Weekly Update
A Back to School Newsletter Template 25-26
Planning for your child's future?
Planning for your child's future? Just want to know what's available to your child? We invite all CSD parents to an information session on September 11th at 6:30 PM to learn about the incredible academic opportunities available at DHS. This is your chance to get a comprehensive overview of our advanced programs, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP), the IB Career-related Program (CP), Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone, and our Dual Enrollment (DE) options. Join us to learn how these programs can help prepare your student for college and beyond.
Zoom link: https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/98785298538
Important Information about Gifted Review
Each fall semester the gifted review team looks at existing student data to discuss students’ needs and determine if further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, you may complete a Recommendation for Review Form and turn it in to one of our Gifted & Talented Specialists before Wednesday, October 1. No additional information is needed. The Gifted & Talented Specialists for Beacon Hill are:
Laura Gary (lgary@csdecatur.net)
Jessica Nicks (jnicks@csdecatur.net)
Robyn Tibbetts (rtibbetts@csdecatur.net)
For more detailed information about the review process and to obtain a copy of the Recommendation for Review Form, please contact one of the Gifted & Talented Specialists for your school or visit the following website: https://www.csdecatur.net/our-district-5f/departments/teaching-and-learning/gifted-and-talented-services
BHMS Recycling Club
Want to make a difference and help our planet? Join the BHMS Recycling Club and help us get our recycling program up and running again!
We'll meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:05 to 8:35 AM to collect and process the school's recycling. Once we've got that system humming, we'll explore even more cool sustainability projects.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Fill out this interest form and our club advisor, Ms. Nicks, will be in touch with more details. Let's make BHMS a greener place together!
YLOE and GENTS 2025-2026
Join YLOE & GENTS for an exciting evening as we unveil programming plans for the 2025–2026 school year!
📍Location: Decatur High School Media Center
🗓️Date: Wednesday, September 10th
⏰Time: 6:00 PM
We are honored to welcome Dr. Jana Johnson-Davis, Board Member and former City Schools of Decatur teacher, as our keynote speaker for the evening. For questions, please contact Dr. Ella Harley or Dr. Charlie E. McAdoo.
Volunteer Opportunity: Bike Mechanics Wanted!
You do not need to be certified/a professional bike mechanic. Adventure Quest/Mrs Chalberg is in need of some help fixing up some bikes. Most just need the basics - ABCs, but a few could probably use a bit more skills. Please email cchalberg@csdecatur.net if you would be willing to help.
Update on Debate Team Information
The Beacon Hill MS Debate Team is starting its 2025-26 tournament season.
The Decatur High School Debate Workshop for New Debate Team Members has been CANCELLED.
The next debate meeting for new and experienced debaters will be on Monday, September 8th at 3:50 to 4:30 P.M. in Room 1617.
Contact information for Debate Coaches:
Vivian Dawson - vivianlanier@yahoo.com
Susan Carroll - scarroll@csdecatur.net
Girls on the Run Update!
There is still time to register for the Girls on the Run middle school program, Heart and Sole, at BHMS. We meet every Monday and Thursday from 3:45-5:15. The program will end with a 5k on December 6, 2025. Please see the details below.
You can register at girlsontherunga.org/programs. Email Ms. Passin with questions!
Helping Students Master Short Response Questions
At Beacon Hill, our ELA and Reading Study Skills teams are diligently working to help students strengthen one of the most important skills for success, the ability to answer short response questions with clarity and confidence.
One proven approach we’re teaching is the R.A.C.E. Strategy, which guides students to Restate, Answer, Cite, and Explain. Parents can make a big difference by practicing these steps at home in simple, everyday ways. “Strong responses start with strong habits, practice at home matters!”
3 Ways to Support at Home
Ask About Their Day With a Twist – Encourage them to restate the question in their answer.
Use Everyday Reading – From articles to TV shows, ask: “What happened? Can you give me one detail to prove it?”
Play the ‘Because Game’ – After an answer, ask “Why?” to build the habit of explaining.
➡️ Learn more about the R.A.C.E. Strategy and how you can support your child’s success.
On Sale Now! Sixth Grade Dance Tickets
Sixth Graders, are you ready for Cosmic Glow?! Join us for dancing and other fun activities on Friday, September 12 from 4 pm to 5:30 pm in the BHMS Cafe. Tickets are $5 per student. Snacks and drinks will be offered for purchase. Bring small bills or Apple Pay/Square-friendly payment options. Contact president@bhmspta.org with questions or if financial support is needed. Purchase tickets here. Interested in donating supplies or helping at the dance? Sign up here.
Complete Our Interest Form!
Many hands make for lighter work. Interested in joining a committee or helping with a single event? Tell us how you would like to participate in the new school year by completing our 2025-2026 Volunteer Interest Form. The PTA is particularly in need of people for our Fundraising and Diversity committees, as well as one more PBIS co-chair and Sixth Grade Dance co-chairs. Questions? Email president@bhmspta.org.
Many thanks to all who signed up for our Staff Appreciation activities! All slots have been filled through the beginning of December. Another sign-up form will be sent later this year for the second half of the school year.
Become a PTA Member
Joining the PTA has lots of perks. Get event notifications, make connections with other parents, support your child and their school environment, share your voice. Renew your membership or become a new member of the BHMS PTA today! (Log in with your existing credentials, or register if you’re joining for the first time.)
