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.

Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Ready (The 3 Rs)

Greetings, Patriot Families,

We have successfully completed our spring early release conference cycle. Thank you to all who attended and engaged with our teachers. At this point in the semester, continuing our team approach to student success remains essential.

A heartfelt thank‑you to our families who completed the EES Survey. We truly appreciate your feedback. It plays an important role in helping us strengthen both our school and our district.

This week, our students completed the District Interim Assessments, which provide valuable insight into their readiness for the upcoming Georgia Milestones in April. In addition, we continue to closely monitor grades to ensure all students are on track to meet the promotion criteria (passing 5 out of 6 classes, including Language Arts and Math).

While much of the school year is behind us, there is still important work ahead. Thank you in advance for checking ParentVue, checking in with your student, encouraging attendance at remediation or help sessions, and continuing to partner with us here at the school.

Together, we will ensure each and every Patriot is successful. As always, thank you for being Team BMS. We truly appreciate your support!

As always, thank you for being part of Team BMS! We truly appreciate your continued support and partnership as we start another great week.

Warm regards,

Felecia Jones

Principal

Friday, March 6

• Email Progress Reports

Wednesday, March 11

• Help Day

Thursday, March 12

• Basketball/Cheerleading Banquet
• Academic Redemption

Friday, March 13

• Digital Learning Day

Monday, March 16

• PBIS Walk&Talk

Wednesday, March 18

• Help Day
• LGPE-Chorus

Thursday, March 19

• STEM Night

Friday, March 20

• Email Progress Reports

Monday, March 23

• Club Day

Tuesday, March 24

• Rising 6th Grade Visit-Hopkins
• Title I Planning Meeting- 6PM

Wednesday, March 25

• Help Day
• Rising 6th Grade Visit-Minor

Thursday, March 26

• Rising 6th Grade Parent-6PM

Friday, March 27

• LGPE-Band

Tuesday, March 31

• STAR Patriot Breakfast

Monday, April 6 - Friday, April 10 - Spring Break

Please take a moment to review the school year calendar included here. We kindly encourage you to schedule doctor’s appointments and family vacations during student holidays whenever possible, so your child can fully benefit from their learning experience. Thank you for your thoughtful planning and support—it truly makes a difference!

Thank you to all of the families who participated in the Georgia School Climate Survey. Your voices truly matter, and we are grateful for your continued partnership and support of our school.

We are excited to invite you to participate in the 2026 Educational Effectiveness School Survey, which is now open. This survey is a meaningful opportunity for you, as part of the BMS family, to share your experiences and perspectives. This suvey is often thought of as our school’s report card, your feedback directly helps guide decisions, strengthen programs, and ensure we continue providing an equitable, effective, and excellent learning environment for your children.

⏰ We have a short window to make an impact!

• The survey closes on Friday, March 6
• It should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
• Every BMS voice should be heard.

🍕 We’re keeping the Pizza Party Competition going! Every completed survey helps us move closer to celebrating our students. Make sure you share your screenshot, so a point can be applied to the homeroom!

👉 How to participate:

1. Click on the link to go directly to the survey site: 2026 Educational Effectiveness Family Survey
2. Choose your language of preference
3. Select Berkmar Middle Schoolas your school.
   • If you have children in different schools, you can complete a survey for each school.
   • If you have multiple children at Berkmar Middle School, please complete one survey per child, as experiences can vary by grade level.

If you need any help accessing the survey, please reach out to Ms. Silva. She is always happy to assist and truly enjoy connecting with our families. You can contact her through ParentSquare, email, phone, or by stopping by the school.

Contact Information:
💬 ParentSquare: Type Pilar Silva
📧 Email:pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org
📞 Phone: 770-638-2317
🕣 Office Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (4355 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lilburn)

Thank you for your time, your voice, and for everything you do to support Berkmar Middle School. I deeply appreciate your commitment to our school community and to your children’s success.
❤️🤍💙

McClure Health Science High School is hosting their Rising 9th Grade Night on March 12. See details below and plan to attend.

Our BMS Chorus Students participated in the Cluster Concert held at Berkmar High School. Students observed, rehearsed, and performed with the high school singers. They represented BMS very well and sang beautifully.

• Do you have access to Parent Square?
• Do you have access to the ParentVue?
• Do you have a MyPaymentsPlus account?
• Have you applied for Free or Reduced Lunch?
• 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 Ms. Pilar Silva, our Parent Instructional Coordinator, in the BMS Family Center

You can also reach her by email: pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org or by phone 770-638-2317.

The Plan / The Purpose is now available for you to view anytime on our BMS Website under the For Parents Tab → Title I → Promise/Plans
This document is an important part of how we partner with families to support our students’ academic success and ensure that we are working together as a school community.

✨ The Plan / The Purpose explains:

• How Berkmar Middle School will use Title I funds to support student achievement.
• How families, students, and staff can work together to strengthen learning.
• Opportunities for parents to be involved and provide feedback throughout the year.

If you would like a hard copy, please stop by the BMS Family Center or contact Ms. Silva:
📞 770-638-2317
📧 pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org

We encourage every family to review this resource so you can stay informed and engaged in your child’s education.
Together, we are Ready, Respectful, and Responsible: Patriot Pride! 💙❤️🤍

Get ready for an exciting summer! Registration for Maxwell High School of Technology's Middle School Summer Adventures opens its doors to current 5th-8th graders on Friday, March 6th, 2026!

Don't miss out, as spots are limited!

This action-packed program immerses students in hands-on exploration of various career paths through diverse workshops. From breaking down a car engine to baking delicious treats, there's something for everyone!

Key Details:

• Dates: Tuesday, May 26th - Friday, May 29th, 2026

• Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Cost: $125 (non-refundable)

• Registration: Secure your spot on www.mypaymentsplus.com starting March 6th! Search for "Maxwell Middle School Summer Adventures" and follow the instructions.

More Information:

Visit our website for further details and to read specific information about Summer Adventures.

Important Notes:

• Multiple child discounts are unavailable.

• Registration fees support Maxwell and are non-refundable.

We're thrilled to welcome your child to the Maxwell family for a summer of exploration and fun! Join us on this enriching journey!

Warmly,

Maxwell High School of Technology Summer Adventures Team

Come join us as we show off our Berkmar Pride with an evening full of community, food, and fun!

📅 Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 4:00–6:30 PM
📍 Location: Berkmar High School
405 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lilburn, GA 30047
⚽ Game: Berkmar vs. Norcross
🍔 Enjoy: Tailgate classics, outdoor games for all ages, music, and dancing
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who: All Berkmar Cluster families are welcome!

💙❤️🤍 Start as a Patriot, Finish as a Patriot!💙❤️🤍

Kroger offers a Community Rewards program that will allow BMS to benefit from a portion of your purchases. See the flier below and consider adding Berkmar Middle School as your Kroger Community Rewards recipient.

At Berkmar Middle School, we care deeply about the health, wellness, and stability of our families. We want to make sure you have access to helpful community resources designed to support you in every season of life. From food assistance programs and medical services to mental health support, financial resources, and community events, there are many options available for you and your family.

We encourage you to explore these resources and reach out if you ever need guidance or support. Our BMS Family’s health is important to us — and we’re here to help.

Please take a moment to review the information and share it with anyone who may benefit.
Together, we continue building a stronger, healthier, and more connected Patriot community. 💙🤍❤️

Disclaimer:
GCPS does not endorse or recommend any of the above agencies, as this list is for informational use only. Any fees incurred are the responsibility of the parent and/or student. This is not a complete list of medical providers and/or resources in Gwinnett and the Metro Atlanta area.

Many families in our community are facing hunger. Food insecurity affects attendance, focus, and overall well-being. In Georgia, one in seven children experiences food insecurity, which can make it hard to thrive at school or work.

If you are struggling, you are not alone. Asking for help does not make you a bad parent or a bad person. Even families who seem well-off can face challenges. Reaching out for support shows strength and care for your family. Our community is here to help

If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, please know that you’re not alone. There are places in our community offering free food for families in need, and the Food Finder link can help you find them easily. 🥫🍎

👉 Visit: https://foodfinder.us/

Please share this resource with your friends, neighbors, church members, or anyone who might benefit.
Sometimes, a simple act of sharing can make a huge difference in someone’s life. 💕

Let’s continue to take care of one another — with kindness, compassion, and love.
That’s what community is all about. 💙

Atlanta Food Bank has two upcoming food distribution sites. The distribution starts at 3:00PM and will continue while supplies last. Identification is NOT required. Families can also find food pantries by usting the Atlanta Community Food Bank's interactive Food Pantry Map by using this link: https://www.acfb.org/get-help/food-map/

Mercy Seed Ministry

4000 Five Forks Trickum Rd, Lilburn

Saturday 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Lilburn Co-Op

5329 Five Forks Trickum Rd SW, Lilburn

https://lilburnco-op.org/

Lawrenceville Co-Op

52 Gwinnett Dr Suite C, Lawrenceville

https://lawrencevilleco-op.org/

The Quinn House

555 Hurricane Shoals Rd NW, Lawrenceville

https://thequinnhouse.com/

SatisFeed at North Metro Baptist Church

1026 Old Peachtree Rd NE, Lawrenceville

https://www.satisfeed.org/get-food

There are times when families may need a little extra help putting food on the table and that’s okay.
Gwinnett County Community Services offers a wonderful resource that connects families with local food pantries, meal programs, and community organizations providing support across the county. 🌽🍞 Please share the link below with your friends, neighbors, and anyone in your community who could benefit. 🤝 Together, we can make sure no one has to face hunger alone. 💙

https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/communityservices/foodsecurityresources

The Gwinnett County Public Schools Student & Family Handbook includes important policies and expectations for students, including behavior guidelines, technology use, attendance, and more.

🔗 Click here to read the 2025–26 GCPS Handbook

Want to keep up with all the exciting things happening at BMS? From school events and celebrations to important announcements, we’ve got you covered!

👉 Follow us on social media and be part of our Patriot community:

• Instagram: @berkmarms127

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BerkmarMS

Let’s celebrate our students, families, and staff together because at BMS, Patriots LEAD the way to excellence! 💙❤️

By following us, you’ll stay up to date, see the great things our students and staff are doing, and remain informed about all things BMS. Thank you for being an engaged and supportive part of our school community, we’re better when we stay connected!

💙❤️🤍

#BMSPatriots #WeAreBerkmar #PatriotsLEAD

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. See the district fine chart below.

Resources:

Student 1:1 Support Site

Parent 1:1 Support Site

Parent and student rights and responsibilities

Please note that incidents of damage or loss do not reset each school year.
Fees are effective July 1, 2024.

Check out this handy schedule to help you stay informed of upcoming soccer games. Go Patriots!

One of the integral parts of creating a harmonious and distraction-free learning space is our "Power Down" electronic device (cell phones, airpods, headphones, etc.) 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.

Want to stay connected with BMS? Follow us on Instagram @BerkmarMS127. Follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/BerkmarMS.

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