BHMS Weekly Update

Next week, Beacon Hill Middle School will host Student-Led Conferences (SLCs). These meetings are a cornerstone of our #Seen#Supported#Successful mission, empowering our Bulldogs to take ownership of their academic journey.

These conferences will take place during the CSD early release day, Wednesday, March 25. They provide a unique opportunity for your child to lead the conversation about their learning and growth. ~~and will take place during CSD early release day March 25.

What to Expect: 15–20 Minutes of Reflection During your scheduled slot, your child will spend approximately 15-20 minutes sharing their growth and goals for the remainder of the year. As a parent, you will have the chance to:

• Engage with Work: See and hear your child’s reflections on selected summative assignments.

• Discuss Data: Listen to your child analyze their mid-year assessment data.

• Provide Feedback: Share written, encouraging feedback for your child at the end of the conversation.

Getting Scheduled: Find Your Time All conferences must be scheduled with your child’s 5th-period teacher. If you have not yet scheduled a time slot, please contact them directly or look for their specific sign-up link. Teachers will be hosting these conferences in their classrooms starting at 2:00 PM. Students who have a 2:00 PM conference slot need to report directly to their 5th-period teacher at dismissal.

Testing season can be stressful—not just for students, but for families too. Join us next Friday at 9:00 AM for an informal Coffee Chat focused on Managing Test Anxiety. We’ll share practical strategies to help your child stay confident, calm, and prepared. Let’s tackle the stress together over a fresh brew!

As we approach the spring, we want to ensure our families are prepared for our upcoming state and local assessments. These evaluations help us measure student growth and ensure every Bulldog is Seen, Supported, and Successful.

Please mark your calendars for the following key dates:

📍 Georgia Milestones (GMAS) | Grades 6–8

End of Grade (EOG) Testing: April 20 – May 1

End of Course (EOC) Testing: May 5

📍 Universal Screeners (EOY) | Grades 6–8

Students will complete their final STAR Reading and Math assessments during their scheduled WIN Time to monitor year-long progress.

• 5/6: STAR Reading

• 5/11: STAR Math

Don't miss out on the NSSI Algebra Prep Course at Decatur High School! This program focuses on the three most essential concepts of high school math: Linear Functions, Quadratics, and Transformations.

Dates: May 29 – June 18

Location: Decatur High School

Eligibility: All students enrolling in Algebra, Honors Algebra, and enhanced Algebra 2026-2027.

Apply: https://bit.ly/CSDALGPREP2026

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.

Our 6th graders were transformed from students into investigative reporters in ELA classes. In the "Surviving the Unthinkable" unit, students researched figures like Malala Yousafzai and Elie Wiesel, moving beyond "screen time" to master high-level digital production. Using Google Vids students showed what they learned with this real-world skills project. Students demonstrate mastery not through a bubble sheet, but through produced media and formal digital citations.

🎬 The Tool: Google Vids Students crafted 3–5 minute documentaries and podcasts, focusing on:

• Media Literacy: Integrated audio, transitions, and music.

• Oral Fluency: Perfected tone and pacing through narration.

• Scriptwriting: Drafted narratives designed specifically for listeners.

🧠 Deepening Thinking

• Critical: Students analyzed digital credibility and the human traits of survival.

• Creative: Shifting from essays to audio requires "showing" stories through sound.

• Collaborative: Peer-review ensured high craftsmanship and shared feedback.

🚀 Career Exploration: Where Inquiry Meets Impact

This month, our Journalism and STEM students stepped out of the classroom and into the professional world. We were honored to host three distinguished guests who shared how the power of a well-asked question—whether in a newsroom or a research lab—can change the world.

🎙️ The Power of the Press: Journalism Spotlight

Our young reporters gained invaluable insights into the fast-paced world of investigative and public media.

• Susanna Capelouto: As the Southern Bureau Chief for NPR, Ms. Capelouto provided a high-level look at how national stories are shaped and the importance of ethical, boots-on-the-ground reporting.

• Brian Gross: A former investigative reporter for Reuters (and proud parent of 8th grader Stella Gross!), Mr. Gross pulled back the curtain on the grit and persistence required to uncover complex truths.

🧬 The Science of Solving: STEM & Epidemiology Unit

In our STEM classes, the Epidemiology Unit came to life with a visit from Dr. Lauren McCullough. An Associate Professor at Emory and a leading researcher for the American Cancer Society, Dr. McCullough demystified the path to becoming a "disease detective. She detailed her educational journey and her current mission to understand social and biological drivers of cancer, inspiring our students to see math and science as tools for social good.

Congratulations to our Beacon Hill Basketball teams. Both teams had two Bulldogs recognized on the 2026 All-DeKalb County Basketball Teams. Great job to each of these student-athletes, as well as their teammates and coaches for putting them in positions to excel!

2026 DeKalb All-County Team:

Lydia Robillard, Stella Rucker, Charles Hunt, and Isaiah Welsh

Your enthusiastic support has led to record ticket sales for this year's event! Unfortunately, due to capacity limits at the venue, we had to cap the number of tickets sold.

Have tickets to BASH but can't attend? Gift your tickets to a friend, neighbor, or coach.

And remember, anyone (from anywhere) can support and participate in the following ways:

• Bid on our Online Auction Items (you don't have to be present to win)
  
• Donate to a specific athletic program via a Coach's Wishlist
  

Auction & Coach's Wishlist Details Here

We can't wait to see all the amazing ways you show up to support Decatur Athletics this weekend! Go Bulldogs!

A spring-time festival for families and fun is coming to the Winnona Park pavilion this Sunday! With live music from DHS bands, snacks and drinks to purchase, and the opportunity to support future Decatur artistic endeavors, this is the place to be! Entry is free, and all support is appreciated. This is a student-led event designed to connect the broader Decatur community. Show up at 2 pm Sunday the 22nd, ready for a day in the park, rain or shine!

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

Read the March 19, 2026, issue of CSD Weekly, the district-wide newsletter.

The Seventh Grade Spring Dance is tomorrow after school from 4 pm to 5:30 pm in the school cafeteria. Please enter your student’s name in the “Comment” section when making a donation to help cover event costs. NOTE: It’s not too late to volunteer to help at the dance or donate items for our concession stand. Sign up here.

SIXTH GRADE DANCE…NEXT FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Students will meet in the cafeteria after school (from 4 pm to 5:30 pm). Click here for tickets. (Suggested donation: $5 per student. Please consider donating for a friend!) Click here to volunteer or donate food items.

All dance attendees must be BHMS students (seventh graders only at the Seventh Grade Dance, sixth graders only at the Sixth Grade Dance). Snacks and beverages will be sold for $1 each. Please send small bills; we also accept most payment apps.

Questions? Contact president@bhmspta.org.

Our BHMS Spring Book Fair, in conjunction with Little Shop of Stories, will be held the week after spring break, April 13-17. Volunteers are needed to help students and families shop and operate the checkout. NOTE: There will be plenty of downtime between class visits, so feel free to bring your laptop or a book for when things are slow. Sign up here.

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.

• BHMS Website
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• Bell Schedule or Bell Schedule by Grade
• Bus Routes
• Free and Reduced Lunch Application
• BHMS Weekly Updates
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• BHMS Facebook page
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• Grading Quick Facts 6-12
• CSD Grading Handbook
• Grade Level News