Academics
At BHMS, we are committed to fostering the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth of every student. As part of the broader district's Academic and Student Services, our dedicated team at BHMS implements a comprehensive approach to ensure an excellent and well-rounded education for all students. You can access course descriptions here.
- Language Arts (ELA)
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies (I&S)
- World Language
- Connections Courses
- W.I.N
- Advisement
Language Arts (ELA)
| 6th Grade |
6th Grade ELA or Honors ELA
|
| 7th Grade |
7th Grade ELA or Honors
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| 8th Grade |
8th Grade ELA or Enhanced Lit. Comp. I
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- Secondary English Language Arts Pathways for Georgia’s K-12 English Language Arts Standards
- CSD English Language Arts Overview
Primary Resources:
At Beacon Hill Middle school, ELA teachers utilize the following resources to support English/Language Arts instruction.
- HMH Into Literature- district adopted 6-8 textbook
- Freckle Reading - for individualized learning pathways aligned to students STAR assessment as well as teacher assigned practice
- Formative- a formative/summative assessment platform that allows teachers to monitor student progress and learning
- DNA- a formative/summative assessment platform that allows teachers to monitor student progress and learning
Through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language instruction, students learn to become skilled communicators who read independently, think critically, write with confidence, and interact respectfully and responsibly with others.
Math
Mathematics is a discipline that has lifelong implications and applications. A comprehensive mathematics education is essential to achieve our goal of cultivating and nurturing critical thinkers who are ethical and inspired to make the world a better place
| 6th Grade |
6th Math or 6th Honors |
| 7th Grade |
7th Math or 7th Honors *Both 7th grade math and honors 7th grade math teach and assess the same required math content. |
| 8th Grade |
8th Math or Enhanced 8th Grade Algebra Concepts and Connections *Students taking the Enhanced Algebra course will have to take both the 8th Grade GMAS as well as the Algebra EOC assessment |
Primary Resources:
At Beacon Hill Middle school, math teachers utilize the following resources to support mathematics instruction.
- GaDOE Math Learning Plans- for inquiry based learning experiences that relate math concepts to real world context
- Delta Math- for skill specific practice
- Freckle Math- for individualized learning pathways aligned to students STAR assessment as well as teacher assigned practice
- Illustrative Mathematics- as supplemental math curriculum to support teaching and learning as needed
- Formative- a formative/summative assessment platform that allows teachers to monitor student progress and learning
- Khan Academy- for supplemental and differentiated instruction, practice and review
Other Resources
Science
Middle school science education typically serves as a bridge between the foundational science concepts learned in elementary school and the more specialized science disciplines encountered in high school. The curriculum is designed to build upon students' existing knowledge and foster a deeper understanding of core scientific principles.
| 6th Grade |
6th Grade Earth Science |
| 7th Grade |
7th Grade Life Science
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| 8th Grade |
8th Grade Physical Science
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Primary Resources:
At Beacon Hill Middle school, math teachers utilize the following resources to support science instruction.
- GaDOE Science resources- to analyze course standards and ensure that lessons are meeting the rigor of state standards
- Discovery Education Techbook- to provide access to common science content vocabulary as well as
- PhET Labs- to provide virtual experiences to science phenomena
And…many, many teacher created resources/labs/lessons!
Other Resources
Social Studies (I&S)
The social studies curriculum empowers students to become informed and engaged citizens. Through the study of geography, history, economics, and government, students develop critical thinking and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the United States and the world around them. Students investigate the past, analyze the present, and prepare for the future! Hands-on, student-centered, and inquiry-based approaches are the emphasis of instruction.
| 6th Grade |
Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada, Europe, and Australia
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| 7th Grade |
Africa, Southwest Asia (Middle East),Southern and Eastern Asia
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| 8th Grade |
Georgia Studies
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Primary Resources:
At Beacon Hill Middle school, Social Studies teachers utilize a variety of resources to support Social Studies instruction.
- Social Studies Georgia Standards of Excellence
- IB MYP Individuals & Societies Guide
- Formative- a formative/summative assessment platform that allows teachers to monitor student progress and learning
- Discovery Ed- for supplemental and differentiated instruction, practice and review
And…many, many teacher created resources & lessons!
World Language
The Beacon Hill Middle School World Language Program offers 6th-grade students the opportunity to select one language for a continuous three-year study period, from 6th through 8th grade. Students enrolled in the middle school World Language Program are required to study the same selected language for the duration of the three-year program. This sustained engagement fosters deeper learning, enhances skill development, and builds a strong foundation in both communication and cultural understanding within the chosen language.
Students who successfully complete the middle school World Language Program will earn high school credit for both Level I and Level II of their chosen language. Upon entering high school, they will have the option to continue studying the same language or select a new world language. Students that wish to participate in the IB diploma program at the high school level should select their world language carefully because you wil need to complete many years of study in the same language.
Click Here for CSD World Language Information
Connections Courses
Our Connections (Exploratory) courses are a vital part of your BHMS experience, helping students build essential skills, explore future possibilities, and make meaningful connections between learning in the classroom and the world around them Each 18-week course offers a unique opportunity to explore different facets of design, technology, Arts, and Physical Education. The music courses are yearlong, but all other courses remain 18 weeks. For a complete summary of each connections course offered click here.
Arts
Students discover their creative voice in our diverse range of Arts courses! Our 18-week long theatre, visual and media arts courses focus on immersive experiences, while our music programs (Band, Chorus, and Orchestra) are year-long to foster deeper skill development.
Courses Offered
- Band (6-8)
- Chorus (6-8)
- Orchestra (6-8)
- Visual Arts/Studio Arts (6-8)
- Media Arts (6-8)
- Theater Arts (6-8)
Design
Through the IB Design Cycle, our Design courses encourage inquiry, innovation, and critical thinking, preparing students to be adaptable and creative problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world. Each 18-week course offers a unique opportunity to explore different facets of design and technology.
Courses Offered
- Architecture and Construction (6-8)
- Business & Communications (6-8)
- Computer Science (6-8)
- Gifted Resource (6)
- International Perspectives (Family and Consumer Science) 6-8
- Journalism Enrichment (7&8)
- STEM Enrichment (7&8)
Health & Physical Education
Our middle school Physical Education program aims to equip students with the physical, emotional, and social skills needed to embrace a lifetime of health and well-being. Through a student-centered approach, we foster a love for physical activity and empower students to make positive choices for their future
Courses Offered
- Adventure Quest (6-8)
- Health & Physical Education (6-8)
- Yoga and Wellness (6-8)
W.I.N
What is WIN Time?
WIN Time stands for "What I Need" time. It's a special learning block built into our Monday and Wednesday mornings to help every student reach their full potential. During this time, teachers will group students based on their academic needs to provide targeted support.
Why WIN Time?
We believe that all students deserve personalized learning. WIN Time gives us the chance to offer extra help, challenge students, or reteach concepts, ensuring that everyone has the chance to succeed.
How Does WIN Time Work?
- Focus on Skills: For the first six weeks, we'll concentrate on building essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and time management. These skills will help students in all their classes.
- Data-Driven Groups: After the first six weeks, teachers will use student data to create flexible groups focused on specific subjects or skills. This means students will get extra support or enrichment where they need it most.
- Teacher Teams: Our amazing teachers will work together to plan and lead WIN Time activities.
When is WIN Time?
WIN Time happens every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after advisement. By providing this extra learning time, we're committed to helping every BHMS student shine!
Overview of Executive Function (EF) Lessons During WIN Period
The following is a refined overview for parents regarding the Executive Function (EF) curriculum delivered during the WIN (What I Need) period, based on the BHMS Executive Function WIN Curriculum. This curriculum was created in partnership with Empower Academics. The curriculum focuses on developing key EF skills and IB Learner Profile attributes, as well as ATL (Approaches to Learning) Skills, to help students achieve their personal goals.
What is Executive Functioning?
Executive Functioning (EF) refers to the set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. These skills are essential for planning, focusing attention, remembering instructions, and juggling multiple tasks successfully.
Focus for Parents
We encourage you to discuss the following questions with your student to reinforce their learning:
- Goal Setting: "What's your goal?" and "How can planning support you in reaching your goal?"
- Organizing: "How can organizing support you in reaching your goal?" and "Which organizing strategy will you be using for the next few weeks?"
- Self-Advocacy: "How can self-advocacy support you in reaching your goal?" and "Which self-advocacy strategy will you be using for the next 6 weeks?"
Study Skills: "How will you use retrieval practice for the next 6 weeks?" and "How will you use distributive practice for the next 6 weeks?"
Executive Function Week by Week
