📱 Keeping Our Students Safe Online – The Bearcat Way
A new Georgia law requires schools to teach students about digital citizenship and provide parents with the same tools to use at home.

Decatur County Schools remains committed to promoting digital citizenship and online safety, now offering parents additional resources to support these efforts at home.

Parent ProTech is a free, video-based resource designed to help you:
🔹Set healthy screen-time limits
🔹Protect your child’s privacy
🔹Navigate social media safely

✨ Start the school year with clear screen-time boundaries that help your child thrive online.
🔗Learn more and sign up here: https://app.parentprotech.com/952/decatur-county/en/signup?source=admin

#TheBearcatWay #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture #ParentProTech #OnlineSafety
7 days ago, Decatur County Schools
Decatur County Schools Parent ProTech sign-up graphic with computer and phone icons, promoting online safety resources for families.
Please join us tomorrow night starting in the BMS lunchroom from 5:30-6:30 for the Title 1 Bearcat Curriculum Night.
8 days ago, Decatur County Schools
Title 1 Bearcat Curriculum Night August 12, 2025 from 5:30-6:30 starting in the lunchroom.
Thank you, Bearcats, for an incredible first week of school!
Your energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence have set the tone for a phenomenal year ahead. We can’t wait to see all the growth, achievements, and memories we’ll create together. Let’s keep Inspiring, Influencing, and Igniting—the Bearcat Way!

https://youtu.be/28JeqOrd-qs
10 days ago, Decatur County Schools
We hope to see you here Tuesday night!
11 days ago, Bainbridge Middle School
BMS Title 1 Bearcat Curriculum Night August 12, 2025 from 5:30-6:30 PM in the BMS Lunchroom
🎭 The Bainbridge Middle School Drama Club would like to invite you to our Interest Meeting and Show Reveal on August 28th from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in the BMS Cafeteria! Parents, please remember to pick up your students by 4:00 PM from the cafeteria. ⏰ Annual dues are $30 and can be paid after the meeting. For questions, contact Mr. Griffith or Ms. Etress. Don’t miss out on a fantastic year of drama!
11 days ago, BMS Drama Club
A purple graphic depicting the comedy and tragedy masks that reads: "Bainbridge Middle School Drama" in purple and gold fonts. Beneath the masks in white text reads: "Questions? Contact Mr. Griffith or Ms. Etress." To the right of the masks in gold and white text reads: "Drama Club Interest Meeting and Show Reveal. August 28th from 3:00-4:00 PM in the BMS Cafeteria. Dues can be paid after this meeting - $30 for the year."

BMS will go live with our Open Gate Security System at all student entrances starting on Thursday, August 8, 2025. Please see the video for instructions on entry:

https://youtu.be/21oF3NL5Xpo?si=0KjzhDT7GckCDSy3

12 days ago, Bainbridge Middle School
🚍 SHIFT GEARS TO BEARCAT SUCCESS- GET PAID TO TRAIN, RIDE, & DRIVE!🚍

MUST BE 21 Years Old
💰 Great Retirement Supplement
🏥 BENEFITS AVAILABLE!

Why Drive With Us?
✅ Pay – Earn while making a difference!
✅ Flexible Hours – Perfect for retirees & those seeking extra income!
✅ Paid Training – No experience? No problem! We’ll train you!
✅ Health & Retirement Benefits – Secure your future!

🚦 Join Our Team & Be the Driver of Change! 🚦
🔴 APPLY TODAY – YOUR SEAT IS WAITING! 🔴
📞 Call: 229.248.2204 🌐 Apply Online: https://sites.google.com/dcboe.com/dcboe-apply/home

#ShiftGearsToSuccess #GetPaidToDrive #JoinOurTeam #BearcatPride #DriveWithUs #HiringNow #PaidTraining #FlexibleHours #RetirementSupplement #BenefitsAvailable #MakeADifference #DriveForDCBOE #SecureYourFuture #ApplyToday
13 days ago, Decatur County Schools
Recruitment flyer for Decatur County Schools bus drivers. Text reads: 'Shift Gears to Bearcat Success. Get Paid to Train, Ride & Drive!' Includes contact info for the DCBOE Transportation Department, phone number 229-248-2200, and email scaulder@dcboe.com. Features a yellow school bus and the Decatur County Schools logo
Parents,
PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH US during car pick up as many of our parents are new to BMS. We will move as quickly as possible; however, SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.
13 days ago, Bainbridge Middle School
Parents, we ask that during afternoon car pick up, you pull ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE SCHOOL POLICE OFFICER -MAKING TWO LANES. Parents, PLEASE DO NOT stop traffic to signal your child to come to the car. PLEASE KEEP your eyes FORWARD watching our staff and police officers so that you know how far to pull down and where to stop. Please allow our STAFF to handle directing your child safely to the car. Students will NOT be allowed to load until our staff has announced for them to do so. Once all cars in the loading zone are loaded and all is clear, please WAIT PATIENTLY for the officer to direct traffic to start moving before pulling away. PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH US as many of our parents are new to BMS. We will move as quickly as possible; however, SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.
💻 Did you know? Chromebook fees can be paid easily through your Parent Portal account!

✅ Step 1: Log in to Infinite Campus
✅ Step 2: Click the “Fees” tab on the left side of your screen

Paying online is quick, simple, and convenient! 💳

Login to the Parent Portal (Infinite Campus) through the link below:
https://campus.dcboe.com/campus/portal/decaturco.jsp

#BearcatTech #ParentPortal #InfiniteCampus #StayConnected #BearcatFamily
14 days ago, Decatur County Schools
Graphic explaining how to pay Chromebook fees through Infinite Campus. Step 1: Log into Infinite Campus. Step 2: Select the 'Fees' tab on the left side of the screen
In Decatur County Schools, we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment on every campus for our students, faculty and staff. Beginning the 2025 - 2026 school year, Decatur County Schools will implement the use of the OPENGATE Security System as a preventative step to keep our campuses weapon free.

The OPENGATE Security System is an advanced, walk-through weapons detection system designed to enhance school safety while maintaining a smooth flow of student entry. Unlike traditional metal detectors, OPENGATE uses advanced sensors to detect weapons and prohibited items without requiring students to stop, empty their pockets, or remove backpacks. This allows for efficient and non-intrusive screening, ideal for high-traffic areas such as school entrances.

Decatur County Schools has implemented OPENGATE to provide an added layer of protection for students and staff. The system is portable, quick to set up, and built to detect a wide range of threats while minimizing false alarms. With its modern design and cutting-edge technology, OPENGATE supports the district’s commitment to creating a safe and nurturing learning environment. We encourage all parents to emphasize to their children the importance of school safety and helping the Bearcat Family stay safe on every campus each day!

See how OPENGATE is making a difference in some of the largest school districts in the country, like Brevard County:
https://youtu.be/0_bNqaGNh9g
14 days ago, Decatur County Schools
A graphic titled "Decatur County Board of Education Safety Update" announces the introduction of OPENGATE Security Systems. The graphic features two students smiling and walking through the OPENGATE walk-through weapons detection system. A message states that beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, Decatur County Schools will implement the system to help keep campuses weapon-free. The district encourages parents to talk with their children about the importance of school safety. The Bearcat Way logo and the school district’s purple color scheme are also included.

🌧️ Rainy days ahead for the first week of school!

Make sure your Bearcats come prepared with raincoats, boots, and umbrellas to stay cozy and dry! ☔️

#FirstWeekForecast #RainyDayReady #BearcatWeather

14 days ago, Decatur County Schools
Child in raincoat with umbrella; text reminds students to bring rain gear for a rainy first week of school
PARENTS and STUDENTS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

We are excited to kick off our new 25-26 School Year at BMS! To help ensure that our first few days run as smoothly as possible, please read the following important items carefully.
16 days ago, Bainbridge Middle School
PARENTS and STUDENTS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY We are excited to kick off our new 25-26 School Year at BMS! To help ensure that our first few days run as smoothly as possible, please read the following important items carefully. Dress Code Enforcement- Parents, please ensure that your student is dressed according to the dress code. If your child is out of dress code, you will be called to bring them a change of clothes, or they must spend the day in ISS. There will be no clothes closet this year to help with this, so please ensure that your child adheres to the dress code policy each day. A few of the biggest violations are listed below. There should be NO skin showing above fingertip length, so please ensure that students do NOT have holes in their jeans that would reveal skin above their fingertips. If a student is wearing leggings, please ensure that their top covers their front and back completely. NO BLANKETS ARE ALLOWED. NO PAJAMAS ARE ALLOWED. Cell Phones/Smart Watches- Cell Phones and Smart Watches will be collected beginning on day 1 during Advisement and returned at the end of the day. If you do not wish for your child to turn their technology devices in each day, PLEASE KEEP THEM AT HOME. Violation of this policy will result in consequences. This is District policy and will be STRICTLY ENFORCED- THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS. No OUTSIDE FOOD/DRINKS ALLOWED- There will be no outside food or drinks allowed in the building. If you bring a cup from home, please make sure it is in a CLEAR container. Lunch inside of a lunch container is allowed. No HEADPHONES/BEATS/ETC. ALLOWED ON HEAD OR AROUND THE NECK- Students are not allowed to have headphones/Beats on their heads or around their neck. If they have them, they must be inside of their clear/mesh bookbag. If we see them wearing them, we will collect them. Beginning of the Year Paperwork- Students will be bringing home a “BOY Packet” on Monday (If they did not receive it at Open House). It is very important that these forms be completed and returned to school ASAP. Please ensure that each form is completed in its entirety and signed where needed. Beginning on Friday, August 8th, any student who has not returned any/all of their paperwork, their Chromebook will be collected by their Advisement teacher and kept until ALL paperwork is completed and returned to school. Physicals- Parents and students, remember that all physicals must be turned in prior to sports participation. Also, all RankOne forms must be completed before the first game or the student athlete will have to sit out until completed. Car Drop-off Procedures- Drop off begins promptly at 7:00 a.m. behind the lunchroom. During morning drop off, please remain in ONE LANE. PLEASE DO NOT let your child exit their car BEFORE 7:00 a.m. SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. Please see the picture description attached below for procedures. Car Pick-Up Procedures will use the same route as our drop-off procedures. Parents, please know that your child will NOT be allowed to load until Admin has announced for them to do so. We will have staff and school police officers in place to direct traffic each afternoon. We ask that during pick up, you pull ALL THE WAY TO THE OFFICER -MAKING TWO LANES- and wait until we have all cars in the loading zone loaded and directed by our officer to move- before pulling away. PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH US for the first few days, as many of our parents will be new to BMS. We will move as quickly as possible; however, SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.
Car Drop-off Procedures- Drop off begins promptly at 7:00 a.m. behind the lunchroom. PLEASE DO NOT let your child exit their car BEFORE 7:00 a.m. Please see the picture description below for procedures.
16 days ago, Bainbridge Middle School
Drop off procedures for the 25-26 School Year. Students being dropped off between 7AM and 7:50 AM will be dropped of at the back of the school where the lunchroom is located. After 7:50 AM students need to be dropped off in the front of the school to get a tardy slip.

Want to find your voice at BMS? Stop by and meet Mr. Griffith at BMS during Open House tonight!

19 days ago, BMS Chorus
A purple background with music notes, with bold text that reads: "Sign up for Chorus: BMS Open House. Stop by the chorus room from 5-7PM tonight (July 31st) to meet Mr. Griffith and sign up for Chorus at Bainbridge Middle School! More Information: email cgriffith@dcboe.com"
BMS Open House will be tonight from 5PM-7PM!
19 days ago, Bainbridge Middle School
BMS Open House July 31, 2025 5-7PM Parents please park in the lunchroom parking lot. Enter and Exit using the Lunchroom Patio Doors.
📅 Take a look at the 2025–2026 Decatur County Schools Calendar!

Planning ahead just got easier — especially when it comes to vacations. Be sure to schedule trips during student holidays because every day of learning matters and attendance is key to success!

You can also find the calendar on our website — just click the District Calendars button on the homepage at www.dcboe.com.

#BearcatPride #DecaturCountySchools #SchoolCalendar #PlanAhead #AttendanceMatters
22 days ago, Decatur County Schools
Decatur County Schools 2025–2026 calendar listing key dates including the first day of school (August 4, 2025), holidays, progress reports, breaks, and the last day for students (May 20, 2026)
📣 The Bowen Baptist Association invites the community to an All-School Prayer Walk! 🙏
📅 Saturday, August 2nd | ⏰ 8:30 AM
📍 Meet at the front of any Decatur County school

Come together to pray for our students, teachers, and staff as they begin a new school year. This event is organized by the Bowen Baptist Association. All are welcome to participate! 💜

#TheBearcatWay #PrayerWalk #CommunitySupport
22 days ago, Decatur County Schools
Flyer for All School Prayer Walk hosted by Bowen Baptist Association on Saturday, August 2nd at 8:30 am. Participants are invited to meet at the front of all schools in Decatur County to pray for students, teachers, and staff. All are welcome. Includes Decatur County Schools logo and 'The Bearcat Way' slogan.
Welcome back, Teachers!
Let’s Inspire, Influence, and Ignite — The Bearcat Way!
22 days ago, Decatur County Schools
Welcome Back Teachers message with Bearcat mascot and the phrase "Inspire, Influence and Ignite – The Bearcat Way" on a purple background.
Attention Parents:
If your child requires medication during the school day, please stop by the nurse’s booth at Open House on Thursday, July 31 to:

▪️Sign the REQUIRED annual medication paperwork (must be completed by the child’s legal guardian)

▪️Discuss your child’s specific medication needs with the school nurse

▪️Optional: You may bring your child’s first month’s supply of medication to check in at that time

Reminder: Medications cannot be distributed at school without properly signed paperwork on file. Thank you for helping us keep your child safe and healthy!
25 days ago, Decatur County Schools
A purple graphic with white text reminds parents of children who need medication at school to stop by the nurse’s booth during Open House on July 31 to sign required paperwork and discuss medication needs. It notes that only a child’s legal guardian can sign, and medication cannot be distributed without proper documentation. A medicine bottle and pill icons appear next to the text, and a faint Bearcat logo is at the bottom.
Attention Bearcat Parents: Haven't set up your Parent Portal account? We got you covered! Follow these instructions to get 24/7 access to your child's grades, assignments, attendance announcements, schedules, fees, and much more. If you have any trouble, please contact your child's school for more information.
25 days ago, Decatur County Schools
Instructions for new Decatur County Schools parents to create a parent portal account at www.dcboe.com. Steps include navigating to Quick Links, selecting Parent Portal Activation Code, completing a form, copying the activation key, selecting the parent name, and creating a portal account with a username and password. Includes colorful step icons and Bearcat logo