In the new year, Decatur County Schools remains committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment on every campus for our students, faculty, and staff. As part of this ongoing commitment, OPENGATE Security Systems are in use across all Decatur County Schools campuses, including primary and elementary schools, as a proactive measure to help keep our schools 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, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as school entrances.

OPENGATE provides 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 safe, secure, and nurturing learning environments across all grade levels.

We encourage families to continue emphasizing the importance of school safety and working together to help keep the Bearcat Family safe on every campus, every 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
2 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Bearcat mascot standing between two OPENGATE security scanners with text reading “OPENGATE Security Systems at Every School” and “Prioritizing Safety, The Bearcat Way.”
📌 Flu Season Health & Safety Reminder for Families
Flu season is upon us and here are a few reminders to help keep our schools healthy :

🦠 Wash hands often with soap and water
🦠 Cover coughs and sneezes
🦠 Keep students home if they have a fever or flu-like symptoms
🦠Students must be fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications before returning to school
🦠Consider talking with your child’s health care provider about the flu vaccination

🚨🤒When to keep your child home:
If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe cough, or feels unwell please keep them home and allow time to recover before returning to school.

💜 Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students, staff, and schools healthy throughout flu season.
2 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Flu season reminder graphic listing ways to keep schools healthy, including handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, keeping sick students home, being fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school, and considering flu vaccination, with an illustration of a coughing child and virus icons.
Merry Christmas from BMS Chorus! 6th and 7th grade chorus students were able to go Christmas caroling for residents at Memorial Manor and Bainbridge Health and Rehab. Students enjoyed spending time with the residents afterwards and gave out handmade cards after their performances. It is amazing to see students with such compassionate hearts for our neighbors in the community.
3 months ago, BMS Drama Club
6th grade chorus students posed in front of a Christmas tree
7th grade chorus students posed in front of a Christmas tree
three 7th grade chorus students dressed in festive shirts and Santa hats
3 seventh grade chorus students posed for a picture
This week, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) students at Bainbridge Middle School shared a meaningful nativity program, reminding us of the importance of faith, kindness, and service during the Christmas season.

We are proud of these students for their confidence, teamwork, and willingness to use their talents to share a message of hope with their school community. Moments like these reflect the character and heart of our Bearcats. 💜💛
3 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Bainbridge Middle School students participate in a nativity program in the school gym, wearing costumes, kneeling, and standing together as classmates and staff observe.
Bainbridge Middle School students participate in a nativity program in the school gym, wearing costumes, kneeling, and standing together as classmates and staff observe.
Bainbridge Middle School students participate in a nativity program in the school gym, wearing costumes, kneeling, and standing together as classmates and staff observe.
Bainbridge Middle School students participate in a nativity program in the school gym, wearing costumes, kneeling, and standing together as classmates and staff observe.
Bainbridge Middle School students participate in a nativity program in the school gym, wearing costumes, kneeling, and standing together as classmates and staff observe.
Bainbridge Middle School students participate in a nativity program in the school gym, wearing costumes, kneeling, and standing together as classmates and staff observe.
Bainbridge Middle School students participate in a nativity program in the school gym, wearing costumes, kneeling, and standing together as classmates and staff observe.
Bainbridge Middle School students participate in a nativity program in the school gym, wearing costumes, kneeling, and standing together as classmates and staff observe.
Thank You from the BMS PTO!
3 months ago, Bainbridge Middle School
A Special Thank you to the community Members and local businesses who generous support mad ethe BMS PTO Fundraiser a success.
Thank you to everyone who purchased from the BMS in Bloom fundraiser. Congratulations to our top sellers!
3 months ago, Bainbridge Middle School
Congratulations to the BMS in Bloom Top Sellers Ava Stubbs and Juvia Lai pictured with Ms. Spooner.
To purchase an FFA hat, please contact Mr. Ward Cole.
ecole@dcboe.com
3 months ago, Bainbridge Middle School
FFA hats are in stock and ready for sale. $25 each
Congratulations to the top grade level sellers for the BMS PTO Fundraiser.
Cayden Thomas, Joshua Vickers , and Hunter Blanton
3 months ago, Bainbridge Middle School
The top 3 sellers for the BMS PTO Fundraiser

Where did they go?
8th Grade science students are looking forward to participating in today's GaTECH Direct to Discovery session with Jack Wood. Students will explore the electromagnetic spectrum in action! Jack Wood from the Georgia Tech Research Institute will dive into Radar & Lidar technology explaining how they work, and why they matter for real-world problems. The 8th graders at Bainbridge Middle School are in for treat learning more about how technology and science will impact the future for engineers and scientists.

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Jack Wood from GaTECH teaches students about Radar and Lidar Systems in a Direct to Discovery event this week for Bainbridge Middle School
Congratulations BMS Spelling Bee Winners!
3 months ago, Bainbridge Middle School
The BMS Spelling Bee Winners for 2025

Lights! Cameras! Volcanoes! Earthquakes!
6th graders at Bainbridge Middle School are getting ready for Hollywood-level thrills — with science! Dr. Samantha Wilson from Georgia Tech will show how volcanoes and earthquakes are portrayed in movies and explain the real plate-tectonics science behind these dramatic events as part of the GaTECH Direct to Discovery program and partnership. Making learning Visible--the Bearcat Way!

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools
6th grade learn from Dr. Samantha Wilson about volcanos and earthquakes in movies.

You're invited — Robots in Action! 🤖
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Join us at Bainbridge Middle School for the FIRST LEGO League Southern Regional Qualifier Tournament — Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. The theme is Archaeology and students have been "digging in" to develop innovative solutions, showcase their engineering design skills, and dazzle us with their autonomous robots on the tables.

Bainbridge Middle School
3130 Thomasville Road, Bainbridge, GA 39819
Saturday, December 13 — 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Highlights:
🤖Live robot rounds in the GYM (9:30–11:30 & 12:00–1:15) — free for the public to watch
🤖Teams competing include Decatur County’s 66302–Techno Treasures & 66305–Sand Stormers
🤖Students will present innovation projects and autonomous robots on the competition tables
🤖Robot PITS will feature interactive activities and team Innovation Project and Robot Design displays
🤖Hutto Elementary students will host a Robot Expo in the lobby showcasing projects as they prepare for the GA STC competition

🥤🍫 Concessions available all day from Bainbridge High School’s Buddy & Bella’s (specialty drinks $3.50; Pepsi & Gatorade $2.50; snacks $1–$3) — all proceeds benefit the BHS Entrepreneurship Program and 🍕LUNCH will also be for sale in the cafeteria with all proceeds benefiting the BMS Drama Club

Seating for family and spectators in the bleachers; follow ENTER/EXIT signage via Thomasville Road
Come cheer on our local teams, explore innovation projects, try interactive pit activities, and support student programs — see you there! 🎉

3 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Decatur County Schools invites you to come explore the world of Robotics and the FIRST LEGO LEAGUE at this year’s Southwest Georgia Regional Qualifier event on Saturday, December 12th from 9:00-2:00.  The event will be hosted in the GYM at Bainbridge Middle School.  Robot Rounds will run from 9:30-11:30 with a break for lunch and again from 12:00-1:15.  Come see what all the excitement is about and Cheer on our Decatur County Teams    66302-Techno Treasures & 66305-Sand Stormers
Huge shoutout to BMS FFA member Maci Lynn! She recently competed in the sub-area FFA Creed Speaking competition and is advancing to the Area 5 Creed Speaking Finals on March 5, 2026 in Tifton. We’re so proud of her hard work, poise, and dedication.
3 months ago, Bainbridge Middle School
Macy Lynn before her Creed competition
Macy Lynn before her Creed Competition
Mark your calendar for the HES & BMS Winter Band Concert this Tuesday night! We hope to see you there.
3 months ago, Bainbridge Middle School
HES BMS Winter Concert 2025  December 9 at 6 PM at the Performing Arts Center
We would like to thank everyone who supported BMS Chorus at their winter concert! What a perfect way to ring in the season. A special shoutout to our pianist, Ms. Elizabeth Grice, for her beautiful playing. Parents, if you have any photos or videos you would like to share, please send them to Mr. Griffith through the app or via email at cgriffith@dcboe.com.
3 months ago, BMS Drama Club
a poster for BMS Chorus Winter Concert, which was held on December 4th at 7:00 PM. It features a green tree in a snowbank and a hanging ornament with a picture of chorus students inside.
A picture of all three grade levels of Chorus. They are standing on stage with a blue and purple light effect behind them.
6th Grade Chorus students standing on stage with a red and white lighting effect behind them.
7th grade chorus students standing on stage with a blue and white lighting effect behind them.
8th grade chorus students standing on stage with a green and white lighting effect behind them.
🎄 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.
Students in Ms. Crawford's Read 180 Class took their best SHOT at Transitions with a game of "Around the World 🌎" in Basketball. Students were divided into teams, asked questions about transitions, and earned a chance to shoot for two and move around the Basketball 🏀 Goal. The objective of the game was to show that by using the correct transitions, students can master essay writing.

Special thanks to Coach Clark for allowing the class to utilize the gym.
3 months ago, Bainbridge Middle School
Students in Ms. Crawford's Read 180 Class took their best SHOT at Transitions with a game of "Around the World 🌎" in Basketball.   Students were divided into teams, asked questions about transitions, and earned a chance to shoot for two and move around the Basketball 🏀 Goal.  The objective of the game was to show that by using the correct transitions, students can master essay writing.  Special thanks to Coach Clark for allowing the class to utilize the gym.
BMS Basketball Teams Give Back: 250 Meals Served, Leadership on and off the Court
3 months ago, Bainbridge Middle School
Boys and Girls from the BMS Basketball team pose after giving out 250 hot meals to the community.
Tonight is the annual BMS Chorus Winter Concert! We hope you'll join us at the BHS Performing Arts Center at 7:00 PM. Check out this poster made by 6th grade student Itzell Alvarado-Rodriguez!
3 months ago, Connor Griffith
A poster with a white background and various illustrations of a snowy pine tree, a microphone and music notes, a gingerbread man, a gift box, holly leaves, bows, and ornaments. The poster reads "Bms Chorus Winter Concert!!! Come to see our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders sing and have fun with us!!!! December 4, 2025. 7 PM!! At the BHS Performing Arts Center"
🎄✨ 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.