. The students who receive these points need your help. Donations are needed for the store, and volunteers are needed on Fridays during student lunch periods (which run from 11 am to 2 pm) to help distribute items.

Do you have an hour to spare? Sign up here to volunteer.

Are you able to donate store supplies? See our wishlist here.

“Be a Beacon” donations directly support our teachers, staff and students during the 2025–2026 school year. Supporter names are displayed proudly in the school lobby in appreciation of your generosity. Thank you to all who have donated so far this year. Together, we can make a difference. Make a donation here.

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