Decatur County Schools

🎄 Decatur County Schools Holiday Schedule 🎄
Here’s a quick look at important dates as we head into the holiday season!

📆 Thursday, December 18, 2025
➡️ Early Release (More details on early release times for individual schools to follow.)

📆 Friday, December 19, 2025
➡️ Teacher In-Service — Professional Development Day

📆 Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026
➡️ Christmas Break — Student Holiday

📆 Monday, January 5, 2026 – Tuesday, January 6, 2026
➡️ Teacher In-Service — Professional Development Days

📆 Wednesday, January 7, 2026
➡️ First Day Back for Students

We hope everyone has a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season! 🎁✨

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Decatur County Schools Holiday Schedule graphic with red, green, and white holiday-themed design. The schedule lists: Early Release on Thursday, December 18, 2025; Teacher In-Service Professional Development Day on Friday, December 19, 2025; Christmas Break and student holiday from Monday, December 22, 2025 through Friday, January 2, 2026; Teacher In-Service Professional Development Days on Monday, January 5, 2026 and Tuesday, January 6, 2026; and Wednesday, January 7, 2026 as the first day back for students. A Bearcat mascot wearing a Santa hat appears in the bottom left corner.

🎄🐾 Have you seen Buddy the Bearcat’s Home for the Holidays?
Nestled along the banks of the beautiful Boat Basin, Buddy is proudly shining at the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail! ✨

If you're strolling through the lights this season, be sure to stop by and snap a picture with him — he loves visitors! 📸❤️💛

#TheBearcatWay #TinselTrail #HomeForTheHolidays #BainbridgeGA

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

A group of six smiling adults stands outdoors beside a decorated Christmas tree labeled “Decatur County Board of Education,” with festive props and additional trees in the background.

🎄✨ Please join us for a Jolly Holiday Fundraiser supporting The Salvation Army! ✨🎄
Our amazing educators are rocking their most magical, merry, and fabulous Christmas attire—all to spread joy and hope this season!

Every $1.00 donation = 1 vote for your favorite festive disaster. 💚❤️
All proceeds go directly to The Salvation Army to brighten Christmas for local families in need.

How to Join the Fun:
🎁 Step 1: Browse the Christmas Showcase and choose the one that jingles your heart.
🎁 Step 2: Use the Google Form to make your donation and cast your vote.
🎁 Step 3: Stay tuned—our jolly winner will be announced soon!

Thank you for sprinkling kindness, cheer, and Christmas magic across our community! 🎅🌟

https://forms.gle/tojiPZQ4uArbfobW8

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

A collage of 15 holiday-themed photos featuring Decatur County Schools staff and departments wearing festive sweaters, along with the BMS Bearcat mascot and Blue Henry. Each photo is framed with “Joy & Hope” holiday graphics and labeled with the person or department’s name. In the bottom-right corner is an illustration of colorful wrapped presents.

Happy National Special Education Day!
Today, we’re celebrating our amazing students in Special Education and all the hard work they put in every day.
We’re so proud to be a part of a school system that values inclusion and gives every student the chance at a Promising Future. Thank you to our Incredible Exceptional Education Staff at Decatur County Schools! Let’s keep cheering on our students and making our schools a place where everyone can thrive!

#NationalSpecialEducationDay #TheBearcatWay #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture #DecaturCountySchools

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Beginning January 1, all K–12 Decatur County Schools will implement a new electronic device procedure in accordance with Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340).

Phones, smart watches, AirPods, and any electronic devices with the capacity to connect to a student’s phone will be prohibited during instructional time.

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Graphic announcing Decatur County Schools’ new electronic device procedure under Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340), stating that starting January 1st phones, smartwatches, AirPods, and similar devices will be prohibited during instructional time.

Congratulations to the 4th and 5th Grade Hutto students who competed in the 4-H District Project Achievement last Saturday, Nov. 15th!

Frankie Doss – 3rd place - Earth and Space Sciences

Grayson Vetter – 1st place - International

Owen Smith – 2nd place - Health

Malia Strong – 1st place – Environmental Sciences

J’Myra Davis – 4th place – Horse

Taylor Williams – 1st place – Entomology

Peter Alvarez – 3rd place – General Recreation

Iren Thomas – 2nd place – Historic People

River Zorn – 2nd place – Physical Science

Adella Kirbo – 3rd place – Individual Sports

Samuel Bryant – 2nd place – Engineering and Mechanics

Cohen Williams – 2nd place – Target Sports

Holden Jones – 1st place – Veterinary Science

Perry Wade – 2nd place – Ag Awareness

Savannah Neuman – 1st place – Poultry

Naomi Scott – 4th place – Individual Sports

Jaxen McCoy – 1st place – Human Development

Noah Bodiford – 3rd place – Outdoor Recreation

Kyson Reffitt – 1st place – Physical Science

3 months ago, Brandi Deal

A group of elementary school students sitting on bleachers, smiling and wearing medals around their necks.

✂️ Partnerships That Strengthen Our Community✂️

Decatur County Schools offers sincere gratitude to Dr. Joe Sweet and the Southern Regional Technical College Barbering Program for providing professional haircuts to students in Mrs. Siebels’, Mrs. Wilson’s, and Mrs. Barber’s special education classes this week.

Under Dr. Joe Sweet’s leadership, the student barbers demonstrated skill, professionalism, and genuine care. Their thoughtful interaction with our students created an environment of dignity, respect, and encouragement. This reflects the best of what education can be when community partners come together.

Partnerships like this one with our local college play a vital role in keeping students here in Bainbridge. They open doors to meaningful career pathways, strengthen connections between education and the workforce, and build a community where students feel supported, valued, and invested in.

We are deeply appreciative of the SRTC Barbering Program for their continued commitment to our Bearcats and for helping us cultivate a stronger, more connected Bainbridge.

#Community #Local #SRTC #TheBearcatWay #BarberingProgram #SweetsBarberShop

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

A barber with short twists and a gray beard trims a smiling student’s hair in a classroom. The student sits under a black barber cape labeled “The Sweet Spot Barber Shop.” The atmosphere is warm and friendly.

A student barber carefully trims another student’s hair. The student receiving the haircut is smiling widely with his eyes closed, seated at a classroom table and wearing a striped barber cape.

A student barber with locs and glasses gives a haircut to a student sitting in a striped cape. The student smiles while the barber focuses on using clippers. Other students work in the background.

An adult barber and a student barber work together to give a haircut to a student seated in a wheelchair. A teacher stands nearby assisting. The student wears a striped barber cape and looks forward.

Several student barbers stand around a classmate getting a haircut. One student is actively trimming while the others observe closely. The student in the chair wears a striped cape and looks downward.

An adult barber teaches a student barber how to use clippers while giving a haircut to a boy wearing a striped cape. The student in the chair looks calm and focused during the demonstration.

A student in a wheelchair receives a haircut from an adult barber while another student barber observes closely. The student wears a striped cape and looks upward as the haircut continues.

Two student barbers stand beside a classmate seated in a chair while one trims his hair. The student receiving the haircut wears a striped cape and looks straight ahead as the others assist and observe.

An adult barber gives a haircut to a student with Down syndrome. The student sits still in a black “Sweet Spot Barber Shop” cape while trimmed hair falls onto the floor around the chair.

A student barber and another student observer stand beside a classmate getting a haircut in the classroom. The seated student wears a striped cape while the barber trims the sides of his hair with clippers.

📣 Parents & Caregivers! Join us for a Lunch & Learn!
We're hosting a special session on Behavior Strategies for Parents and Caregivers with guest speaker Mariah Avery of Bridge Behavior Consulting.

📅 December 10th at 12 PM
📍 DCBOE Central Office – 1417 Dothan Rd
✨ Lunch provided!

Please RSVP by December 5th to Julie Lawler at jlawler@dcboe.com
or (229) 240-2020.

We hope to see you there!

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Flyer for a Lunch and Learn event on behavior strategies for parents and caregivers, featuring guest speaker Mariah Avery. Includes date December 10th at 12 PM at the DCBOE Central Office, RSVP details, and contact information for Julie Lawler. Design features purple and gold colors with an abstract brain illustration and a photo of the speaker.

🎭 Auditions for Our Spring Musical Are Coming Up! 🎶
This year’s show will be a combined BHS & BMS production, and we can’t wait to get started!

📅 Auditions:
Monday, 12/8 • 3–6 PM
Students interested in auditioning must join the Drama Club Google Classroom (qamfeopp) to access all audition materials and to sign up for an audition slot.
• Cold read from a side
• Prepare to sing one verse and one chorus

✨ Callbacks:
Thursday, 12/11 • 3-5pm
Selected students will participate in large-group callbacks including script readings and choreography.

For more information, such as show dates, rehearsals, virtual auditions, etc - please visit the Google Classroom or email kapke@dcboe.com.

Let’s make some theatre magic! 💛🎭

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Poster for Bainbridge High School Drama’s production of Disney’s Newsies Jr., featuring a newspaper design with a dancer kicking high. Includes show dates (March 27 at 7pm; March 28 at 2pm & 7pm), audition date (Monday 12/8), and callbacks (Thursday 12/11). BMS students may also audition.

For the final morning in St. Augustine, BMS QUEST students visited Potter’s Wax Museum to explore famous historical figures as well as pop culture legends.

3 months ago, Brandi Deal

✨🍔 Grillin’ for the Greatest ✨
We had such a great time celebrating our Bainbridge Middle School educators during this year’s Grillin’ for the Greatest event! 💜💛

A huge thank you to First National Bank for sponsoring the celebration and for showing up early to grill and serve a delicious meal. Your support means so much to our Bearcat community.

Our Bearcat educators pour their hearts into students every single day, and this event was a special way to say thank you for their dedication, passion, and commitment. We are so grateful for everything they do! 💛🐾💜

#GrillinForTheGreatest #ThankYouFirstNationalBank #BMS #TeacherAppreciation #CommunitySupport #TheBearcatWay

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

First National Bank volunteers pose together under the sponsor tent with meal boxes on the table.

Staff members gather food from serving trays, smiling as they fill their boxed lunches.

Four First National Bank team members smile and pose by a large grill with stacked meal containers in front.

Two men share a friendly hug while one holds a boxed meal.

Teachers and staff receive boxed lunches, smiling as they move through the line.

Staff and community members gather under a First National Bank tent with meals being handed out.

A First National Bank volunteer smiles under the tent beside a Grillin’ for the Greatest event banner.

Decatur County Schools is proud to celebrate the incredible parents, guardians, and caregivers who support our Bearcats each and every day. 💜🐾
Your involvement at home and at school strengthens learning, builds confidence, and helps every student grow.

Thank you for your commitment to our students and for the partnership that helps define The Bearcat Way.
Together, we continue a Proud Tradition and build a Promising Future for all Bearcats. 💜✨

#NationalParentEngagementDay #DecaturCountySchools #TheBearcatWay #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

BMS QUEST students' third day in St. Augustine started with a visit to the Alligator Farm Zoological Park where they experienced animal shows and learned about species conservation. Next, students visited Castillo de San Marcos where they learned about this oldest fort in America, followed by a scenic cruise of the area. Students finished the day with a delicious meal at Mikato's and a haunted history tour.

3 months ago, Brandi Deal

Ever wonder what the most challenging part of daily routines in space would be, or the most difficult part of astronaut training? Well, representatives from the Science classes at Bainbridge Middle School got to ask those questions and more when Zooming with Hall of Fame astronaut and Georgia Tech Professor of Practice, Dr. Sandra Magnus this week as part of the Georgia Tech Direct to Discovery Program . Bainbridge Middle School science students listened as Dr. Magnus spoke with students from across the state of Georgia, 15,000+ students from 300+ classrooms tuned in. It was an honor to have some of our Bainbridge Middle School students leading the conversation with their thought provoking questions. Questioning is one of the best ways to learn! We’re so proud of our Bearcats for digging deep, thinking big, and learning together— the Bearcat way. Keep reaching for the stars! ⭐️

#DirectToDiscovery #BearcatWay #STEM #Aerospace

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Dr. Sandra Magnus, US Astronaut Hall of Fame and Georgia Tech, Professor of Practice

Students selected to represent all the science classes at Bainbridge Middle School during this week's Zoom call with Dr. Sandra Magnus--hall of fame astronaut and professor of practice at Georgia Tech.

Asking the right questions to dig into learning at Bainbridge Middle School as part of the Direct to Discovery Program

Waiting to weigh into the discussion at Bainbridge Middle School via Zoom with Astronaut, Dr. Sandra Magus.

Waiting to weigh into the discussion at Bainbridge Middle School via Zoom with over 15,000 students from across Georgia.

Ever wonder what teamwork looks like in outer space, or how an astronaut copes with being isolated from their family while on a mission? Well the curious minds of Hutto Elementary got to ask those questions and more when Zooming with Hall of Fame astronaut and Georgia Tech Professor of Practice, Dr. Sandra Magnus this week as part of the Georgia Tech Direct to Discovery Program . Hutto Elementary science students learned about the life of an astronaut and how to prepare for a career in aerospace. What an honor to have some of our students leading the discussion asking deep questions for all the participants to learn together. Across the state of Georgia, 15,000+ students from 300+ classrooms tuned in. We’re so proud of our Bearcats for digging deep, thinking big, and learning together— the Bearcat way. Keep reaching for the stars! ⭐️

#DirectToDiscovery #BearcatWay #STEM #AerospaceLearning

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Dr Sandra Magnus, Space Travel expert and US Astronaut Hall of Fame member spoke with students during this week's Georgia Tech Direct to Discovery event.

Students in the media center at Hutto Elementary wait to ask questions as representatives of their school during this week's Direct to Discovery Session.

We’re proud to spotlight the outstanding teachers who attended the Robotics SPIKE professional learning session at the Coca‑Cola Space & Science Center. Organized by Rontra Brown, STEM/STEAM Program Specialist for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education at the Georgia Department of Education, and facilitated by the NASA education team from the Coca‑Cola Space & Science Center (an education extension of Columbus State University), this workshop gave middle and high school educators a hands‑on introduction to SPIKE Prime robotics.

Educators learned how SPIKE Prime can spark creativity, problem‑solving, and collaboration while supporting STEM and 21st‑century skills across all learning areas all while . building. programming, and testing their skills through new robotics challenges designed to be classroom‑ready and adaptable across disciplines.

Representing Decatur County:
🤖Melissa Brock, Media Specialist & Instructional Technology (Bainbridge High School)
🤖Mary Jo Boutwell, STEM & WOZ ED Instructor and Instructional Technology Coach (Bainbridge Middle School)
🤖Amy Zock, Director of Instructional and Innovative Technology (Bainbridge High School)

Now our Decatur County educators will develop integrated lesson plans that incorporate SPIKE Prime robotics for grades 6–12, aligning projects to specific content standards so teachers across subject areas can use robotics to deepen learning. These will be shared with the Coca Cola Space and Science Center and other educators across Southwest Georgia to facilitate increased use of robotics in all content areas as an engaging way to prepare students for the future while developing essential problem solving skills.

Thank you to Rontra Brown, the Coca‑Cola Space & Science Center team, and all participating teachers for investing in high‑quality professional learning. We’re excited to see the innovative, standards‑aligned classroom experiences that follow

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Educators from South West Georgia work at teh Coca Cola Space Science Center to learn more about using Spike Prime robots in all content areas. Pictured here with their robots and the space shuttle at the space science center in Columbus, GA

🎓 Progress Reports Coming Soon! 🎓
Decatur County Schools students’ progress reports will be released on November 20th.
📊 Don’t wait to stay informed!
Parents and guardians can check grades, attendance, and more anytime through the Parent Portal (Infinite Campus):
👉 https://campus.dcboe.com/campus/portal/decaturco.jsp
#BearcatPride #DecaturCountySchools #TheBearcatWay

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools

(Part 2) BMS QUEST students had a second full day in St. Augustine visiting the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, the Oldest House (Gonzalez-Alvarez House), and the Spanish Military Hospital. They then finished their evening with some bowling fun!

3 months ago, Brandi Deal

(Part 1) BMS QUEST students had a second full day in St. Augustine visiting the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, the Oldest House (Gonzalez-Alvarez House), and the Spanish Military Hospital. They then finished their evening with some bowling fun!

3 months ago, Brandi Deal

🦃🍂 Decatur County Schools Thanksgiving Holidays:
Schools will be closed Friday, Nov. 21 – Friday, Nov. 28.
(Teacher Professional Development Day – Nov. 21)

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and restful Thanksgiving break!

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools