BCHS Bears Stakeholder Bulletin
Bear Built

BCHS Stakeholder Bulletin, Monday, November 2, 2026, Week 14, 1st Semester
Bear Built
Burke County High School
The core business of BCPS is preparing students for their best future!
The vision of BCPS is that each student leaves equipped for a world of possibilities.
Our mission is to create a welcoming community where every student belongs, every student shows up ready to grow, every challenge is met with effort and perseverance, and every day is an opportunity to teach and learn together.
Greetings BCHS Bear Family,
As we welcome November, we have only 29 school days remaining in the first semester! Each day is an opportunity for students to strengthen their learning, improve their grades, and take another step toward their goals. Let’s finish this semester with purpose, focus, and encouragement. Families, please help students monitor their assignments, prepare for assessments, and ask for support when needed. Together, we can make these remaining days count!
National HOSA Week | November 2–6
Our HOSA members invite the entire BCHS community to help celebrate National HOSA Week! We are proud of these future health professionals and their commitment to leadership, service, and learning. Join us in recognizing their contributions throughout the week.
Apply to College Day | Thursday, November 5
Our seniors will have an opportunity to take an important step toward their futures during Apply to College Day!
- 1st and 2nd Blocks: Seniors will be called to the Media Center in alphabetical order by last name.
- 3rd Block: Reserved for students who missed their scheduled time or need additional time to complete their applications.
We encourage every senior to take advantage of this support as they prepare for life after BCHS.
Fall Title I Festival | Thursday, November 5
Please join us at Burke County High School from 5:30–7:00 p.m. for an evening of fun, family, food, and community! We look forward to connecting with our families and celebrating the partnerships that help our students succeed.
Fine Arts at BCHS Are Thriving!
Our talented students continue to represent BCHS with pride:
- Our One Act Play Team competed in the GHSA Regional Competition.
- Selected chorus students performed in the District Honors Showcase.
- The Pride of Burke County performed at multiple events last week and received rave reviews!
Thank you to our directors for the preparation, dedication, and encouragement you provide. Your work helps our students develop their talents and shine on every stage.
Senior Superlatives and Quotes
Seniors, make sure your voice is included! Please submit the following to Mrs. Coffey:
- Senior Superlative recommendations: Due Wednesday, November 4.
- Senior Quotes: Due December 19.
Families, please encourage your seniors to meet these deadlines and help capture the memories of their graduating class.
Everyday Counts: Attendance and On-Time Arrival
BCHS begins promptly at 7:50 a.m. each day. Thank you, families, for helping students arrive on time, attend consistently, and come prepared to learn. With just 29 school days remaining in the semester, consistent attendance helps students stay connected to instruction, support, and opportunities for success.
Thank you for your continued partnership and belief in our students. Let’s keep encouraging them, celebrating their progress, and working together to finish the semester strong!
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
Title 1 Fall Festival
Theater One Act Play Preforms Asylum at the GHSA Regional Competetion
BCHS Faculty and Staff Spotlight
Student Spotlight
BCHS Students Shine at District Honor Chorus
District Honor Chorus
This annual event takes place in Augusta each year and showcases students in three large choirs. The choirs are directed by guest clinicians from across the Southeastern United States. Our students were selected to represent BCHS, based on their excellent contributions in our school's program. They joined approximately 450 other students from Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) District 10, from 26 schools across the greater CSRA. They learned music ahead of time, then rehearsed all day with their assigned choir. After a day of rehearsing, they presented a concert at First Baptist Church of Augusta. I have organized the entire event for the past 10 years, and it's always a joy to hear and see our students perform with so many other talented musicians!
National HOSA Week
Apply to College Day at BCHS on Thursday, November 5th
Apply to College Day at BCHS is Coming!
Mark your calendars! On Thursday, November 5th, BCHS is hosting Apply to College Day in the Media Center.
This event is held in conjunction with No Fee November, where many colleges and universities across Georgia waive their application fees—giving you the opportunity to apply to college for FREE!
What is Apply to College Day?
Apply to College Day is a dedicated, structured workday designed to help seniors complete and submit their college applications with direct support from school counselors. Instead of navigating the process alone, you will have expert guidance on-site to help you submit applications, organize details, and take advantage of free application fee waivers.
Schedule
- 1st and 2nd Blocks: Seniors will be called to the Media Center in alphabetical order by last name.
- 3rd Block: Reserved for students who missed their earlier scheduled time or need extra time to finish their applications.
What To Do BEFORE You Come
- To make the most of your time during the event, please complete these 4 steps beforehand:
- Determine which colleges you are interested in and would like to apply to.
- Gather necessary information (SSN, test scores, parent info, GPA).
- Complete your Senior Brag Sheet (helps with essays and letters of recommendation).
- Start your Common App account.
You've got this, Seniors! See you on November 5th!
Parent of the Month Spotlight
College and Career Fair - Paine College - Wednesday-November 18
BCHS Athletic Upcoming Events
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