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WELCOME

Welcome to Bryan County Schools, or BCS! We’re glad you’re here. Whether your family is new to the United States, to Georgia, or simply to our community, we want your transition to be smooth, supported, and successful.

This guide explains how our schools work, what to expect day‑to‑day, and how to access services—from registration and transportation to meals, health, and academic programs. Throughout the year, your school will also share news through the district website, school pages, email, calls/texts, and the BCS mobile app.

Your partnership and involvement are essential. Understanding the district’s policies, procedures, and expectations will help you support your child’s success at school, with homework, and beyond. English Learners may qualify for extra support through their school’s EL program, which helps students build English skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, guided by state proficiency standards.

ABOUT OUR SCHOOLS

Bryan County Schools serves students in two geographic areas—North Bryan (Pembroke) and South Bryan (Richmond Hill) with the Fort Stewart military installation located in the middle of Bryan County.

The Bryan County Board of Education and Superintendent serve as the governance team for the school district. The Board consists of seven members, each of whom represents a different geographic district. The school board makes decisions about budget, personnel, instructional programs, facilities, and student activities in the district. For example, the school board decides if the district needs to build new schools. School Board Work Sessions are typically held on the third Thursday of every month at 6:15 PM at the Board of Education office in Black Creek, Board Meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:15 PM in pre-announced locations throughout the county. Both meetings are open to the public.

The district operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, serving just over ten thousand students. Our vision is excellence and success in all we do—academically, socially, and in service to our community.

BCS students speak many languages at home, and our schools welcome families from around the world. BCS consistently performs above state averages and offers a full range of academics, fine arts, and extracurriculars. We partner with families because student success grows when home and school work together.

Elementary School – Kindergarten through Grade 5

All children who are 5 years old by September 1 are eligible to begin kindergarten. Students who are 6 years old by September 1 are eligible for 1st grade.

• Students usually have one main teacher.

• Children have regular recess – a break from studies, usually outside on the playground if the weather permits.

• School days are Monday through Friday.

• Elementary schools in Richmond Hill start at 8:20 AM and end at 3:20 PM. Bryan County Elementary School in Pembroke starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:30 PM.

Subjects of Study:

• Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies make up the core classes which are offered on a daily basis.

• Specials – every school offers Art, Music, STEM and Physical Education. These classes are offered on a rotational basis.

Middle School – Grades 6 through 8

• Students usually have 6-8 classes with different teachers in multiple classrooms.

• Recess is not offered in Middle School.

• School days are Monday through Friday.

• Richmond Hill Middle School starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 2:30 PM. Bryan County Middle School starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM.

Subjects of Study:

• English Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science and Social Studies make up the core classes.

• Connections – every school offers Art, Chorus, Band, Physical Education and Health. Other classes are offered and vary by school.

High School – Grades 9 (Freshman), 10 (Sophomore), 11 (Junior), 12 (Senior)

• Students take required and elective courses to satisfy graduation requirements.

• Some courses have different levels of difficulty, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

• School days are Monday through Friday.

• Richmond Hill High School starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 2:30 PM. Bryan County High School starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM.

• Subjects of study vary by school. See page 6 for the 4-year graduation plan.

*All children between the ages of 6 and 16 are required by state law to attend school.*

GRADE SCALE

For students in kindergarten, student performance is assessed using the Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills 2.0 (GKIDS 2.0).

For students in grades 1–5, student performance is assessed through standards-based grading. Standards-based grades communicate the student’s progress on Georgia standards and is assessed on the following scale:

1 - Beginning to demonstrate proficiency of the standard
2 - Developing proficiency of the standard
3 - Meeting proficiency of the standard
4 - Distinguished

For students in grades 6–12, student performance is assessed using the following scale:

90% and above = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
Below 70% = F

Parents are provided access to grades and attendance through the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

TESTING & ASSESSMENTS

Bryan County Schools uses a variety of assessments to monitor student learning, guide instruction, and meet state requirements. In addition to regular classroom assessments, students in Grades K–8 take diagnostic tests to help identify strengths, areas for improvement, and the support needed to succeed.

• Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) — Grades 3–8

• Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) — Selected high school courses

• ACCESS for English Learners — Annual English language proficiency assessment for eligible English Learner students

• GKIDS Readiness Check — Kindergarten

Families receive score reports for state and local assessments, and teachers are available to review results and discuss next steps for learning.

High School Information

Units of credit are awarded for students receiving a C or higher. A total of 24 units of credit are required for graduation.

Units Required:

• English/Language Arts – 4

• Mathematics – 4

• Science – 4

• Social Studies – 4

• CTAE or Modern Language/Latin or Fine Arts – 3

• Health and Physical Education – 1

• State required elective units – 4

TOTAL UNITS (minimum) – 24

Regular communication between teachers and parents supports student success. Conferences can be requested at any time by either teachers or parents—just call the school or send a note to arrange a meeting. By law, you are entitled to free interpretation services. Contact your school’s administration if you need an interpreter.

Student Parking:
Parking on campus is a privilege, not a right. Students must have a parking permit and follow all school parking rules.

School Personnel
School Administrators – Administrators do not teach classes; they manage the school and staff

• Principal – Leads the school and directs all activities for the assigned grade levels.

• Assistant Principal – Supports the principal, answers parent questions about grades or programs, and helps resolve student issues.

Teachers – Provide instruction and communicate with parents about student progress.

• Classroom Teachers – In grades K–5, teach all core subjects; in middle and high school, teach specific subjects.

• Homeroom Teachers – Meet briefly with students for announcements and daily information (mainly in middle school).

• ESOL Teachers – Provide English language instruction and support for eligible students.

• Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Teachers – Teach students with special needs.

• Gifted Teachers – Offer advanced instruction for qualifying students.

• Specials/Connections/Electives Teachers – Teach areas like music, art, P.E., or other electives.

• Media Specialists – Support technology use and help students access books and resources.

Support Staff – Assist administrators, teachers, and students.

• Instructional Lead Teacher (ILT) – Coaches and supports teachers to improve instruction and student learning.

• Counselors – Help with school and personal concerns, refer families to community resources, and guide academic/career planning in high school.

• Career Coach – Guides high school students in exploring careers, developing job skills, and planning for college or the workforce.

• Clerks – Assist with enrollment, records, calendars, calls, visitors, and general office tasks.

• Clinic Workers – Give medication supplied by parents and assist students who are ill or injured (most are not nurses).

• Other Staff – Registrars, custodians, cafeteria staff, secretaries, receptionists, bookkeepers, and others—all supporting student learning through their roles.

ASSESSMENTS UPON REGISTRATION

All Georgia public schools use a Home Language Survey (HLS) during enrollment for Kindergarten–Grade 12 to identify the primary language(s) spoken at home. For new U.S. students—such as Kindergarteners and recent immigrants—the HLS helps determine if an English Language Proficiency (ELP) screener is needed to see if a student is eligible for ESOL services.

All students are assessed at their assigned school. The WIDA Screener is given to students whose first or home language is not English.

The WIDA Screener has 2 main purposes:

• Identifies students who may qualify for ESOL services.

• Determines the student’s academic English proficiency to guide appropriate instruction.

Annual Assessments

All K–12 English Learners in Georgia take the ACCESS for ELLs® each year, as required by Title I. This test measures English proficiency and progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing across academic subjects. Results are sent to parents in the spring. The assessment is required even if ESOL services are declined or the student has disabilities.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

ESOL Program:
Students whose primary home language is not English and who are not yet proficient receive English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services. Each school has at least one ESOL teacher who provides instruction to build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in both social and academic contexts. English Learners are assessed each year from late January to early March using the ACCESS for ELLs test, which measures proficiency in all four language domains.

Exceptional Student Services (Special Education):
Serves students ages 3–21 who qualify for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The department evaluates eligibility, provides a range of services from least to most restrictive settings, and ensures access to the curriculum through specialized instruction as outlined in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Working with families, schools, and the community, the program supports academic growth and prepares students for post-secondary opportunities.

Health Services:
Each school has a clinic staffed by a nurse or health aide who provides first aid, administers approved medications, and supports students with chronic conditions. Families must complete the required forms before medication can be given, send medications in their original containers with a completed authorization form, and keep emergency contacts and health information up to date in the Parent Portal. For conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or severe allergies, parents should work with the school nurse and counselor to create a care plan.

Gifted and Talented Education:
Bryan County Schools offers gifted services for eligible students in Grades 1–12, following Georgia’s Resource Manual for Gifted Education. Eligibility testing occurs twice a year with parental permission, and students are typically tested no more than once every two years by trained staff. Gifted instruction is provided through one of eight state-approved service models by gifted-endorsed teachers, and parents receive annual notification of their child’s service model. Students must maintain satisfactory progress to remain in the program, and more information is available in the district’s Gifted Resource Manual.

Early Intervention Program (EIP):
The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a state-funded service in all elementary schools for students in Kindergarten–Grade 5 who are at risk of not meeting grade-level expectations in reading and/or math. It provides extra instructional support to help students build the skills needed to reach grade level as quickly as possible.

Pre-K Program (Pre-Kindergarten):
Bryan County Schools offers a free, optional Pre-K program for eligible four-year-olds, funded by the Georgia Pre-K Program through Bright from the Start. Using the HighScope curriculum and Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS), the program provides a full school-day schedule focused on hands-on learning, independence, communication, problem-solving, and social skills to prepare children for success in Kindergarten.

Community Education Programs:
Bryan County Schools’ Community Education offers flexible, tuition-based enrichment and care for all ages—from before and after school programs for Pre‑K through Grade 8 to a wide variety of classes and workshops for children and adults. Programs include arts, STEAM, sports, cooking, driver’s education, and more, hosted at multiple school sites. With experienced instructors and a catalog of over 200 classes, families can register online (early enrollment is encouraged) and enjoy creative, educational opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Athletics:
Bryan County Schools offers a wide range of athletic opportunities across its middle and high schools—from traditional sports like football, basketball, tennis, and track to newer offerings such as esports and bass fishing. Many teams also support performing groups like marching band and drill line. High school athletes compete across fall, winter, and spring seasons, while middle school students have similar seasonal opportunities.

Extracurricular Activities:
In addition to sports, students can take part in a variety of clubs and organizations that encourage leadership, creativity, and teamwork. Options may include honor societies, student council, agriculture clubs, business clubs, service groups, band, and special interest clubs. These activities give students a chance to explore their passions, develop new skills, and connect with classmates outside the regular school day.

New students register online through the PowerSchool enrollment portal. If you need help, the school can assist with in‑person registration. To enroll, students must reside in Bryan County with a parent or court‑approved legal guardian, or complete a Joint Residency Affidavit if living with a county resident while establishing residency.

• Proof of residency (for example: lease, mortgage, or current utility bill)

• Birth certificate or passport

• Immunization on Georgia Form 3231 and Vision/Hearing/Dental/Nutrition on Form 3300

• Parent/guardian photo ID and custody orders (if applicable)

• Prior school records (helpful for course placement)

Families building a home in the district may enroll by providing a non‑contingent sales contract and a sworn statement from the builder or realtor that occupancy will occur within nine weeks of registration. Bus transportation is not provided until the move is complete and documentation is submitted.

The district calendar runs August through May and includes holidays, teacher workdays, and early release days. You can always find the current approved calendars on the district website (School Calendars).

Before school starts, each campus hosts an Open House to help students learn their classrooms, meet teachers, and practice drop‑off and pick‑up locations. Supply lists are posted on school websites. The Back‑to‑School hub also links to traffic patterns, bus routes, and menus so families can plan ahead.

Throughout the year, schools host many events, including Curriculum Night, concerts, art exhibitions, athletic events, and STEM/STEAM Night. Your school will publish a calendar of events and send reminders through email and text.

Families are encouraged to review the BCS Student Handbook which provides detailed guidance on attendance policies and procedures. BCS Student/Parent Handbook

Georgia law requires students ages 6–16 to attend school. Regular attendance builds strong habits and supports learning. When students must miss school due to personal illness or the illness of the student’s immediate family member, BCS requests medical documentation upon the return to school for the purpose of validating that the absence is an excused absence.

• Excused reasons include illness, religious holidays, court appearances, and certain family emergencies.

• Unexcused absences may lead to make‑up work limits and other consequences per the Student Handbook

• Schools monitor excessive absences and tardies and may refer families to support services when needed

Arriving on time matters. Repeated tardiness disrupts learning and may result in school‑level interventions. Please contact the school if you anticipate extended absences so a plan can be developed.

When Should My Child Stay Home?

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher—return after fever‑free for 24 hours without fever‑reducing medicine.

• Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.

• Contagious illnesses as directed by a healthcare provider.

If you’re unsure, call the school nurse for guidance. Updated health forms help the clinic care for your child efficiently.

If severe weather or an emergency requires a schedule change, the district will notify families by phone, text, email, website, and social media. Local news outlets may also share updates. Make sure your phone number and email address are correct in the Parent Portal.

BCS provides bus service for eligible students. Routes and stops are published before school starts and are kept up‑to‑date on the district site. Safety on the bus and at bus stops is essential—review rules with your child.

• Follow the driver’s instructions at all times and remain seated while the bus is moving

• Keep hands, feet, and personal items to yourself; keep aisles clear

• No eating or drinking on the bus; respect others and school property

Car rider and walker procedures vary by campus. Schools publish detailed traffic maps and arrival/dismissal procedures before the first day. Please follow signs and staff directions to keep lines moving safely.

Breakfast and lunch are available daily. Families may prepay and manage accounts online. Students approved for free or reduced benefits receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost each day

• 2025–26 full‑pay prices: Elementary—Breakfast $2.50 / Lunch $3.75; Middle/High—Breakfast $2.50 / Lunch $4.00

• Reduced‑price meals: Breakfast $0.00 / Lunch $0.00 (per 2025–26 BCS listing for reduced students)

• Charging is limited; once the charge limit is reached, an alternate meal is provided until balances are paid

• Manage payments and apply for benefits through SchoolCafé; set low‑balance alerts and auto‑pay

BCS promotes a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Expectations and consequences are detailed in the Student Code of Conduct. Schools encourage positive behavior through PBIS and supportive interventions.

• Respect others and follow adult directions

• Be prepared for class and use technology responsibly

• Serious violations (e.g., threats, weapons, drugs, or fighting) lead to immediate administrative action

Students should dress appropriately for the weather, and coats, hats, and gloves should be labeled with your child’s name. Each school has specific rules about clothing that is not allowed, so be sure to review the dress code section in the student/parent handbook.

All visitors check in at the front office and wear a visitor badge. Schools practice drills for fire, severe weather, and lockdowns. School Resource Officers support secondary campuses and work closely with administrators to keep schools safe.

Bryan County Schools values strong partnerships with families and works to keep parents informed and engaged. The district offers multiple ways to stay connected, track student progress, and get involved in school life:

• PowerSchool Parent Portal — real‑time attendance and grades

• District and school websites and social media updates

• Newsletters, emails, automated calls/texts, and the BCS mobile app

• Opportunities to volunteer, join PTO/PTA, and serve on advisory councils

Bryan County Schools partners with families and the community to ensure students have the support and resources they need to succeed. Whether you need help with transportation, health services, adult education, or local programs, these contacts can connect you with assistance and opportunities.

District Office
Bryan County Schools, 8810 Hwy 280, Black Creek, GA 31308 | 912‑851‑4000

Transportation
For bus routes, pick-up/drop-off times, or transportation questions, contact your child’s school or the Transportation Department at 912-851-4020.

Health & Medical Services – Hospitals

• St. Joseph’s Hospital – Savannah – 11705 Mercy Blvd, Savannah, GA 31419 | 912-819-4100

• Memorial Health University Medical Center – Savannah – 4700 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA 31404 | 912-350-8000

• Liberty Regional Medical Center – Hinesville – 462 Elma G. Miles Pkwy, Hinesville, GA 31313 | 912-369-9400

Bryan County Health & Medical Services

Richmond Hill / South Bryan County:

• St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care – Richmond Hill – 13314 Hwy 144, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 | 912-910-2905

• St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care – Heartwood Campus – 90 Greenline Dr, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 | 912-910-2900

• ExperCARE Urgent Care & Primary Care – 60 Exchange St, Ste B7, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 | 912-201-1140

• SouthCoast Health & Pediatrics – Richmond Hill – 240 Cedar St, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 | 912-527-5300

Pembroke / North Bryan County:

• St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care – Ellabell (North Bryan) – 1337 GA-280, Ellabell, GA 31308 | 912-856-7230

Adult Education & English Classes
Savannah Technical College offers GED and English language classes in the region. Call 912-443-5446 for schedules and locations.

Community Services

• United Way of the Coastal Empire (Bryan County) – 9611 Ford Ave, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 | 912-651-7700

• Bryan County Family Connection – 40 S Industrial Blvd, Pembroke, GA 31321 | 912-653-3824

• Georgia Department of Family & Children Services – 430 Ledford St, Pembroke, GA 31321 | 912-653-2800

Public Libraries

• Live Oak Public Libraries – Richmond Hill Branch – 9607 Ford Ave, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 | 912-756-3580

• Pembroke Public Library – 1018 Camellia Dr, Pembroke, GA 31321 | 912-653-2822

For additional help, contact your child’s school counselor, who can connect families with school and community resources.