November 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.

November 1-FVSU Band Day; Bears Cross Country Meet

November 2-RCBOE Battle of the Bands; Daylight Savings Time ends

November 3- Fall Art Show

November 4- BCHS Apply to College Day; Election Day

November 6-College & Military Fair; Governor's Honors Program Interviews

November 7- Picture Retakes

November 8- All State Chorus Auditions; CAU Band Day, SAT

November 11-Veterans Day Program, Exceptional Children's Night

November 13- Progress Reports, STEAM Day, Watson Brown Scholarship Information Session, Reach Scholars Meeting

November 14- Student Learn from Home Day, Substitute Appreciation Day

November 17- Civic & Engagement Parent Meeting

November 18-Coffee & Chat with Principal (7am); BOE Monthly Meeting

November 20- Snack & Chat with Instructional Leaders (7am)

November 24-28- Thanksgiving Break

Academic success is the primary objective and mission of "THE" BCHS. Recognizing academic success is a reflection of this commitment and individual student accomplishment. Students may be recognized each grading period by inclusion in either the (1) Principal’s List or (2) Honor Roll. To be included on the Principal’s List, a student must earn an “A” in each course for the grading period. To be included on the Honor Roll, students must earn an “A” or “B” in each course, and maintain a minimum of a ninety (90) overall average. To be included in either the Principal’s List and/or Honor Roll, eligible students must also maintain satisfactory conduct in all courses. Only those students enrolled in a “full load” of classes are eligible for Honor Roll distinction.

An upperclassman (Junior or Senior), may use a maximum of three (3) days to visit prospective colleges. Each of those days used for this sole purpose will be considered an excused absence. Furthermore, any day missed for college visits will not be calculated for exam exemption purposes. Prior approval must be obtained from the Graduation Coach and proper documentation verifying the visit must be submitted.

Graduation Coach: Eartha Cummings

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); Registration Deadline (RD)

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.

Please email Coach Dukes AND Coach Cummings to receive your waiver codes. Waiver priority is given to Seniors during Semester 1. There will be SAT School Day testing for Seniors during Fall 2025 and SAT School Day testing for Juniors during Spring 2026. See Coach Fulcher for more information.
pdukes@burke.k12.ga.us
ecummings@burke.k12.ga.us

What is This About?

A researcher named John Hattie studied what helps kids learn best in school. He found some teaching methods work much better than others. Here are the most important ones that help your child with reading, writing, and learning in all subjects.

The Top 5 Things That Help Kids Learn

1. **Teachers Working Together** (Biggest Impact!)

When teachers believe they can help all students and work as a team, kids learn more. At home, you can support this by staying in touch with your child's teachers and asking how different subjects connect.

2. **Kids Knowing Their Own Learning**

Students do better when they can guess how well they'll do on a test or assignment. Help your child practice this at home by asking: "How do you think you'll do on your spelling test?" Then talk about why after they get it back.

3. **Extra Help When Needed**

Some kids need more support with reading or writing. Schools give extra practice to students who are struggling. At home, spend 10-15 minutes practicing the skills your child finds hard.

4. **Clear Explanations**

Kids learn better when teachers explain things clearly and show examples. Ask your child: "What are you learning about in science?" If they can't explain it clearly, reach out to the teacher.

5. **Good Feedback**

Helpful comments (not just grades) help kids improve. Instead of saying "Good job," try: "I like how you used describing words in your story. Next time, try adding more details about what the character felt."

Executive Functioning Skills Example

**What are executive functioning skills?** These are the brain skills that help kids plan, organize, remember things, and control their behavior.

How This Works at Home:

**Surface Level (Learning the Basics):**

- Teach your child to use a planner or checklist

- Help them break homework into small steps

- Create a quiet homework spot with supplies ready

**Deep Level (Understanding Why It Matters):**

- Talk about WHY planning helps: "When you write down your homework, you don't have to worry about forgetting it. Your brain can focus on learning instead."

- Ask: "What happens when you don't plan ahead?" Help them see the connection.

**Transfer Level (Using It Everywhere):**

- Help your child use planning skills for chores, sports practice, and family activities

- Point out: "Remember how you organized your science project? You can use those same steps to plan your birthday party!"

- Encourage them to teach a younger sibling how to organize their backpack

What You Can Do at Home

✓ **Ask your child to predict and reflect:** "How do you think you did? What was hard? What was easy?"

✓ **Give specific feedback:** Instead of "Great!" try "You worked really hard on that math problem and didn't give up."

✓ **Help with organization:** Create routines, use checklists, and keep supplies organized

✓ **Read together:** Even 15 minutes a day makes a big difference

✓ **Connect learning across subjects:** "You learned about fractions in math. Do you see fractions in your recipes when we cook?"

✓ **Build vocabulary:** When you see a new word, talk about what it means and use it in sentences

Remember

Every child learns differently and at their own pace. The most important thing is that you believe in your child and work together with their teachers. When you support learning at home, it makes a huge difference!

Questions to Ask Your Child's Teacher

- What is my child learning right now, and how can I support it at home?

- What are my child's strengths in reading and writing?

- Where does my child need extra practice?

- How can I give better feedback on homework?

*This guide is based on research by John Hattie, who studied thousands of schools to find what really works for student learning.*

Click here to register

Test Date (TD); Registration Deadline (RD)

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

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 Guidance & Counseling Department provides student services throughout the high school experience that will prepare them for successful transition to postsecondary education and/or the workforce. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the Guidance & Counseling Department in the areas of: (1) career exploration and planning, (2) individual and/or group counseling services for academic or interpersonal relationship matters, (3) course selection, registration, and advisement, (4) post-secondary education and scholarship opportunities, (5) school withdrawal and/or transfer. Students are encouraged to be proactive and seek the available resources. To ensure that student needs are met promptly and efficiently, please make an appointment with the guidance secretary, cohort advisor, or classroom teacher. A scheduled time and date will be provided. In the event of an urgent or emergency situation, immediately see the guidance secretary, teacher, or a member of the school administration.

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

The 2025 BCHS Cross Country Schedule

Boy's Basketball

Girl's Basketball

Learn more about career opportunities by clicking here.

Media Center renovations are complete, and we will begin our move into the new Learning Commons. We hope to create a space that is comfortable and inclusive.

Click here to order your yearbook.

If you have a transportation request for a bus change, please be sure to submit the request in the designated box located near the front office before 12:00 PM each day. This allows our staff the necessary time to verify stops and coordinate with transportation. Requests submitted after 12:00 PM cannot be honored for the same day. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us ensure a safe and smooth dismissal process.

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Be sure to submit attendance notes within the timeframe noted in our school handbook. It is imperative to submit these notes with the student's name, cohort teacher, date of absence and the valid reason before 12:00pm each day. The attendance box is located near the front office. Thank you for your cooperation!

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.

There is a 2 school day turnaround to receive certificates of attendance. For example: Friday requests will be ready on Tuesday. The cost for each certificate of attendance is $3, and if expedited processing is possible, the cost is $5. Please note that a notary is required to notarize certificates of attendance and only select personnel are available to do so. Please allow enough time for the processing turnaround.

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.

Our Goal and Impact:
The Burke County Public Schools team is aiming high with an ambitious, but achievable, fundraising goal: to raise $10,000 or more.

Meeting this goal is critical, as every dollar we raise stays local, supporting vital programs that provide education, financial stability, and health resources to our students’ families and neighbors.

Your generous contributions and pledges will be accepted starting October 6th through November 19th.

Easy Ways to Contribute:
Your participation, at any level, is extremely valuable. Here are two easy ways you can give this year:

1. Pledge or Donate Digitally: Pledge forms and handouts with a QR Code/Link will be available in every school. You can opt for a convenient payroll deduction using the traditional pledge card, or make a secure, one-time donation using this digital link:
https://igfn.us/form/RdgoJw

2. "Change for Change" Drive: Back by popular demand! A designated bucket for loose change will be placed in the main office or a highly visible spot in each school building. Every quarter and dime quickly adds up—let's make our change count!

On Saturday October 18th, The PRIDE of Burke County traveled to Lilburn, GA to the Berkmar Invitational. Everyone that participated had a great time and learned a lot watching other high school musicians from around our great state.

Our band earned the following ratings:
Category-Rating
Drum Major-Superior
Dance line-Superior
Colorguard-Superior
Percussion-Excellent
Band overall-Excellent

Classification AAA (trophies)
Drum Major-Tied for 3rd place

The band will participate in the Battle of the Bands on Sunday November 2nd, 2025 @ 3pm at the Butler High School Stadium (rain or shine).

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at BCHS!

Our incredible High School High Tech students had an unforgettable experience touring Paine College — and even got to enjoy lunch in the dining hall like true college students!

But the highlight of the day? On-the-spot admissions and scholarships!

We are beyond proud to announce that several of our students not only earned acceptance into Paine College but were also awarded life-changing scholarships totaling $80,000!

Congratulations to our Scholars!
Carter Martin — $8,000
Derrica Scott — $8,000
Di’andra Sharpton — $8,000
Makayla Hamilton — $8,000
Joshua Frazier — $20,000
Chase Pace — $20,000
Arlando Free — $8,000

This visit was more than just a tour — it was a glimpse into a bright future filled with opportunity, achievement, and pride. The energy, smiles, and excitement were contagious!

We are so proud of our students for representing Burke County High School and the High School High Program with excellence.

Our Burke County One Act Play team competed on October 25 at Davidson Fine Arts in Augusta and brought home 3rd Place in our GHSA Region One Act Play competition. Congratulations goes to Chandler Neal and David Kalbach for being chosen as "All Star Cast."

Ms. Raquel Walker, Ms. Kathy Johnson and Ms. Ashley Hill visited Augusta Tech with a group of students to promote STEM education and career opportunities. The 2025 event featured activities related to Electrical & Computer Engineering, Chemical Technology, Mechanical Engineering & Nuclear Engineering. 2005 BCHS Alumni Tenario Powell was one instructor who led the students through activities such as Virtual/Augmented Reality, Python syntax & Text Based Adventures

Congratulations to FFA member Alexis Mullis on placing 7th in a tough showmanship class and 1st in weight class with her lamb Rex at the Georgia-Carolina State Fair today and her successes at other shows this season! She has represented the Burke County FFA chapter well!

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

Hope House strives to instill self-sufficiency in individuals and families through comprehensive treatment to end the cycles of substance misuse.

https://www.hopehouseaugusta.org/

Augusta Dream Center offers counseling for women & teens the 1st Friday of each month by appointment. augustadreamcenter.org

Serenity Behavioral Center has a resource center for counseling services. They serve children without insurance and under insured. The number is 706-432-7825

**Please note: Burke County High School does not endorse these services. Please conduct proper research to find the best resource that meets your needs. Contact our School Counselors or District Social Worker for assistance.