BCHS Bears Stakeholder Bulletin
Bear Built
BCHS Bears Stakeholder Bulletin, Monday, August 17, 2026, Week 3, 1st Semester
Bear Built
Burke County High School
Our Mission:
To ignite a passion for learning that leads to excellence.
Our Vision:
To cultivate goal-oriented, resourceful, and collaborative students who embrace life-long learning and are empowered to build their best future.
Core Values:
We believe that how we teach is as important as what we teach. Therefore, we are committed to:
Nurturing Lifelong Learners.
We cultivate a growth mindset and deliver engaging instruction, empowering students to embrace challenges, learn from experiences, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Empowering Student Ownership.
We create a supportive environment with constructive feedback, where students set ambitious goals, take charge of their learning, and achieve excellence.
Data-Driven Instruction.
We leverage data to personalize learning, maximizing student engagement and fueling academic success.
Continuous Improvement.
We promote a collaborative culture of reflection and leadership, enhancing our teachers' impact and equipping students for boundless opportunities.
Greetings BCHS Bear Family,
We had another successful week with our students at Bear Nation! We concluded the week with an exciting Club Day Kickoff during all lunch periods. Together, we are building positive momentum one day at a time.
Parents and guardians, please review the Important Success Reminders included in this week’s bulletin. Your continued support and partnership are greatly appreciated.
UPCOMING ASSESSMENT: STAR TESTING
STAR Testing will take place on Monday, August 17. Please ensure your student arrives on time, well-rested, and prepared to do their best.
BLOOD DRIVE
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Donors must be at least 16 years old and present a valid ID.
FAMILY RESOURCE NIGHT
Thursday, August 20, 2026
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Waynesboro Primary School Cafetorium
Families may drop in at any time during the event.
FRESHMAN FAMILY EVENT: 30-DAY CHECK-IN
Monday, August 31
5:00–6:30 p.m.
BCHS Auditorium
DAILY ATTENDANCE REMINDER
School begins promptly at 7:50 a.m. each day. Please help us ensure students arrive on time and are ready to learn. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to support the success of every student.
GROWL
We are preparing for another successful week in Bear Country as we continue to GROWL with pride.
We are:
- G – Goal-Oriented
- R – Resourceful
- O – Open-Minded
- W – Willing to Collaborate
- L – Lifelong Learners
Bear Built!
📞 Communication Concerns?
If you are having trouble connecting with your student’s teacher or counselor, or if you have a concern, please contact Dr. Durham:
📧 jdurham@burke.k12.ga.us
📱 Call/Text: 706-526-3582
Star Testing Reminder Monday August 17
BCHS Student Spotlight
Student Success Reminders
Help A Child Smile Program
Family Resource Night
Calling All BCHS Families & Friends!
We’re excited to invite our BCHS families and community to the Family Resource Orientation at Waynesboro Primary School!
This is a great opportunity for families of students with disabilities to stop by, ask questions, connect with local and state representatives, and learn about valuable services and resources available to support your family.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Drop in anytime between 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Waynesboro Primary School Cafetorium
There will be FREE FOOD, door prizes, helpful information, and community resources!
No need to stay the entire time just drop in when it’s convenient for you. Come connect, learn, and discover resources that can help your family thrive.
BCHS families, we would love to see you there!
We are the Bears!
DAVID YURMAN RAFFLE- BCHS FFA
DAVID YURMAN RAFFLE- BCHS FFA
The BCHS FFA Chapter is excited to announce that we are selling $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win a David Yurman Classic Cable Bracelet! All proceeds will help our students travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, in October for the National FFA Convention.
Funds raised will help cover expenses such as flights, housing, convention registration, leadership opportunities, and more.
Ticket Information
Tickets: $5 each
Sales begin: Monday, August 17
Sales end: Friday, September 25
Drawing: Monday, September 28 at 3:15 PM via Facebook Live
Winner will be notified by phone
The winner will be able to choose their own bracelet band size.
Payment Information
Exact cash or check only.
If paying by check, please make checks payable to BCHS FFA Chapter.
If you are interested in purchasing a ticket or have any questions, please email Maggie Mallard at mmallard@burke.k12.ga.us.
If you are located at a different school or building, you can purchase tickets and turn in your money to:
WPS: Schylea Williams
BES: Jamie Zittrouer
BCMS: Dylan Thomas
BCHS: Maggie Mallard
Board of Education: Michelle Dye
The attached flyer includes a picture of the bracelet and additional information about the fundraiser and how your purchase will support our BCHS FFA students.
Thank you for supporting the BCHS FFA Chapter and helping our students make this incredible opportunity possible!
We truly appreciate your support!
Burke County High School Theatre Arts Program Audition
Calling all BCHS students! "All the world's a stage, and BCHS wants YOU on ours!"
The Burke County High School Theatre Arts Program is officially holding auditions for our upcoming One-Act Play! Whether you want to act in the spotlight or work your magic behind the scenes with the crew, we want you to be part of the story.
Audition Options:
- Option 1 (Online): Submit your video monologue via the BCHS Drama Google Classroom (Class code: vkds2zny) anytime from today, August 14th through Thursday, August 20th at 11:59 PM.
- Option 2 (In-Person): Thursday, August 20, 2026, immediately after school until 4:00 PM in the BCHS Auditorium.
Check out the attached flyer for full details on what to prepare, eligibility, and how to apply for technical roles like lighting, sound, and stage management.
If you need a monologue to read or have any questions, reach out to Ms. Jennifer Oglesby at joglesby@burke.k12.ga.us.
Bring your energy and GO BEARS!
BCHS Athletic Upcoming Events
BCHS Faculty and Staff Spotlight
Freshman Success Check-In: 30-Day Orientation & Progress Review
Freshman Success Check-In: 30-Day Orientation & Progress Review
Attention Freshman Parents & Students!
Join us for our Freshman Success Check-In: 30-Day Orientation & Progress Review on Monday, August 31, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. in the BCHS Auditorium.
This is a great opportunity to check in on your student’s first month of high school, learn important information, ask questions, and discover the resources available to help every freshman succeed.
We look forward to seeing both parents and students there! Please see the flyer for complete details.
BCHS Blood Drive- You must 16 with a valid I.D.
Just a quick reminder that our blood drive is coming up!
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Location: BCHS Blue Floor by the Basketball Court
Sign up until the day before the drive at this link:
https://donor.shepeardblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/38474
You don’t need an account—just your name, date of birth, and phone number to schedule.
Day-of Tips:
Complete your screening questionnaire the day of the drive via QuickPass:
https://www.shepeardblood.org/QuickPass- Be sure to eat a good meal and stay hydrated before donating
One pint of blood can save up to three lives!
Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community.
2026-2027 Code of Conduct
BCHS Administrative Team
Dr. Justin Durham, Principal
Ms.LaChonna Avery, Assistant Principal
Mr. Maurice Boyd, Assistant Principal
Mr. Garry fulcher, Assistant Principal
Dr. Henry Hankerson, Assistant Principal
Two Way Communication
Contact Us
Our mission at Burke County High School is to ignite a passion for learning that leads to excellence.
We want to prepare students for their future, whether that is getting a job, going to college, joining the military, or starting a business. We want students to graduate with good character and be ready for life after high school.
We also need strong communication with parents and guardians. If you have ideas on how the school can communicate better, you can email Dr. Durham at jdurham@burke.k12.ga.us.
The school sends updates every Sunday through:
Parent Square
The BCHS Facebook page
The school website
The district website
If you are not receiving these messages, please call the school.
Dr. Durham's Contact Information
Email: jdurham@burke.k12.ga.us
Website: Burke County High School - Home
Address: 1057 Burke Veterans Parkway Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 526-3582
Front Office: 706-554-6691