BMS Patriot Press

Berkmar Middle School will provide students with quality, rigorous instruction that will develop critical and creative thinkers who will take ownership of their education in order to be successful lifelong learners.

The mission of Berkmar Middle School is to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student, resulting in measured improvement against local, national, and world-class standards.

3 R’S Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Ready!

Greetings, Patriot Families,

Happy Friday!

We have had an awesome week at BMS. Our Annual Title I Parent Meeting and Curriculum Night were a success. It was great to connect with those families who attended the meetings. If you did not have an opportunity to attend the meetings, please contact your child’s teacher for information on how to best support your student this school year.

We realize that you have growing concerns about the safety of your child. Please know that safety is a top priority of Berkmar Middle School and our district. GCPS sent out communication this week to highlight some of the ongoing security measures we have in place:

• School Resource Officers: GCPS currently employs 115 SROs, with two stationed at each high school, one at each middle school, and several at elementary schools. We also work with other law enforcement agencies to enhance security coverage at all schools.
• Centegix Crisis Alert System: All GCPS schools are equipped with the Centegix Crisis Alert system, which allows staff to discreetly call for help and provides first responders with precise location details, down to the room and floor.
• Cameras: We have installed more than 11,000 security cameras across all campuses, which can be accessed remotely by law enforcement when necessary.
• Security Vestibules and Raptor System: Each school is equipped with a security vestibule, giving administrators control over who enters the building. The Raptor system screens all adult visitors against the National Sex Offender Registry to enhance student safety.
• Safety Drills: Every school conducts regular safety drills, including lockdowns and fire drills, to prepare students and staff for emergency situations.
• Mental Health Support and Intervention: Our school counselors and psychologists are trained to identify students at risk of violent behavior and to provide appropriate interventions before issues escalate.
• GCPS Tips: Now in its third year, GCPS Tips has been a resounding success. This mobile app and the desktop version allow students, staff, families, and community members to anonymously report safety, security, or mental health concerns.

I encourage you to continue to talk with your child about making positive decisions and being responsible when using Social Media. BMS loves each and every student and we want to continue to partner with you to ensure a successful and safe school year.

Please contact an administrator or counselor if you have questions.

Your Proud Principal,

Felecia Jones

September 2- Labor Day

September 6- Progress Reports emailed

September 9- Volleyball: Berkmar (Home) vs. Lilburn) @ 6:00 pm

September 20- Digital Learning Day #1

September 23- Reading Night

October 10-14- Fall Break

GCPS School Calendar - English

GCPS Student Calendar - English

Calendars in other languages can be found on this GCPS page.

Today, recognized Ms. Abby Paul as Berkmar Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. Ms. Paul was nominated and elected by the staff for her dedication and commitment to staff, students, and families. She is an exemplary teacher!

We would also like to recognize Ms. Carlson and Mr. Jackson as finalists. All these teachers exhibit wonderful qualities and engaging lessons that show what it means to be an educator who builds relationships with students and colleagues.

Mr. Collins pulled a small group to reteach concepts on conduction, convection, and radiation in his physical science class.

Annual AKS Public Review

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) invites GCPS families, Gwinnett County residents, students, and GCPS staff members to participate in the school district’s review of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum Sept. 3 through Sept. 26. The public may review proposed standards online, offering feedback on AKS that have been developed to align the curriculum with the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and/or Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). Click here for a list of the courses with AKS under review. To review the AKS and provide feedback, please click here to begin. Comments will be accepted through Thursday Sept. 26.

What: Annual AKS Public Review Opportunity

When: Sept. 3 through Sept. 26

• Do you have access to the ParentVue?
• Do you have a MyPaymentsPlus account?
• Have you applied for Free and/or Reduced Lunch, if applicable?
• Do you know when and where your child can go to get additional instructional support?
• Do you know where you can check out materials/resources to use at home with your student?
• Do you know how to become a volunteer in our school?

If you answered no to any of these questions, please make an Appointment with Pilar Silva, our Parent Instructional Coordinator, in the BMS Parent Center.

We are pleased to announce that the Free and Reduced Lunch Application for the 2024-2025 school year is now available for BMS families to complete. It is important for students to have a nutritious meal throughout the day to support their learning and overall well-being.

Please use the following link to complete your application:

SY25 Online Free & Reduced Application.

SPANISH:

Atención Familias de Berkmar: Solicitud de Almuerzo Gratuito o Reducido para el Año Escolar 2024-2025

Nos complace anunciar que la Solicitud de Almuerzo Gratuito o a Precio Reducido para el año escolar 2024-2025 ya está disponible para que las familias Berkmar Middle la completen. Es importante que los estudiantes tengan una comida nutritiva durante el día para apoyar su aprendizaje y su bienestar general.

Utilice el siguiente enlace para completar su solicitud:

SY25 Online Free & Reduced Application.

We have one counselor per grade level. As a team, they provide support with academics and social-emotional learning. Please contact your grade level if you have any concerns.

Joycelyn Harris

joycelyn.h.harris@gcpsk12.org

770-279-6404

Lasha King

Lasha.King@gcpsk12.org

770-638-2313

Jennifer Feinberg

Jennifer.Feinberg@gcpsk12.org

770-638-2319

Each BMS student will receive a GCPS assigned chromebook for use in class and at home to support their instructional needs. It is the family’s responsibility to monitor the use of the device to ensure that the device is returned in the condition in which it was received.

GCPS has created a 1:1 Parent Support Site to provide further information on chromebook use as well as parent and student responsibilities.

GCPS will assess fines for lost and/or damaged chromebooks and chargers. Please note that incidents of damage or loss do not reset each school year.

Resources:

Student 1:1 Support Site

Parent 1:1 Support Site

Parent and student rights and responsibilities

Students will not receive another chrome book until all fines have been paid.

Follow Us On Social Media

Want to stay connected with BMS? Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BerkmarMS127. Follow us on Facebook Berkmar Middle. Updated communication and parent newsletters may be found on these platforms. Additionally, our school website is another great resource for learning more about our school.

Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=2086
Location: 4355 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn, GA, USA
Phone: 770-638-2300