20240115

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If you need help, please contact Ms. Medina in our Parent Center

Week of January 15

January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School)

January 18: FAFSA Completion Night (Parents & Seniors)

January 18: Dual Enrollment Night

January 20: Parent Principal's Corner

Mark Your Calendars

January 22: Grayson HS at Berkmar During Lunch

January 22: Rising 9th grade Parent Night at BHS @ 6:00 PM

January 23: Parent Meeting: Understanding Post-Secondary Outcomes and How it Connects to the Transition Plan in the IEP

January 23: Virtual Family-School Partnership Advosory Council Meeting

January 24: Progress Reports Sent Home

January 25: Maxwell HS at Berkmar During Lunch

January 31: "Liquid Life" Blood Drive

January 31: Scholastic Images on Campus During Lunch

February 2: Digital Learning Day

February 3: Take Back Berkmar Community Event

Tardy Information

Thank you to everyone that has supported our new tardy initiative. As the week wore on, we saw a dramatic decrease in tardies. Students are getting to class on time and this is what is important. They are in their class learning for the full period. Below is a summary of our new Tardy Policy.

• After the late bell rings, teachers will lock their doors and not admit students without a pass
• Tardy students will be directed to the Tardy Detention Room where they will spend the entire block working on assignments through our eClass platform
• Students will receive a Discipline Referral after their 3rd tardy followed by progressive consequences
  
• Students that are late to school must check-in at the Attendance Office
• For the tardy to be excused, students must have a written, valid excuse from a parent or guardian

In recent feedback from parents, there was continued concern about the traffic in the morning getting onto to campus. This has been an ongoing problem for years and we realize the impact this will have on our new tardy policy. The administrative team will continue to review alternative options for minimizing traffic in the morning.

Dual Enrollment Night

Are you interested in earning college credits for FREE! Please come out and learn about the dual enrollment opportunities available to you. A representative from Gwinnett Tech will be present as well. This event will take place on Thursday, January 18th at 6:30 PM in the theater. Please park in the lot near bus lane. You will enter through the theater atrium. For more information, please contact Mrs. Kay.

Maxwell High School

Maxwell will be at Berkmar during all lunches on January 25. Students can talk to them about the different programs they offer. Program descriptions can be found here. The application website will open January 10, 2024 and can be found on the Student Portal under Additional Resources. Open House is February 20, 2024 at Maxwell. More information can be found on the Maxwell website.

Prom: A Night in Venice - 11th and 12th Graders

It's time to buy your 2024 Prom tickets! The price is $75 until January 31st and will increase to $100 on February 1st. You can buy your ticket(s) on GoFan.

• Location: 550 Trackside in Lawrenceville GA
• Theme: A Night in Venice
• GoFan Link: https://gofan.co/app/school/GA4841?activity=Prom

If you have questions about guest tickets, please see Ms. Pickford in room 8.117 or send an email to brittany.pickford@gcpsk12.org

Important Dates

• Pay Senior Dues
• January 18: FAFSA Completion Night (Parents & Seniors)
• Week of April 22: Senior Week (Senior dues must be paid in order to participate)
• April 27, 2024: Prom - Buy Prom tickets via GoFan
• May 3, 2024: Senior trip to Six Flags - 7pm-2am (about $115)
• May 23, 2024: Graduation at Gas South Arena at 7:30 PM

FAFSA Completion Night

Parents and seniors, if you need assistance completing the FAFSA or have questions, please join us on Thursday, January 18th at 6 PM. Mr. Hal Wilkinson, GSFC Outreach Specialist and Mrs. Elizabeth Umberger, GGC Financial Aid Advocate, will be here to assist. Come learn more about the NEW FAFSA application. Please make sure to create your FSA ID BEFORE the day of the event. The student will need one as well as the contributing parent(s). For more information, contact Dr. Tawonda Hunter.

12th Grade Cap & Gown Packages

Go to scholasticimages.com and buy your Cap & Gown Package now! There are three packages to choose from and your personalized yard sign in included! Payment required in full at time of order. (Cash, Check, or Card with $4.95 processing fee). You can also order anytime online at www.scholasticimages.com or over the phone at (770) 614-9353.

Yearbook

Yearbooks may be purchased at yearbookordercenter.com. School code: 14851. Order now for the lowest price of the year: $70.

Test Date ~ Registration Deadline/Late Registration

SAT

• March 9, 2024 (Digital) ~ February 23, 2024/ February 27, 2024
  
• May 4, 2024 (Digital) ~ April 19, 2024/ April 23, 2024
  
• June 1, 2024 (Digital) ~ May 16, 2024/ May 21, 2024

ACT

• February 10, 2024 ~ January 5, 2024/January 19, 2024
  
• April 13, 2024 ~ March 8, 2024/March 22, 2024
  
• June 8, 2024 ~ May 3, 2024/May 17, 2024
  
• July 13, 2024 ~ June 7, 2024/June 21, 2024

Click here for information about registration and Fee Waivers

Educational Tips For Parents

The Opioid Epidemic

Drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and opioid addiction is driving this epidemic. What are opioids? You might know them by their other names, including codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Opioids are often prescribed by doctors to treat pain. While some teens have been legitimately prescribed opioids by their doctors, others have found ways to get their hands on medication that was never intended for them. Taking drugs that are not prescribed for you or for recreational use is not safe. In fact, the first time you take the drug may be your last. Risking your life for a little fun or relaxation because everyone else is doing it just isn’t worth the heavy price of addiction and death.

Parent Meeting: Understanding Post-Secondary Outcomes and How it Connects to the Transition Plan in the IEP

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 10:00am – 11:30am OR 6:00pm – 7:30pm

This session is highly recommended for parents of students at all levels (elementary, middle, and high school), as it is never too early to begin thinking about the future. In this session, we will discuss the need to start planning for the future now, as it takes years of planning to cultivate a smooth transition into adulthood. During the session, you will see how desired post-secondary adult outcomes appear in the student’s individual transition plan within the IEP and how those goals assist in preparing your child for their future. You will also learn about post-secondary opportunities for adults with disabilities in the areas of education and training, employment, and independent living. Additionally, you will receive just-in-time resources that can be used to plan and prepare your child for the transition into adulthood.

• 10:00am – 11:30am Session - In Person
• J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, Suwanee, GA 30024, Building 200, Central Gwinnett Room 2.111
• Registration link for 10:00am session: https://forms.gle/qReyudw9A4XqsVj6A
• 6:00pm – 7:30pm Session – Zoom
  
• After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
• Registration link for 6:00pm session: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqf-6srT4vG9B3-Ldf5gQ1FD0SoqPW9OOV

If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Albanese:

dawn.albanese@gcpsk12.org , (678) 301-7212

Virtual Family-School Partnership Advosory Council Meeting

January 23, 2024 @ 5:30 PM

The Office of Family Engagement in the Department of Federal Programs invites all families to join the Family-School Partnership Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting on January 23, 2024, from 5:30 until 6:30 PM via Zoom.

During the Family-School Partnership Advisory Council, GCPS families will receive information about the GCPS Family and Community Engagement Plan and will have the opportunity to provide input on the plan.

Click here to RSVP for the Family-School Partnership Advisory Council Meeting (PAC)

Take Back Berkmar Community Event

Saturday, February 3 ~ 10 AM - 12 PM ~ Plaza Las Americas

Representatives from Berkmar High School, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Newton Health Departments, Gwinnett Police Department, and other organizations will share resources and important information about the impacts drugs are having in our community. Come out and be a part of the community solution!!!

• Addressing Drug issues in our community
• Addressing Drug issues in our homes
• Addressing Drug issues in our schools
• Addressing Fentanyl crisis among our youth
• One Pill Kills, Time to act is now

Parent Portal

ParentSquare

GCPS has adopted a communication platform called ParentSquare. This 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. The easiest way to access ParentSquare is through the Parent Portal. More information can be found here.

ParentVUE App

• ParentVUE allows parents to view schedules, grades, assignments, and more. Find the app on Google Play or Apple App Store and use the same email address and password as your Parent Portal account.
• Parents must first have an active Parent Portal account to activate the app.
• If you need help, please contact Ms. Medina in our Parent Center.

Parent Principal's Corner

The Principal’s Corner is an opportunity for you to meet and greet with our principal, Durrant Williams, to learn about new and exciting programs and initiatives at Berkmar High School or share your thoughts, comments, concerns, or suggestions.

Time: English 10:30 am / Spanish 11:30 am

Virtual Location: Zoom Link is pinned to the top in ParentSquare

2023-2024 Dates

• January 20
  
• February 10
• March 16
• April 20
• May 18

Warming Stations

Warming Station season is here. Gwinnett County is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents, especially during the colder months. With the approaching winter season, we are pleased to inform you about our five Warming Stations, which will be operational through March 2024. When overnight temperatures reach 35 degrees or below, the stations will operate from 6:00pm to 7:00am.

For real-time updates and information on Warming Station locations, hours, and weather-related alerts, please visit our website at GwinnettOneStop.com or call 770.822.8850. Warming stations are located in Buford, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Norcross, and Snellville.

Gwinnett County Mobile Food Distribtion for 2024

Gwinnett County delivers fresh fruits and vegetables and shelf-stable foods directly to our communities.

• Free!
• Begins at 3:00pm until supplies last
• Identification is not required
• Contactless drive-thru distribution

Best Friend Park in Norcross

• January 23, 2024
• March 26, 2024
• May 28, 2024
• July 23, 2024
• September 24, 2024
• November 26, 2024

Bryson Park in Lilburn

• February 27, 2024
• April 23, 2024
• June 25, 2024
• August 27, 2024
• October 22, 2024
• December 17, 2024

Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville

• March 12, 2024
• May 14, 2024
• July 9, 2024
• September 10, 2024
• November 12, 2024

Rock Springs Park in Lawrenceville

• February 13, 2024
• April 9, 2024
• June 11, 2024
• August 13, 2024
• October 8, 2024
• December 10, 2024