October 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.

October 2-ASVAB Test

October 3-End of First 9 Weeks

October 3- Student Learn from Home Day

October 6-10: Homecoming Week

October 7: Homecoming Tea

October 8: Powder Puff Football Game

October 9: Homecoming Parade

October 10: Homecoming Football Game

October 11: Homecoming Dance (**Please note: The date of the dance has been adjusted and will be held on 10/11/25**)

October 13-17: Fall Break

October 21-24: PSAT (7:50am)

October 21: Board of Education Meeting

October 22: School Day SAT Administration (7:50am)

October 23: Parent Advisory Council Meeting

October 23: Reach Scholar Meeting

October 24: Governor's Honors Program Applications Due

October 27-31: Governor's Honors Program Interview Week

October 28: Coffee & Chat with our Principal (7am)

October 30: Snack & Chat with our Instructional Leaders (7am)

October 30: BCHS Fall Festival

October 31: Halloween Concert Tour (Chorus)

Daily Schedule (Student)

Daily Hours: 7:50 AM – 3:00 PM

7:30 AM - Students may enter the building

7:50 AM - Tardy Bell / Instructional day begins

3:00 PM - Dismissal

3:05 PM – Buses depart

3:15 PM - All students are clear of building unless in an after-school activity (violators will receive consequences)

6:00 PM – Activity buses depart

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

An End of Course Assessment (EOC) is administered at the completion of identified state courses. These courses shall include Biology, Literature and Composition II, Algebra Concepts and Connections, and US History. The EOC is the standardized measure for standards mastery and student achievement. This assessment will be both norm and criterion-referenced and contain open/written responses. The EOC Georgia Milestones assessment score may comprise twenty percent (20%) of the final grade and may count as the final exam for that course. An EOC assessment may not be exempted nor may extra points be added to the score.

Exams will be given in all courses at the completion of each semester with the exception of students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Enrollment courses. Students enrolled in AP courses will take an AP exam in lieu of a course exam during the second semester only. Students enrolled in dual enrollment courses will take all assessments as outlined in the course syllabi. Exams directly reflect the standards that were taught during the duration of the semester and/or course. Exams will contain questions at DOK level 3. A daily exam schedule will be provided. This schedule will be adhered to without exception. During exams, students may not enter the classroom late or leave early.

Exam Exemptions

Exemption eligibility is not simply based on a high grade but takes into account a student's overall commitment to their studies. Students in grades 9 – 12 may be excused or “exempt” from taking an exam if the following criteria are met:

*Strong Performance: Maintaining a semester average of 90% or higher for the course (excluding End-of-Course exams) demonstrates a strong understanding of the material.

*Regular Attendance: Demonstrating a strong attendance record with 3 or fewer unexcused absences reflects a commitment to learning.

*Exemplary Disciplinary Record: Maintaining a record FREE OF in-school or out-of-school suspensions reflects a focus on learning and a positive classroom environment.

* Students taking the following courses:

○ End of Course classes (Literature and Composition II, US History, Biology, Algebra Concepts & Connections – The End of Course (EOC) Assessment counts as the student’s final exam. Therefore, no additional final will be administered.)

○ Work-Based Learning/Mentorship (Students submit a Capstone Portfolio which counts as the final exam.)

Meeting these criteria reflects a privilege, not a right. It acknowledges students who take ownership of their learning and consistently demonstrate dedication.

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): August 23, 2025 (Registration Deadline (RD): August 8, 2025)

TD: September 13, 2025 (RD: August 29, 2025)

TD: October 4, 2025 (RD: September 19, 2025)

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

10th grade PSAT info:

Dates: 10/21 - 10/24

Price: Free

11th grade PSAT for National Merit Scholarship:

(Invitation only)

Date: 10/22

Price: $20

12th grade SAT School Day Administration:

Date: 10/22

Price: $30

Click here to register

Test Date (TD): September 6, 2025 (Registration Deadline (RD): August 1, 2025)

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

September 30: Lit Comp II/Algebra C&C/Geometry C&C Cumulative Testing

October 2: Biology/EVS/Lit Comp 1 Cumulative Testing

October 2: US History/American Government/World History Cumulative Testing

**Please note: Exams may be adjusted based on classroom pacing. Please check with teachers for any changes.

• Cumulative Exams are summative assessments designed to measure the mastery of standards and to allow teachers time to adjust instruction based on assessment data. Three cumulative assessments will be administered in EOC and select Non-EOC classes each semester. All cumulative assessments will be scaled, and the scaled score will be recorded as a summative assessment in the teachers’ grade books.

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.

The 2025 BCHS Football Schedule

The 2025 BCHS Softball Schedule

The 2025 BCHS Volleyball Schedule

The 2025 BCHS Cross Country Schedule

Please pay any outstanding student balances by Thursday, October 9, 2025. Fines notices were distributed during Cohort on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. See your Cohort teacher for fines notices.

Learn more about career opportunities by clicking here.

Senate Bill 351, also known as the "Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act of 2024," is designed to promote student safety and responsible digital citizenship in all Georgia public schools. This new law helps protect minors by addressing how they access and use social media.

Get Started with Parent ProTech!

BCPS families and educators have access to a free resource to support this initiative. Use our personalized link to create your own Parent ProTech account:

Create Your Account Now

https://app.parentprotech.com/926/burke-county/en/signup?source=admin

With Parent ProTech, you’ll get expert tools, guidance, and tips to help your child navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

Let’s work together to keep our children safe and smart online!

**Information provided by Jodi Jarvis, SGA Media Specialist

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.

__________________________________________________________________
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.

Augusta University opened their application for the 2026-27 academic year on August 1 for prospective Jaguars. ACT and SAT test scores will once again be required for first-year admission.

The University System of Georgia selected Augusta University as one of seven institutions in the 26-institution system to require SAT/ACT scores, alongside the University of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Georgia College and State University, Kennesaw State University and Georgia Southern University. While test requirements have been standard practice in the past, USG temporarily waived them for 23 of the system’s 26 institutions beginning in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, the ESOL class held an informational session in the BCHS mall area to share information about Hispanic culture with their peers.

Students in Ms. Green's and Ms. Roberts' classes learned to play tennis and had fun while doing it.

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