BHMS Weekly Update
Semester 1 report cards
We are excited to share that your child's first semester report cards are now available in the Parent Portal.
Please note that these report cards are a snapshot in time, not final grades. They provide an overview of your child's academic progress midway through the year. Teachers will continue entering grades and feedback throughout the year, so your child's report will continue to evolve.
We encourage you to take this opportunity to review your child's report card, celebrate their achievements, and discuss any areas where additional support may be needed. Open communication among parents, students, and teachers remains key to a successful learning experience.
If you have questions or concerns about your child's progress, please don't hesitate to contact their teacher or the school administration. We're here to support your child's growth and success.
Directions to access grades can be found here.
2026-2027 BHMS Course Verification Window Now Open!
Families,
It is time to verify your student's course requests for the 2026-27 school year! Please login to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to review the following selections:
ELA & Math: Request changes for on-level, honors, or Enhanced courses.
Two Connection Courses: Ensure all students requested two connections of their choice.
Music: Verify intent to return to the program, join for the first time, or request removal from the program.
How to Complete the Verification Process
To ensure your child’s requests are accurate, please follow these steps within the portal by clicking here.
- If you request a change, you must complete the comment box that coincides with the change.
- We are aware the form for all grades says "5th Grade" student". Please know the information is correct and will apply to your childs upcoming grade for the next school year.
Rising 9th Grade Course Selection Support
To streamline the information for our 8th Grade students and families DHS has launched a comprehensive Course Request Information Hub—your single, "one-stop-shop" for everything related to the 2026–2027 school year.
What you’ll find in the Hub:
Essential Timelines: Keep track of all critical deadlines for course requests.
Course Descriptions: Explore the rigorous academic pathways and engaging electives available at Decatur High School.
Informational Videos & Resources: Access elective previews and meeting recordings to help your student shape their unique high school experience.
Katrina Kolesnikova- The Communist Experience: Growing up in 1980s Romania
7th Grade: Kathryn D'avis- False Start
6th Grade: Seva Arora- The Mask I Wear
District Champion: Ryan Zhou, 6th grade
Runner-Up: Aizah Zafrullah, 8th grade
Alternate: River Siegler, 6th grade
Click photo to purchase!
View Portraits!
Let’s Eat to Support BHMS Cheer!
Join us for our BHMS Cheer Fundraiser at Jersey Mike’s on January 22nd!
Ordering in store? Be sure to mention the fundraiser or show the flyer at checkout.
Ordering on the Jersey Mike’s app? Use code JMGIVES so your purchase counts toward our team!
Every sub supports our cheerleaders—thank you for showing your BHMS spirit!
Spring Sports Opportunities
Dance and Twirl Team Opportunities
From Reading to Thinking
As texts become more complex in the second semester, many middle school students read the words on the page but miss the deeper meaning. This is a common challenge and often comes from reading too quickly without time to think.
Helping students slow down, even briefly, can make a big difference.
Try This at Home:
Ask your child to pause after a section and complete this sentence aloud or in writing:
“This part matters because…”
That single sentence encourages analysis rather than summary. It helps students identify what’s important and explain why it matters, not just what happened.
You don’t need long discussions or written responses. One thoughtful sentence is enough to strengthen comprehension and build confidence.
Reading improves fastest when students practice explaining their thinking
For support in establishing simple, sustainable reading routines at home, reach out to Mrs. Braxton | Reading Specialist at BHMS at tbraxton@csdecatur.net for guidance and additional resources.
This article was written in collaboration with the Decatur PREP Project (Parent Reading Engagement Program) and made available through our partnership with the Decatur Education Foundation the Beacon Hill Middle School PTA and the BradAlTon Foundation for Family Elevation.
Can You Help?
PBIS BARK STORE
The PBIS Bark Store celebrates students who demonstrate Best Effort, Accountability, Respectfulness and Kindness. Volunteers are needed on Fridays during student lunch periods (which run from 11 am to 2 pm) to help distribute items students have earned through BARK points. Do you have an hour to spare? Sign up here.
BHMS STAFF APPRECIATION: SECOND SEMESTER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
A few slots remain for donating items to the teacher/staff snack cart and lounge, as well as operating the cart on snack cart days, and helping with the end-of-year staff luncheon. Please take a moment to review the available slots in our sign-up link.
NOTE: We will host a separate series of events for staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4 through May 8. A sign-up will be spent specifically for that major event.
Also, many thanks to our volunteers, in particular Katie Shahriari, Alyssa Kopp and Haley Stevens, for a very successful Back-to-School Breakfast for our teachers and staff on Monday, January 5.
