Principal

Outside of academics, our students thrived in athletics. Our boy’s basketball team, boy’s soccer team, and girl’s soccer team each won their respective conference championships. Our club program was wildly successful as 80% of our students participated in clubs. Our business organizations continue to grow. And, our parent engagement supports it all! We see this in that 85% of our parents participated in student-led conferences.

When looking at the climate and culture of our school, we want our stakeholders to know that BHMS is thriving! We have received several recognitions. For the FIRST time in school history, we were awarded the designation of Title 1 reward school. We received the governor’s seal of school safety. Additionally, our climate star score improved to a level 3. We have the safest and most secure school that I have worked in over my 18-year career in education with staff and students succeeding every day. 

One of the blessings of being at BHMS for five years is that we have been able to continue to refine the way we handle day to day operations. According to Mrs. Debbie Hamlin, I am the longest tenured principal in the school’s history, which has allowed us to build processes and procedures that have helped to improve our instructional strategies, our student expectation procedures, our staff retention procedures, and our discipline procedures. We have seen a significant decline in students spending time in in-school suspension and out-of-school suspension.  

I am so proud of the class of 2030 (last year’s 8th grade.) As a collective group, they made huge strides academically, athletically, in clubs, and as leaders on our campus. I cannot wait to see what these young folks accomplish as they make the move across town to Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy.

Something magical happens at BHMS over the three years that our students spend with us from 6th grade through 8th grade. They enter BHMS as 6th grade students who have been through elementary school. 7th grade is typically a challenge because they are finding themselves. By 8th grade, they have confidence, boldness, and are prepared to be leaders in high school.

One other highlight for me as the principal was that one of our school clubs (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) sponsored a student-led praise and worship service during club time. Those kids rocked as they boldly proclaimed their hope and their faith to their peers. We desire to build a culture of ownership and these kids exemplified that quality!

Most important goals for this year?

Our goal is to keep going. We have made significant improvements with our staff as we have hired several new teachers who bring unique skills sets to BHMS!

We desire to make BHMS a school where kids want to come and learn, parents want to send their children to learn, the BEST teachers and staff want to come to work to help children learn, and the community knows that BHMS is a beacon of light in south Georgia for the betterment of their kids. Our reputation in the community is very important to us.

A few goals for me as the principal: engage the community and build our afterschool program. We would like to participate in community outreach and community improvement to take our educational processes outside the walls of our school. We have been blessed to offer an afterschool program, and I will work diligently to support the program and continue its growth.

What will kids love at BHMS?

There is something for EVERYONE at BHMS. We have world-class academics! I would put our academic teachers up against any school in the country. We have worked very hard over the past five years to craft this team, and your kids will love them!

In addition to academics, we have connection classes that offer the following opportunities for our students: healthcare, chorus, career exploration, computer literacy, typing, yearbook, marketing, engineering, robotics, family and consumer science, band, physical education, and strength/ conditioning. 

We have over 25 clubs and organizations that our students are encouraged to join. We have business organizations in FFA, TSA, and FCCLA.

We also offer athletic opportunities in the following sports: football, cross country, cheerleading, basketball, wrestling, swimming, soccer, baseball, tennis, and track.

There is something for everyone at BHMS!

What will be new this year - with the school itself, academically, athletically, etc? New rules? What would you like new students and parents to know?

It is our great privilege to partner with you all as we educate this next generation of middle school students. We do not take this opportunity lightly and thank you for entrusting your children to us!

I have an open door policy which means you can ALWAYS come to the school to see me about anything. You may always call me directly as well at 229-409-5573.

There are a few updates to the BHMS student handbook.

• Clear bags only will be allowed past security checkpoints. This includes gym bags but does not include lunchboxes.
• Students will be permitted to have clear water bottles because hydration is important but all other drinks will not be permitted outside of lunch.
• Cell phones are not allowed during the instructional day. If a child brings a phone to school, they will be collected upon entry into the building. This is in accordance with Georgia law.
• Students who bring a vape to school will be punished in accordance with the BHCS student handbook.
• Here is the easy dress code explanation:
  • Shirts must have sleeves.
  • The body should be covered including mid-driff.
  • Shorts or skirts must be finger-tip length. 

Lastly, attendance is essential. We have made SIGNIFICANT gains in improving student attendance over the past several years. I need your child at school everyday unless they are very sick. Teaching and learning will occur daily from 7:30 AM to 2:50 PM. Students can arrive to school as early as 7:00 when our doors open to welcome them back each day! 

Please do not hesitate to contact me!

Sincerely,

Michael Heitzman

Ben Hill Middle School Principal, Ed. S.
michael.heitzman@benhillschools.org