Bear Essentials
Weekly eNews, February 3, 2023
Principal's Message
It's been another great week of learning at Berkeley Lake Elementary School! Thank you to everyone who attended the community meeting on Thursday morning to give input on your new Principal. I expect the new Principal to be named at either the February or March Board meeting and I will transition to my new position at that time. I will keep you informed as this process progresses.
On Saturday, February 11th, our Bearbots Robotics team will be competing in the State First Lego League competition! Please help me in congratulating Bearbots Coaches, Molly Stanton and Gillum Owen, as well as their Bearbots team:
- Niyati Beaver 4th/Monts
- Natalie Bell 4th/Thompson
- Silas Jones 4th/Thompson
- Aanya Kulshreshtha 4th/Willingham
- Tessa Nguy 4th/Thompson
- Harbor Coggin 5th/Sobh
- Colin Kao 5th/Sobh
- Eva Petritis 5th/Sobh
- Elijah Seiler 5th/Howard
- Alex Tinsley 5th/Howard
Have a nice weekend.
Your Principal and Partner,
Dr. Pendleton
Looking Ahead:
Monday, February 6
- Book Fair 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
- 3:00pm Chess Club
- 3:15pm Green Team meets
Tuesday, February 7
- Book Fair 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
- 7:00am IT Girls
- 9:30am Play to Learn
- 3:15pm Spring Student Intervention and Support (SISP) for select students
Wednesday, February 8
- Book Fair 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
- 9:00am Basic English Class in the Parent Center
Thursday, February 9
- Book Fair 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
- 3:15pm Robotics Club meets to practice for tournament
- 5:30pm Federal Programs Family-School Partnership Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting
- 6:00pm Literacy Night
- 6:00pm - 7:00pm Book Fair open
Friday, February 10
- Book Fair 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
- Parent-teacher conference button goes live on website
- Progress reports should be sent home in Fri folders or emailed
- 7:45am K-Kids Meeting in Ms. Ashadele's room
- 9:30am Little Learners Academy
Saturday, February 11
- 8:00am State Robotics Tournament at UGA
Details of Next Week's Events:
Book Fair Is Next Week
Placing an order online is already available through our book fair's website now, but students can shop the Book Fair next week at school from 9:00am - 2:30pm. Remember the easiest way for a student to purchase books while at school is for the parent to set up an eWallet ahead of time. Also, the Book Fair will be open during Literacy Night, so plan to come by and shop then too. Proceeds come back to our school and media center.
Title 1 BLES Literacy Night February 9th
Federal Programs Family-School Partnership Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting
All GCPS families are invited to attend our next Federal Programs Family-School Partnership Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting
Thursday, February 9, 5:30-6:30 PM
See the flyers below in different languages for more information.
Parent Teacher Conference Sign Up Opens Next Friday
The button to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences will go live on the BLES website next Friday. Conferences will take place the week of Feb. 27, with early release days being March 1st and 2nd.
Conferences will be required for parents of those students performing below grade level or upon parent request. Interpreters will be provided, if needed, and conferences will be through Zoom unless requested to be in-person by the parent.
Next Little Learners Academy for Babies and Toddlers
February 10th will be the next Little Learners Academy date.
K-Kids
During our last K-Kids meeting at the end of January, the K-Kids made Valentine's Cards for our military workers. We wanted to "Thank them for their Service" and show them some love.
Our next meeting will be on February 10th, and we will be making cards for the Country Gardens retirement home to show our elder community members that they are loved too.
K-Kids week will be February 13-17 and during this week, we will be sharing more about who the K-Kids are and why they enjoy being a K-Kid. Click here to learn more about our K-Kids program at BLES.
Other Important School News:
Parents with students in Kindergarten-4th grade:
Below is a link to a Parent Information form for you to let us know your thoughts about your child's placement for next year. You can use this form to let us know what kind of environment best supports your child. Please do not ask for a specific teacher. Please complete this form for each individual child. Forms are due by the end of the day Feb. 20th.
PTO News
Thank You
PTO would also like to thank you for your continued support our Helpings Hands committee. with your help, we were able to assist the Counseling Department with emergency aid for BLES families in need of help.
BINGO Night will take place on Thursday night, March 16th and will be done in 2 sessions based on last name:
- Session 1- 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. if your last name begins with A-L
- Session 2-6:30-7:30 p.m. if your last name begins with M-Z.
Food will be sold at this event.
We’re calling on all of our parent business owners to help donate prizes and gift baskets. If you would like to donate a prize or know of someone that would like to donate, please contact us at info@blespto.org.
Music - Recorders Back in Stock
Update: The school store has recorders back in stock again so if your child wants to purchase one, they are available.
Parents of 2nd Graders
Dr. Seuss' birthday is recognized annually on March 2nd, and Mr. Green and the 2nd Graders will have a performance to celebrate it. All 2nd graders are invited to sing in the concert. The concert will last about 20 minutes and will begin at 6:30 pm in the BLES school cafeteria. Students may arrive between 6:00 - 6:15 and may dress in a Seussical costume. If a costume is not selected, they may dress nicely. If you have any questions about this event, please email Mr. Green.
P.E. News Flash
We are starting our Educational Gymnastics Unit with all grade levels.
Please be sure to encourage your children to wear/abide by the following for their safety on their class's PE days:
- Easy slip-on sneakers with little or no laces as our shoes will come off when we go on the brand new mats. It will be easier for the children to take off and put on their sneakers.
- Appropriate clothing: leggings, athletic sweat pants and shirts that can tuck in please! (Not short t-shirt lengths)
- No necklaces or jewelry please.
- If possible, wear clean socks
- For long hair-please tie in a low ponytail. Long bangs, please pull back with clips. No high buns or bobbles in hair if possible because we will be tumbling.
Ms. Birozes
BLES P.E. Teacher
Green Team is Still Collecting Bottle Caps
Our Green team is still collecting plastic bottle caps of all colors and sizes. There is a bin for collections by the Parent Center door. Students can drop off any donations on the way into the building. Thank you!
Thank You BLES Student Council
"Find Your Joy" Bulletin Board
Camp Invention is coming to Berkeley Lake June 5-8
We are looking for High School Leaders, Middle School leaders and Campers. Please check out this link for more information. Email Trina.Ashadele@gcpsk12.org if you have questions.
Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services
If your child is receiving special education services from GCPS, then the state is asking you to participate in a parent survey to measure parent/family perceptions of the success of parents engagement between home and local schools. The survey is now available and will run through May 31st. Click here to access the survey.
2023 Educational Effectiveness Survey (EES)
A key improvement strategy calls on organizations to study the user experience. Therefore, it makes sense to include our students and parents in the work we are doing to improve our schools. The Educational Effectiveness Survey (EES) measures what students in grades 4-12 and their parents/guardians think about their school experience. Our 4th and 5th grade students are taking the survey during their tech special time.
The family survey that we are asking parents/legal guardians to take will run from February 28-March 10, so be on the lookout for it the last week in February.
Additional information about the surveys can be found here.
Weekly eTips for Parents
Each week, the GCPS Department of Family Engagement, sends out eTips for parents in both English and Spanish. The English tips are towards the front of the document and the Spanish on pages following the English.
Check out All eTips by week here.
These tips can also be found on our website under the Quicklinks area > Family Engagement.
Parents of 3rd, 4th and 5th Graders - Save the Dates for GMAS
The end of year Georgia Milestones Assessment (GMAS) will take place the following dates and attendance on these dates will be important. Please do not schedule appointments or schedule out-of-town trips during this period if at all possible.
Click here for general information about the Georgia Milestones Assessment.
GCPS Calendar for Next Year
2nd Graders Doing Some Shopping with Paw Points at the PBIS School Store:
Non-Berkeley Lake Elementary Events and Activities
Lionheart Theatre in Norcross:
Spring Rec Soccer Sign Ups
Food Pantries
Reminder About Sending in Treats for Student Birthdays
Per the Student Handbook: Parents may provide snacks only, no drinks, favors, balloons, or flowers for the child’s birthday. Whole cakes that need to be sliced by staff are not permitted. All students should be included. Nutritious snacks are encouraged. Birthday treats should be handed out and eaten in the cafeteria during the last ten minutes of the lunch period. Please make sure that students mainstreamed in your classroom are included in the count for treats. Buying ice cream at school for each class member is encouraged. Students may not pass out invitations to parties at school unless all members of the class are invited.
Georgia After School Program Offering Discount for New Sign Ups
GASP! is offering a special holiday promotion for new enrollments. See the image below for more details:
GCPS is Hiring
Bus Drivers:
Our drivers enjoy competitive pay rates ($19.07 - $27.03 per hour), outstanding health benefits with employer contribution, and a work schedule that fits their busy lifestyle! GCPS provides 100% fully Commercial Driver’s License training – our training team is one of the best in the nation and we will make you successful. Make a difference in the life of a child today, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with preparing the children in your community for their future. Click here to learn more about our upcoming recruiting events, and to apply today!
School Nutrition Employees
We are looking for caring individuals who want to make a difference in our students' lives by preparing and serving nutritious meals. No experience is required and training is fully paid. GCPS provides outstanding health benefits with employer contribution for you and your family. Join the Café Gwinnett Team for a family-friendly work schedule and competitive pay. Click here to learn more.
Other Repeat Reminders from Our School
Support for BLES Families
The Care Team at BLES has many ways to support our families. We have a food pantry at school that you can come shop at, and we can also assist with helping provide school supplies, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products for your child. If you would like to access these resources please contact:
Lyndsay Murphy (K-2-4)
770-582-7523
Laura Marantz (1-3-5)
770-582-7522
Sandra Orci (Spanish)
678-291-4232
Afternoon Transportation Changes:
Parents, please remember that afternoon transportation changes must be made by 1:30 and there are only two ways for you to make an change for your child:
1. Use the PikMyKid app
2. Send in a signed note.
Dojos, emails, or phone calls to change afternoon transportation will not be accepted.
Thank you for helping us enforce this rule and keep our kids safe!
We Can Help
Many of us face economic hardships at various times in our lives. Due to these hardships, we may need additional help with basic needs like food. At this time, Berkeley Lake Elementary can help by providing a small amount of groceries for your family each week. They will be sent home in your child’s backpack on Fridays. The food is provided by donation. Your name and your child’s name will not be revealed to the donor. The Berkeley Lake Staff will get the food to your child in a discrete manner.
To participate, please email one of us, call either school counselor, or Mrs. Orci (Spanish speaker) to request participation.
Please call us with any questions or concerns:
Lyndsay Murphy
School Counselor
School Counselor
770-582-7523
Laura Marantz
School Counselor
770-582-7522
Sandra Orci (Spanish)
Parent Liaison
678-291-4232
Did You Know BLES is on Various Social Media Apps?
Do You Have a MyPaymentsPlus Account?
Gwinnett Public Schools uses MyPaymentsPlus as a site for school-related payments and documentation sign off. If you do not yet have an account with this site, you will need to set one up. Click here to learn more.
Berkeley Lake Recycles
Berkeley Lake recycles aluminum cans and old clothes and shoes (in any condition) in the two bins in the upper parking lot. The Green Team receives 10¢ per pound of donations, which helps pay the fee for the weekly paper and cardboard pick-up. The aluminum cans are recycled at Progressive Recycling on Simpson Circle. Please support our Green Team by recycling these items here at Berkeley Lake. Thank you!
Do You Have a Parent Portal Account?
If you need to register with the portal, please print and complete this registration form and turn it in to the main office. Along with the completed form, you are required to show a photo I.D. for verification.
We Collect Box Tops (Online)
Georgia After School Program (GASP)
Our Parent Center
The Berkeley Lake Parent Center is located across from the front office and it's providing services by appointment. For Parent Center support please call Ms. Sandra Orci, Parent Liaison, at 678-291-4232 or email her at Sandra.Orci@gcpsk12.org
Our Mission
To provide learning experiences in a secure and stimulating environment where every child can develop to his/her fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our Vision
BLES is a positive safe, nurturing environment that fosters respect among all students, teachers, parents and community members, while forwarding world-class achievement that successfully maximizes each student's individual potential through engaging instruction.
We Thank Our Business Partners
- The Tutoring Center, Duluth, Ga.
- Mathnasium
- Ultra Baby LLC (Ultrasound and Photography)
- Atlanta Urgent Care - 5246 Peachtree Pkwy
Contact Us:
Berkeley Lake Elementary
4300 S. Berkeley Lake Rd.
Duluth, Georgia 30096
P: (770)446-0947
F: (770)582-7514