August 2025

Mission

The mission of the Burke County Public School System is to ignite a passion for learning that leads to excellence.

Vision

Our vision is that each student leaves equipped for a world of possibilities.

August 4-First Day of School

August 19- BCHS Clubs & Organization Fair

August 20-Senior Picture Makeups & Retakes (Appointments will be sent)

August 20-Underclassmen Picture Day

August 21- Parent Advisory Council Meeting

Daily Schedule (Student)

Daily Hours: 7:50 AM – 3:00 PM

7:30 AM - Students may enter the building

7:50 AM - Tardy Bell / Instructional day begins

2:45 PM - Dismissal

3:05 PM – Buses depart

3:15 PM - All students are clear of building unless in an after-school activity (violators will receive consequences)

6:00 PM – Activity buses depart

If course schedule changes are needed, please email your cohort guidance counselor for an appointment and complete the schedule change request form in the Cohort Google Classroom. Counselors will not be able to meet with students without an appointment. If a student is missing a class (i.e. there is no class at all), the student will need to report to the Counselor's Suite during the period in which there is no class.

Cohort 2026: Mrs. Loretta Johnson

Cohort 2027: Mrs. Michelle Chancey

Cohort 2028: Mr. George Lee

Cohort 2029: Mrs. Mallory Doyle

Guidance Secretary: Mrs. Lisa Flowers

Promotion Policy

At our school, we're part of the Visible Learning network, which means we use research-proven methods to help students become more successful learners. One key way we do this is by making learning crystal clear for every student.

Before each lesson, we share the learning goal using a simple format: "We are learning...so that..." This helps students understand not just what they're studying, but why it's important and how it connects to their world.

We also break down the path to that goal into clear steps called success criteria, written as "I can" statements. These show students exactly what they need to do to reach their learning goal.

For example, instead of just saying "Today we're doing math," we might say:

• Learning goal: "We are learning to solve word problems involving fractions so that we can figure out real-life situations like cooking recipes or sharing pizza."
• Steps to get there: "I can identify what the problem is asking," "I can set up the fraction equation," and "I can explain my thinking clearly."

This approach helps students take charge of their own learning. They can work through each step, check their progress, ask for help when needed, and feel confident about reaching their goal. When students understand their destination and have a clear path to get there, they become more motivated and successful learners.

How you can help at home: Ask your child about their learning goals and the steps they're taking to get there! Questions like "What are you learning about today and why?" or "What steps are you working on?" will help reinforce their learning and show them you value their education. You might be surprised by how clearly they can explain their goals and progress.

The result? Your child develops stronger learning skills that will serve them well throughout their education and beyond.

It is no surprise that regular school attendance optimizes the opportunity for academic success. Attendance policies are set forth as a means to ensure student attendance. It is highly encouraged that parents monitor student attendance through teacher contact and/or conferences, utilization of “Parent Portal”, and/or contact with the Parent Coordinator.

To receive credit for a semester course, a student must be present 82 out of 90 school days. Any absence, excused or unexcused, counts in the total number of days absent.

Each absence will be recorded as unexcused until verification of the reason for the absence is received. The student will have three (3) days after returning to school to submit a valid written reason for the absence. The written excuse may be from a doctor, parent, and/or guardian. The parent/guardian signature is valid only if it matches the signature on the parent signature forms. All excuses are to be submitted to the Attendance Clerk who will make the determination as to the validity of the absence and determine whether it is excused or unexcused. Students are to place all excuses and supporting documentation in the attendance box, located outside the Media Center. To ensure that the excuse is properly documented, include name, grade, and homeroom teacher on the excuse. This should be done no later than 8:05 each morning.

Maximizing instructional time is paramount to mastery of the content standards. Therefore; any absence more than forty-five (45) minutes in a class is considered an absence for that class period.

Habitually truant students (those who miss a minimum of 10 or more days in a semester) or students who commit certain serious disciplinary offenses are subject to the loss of their driver’s license as mandated by HB 1190. Also, students who miss more than ten (10) consecutive days without providing sufficient documentation are subject to withdrawal from school.

All students are required to remain at school for the duration of the school day unless permission to leave is granted by the principal.

In the event that a student is absent from any class throughout the school day, a default electronic

attendance message will be sent to parent/guardian that an absence has occurred. Calls are based on attendance data as of 3:30 PM and reflect attendance information for the entire day.

**Please read the BCHS Student Handbook for the full attendance policy.

Are you a HOPE or Zell Miller Scholar? You can now check your academic eligibility with the new My College HOPE Profile feature on GAfutures. Learn how here:

Georgia Futures Eligibility

Click here to register

Test Date (TD): August 23, 2025 (Registration Deadline (RD): August 8, 2025)

TD: September 13, 2025 (RD: August 29, 2025)

TD: October 4, 2025 (RD: September 19, 2025)

TD: November 8, 2025 (RD: October 24, 2025)

TD: December 6, 2025 (RD: November 21, 2025)

TD: March 14, 2026 (RD: February 27, 2026)

TD: May 2, 2026 (RD: April 17, 2026)

TD: June 6, 2026 (RD: May 22, 2026)

**Be sure to check Collegeboard.org for updates and/or changes**

Photo IDs are required to test

If you need help generating a test ticket in Bluebook, please see Mrs. Griffith (Room 507) or Mrs. Quishawna Henderson (Media Center) prior to test day.

Click here to register

Test Date (TD): September 6, 2025 (Registration Deadline (RD): August 1, 2025)

TD: October 18, 2025 (RD: September 12, 2025)

TD: December 13, 2025 (RD: November 7, 2025)

TD: February 14, 2026 (RD: January 9, 2026)

TD: April 11, 2026 (RD: March 6, 2026)

TD: June 13, 2026 (RD: May 8, 2026)

TD: July 11, 2026 (RD: June 5, 2026)

**Be sure to check act.org for updates and/or changes**

Photo IDs are required to test

August 26: Lit Comp II/Algebra C&C/Geometry C&C Cumulative Testing

August 27: Biology/EVS/Lit Comp 1 Cumulative Testing

August 28: US History/American Government/World History Cumulative Testing

• Cumulative Exams are formative assessments designed to measure the mastery of standards and to allow teachers time to adjust instruction based on assessment data. Three cumulative assessments will be administered in EOC and select Non-EOC classes each semester. All cumulative assessments will be scaled, and the scaled score will be recorded as a summative assessment in the teachers’ grade books.

Updates are posted on our school webpage throughout the year. Check here often for updates. Due dates vary and some are due as early as August.

The 2025 BCHS Football Schedule

The 2025 BCHS Softball Schedule

The 2025 BCHS Volleyball Schedule

Deadline to order: Friday, August 8, 2025

All 9th grade students will need to return their old device, and they will receive a new device. Please stop by the Media Center table in the Mall Area during lunch to trade devices.

According to the BCPS Technology Department, loaner Chromebooks will no longer be available. In the event of damage, students will need to use the Chromebox located in each classroom. Due to limited availability of Chromebox computers in classrooms, students are reminded to charge their devices each night and bring their device to school. For further information, contact the Technology Department at the District Office.

Burke County High School will issue a free identification card to every student each year. The identification card is used for school safety and identification purposes. It is encouraged that the I.D. card be in the student’s possession at all times when in the building during the hours the school is open for operation. Wearing the student identification card is optional, although encouraged. If the student wishes to wear his/her identification card on a lanyard, that lanyard must conform to the same size and safety standards by having a break-away feature present.

The identification card may not be DEFACED, DAMAGED, or ALTERED in any way. Students are responsible for keeping their I.D. cards in good condition by avoiding exposing them to extended or excessive heat or sunlight, laundering, or any other physical stress. When cards are lost and/or found to be damaged, they may be replaced in the media center for a five dollar ($5.00) replacement fee to the student.

Please pay any outstanding student balances as soon as possible. Contact Mrs. Quishawna Henderson to check the balance of your student's account.

The following digital literacy skills will help students thrive in global society:

• Inclusive: Be open to hearing and respectfully recognizing multiple viewpoints and engage with others online with respect and empathy.
• Informed: Evaluate the accuracy, perspective, and validity of digital media and social posts.
• Engaged: Use technology and digital channels for civic engagement, to solve problems and be a force for good in both physical and virtual communities.
• Balanced: Make informed decisions about how to prioritize your time and activities online and off.
• Alert: Be aware of your online actions, and know how to be safe and create safe spaces for others online.

Source:

The 5 competencies of Digital Citizenship. ISTE. (2021). https://iste.org/blog/the-5-competencies-of-digital-citizenship

Burke County High School has a parent coordinator who can be contacted if a parent wishes to volunteer at the school. The Parent Advisory Council will meet throughout the school year to inform and discuss opportunities to improve achievement at BCHS.

Contact: Desiree Walker 706-554-6691

Please review, sign and return the School-Parent-Student Compact.

Access the Title I website here.

Click here for requirements.

The State of Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles requires a certificate of attendance from students wanting to obtain a driver’s license. This document verifies that a student is actively attending school and has not had any serious disciplinary infraction. To obtain a certificate of attendance, a request must be made in the front office two (2) days in advance. There is a $2.00 notary fee for obtaining this documentation. The Certificate of Attendance is valid for thirty (30) days from the date it is signed by the principal. Students who have ten (10) unexcused absences are ineligible to obtain this document.

Additional information can be found in the BCHS Handbook.

Visit the BCPS Transportation website to locate your bus route, track your bus and receive all information related to transportation.

The faculty of Burke County High School firmly believes that a student is more diverse and prepared for success when extracurricular activities are a part of their high school years. Students are encouraged to participate in one or more academic, athletic, civic, or fine art activities.

In order to participate in any school-related activity, eligibility must be maintained. Students must be “on-track” academically and not have excessive disciplinary issues. Students must meet any/all eligibility requirements as set forth by "THE" BCHS, the GHSA, and any governing body of the specific organization in which the student wishes to participate.

Register for our Parent Square app to RSVP for classroom and school activities, view the calendar, receive important student documents, communicate with faculty/staff and more!

PowerSchool provides student information, grades, teachers' remarks, attendance/tardiness and discipline. Click the picture to register.

T-Mobile offers a free hotspot and more for eligible K-12 students. Apply here.

Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for those who qualify. Click here to apply.

We would love to partner with surrounding businesses. If you are interested in helping BCHS students, please contact us.

Vineyard Church of Burke County will host a Food Pantry every 1st and 3rd Monday from 6pm-7pm beginning August 4, 2025.

2015 Herndon Road

Waynesboro, GA

This summer, Trinity Mathis competed in Organizational Leadership for the FBLA National Competition in California. Congratulations, Trinity on this major accomplishment.

In July, Burke County FBLA Advisors, President Trinity Mathis and Secretary Imani Golden traveled to Swainsboro, GA to attend SLOTS. SLOTS in an officer training session designed to prepare chapter officers for the duties and roles they will be tasked with throughout the year. In addition, chapter officers will work with advisors to develop or refine the program of work and plan chapter strategy for the year. We are excited to welcome new members and shatter limits this year!

FBLA Advisors: Raquel Walker, Kathy Johnson and Jesse Ruffin