BHMS Weekly Update
From September 2-4, all 6th-grade students will be taking the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). Unlike traditional achievement tests, which measure how well a student has learned the curriculum, the CogAT assesses a child’s ability to reason abstractly and recognize patterns and relationships in the world around them. Teachers can use CogAT scores to better understand a child’s pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Our school district also uses CogAT scores to screen for cognitively gifted students.
Author: Annie Siegel
School Chromebooks Introduce "Nightly Curfew" to Boost Student Wellness
BHMS announced that Chromebooks will shut off for all students at 9:30pm and then turn back on at 7:00am.
BHMS shuts off chromebooks so students will not attempt to stay up all night working on school projects, homework or playing games. This allows students to get more sleep. By getting more sleep, students may pay better attention in class.
By adding this policy some students with extracurricular activities may need to make adjustments to complete their work at different times.
Ultimately, this policy allows students to work for a certain amount of time before and after school without staying up all night.
Looking to dive into a new hobby, sharpen your skills, or meet friends who share your passions? Beacon Hill Middle School offers a variety of extracurricular activities designed to help every student thrive—from creative arts and gaming to coding, debate, performance, and community service!
Explore the full list of clubs on the BHMS Website. Please note that our extracurricular catalog is a living document—sponsors, meeting times, and exciting new clubs will continue to be added throughout the school year. Bookmark the page and check back regularly so you never miss a chance to get involved!
Check out all the club and extracurricular activities on our website!
Do you have a passion for sustainability and a cleaner Earth? Join the BHMS Recycling Team!
We will meet on Tuesday Mornings at 8:00am and Thursday afternoons 3:45-4:30 to do the paper recycling for the school. You are welcome to come to just the morning OR afternoon session or do both. There will also be other student selected sustainability projects throughout the year. Fill out the interest form attached if you are interested in joining. We will have our first meeting on Thursday, September 24th after school.
💻Girls Who Code at Emory
Decatur High School families are invited to register for the Emory University chapter of Girls Who Code! This free program introduces middle and high school students (Grades 6–12) to computer science in a fun, supportive environment.
What They’ll Learn: Coding basics, web development, and inspiring histories of women in tech.
Community Focus: Interactive icebreakers, hands-on projects, and mentorship from Emory students.
Who Can Join: Open to all skill levels in grades 6–12.
Help empower the next generation of women in technology! Space is limited, so reserve your student's spot today.
Click Here to Complete the Girls Who Code 2026–27 Sign-Up Form
Youth Mean Business Summit
On Saturday September 12, 2026, Youth Mean Business is hosting a youth entrepreneurship conference and $10k pitch competition for middle and high school youth and the adults who support them. It will be a day of learning, growth and inspiration.
Who should attend?
Youth Entrepreneurs in Grades 6-12
Youth in Grades 6-12 that are interested in starting a business
Parents/Caregivers of youth entrepreneurs
What to expect:
- 3 tailored tracks: Workshops for Youth Entrepreneurs, Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Parents/Caregivers
- Interactive sessions led by industry leaders covering topics such as AI, Marketing, Operations, Strategy
- Inspiration from Youth Entrepreneurs
- $10k Youth Pitch Competition for Grant Funding
- Community networking
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Venue: Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, 504 Fair Street SW, Atlanta GA
- Time: 8:30am - 4pm
- Registration: $25 (includes light refreshments and lunch). Scholarships are available. We are able to facilitate group registrations if needed. Otherwise, students can register directly on eventbrite here:
- Pitch Competition: Current Youth Entrepreneurs can apply to Pitch for up to $10,000 in grants here:
- Questions/Support: team@youthmeanbusiness.com
Swim & Dive Interest Meeting - September 8
Calling all interested swimmers and divers! Our Swim & Dive Team interest meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 8 at 6pm in the Beacon Hill Cafeteria. ALL interested middle and high school athletes and parents should plan to attend this meeting. We will include important information such as schedules, dues, gear, & expectations. See you there!
Help reward our amazing students!
When our kids embody the BARK attributes, they earn points from teachers and staff—and every Friday at lunch, they get to spend those points on a well-deserved treat at the BARK Store.
We need your help stocking the shelves! Drop off any of the following items to keep the reward store booming:
Mini Drinks: Small sports drinks, juice boxes/capri suns
Bite-Sized Sweet Treats: Fun-size candy bars, non-chocolate candy
Salty Snacks: Individual bags of chips, pretzels, or popcorn
Donate today and directly celebrate our students' good behavior! We are planning to kick off on August 28th! Please sign up here.
We are kicking it off this school year with the first annual Beacon After Dark, presented by DEREK WOOD Realty, an adults-only evening benefiting the Beacon Hill Middle School PTA! Buy your tickets HERE.
Grab your friends, make it a date night, or gather your Beacon Hill crew for a fun evening of great food, live music, and community—all while supporting our amazing school.
We'll be bringing a little Roaring Twenties flair to the evening, so feel free to dress up with a touch of Gatsby-inspired style...or simply come ready to have a great time!
Your ticket includes:
🍽️Dinner bites and hors d'oeuvres
🧋Two drink tickets (additional beverages available for purchase at the cash bar)
🎶Live music (band announcement coming soon!)
🎉A fun night supporting Beacon Hill Middle School
Event Details
🗓️Friday, October 2, 2026
⏰6:00–10:00 PM
📍Roaring Social - Decatur Adults Only (21+)
Every ticket purchased helps support the Beacon Hill Middle School PTA and the programs, events, teacher grants, and campus improvements that make our school community so special.
Come raise a glass, reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and help us make our first Beacon After Dark an unforgettable evening.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Fall Dance Information
We are kicking off our Fall Dances with the 6th Grade Dance - presented by Quest Orthodontics - on August 28th 4:00-5:30! Students will report to the cafeteria directly from their Advisements. Please send cash (small bills) or tap to pay if your student would like to purchase concessions.
Tickets on SALE now!
Volunteer HERE!
**No Student Admittance after initial 4:00 check-in commences - even if in the building for other activities
*HAVE A 6th GRADER INTERESTED IN THE MUSICAL CONFLICTED OVER MISSING AUDITION PREP FOR FROZEN??*
We have a solution! An audition prep for Frozen will be offered at DCP Workshop on Saturday 8/29 from 1-3pm for any 6th graders who would like to prepare for the BHMS musical ‘Frozen. Register HERE. They will go over the dance as a group, practice audition song and allow kids to do a sample audition on stage - free for any 6th grader - up to 35 kids.
Save the Dates!
October 2 – 7th Grade Dance - Out of this World! presented by Green Orthodontic
October 30 – Monster Mash! An 8th grade only spooky soiree
⭐ Spirit Night- October 23rd 3:45-5:00
Students can stay and families can join for an evening of music/ food trucks & fun before heading to the homecoming parade for the Decatur vs. Dunwoody football game at DHS. We can't wait to see you there!
Celebrate Decatur Diwali!
Join Decatur’s community-wide Diwali celebration on Sunday, October 25 (12-3 PM at Ebster Recreation Center)! Enjoy performances, local food vendors, and activities for all ages. This event is brought to you by SACHA, a new nonprofit started by CSD parents. Learn more, support, and RSVP on our website sacha-atl.org
Shine a light on BHMS by becoming a Family Sponsor!
Your donation directly supports our teachers, staff, and students during the 2026–2027 school year.
As a thank you, your family name will be proudly displayed in the school lobby to show your support for our community.
Together, we can make a difference—Be A Beacon today!
Click to sponsor: Be A Beacon PTA Family Sponsor Link
