BCHS Bears Stakeholder Bulletin
Bear Built
BCHS Stakeholder Bulletin, Monday, October 5, 2026, Week 10, 1st Semester
Bear Built
Burke County High School
Our Mission:
To ignite a passion for learning that leads to excellence.
Our Vision:
To cultivate goal-oriented, resourceful, and collaborative students who embrace life-long learning and are empowered to build their best future.
Core Values:
We believe that how we teach is as important as what we teach. Therefore, we are committed to:
Nurturing Lifelong Learners.
We cultivate a growth mindset and deliver engaging instruction, empowering students to embrace challenges, learn from experiences, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Empowering Student Ownership.
We create a supportive environment with constructive feedback, where students set ambitious goals, take charge of their learning, and achieve excellence.
Data-Driven Instruction.
We leverage data to personalize learning, maximizing student engagement and fueling academic success.
Continuous Improvement.
We promote a collaborative culture of reflection and leadership, enhancing our teachers' impact and equipping students for boundless opportunities.
Greetings BCHS Bear Family,
As we continue moving through the school year, there is so much to celebrate at Burke County High School! From outstanding attendance and reading accomplishments to important college and career opportunities, our Bears continue to demonstrate what can happen when students, families, faculty, and staff work together.
Dual Enrollment & Work-Based Learning Student IDs Update
To support student safety, all Dual Enrollment and Work-Based Learning students have been issued an identification card. We currently have only 25 students remaining who need to pick up their IDs from the Media Center.
Students are required to show their ID when checking in or out at the front kiosk. This process helps us quickly verify that students leaving campus are authorized to do so.
If your student has not picked up their ID, please encourage them to stop by the Media Center as soon as possible.
Junior & Senior Families: Important Dates Ahead!
We have several exciting opportunities coming up to help our upperclassmen prepare for life after BCHS.
FAFSA Night
Wednesday, October 14
5:30 p.m.
BCHS Media Center
Junior/Senior Order Night
Thursday, October 15
3:00–6:00 p.m.
BCHS Mall Area
Apply to College Day at BCHS
Thursday, November 5 | 8:30 a.m. | BCHS Media Center
Mark your calendars! BCHS will host Apply to College Day to support our students as they take the next step toward their futures.
This event is being held in conjunction with No Fee November, when many colleges and universities across Georgia waive application fees. This provides students with an excellent opportunity to submit college applications without the normal application cost.
College Probe Fair
Are you beginning to think about college, technical school, or your plans after graduation? We invite our students to attend the College Probe Fair right here at BCHS!
Thursday, November 19
9:00–10:30 a.m.
BCHS Mall Area
Take advantage of this opportunity to explore options, ask questions, and begin planning for your future!
BCHS READS — September Results!
BCHS read an incredible 28,004 minutes during September!
Congratulations to our Top 5 Readers:
Samantha Watters — 10th Grade
Maci Walden — 12th Grade
Marquell Williams — 12th Grade
Phebe Watts — 12th Grade
Mikaylah Clinton — 12th Grade
A special congratulations to our Top Teacher’s classes: Jennifer Oglesby, Amy Bruce, Coach Dukes, Amy Bruce, and Joseph Braddock.
And a huge round of applause goes to our September reigning champions — the 10th Grade!
Our sophomores had an outstanding 111 active readers who logged 13,128 minutes!
Keep reading, Bears! Every page is another step forward.
September PBIS Attendance Challenge Results
September was National Attendance Awareness Month, and our Bears showed up in a BIG way!
We are excited to announce that 184 BCHS students achieved PERFECT ATTENDANCE during September!
9th Grade: 38 students
10th Grade: 60 students
11th Grade: 45 students
12th Grade: 41 students
And congratulations once again to our 10th graders, who led BCHS in both reading participation and perfect attendance!
Showing up every day takes commitment and discipline. We are proud of these students for making their education a priority and helping us build a positive, engaged school culture.
Daily Attendance Reminder
BCHS begins promptly at 7:50 a.m. each day. Thank you, families, for helping our students arrive on time, attend consistently, and come prepared to learn. 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
BCHS READS | September 2026
Congratulations to all our superstars on the September #BCHSreads results!
We read a massive 28,004 minutes!
TOP 5 READERS:
Samantha Watters (10th)
Maci Walden (12th)
Marquell Williams (12th)
Phebe Watts (12th)
Mikaylah Clinton (12th)
TOP TEACHERS (Slot Holders):
Jennifer Oglesby
Amy Bruce
Coach Dukes
Amy Bruce
Joseph Braddock
And a massive round of applause for our reigning champs for September: 10th GRADE! with 111 active readers and 13,128 minutes read!
Way to go, BCHS! #SeptemberResults #BCHSreads #Beanstack
BCHS Faculty and Staff Spotlight
September Perfect Attendance Challenge Results
Give it up for these incredible scholars!
In honor of September being National Attendance Month, we are thrilled to announce that an amazing 184 students had PERFECT attendance!
Here is the data by grade level:
9th: 38
10th: 60 (TOP READERS AND ATTENDANCE)
11th: 45
12th: 41
Showing up every single day takes immense dedication. Thank you for your commitment to your education and for helping us build such a positive, engaged climate here at BCHS. We see your hard work, and we are so proud of you!
BCHS Student Spotlight
2026 Graduation Rates
COMMON APP - make applying to multiple colleges easier!
SENIOR PARENTS: NOW IS THE TIME TO START THE COMMON APP!
What is the Common App?
Common App is an online college application that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities using one application. More than 1,100 colleges participate in the Common App.
If your senior is planning to apply to college, please encourage them to create their Common App account and begin working on it now—even if they are not ready to submit an application yet. How? https://link.edgepilot.com/x/R9nmK_gvoEnwcx6t4kg9wA?u=https://www.commonapp.org/
The Common App can take some time to complete. Students may need to enter:
• High school coursework and grades
• Activities, clubs, sports, work, and responsibilities
• Honors and achievements
• SAT/ACT information
• Family information
• College-specific questions
• Personal essays and supplemental essays
Students may also need recommendation letters and counselor documents, so starting early gives teachers, recommenders, and counselors time to complete their portions.
WHAT ABOUT APPLICATION FEES?
If your student is concerned about application fees, they do not necessarily have to submit right away.BCHS will be promoting No Fee November, when students can take advantage of participating colleges that waive their application fees.
However, students should NOT wait until November to start the application!
Use October to:
Create your Common App account
Add your colleges
Complete your profile
Enter activities and honors
Work on essays
Request recommendation letters
Complete the information needed from your counselor
Then, when November arrives, students who are applying to participating colleges can be ready to submit.
GEORGIA COLLEGES THAT ACCEPT COMMON APP
Public Universities• Augusta University
• Georgia College & State University
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
• Georgia Southern University
• Georgia Southwestern State University
• Georgia State University
• Kennesaw State University
• Savannah State University
• University of Georgia (UGA)
• University of West Georgia
• Valdosta State University
Private Colleges & Universities
• Agnes Scott College
• Berry College
• Brenau University
• Clark Atlanta University
• Covenant College
• Emory University
• LaGrange College
• Mercer University
• Morehouse College
• Oglethorpe University
• Piedmont University
• Reinhardt University
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
• Spelman College
• Thomas University
• Wesleyan College
Parents, please encourage your senior to START NOW!
The goal is to have the application ready before November, rather than trying to complete everything during No Fee November.
Students: Log in to Common App and get started today! https://link.edgepilot.com/x/R9nmK_gvoEnwcx6t4kg9wA?u=https://www.commonapp.org/
College Probe Fair
College Probe Fair – November 19th!
Attention Juniors and Seniors!
Are you starting to think about college, technical school, or your post-graduation plans?
You’re invited to attend the College Probe Fair right here at BCHS!
Date: Thursday, November 19th
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: BCHS Mall Area
We have 31 colleges and universities confirmed and ready to meet with you! This is a fantastic opportunity to speak directly with admissions representatives, ask questions about programs, campus life, financial aid, and learn about the application process.
Important Pre-Registration Info:
To make the most of your time and easily share your contact info with college reps, please register ahead of time at https://www.gaprobe.org/student-fair-registration/burke%20county%20high%20school%20probe%20fair/. Once registered, you’ll receive a barcode on your phone that representatives can scan at their tables.
Don't miss out on this great event to plan your future! See you there!
Apply to College Day at BCHS is Coming!
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, starting at 8:30 AM.
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!
Junior/Senior Order Night Thursday, October 15 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm
FAFSA NIGHT AT BCHS
Join Us for In-Person FAFSA Night at BCHS!
Unsure how to pay for college? Completing the FAFSA is the single most important step to unlock money for post-secondary education! It opens the door to federal, state, and school-specific grants, scholarships, and low-interest financial aid options—many of which are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Special guest Gabrielle Poss from the Georgia Student Finance Commission will break down grants vs. loans and guide you step-by-step through the application process.
- Date: Wednesday, October 14
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Location: BCHS Media Center
School Make-Up Picture Day Oct. 14th
Homecoming Dates, Events, and Voting Information
Homecoming Dance
BCHS students, come celebrate and kick off Homecoming Week at our Second Annual PBIS Homecoming Dance! Join us Saturday, October 17, from 6:00–9:00 PM in the BCHS Cafeteria and Mall Area.
Tickets go on sale September 8. Admission is $10, or get the $15 bundle that includes admission, pizza, and a drink. Come dressed casually and enjoy a live DJ, dancing, concessions, and plenty of fun! The dance is open to all BCHS students with no OSS.
Get your ticket, bring your Bear pride, and kick off Homecoming Week with us!
BCHS Athletic Upcoming Events
BCHS Basketball Tryouts
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