Beech Hill Elementary, home of the Beacons, is recognized for excellence in academics, leadership, health/wellness, and community engagement. The school has earned several prestigious honors, including designation as a 2026 National Gold Star School, a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School, a 2026 ASCA Student Council School of Excellence, and a 2026 Boeing Center for Wellness Champion School.
At the heart of Beech Hill's success is its whole-child approach to learning known as the BEACON Experience. Driven by the school’s unique House System, Beacons are encouraged to SHINE: be Safe, Honest, Intelligent, Nurturing, and Empowered. The school’s mission, "Beech Hill will lead the way to lifelong learning through excellence, leadership, and empowerment," is supported via the Lighthouses of Lifelong Learning. This House System, established in 2011, earmarks the essential features of lifelong learners. The Lighthouses of Lifelong Learning are: CREATE, LIVE, NURTURE, CONNECT, THINK and DREAM.
The Beacon Creed supports the school’s iconic approach to academic excellence and positive behavior. Beech Hill is also a designated Capturing Kids’ Hearts school where stakeholders utilize key components of Dweck’s Growth Mindset, Focus 5, Inc.’s Acting Right and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). These pillars of expectation promote a child-centered climate and a culture of kindness and community.
Through student-driven leadership and service opportunities such as the Kindness Crew, Student Council, WBHS Morning Show Crew, and the Guiding Lights (Safety Patrol), students are empowered to develop character, responsibility, and a commitment to serving others. A recipient of the Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grant, Beacon student leaders were instrumental in helping to bring a refrigerated blessing box to a local community site. This resource will allow for fresh produce and dairy products to be available to families in need.
Beech Hill has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, consistently earning exceptional school report card ratings. Equally important is the school's dedication to supporting students' social-emotional growth, ensuring that every child is equipped to thrive both academically and personally.
Strong community partnerships are a hallmark of the BEACON Experience. Annual events such as the Harris Spring Fling, Autumn Daze, and Produce Giveaways bring families and community members together while reinforcing the school's culture of service and connection. Beech Hill's commitment to sustainability and service is reflected in its award-winning garden program. Named Katie's Krops ~ School Garden of the Year, the Beech Hillmaintains three vibrant gardens where students cultivate produce used for food tastings and community contributions, learning valuable lessons in stewardship, nutrition, and giving back. This year, we harvested over 600 pounds of produce.
The school strives to remain connected with students and families beyond the traditional school day and school year. This year’s Summer Challenge encouraged students to complete 250 acts of kindness in honor of our nation's 250th anniversary. Tools like ParentSquare and Schoology help keep parents informed and connected. Events like Parent University and Avoiding the Summer Slide Seminars help keep parents empowered as facilitators of continued learning. Beech Hill's success is strengthened by the unconditional love and support of her families. Parents contribute countless hours of volunteer service, assisting with small-group instruction, classroom activities, crafts, fundraising efforts, and resource support. They contribute to our fundraising and community events like Boosterthon and the Glow Run with invaluable volunteer currency and enthusiastic participation. Together, students, staff, families, and community partners create a culture where every Beacon is empowered to develop as lifelong learners.
Beech Hill is home to our Beacons, but it is so much more. It is a place where we strive to see each student’s unique blueprint for success; nurture and cultivate their potential and possibilities: then watch our Beacons rise and shine.
