Weekly Updates

As we approach our upcoming week-long break, let’s encourage our students to finish strong, stay focused, and continue to shine! This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the progress our students have made, reflect on their growth, and continue building positive habits in and out of the classroom.

During this final week, please encourage your child to give their best effort, complete assignments, demonstrate kindness, and make every school day count. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, show perseverance, and make us proud!

Warm Regards,

🍏Ms. Wells

Brighten Academy is proud to participate in the scarecrow competition with a creative scarecrow designed by Ms. Luhr and our amazing 8th-grade students! 🍂👻

We need your support to help BACS win the People’s Choice Award! 🏆

📣 Here’s how to vote:

• https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F9ZgJyjM7/
• 👍 Like, ❤️ heart, or 😂 laugh on the photo of the BACS scarecrow to cast your vote!

🗓️ Voting is open through October 31st!

🎃 Want to see the scarecrows in person? Visit the Cultural Arts Council of Dougalsville Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and submit a paper vote!

💙💛Vote BACS! Every reaction counts! 🎃🙌

Parking Lot Safety Reminder

The Park & Walk area is for families who park and walk their students into the building. It is not a drive-and-drop area. Please use the designated drive-and-drop areas.

For everyone’s safety, please:

• 🐢 Drive slowly through the parking lot.

• 👀 Watch for students and families crossing between vehicles.

• 🛑 Yield to pedestrians and allow them time to cross safely.

• 🚶 Ensure an adult walks students through the parking lot. Never allow students to cross alone.

• 🚗 Do not use the Park & Walk area for drive-and-drop.

• 🅿️ Do not park in staff-designated parking spaces.

• ❤️ Be patient and courteous to help keep everyone safe.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe parking lot for all Brighten Academy families and staff!

At Brighten Academy, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priority. We are committed to maintaining a positive, respectful environment where students can learn without unnecessary disruptions.

• In accordance with Georgia law (GA Code § 20-2-1181) and school policy, any behavior that intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly disrupts or interferes with school operations is not permitted. This includes inappropriate or aggressive behavior on campus, at school events, on school transportation, or through electronic and other forms of communication.
• Individuals who engage in threatening, aggressive, or disruptive behavior may be immediately removed from campus and prohibited from returning.

Reading at home is about more than finishing a book. Encourage your child to think critically, explain their ideas, and use evidence from what they read.

🏡 Try This at Home!

Whether your child reads a book, comic, magazine, article, or game directions, take a few minutes to discuss what they learned.

Ask Your Child:

• Before Reading: What do you think this is about? What makes you think that?

• While Reading: What is happening? Why do you think that happened? What might happen next?

• After Reading: What was the main idea? What did you learn? What evidence supports your answer? What can you figure out from clues (infer)?

Remember: A simple conversation about reading helps build comprehension, vocabulary, and critical-thinking skills. Make reading a daily habit!

The Brighten Athletic Gear Shop is now open! Support our school and show your Brighten pride by purchasing your favorite school and athletic gear.

Whether you’re cheering from the stands, supporting our athletes, or representing Brighten around town, there’s something for everyone!

Shop here: Brighten Academy Gear Shop

Support your school. Show your pride. Wear Brighten!

Families of current 8th grade students are invited to learn more about exciting magnet program opportunities available through the Douglas County School System. These programs provide students with opportunities to explore specialized areas of study while preparing for success in high school and beyond.

Douglas County High School – International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

Families are invited to attend DCSS IB Information Night to learn more about Douglas County School System’s first magnet program and only International Baccalaureate Program.

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Douglas County High School – Mashburn Theatre
Applications begin October 1, 2026

New Manchester High School – FAME Magnet Program

The Fine Arts Magnet Education (FAME) program offers students specialized opportunities in the fine arts, including Dance, Drama, Visual Art, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Music. Students interested in FAME should review the program's audition and admission requirements.

New Manchester High School
770-651-2768

Alexander High School – Liberal Arts College Prep Magnet

Families interested in a college-preparatory magnet experience are invited to learn more about the Alexander High School Liberal Arts College Prep Magnet Program.

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Alexander High School Library

We encourage all current 8th grade students and their families to take advantage of these information sessions to learn more about the programs, requirements, and opportunities available as students prepare for high school.

The CCI will host two upcoming Parent Information Nights for 8th-grade parents and students interested in learning more about the CCI full-day Academy program for the 2027-2028 school year. If you are unable to attend either meeting, you can find basic information about the Academy program as well as the meeting presentation on the CCI website (cci.dcssga.org) after the sessions.

The lottery for the 2027-2028 school year will open on January 4, 2027.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the CCI office at (770) 947-7690 or the CCI counselor, Dr. Starlet McWilliams, at 770-651-2233.

CCI Academy Information Nights:

• Thursday, October 1, @ 6 p.m. CCI Atrium (4600 Timber Ridge Dr. Building D)
• Thursday, November 5, @ 6 p.m. CCI Atrium (4600 Timber Ridge Dr. Building D)

Calling all 8th Grade students and families! Lithia Springs High School is hosting upcoming STEM Magnet Information Meetings for students interested in exploring opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

📍 In-Person Meeting: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. — LSHS Theatre
💻 Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. — Google Meet

Families will learn about STEM pathways, program expectations, application steps, and student opportunities.

🗓️ Applications Open: October 1, 2026
🗓️ Applications Due: December 7, 2026

Interested in learning more? Attend one of the information meetings and discover your future in STEM!

Families, mark your calendars! The Douglas County School System Probe College Fair is coming soon. We encourage families to review the attached flyers for important information and opportunities available to our students.

Magnet program information will also be shared soon, so please stay tuned for additional details!

We want to remind you that our school counseling team is here to support your child’s academic, social, emotional, and personal needs. If you have concerns about your child or feel they may benefit from checking in with the school counselor, you may submit a Parent Counselor Referral Form.

Parents may refer their child for support with concerns such as:

😊 Social or friendship concerns
💭 Emotional or behavioral concerns
📚 Academic or school-related challenges
😟 Anxiety, stress, or coping skills
💔 Grief or significant life changes
🌟 Self-esteem and confidence
🤝 Peer relationships or conflict
Or any other concern you feel may be impacting your child at school.

We appreciate your partnership and are committed to working together to help your child feel supported, successful, and connected at school.

Please complete the referral form using the link below. Once submitted, a member of the counseling team will review the information and follow up as appropriate.

Grades K–5: Students will store their devices in the classroom lock boxes.

Grades 6–8: Students have been assigned lockers and should store their devices securely in their assigned lockers.