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,

Welcome back! As we embark on the journey of the 2024-2025 school year, I am filled with immense joy and excitement to reconnect with each of you. Whether you're returning students or joining our school community for the first time, I extend a warm welcome to all.

We had a successful Open House last week with our theme, "Make an Impact,” in action. Students and families were engaged in conversations with teachers and staff members, learning about the school and opportunities we have with strengthening the home-school connection.

In preparation for a successful school year, please review the important information in our newsletter and sign- off on the required documents on ParentSquare before the first day of school. Chromebooks will be issued to students once all documents have been signed.

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, I am eager to witness the growth and accomplishments of our students. Let's embrace every opportunity to learn, explore, and make an impact on each and every student.

Thanks for your continued support and partnership!

Warm Regards,

Felecia C. Jones

Proud Principal

1. Please review and sign all orientation documents on ParentSquare.

*The Berkmar MS The Plan the Promise

*The Gwinnett County Public School's 2024-2025 Handbook Information for Students and Families

*The Berkmar MS 2024-2025 Parent/Student Handbook

2. BUILDING HOURS / EARLY ARRIVALS

The school is open from 8:20 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. daily. Students should not be dropped off at school before 8:50 a.m., unless attending Wednesday Help Day or other designated activities facilitated by BMS staff members. In order to come early, students must have a pass signed in their Agenda by the sponsoring teacher stating they have permission to be in the building. If a student fails to comply, a counselor and/or administrator will contact their parent, and consequences may apply. Students may only stay after school if they are participating in an event supervised by BMS staff members. All students should be picked up prior to the end of the day at 4:20 p.m.

3. CELL PHONES

Berkmar Middle School is a Power Down facility. Before or upon entry into our building, we ask that cell phones be powered off and placed in a bookbag. Students who use devices without permission are subject to disciplinary action. The school does not assume any responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. Devices, including AirPods, should NOT be visible in the hallways during arrival, dismissal, or transitions between classes. All devices should be powered off and stored in book bags when entering the building.

4. Water Bottles

Please ensure students only bring clear water bottles to school if needed.

(L-R): Kimberly Pittman-8th, Ashley Bolton-6th, Felecia Jones-Principal, Dr. Tamar Housen-Connections, Angela Fisher-7th, Carrie Keane -Interventions and Supports

Student Registration for the 2024-25

Student Registration for the 2024-25 school year is online. After your student's online registration is complete, you will need to complete the enrollment process at your school.

Who needs to register? All kindergarten students and all new students enrolling in Gwinnett County Public Schools.

• Please note that students must be five years old on or before September 1, 2024, to register for the kindergarten 2024-2025 school year!
• If you need help determining which school your child will attend, visit Find My School on the district website.

Where can I register my child? Registration is 100% online. Student Registration for the 2024-25 school year begins April 8, 2024. Online registration for GCPS.

Do Current Students need to register for 2024-25? Current GCPS students who are moving will need to complete a change of status form.

Students who enrolled in a school under one of the conditions below will need to renew their form.

• Residency Affidavit
• Permissive Transfer
• Kinship Caregiver Affidavit
• Homeless
• Foster Care

You can view the 2024-25 School Calendar on GCPS' website and download a copy to help you prepare for the new school year!

Important Date: 7th Grade Updated Immunizations Deadline: August 2nd

For ALL rising 7th Grade Students who are entering the 7th grade must have a valid Form 3231

ParentSquare is a communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with your child’s school and Gwinnett County Public Schools.

ParentSquare provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to receive and send information, such as:

Weather-related closings & delays

School and class information

Share pictures and files

See calendar items

Upcoming class activities

ParentSquare Setup

You can receive ParentSquare message notifications 3 ways: email, text, or in the phone app. The GCPS website has a page that explains how to setup or change your notifications. We encourage you to go in to your ParentSquare account and make sure that you are getting the notifications in a way that makes the most sense for you!

Click the link and make sure you are getting notified.

Exciting BMS News for 2024-2025 School Year!

We are thrilled to announce the start of the 2024-2025 school year and the activation of our PTSA (Parent-Teacher-Student Association)!

We need your help to make it happen! Your involvement in the PTSA is vital. When students see their parents engaged in school activities, it inspires them and strengthens our school community.

Together, we can support various programs that enhance our students' educational experience and create a positive impact.

For more information, please contact Ms. Silva at 770-638-2317 or via email at pilar.silva@gcps.org.

Let's join forces and make this year amazing!

#BMSIMPACT

Estamos empcionados de anunciar el inicio del año escolar 2024-2025 y la activación de nuestra PTSA (Asociación de Padres, Maestros y Estudiantes).

¡Necesitamos su ayuda para hacerlo realidad! Tu participación en la PTSA es vital. Cuando los estudiantes ven a sus padres involucrados en actividades escolares, se sienten inspirados y se fortalece nuestra comunidad escolar.

Juntos, podemos apoyar varios programas que mejoran la experiencia educativa de nuestros estudiantes y crear un impacto positivo.

Para más información, por favor contacta a la Sra. Silva al 770-638-2317 o por correo electrónico a pilar.silva@gcps.org.

¡Unamos nuestras fuerzas y hagamos de este año algo increíble!

#IMPACTOBMS

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.

If you need assistance, Ms. Silva will be available every day starting Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

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.

Si necesita ayuda, la Sra. Silva estará disponible todos los días a partir del jueves 25 de julio de 2024, de 10:00 a. m. a 3:00 p. m.

Parents can use their smartphones to access ParentVUE to find grades, schedules, and more! Please click here for more information on downloading ParentVue.

https://www.gcpsk12.org/families/parent-vue

• 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

If you are interested in supporting PBIS this year, please send donations to the grade level counselor.

6th- Ms. Joycelyn Harris

7th- Ms. King

8th-Ms. Feinberg

One of the integral parts of creating a harmonious and distraction-free learning space is our "Power Down" cell phone policy. We understand the importance of technology and staying connected in our modern world. However, during school hours, the focus should be on learning, collaborating, and being present.

Should there be an emergency or an urgent concern to communicate with your child, please reach out to the school's main office. We will ensure your child receives the message promptly. At BMS, we strive to protect students from the potential pitfalls of unsupervised internet access during school hours.

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

To help students and families prepare for the 2024-25 school year, please review GCPS’ 2024-25 Virtual Back-to-School Backpack for Families below. This toolkit includes links to important information and district resources for families as we partner to support student success. Join us as we count down to the first day of school!

All information below will be up to date by July 22, 2024.

https://www.gcpsk12.org/families/back-to-school

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