BCHS Bears Stakeholder Bulletin
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,
It is hard to believe we are entering the final week of October! We have much to celebrate at Burke County High School, and we are grateful for the families, faculty, staff, and community members who support our Bears each day.
With progress reports just three weeks away, now is a great time for students to review their grades, complete missing assignments, and ask for support. Progress reports will be emailed Friday, November 13, 2026. Families, thank you for staying connected with teachers and encouraging students to finish strong.
2026–2027 Homecoming Queen
Congratulations to Jada Smith on being named our 2026–2027 Homecoming Queen! We are proud to celebrate Jada and honored to have her represent the many outstanding queens who grace the BCHS hallways daily.
BCHS FFA Chapter Shines Again
Our FFA chapter delivered an outstanding performance at the Georgia-Carolina State Fair, earning first place in all four events!
- Junior Floriculture Identification Team — 1st Place
- Senior Floriculture Identification Team — 1st Place
- Junior Nursery Landscape Identification Team — 1st Place
- Senior Nursery Landscape Identification Team — 1st Place
Congratulations to our students and FFA advisors! Your preparation, dedication, and teamwork continue to make BCHS proud.
Georgia Southern University Visits BCHS
Georgia Southern University will visit BCHS on Wednesday, October 28, during Cohort to discuss admissions and other important college information. Application fees will be waived for students who attend!
To be eligible for this meeting, students must:
- Be a current senior.
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA.
- Have completed or be scheduled to complete two foreign language courses.
- Register using the form in Google Classroom.
Eligible seniors, take advantage of this opportunity to explore your next steps!
PBIS Success Sweep — Friday, October 30
We look forward to celebrating our students during all three lunches—everyone is included! Students will enjoy student-led activities, treats, music, and popcorn. Pizza will also be provided for staff in appreciation of their continued support.
Students and staff may participate in Optional Costume Day. All costumes must be school-appropriate and meet dress code expectations.
Our PBIS Honor Roll Treat Trail will also provide a special privilege recognizing our scholars’ hard work during the first nine weeks. We are excited to celebrate their academic accomplishments!
Daily Attendance Reminder
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. Your encouragement helps students build strong habits and stay connected to opportunities for success.
Thank you for being an essential part of our BCHS community. Let’s close October with purpose, celebrate our Bears, and continue supporting every student’s growth.
Every class matters. Every day matters. Every Bear matters.
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
GEORGIA STUDENTS AND PARENTS!
If you plan to attend a technical college or university in Georgia, complete the GSFAPP, regardless of your GPA! It is quick and easy and takes about 5 minutes.
HOPE GRANT: No minimum high school GPA is required for initial eligibility. It can help pay tuition for eligible certificate and diploma programs at participating Georgia colleges, including technical colleges.
HOPE SCHOLARSHIP: Generally, requires a minimum 3.0 calculated HOPE GPA for initial eligibility and helps pay eligible tuition for approved degree programs.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Visit GAfutures.org.
- Look for the GSFAPP link on the homepage.
- Complete the application!
Don't assume you don't qualify because of your GPA! Explore your options and apply!
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL ME (706-554-6691) OR EMAIL ME (mchancey@burke.k12.ga.us)!
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