BMS Patriot Press Newsletter
September 14, 2026
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Vision, Mission, and Core Values
The Vision
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
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.
Our Core Values
Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Ready!
Principal's Message
Greetings, Berkmar Middle School Families,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. As we begin another great week at BMS, we remain focused on providing an excellent learning experience for every scholar.
Progress reports were sent home on Friday, September 11. Please use this opportunity to engage your child in conversations about their academic progress, celebrate areas of success, and identify areas where additional focus or support may be needed. We encourage you to continue monitoring your child’s progress and partnering with us to help them reach their goals.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress, please contact your child’s teachers. We value your partnership and appreciate your continued support.
Have an amazing week!
Warm Regards,
Felecia C. Jones
Principal
Important Dates and Reminders
Mark your calendar!
Friday, September 11
- Progress Reports
Tuesday, September 15
- Start of Hispanic Heritage Month
Wednesday, September 16
- Library Tour with Ms. Silva at Lilburn Public Library
- Deadline to reapply for Free/Reduced Price Lunch before benefits expire
Thursday, September 17
- Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night
Friday, September 18
- Digital Learning Day-Students learn at home
Thursday, September 24
- Title I Annual Parent Meeting
Friday, September 25
- Progress Reports
Clubs and Activities
Berkmar Middle School's Inaugural Cross Country Team
Athletic Spotlight: Believe in the B
Our cross country team embodies the "Believe in the B" spirit this inaugural season! Through dedication, teamwork, and determination, they've shown what it truly means to represent our school and our cluster on and off the course. Join us in celebrating these amazing athletes.
2026 Berkmar Middle Cross Country Team
Berkmar Middle School Presents
2026 Berkmar Middle Cross Country Team
Team Members:
Yulianna Leon
Noah Marino
Hailey Palma-Cruz
Makai Pierre-Charles
Laci Valentine
Race Schedule:
September 4, Bethesda Park, races start at 4pm
September 12, Georgia Int’l Horse Park, races start at 10:30am
September 19, Sam Smith Park, races start at 10:15am
September 26, Murphy Middle School, races start at 8am
Lady Patriots Volleyball
🏐❤️ SHOUTOUT TO OUR LADY PATRIOTS! ❤️🏐
What a special night celebrating our 8th Grade Lady Patriots during their LAST HOME GAME at Berkmar Middle School!
These girls have worked hard, grown together, supported one another, and represented Berkmar with heart, hustle, and Patriot pride all season long. ❤️💙
Wednesday night was more than just a game; it was a celebration of the memories, friendships, teamwork, and moments they’ll carry with them as they close out this chapter.
To our 8th graders: THANK YOU for leaving your mark on Berkmar! Your next chapter is waiting, and we can’t wait to see where you go! ✨
Once a Patriot, ALWAYS a Patriot! ❤️💙
🏐 Lady Patriots — PLAY. SUPPORT. COMPETE. SUCCEED.
#LadyPatriots #8thGradeNight #LastHomeGame #PatriotPride
#GoBerkmar 🏐❤️💙
Shout out to our BMS Lady Patriots! Teamwork builds stronger players. 8th Grade Last Home Game. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and Patriot pride!
Shout out to our amazing Lady Patriots! Same team; same goal! Play, support, compete, succeed.
Feedback Opportunities
GCPS AKS Feedback Opportunity
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 September 1 through September 24. The public may review proposed standards online at the link below, 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). The full list of courses with AKS under review is available at the link below.
To review the AKS and provide feedback, please visit GEMS 2026 Public Review - Gwinnett County Public Schools. Comments will be accepted through Thursday, September 24.
What: Annual AKS Public Review Opportunity
When: September 1 through September 24
Temporary Free/Reduced Lunch Application Deadline
Attention BMS families who have not completed the Free or Reduced Lunch Application, or who have received notification that their student’s free or reduced meal benefits will expire on September 16, 2026: Please complete the application as soon as possible to avoid an interruption in meal benefits.
if you need assistance completing the application, Ms. Silva is available during her regular office hours 9:30 AM - 3:30PM, but has extended her hours until 7:30PM to assist you only for these 3 days:
- Monday, September 14
- Tuesday, September 15
- Wednesday, September 16
If you need to see her before 9:30 AM, please let her know ahead of time so she can make arrangements. Call her at 770-638-2317 or email her at pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org
Make sure your student’s free or reduced price meal benefits continue without interruption! Don't miss out on this opportunity!
BMS Parent Center
Book Appointments with Ms. Silva, Parent Involvement Coordinator
- 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.
BMS Family Center
Pilar Silva, Family Coordinator
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Get off to a Good Start this School Year
Your student may be growing up, but the need for your engagement with school hasn't gone away. Your teen still needs your support and you still need to know how your teen is doing.
To get the new year off to a good start, touch base with your teen's teachers and give them your contact information. Ask your student questions about classes, such as "Who is the first author you'll be reading in Language Arts?" Also, plan to participate in school events or workshops for families; it shows that your teen and your teen’s education are a priority.
Make sure you have downloaded the Parent Vue App and Parent Square App on your cell phone. If you need assistance in doing so, make plans to visit to the BMS Family Center and ask for Ms. Silva
4355 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lilburn
Mon - Fri 9:30AM - 3:30 PM
770-6385-2317 or pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org
Family Engagment Opportunities
AdaptED Sports
Berkmar Middle School families are invited to learn more about AdaptED Sports and the Gwinnett HEAT program, which provide students with qualifying disabilities opportunities to participate in competitive school-based athletics. Through sports such as wheelchair basketball, football, and handball, students can build confidence, teamwork, athletic skills, and meaningful connections while being part of an inclusive sports community.
Gwinnett HEAT has a proud tradition of success, with multiple state championships, and families can also get involved by volunteering, coaching, or becoming an official.
For more information about eligibility, participation, and available opportunities, please contact Berkmar Middle School at 770-638-2300.
For more information on the American Association of adaptED Sports Programs (AASP) in Georgia, visit: Find Your Team - AdaptED Sports
Gwinnett Heat Spotlight
Gwinnett Heat Spotlight
American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs
The Gwinnett HEAT became an affiliate of the American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs in 2008. Corrie Collier is the Area Coordinator for the team. Practice Facility is Hull Middle School.
The Gwinnett Heat have built a winning tradition. Here are some of Gwinnett Heat’s highlights!
- 8 State Wheelchair Football Championships
- 5 State Wheelchair Basketball Championships
- 4 State Wheelchair Handball Championships
- 17 Total State Wheelchair Championships
Join Gwinnett Heat to Play • Volunteer • Coach • Become an official
Area Coordinator: Corrie Collier
Phone: 678-301-6885
Email: corrie.collier@gcpsk12.org
Practice Facility: Hull Middle School
In Case You Missed It
Strong Attendance Starts With Us!
We’re excited to share that we’ve started the school year strong. Thank you, parents and guardians, for being such an important part of that success and ensuring your scholars are in school everyday ready to learn.
At Berkmar Middle School, we believe everyday matters. Whether an absence is excused or unexcused, time away from the classroom can affect your child’s learning. That’s why we work together with you to ensure students are present and prepared to succeed.
Excused absences include student illness, immediate family emergencies, legal obligations and religious holidays. Please remember to submit an excuse note within 3–7 days through ParentSquare, ParentVue, or a written note.
When schools and families work as a team, students thrive. Your involvement makes a difference, and we appreciate all you do to support your child’s education and strong attendance.
Let’s keep up the momentum—every day counts, and every child matters!
Meet Ms. Silva in the Library
Families are invited to join Ms. Silva for a special tour of the Gwinnett Public Library, Lilburn Branch on Wednesday, September 16, from 10:30–11:30 AM. You will discover the many free resources, programs, books, and services available to support your family's learning and success.
The library is located at 4817 Church Street, Lilburn, GA 30047. If you need help finding the location, please meet Ms. Silva at Berkmar Middle School by 10:15 AM and follow her to the library.
✨ We hope you'll go to explore all the great opportunities our community library has to offer!
BMS Spirit Night at Chick-Fil-A
Berkmar Middle School invites you to BMS Spirit Night at Chick-Fil-A!
Chit-Chat at Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night is Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Make sure you mention Berkmar Middle School when you place your order in the restaurant or drive through! If you order on the app, use code BMS26. 10% goes to our school!
Chick-Fil-A
4801 Lawrenceville Hwy NW
Lilburn, GA 30047
Annual Title I Parent Meeting
Berkmar Middle School families are invited to attend our Annual Title I Parent Meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the BMS Café, 4355 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lilburn, GA 30047.
During this important meeting, families will learn about our Title I program, school resources, family engagement opportunities, and how we can work together to support student success.
We look forward to partnering with you and sharing valuable information about your child's education.
If you need interpretation services other than Spanish, please contact Ms. Silva as soon as possible at 770-638-2317 or pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org
❤️ Hope to see you there! Together, we can make a difference in every student's success.❤️
Coming Soon: Free English Classes
Due to popular demand, English Classes for BMS Families will be coming soon! Please complete the sign up questionnaire by clicking on the link in your native language. We need this information so we can so we can plan accordingly!
If you a speak a language other than Spanish or Vietnamese, please contact Ms. Silva pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org or 770-638-2317 so she can assist you to complete the sign up form.
All families are invited to participate!
The sign up forms are linked below in Spanish and Vietnamese. You can also translate the form into another language using Google Translate: Google Translate - Berkmar Middle School
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Action for Happiness Calendar: Self-Care September 2026
This calendar is available to download as a PDF or image in multiple languages and in an accessible version: All Calendars | Action for Happiness
Helpful Links for Families
Connect with BMS
Social Media & Contact Information
Do you 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:
Let’s celebrate our students, families, and staff together because at BMS, Patriots Focus Forward, leading 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!
💙❤️🤍
#TeamBMS #PatriotPride #WeAreBerkmar #FocusForward
Berkmar Middle School
Website: berkmarms.gcpsk12.org
Location: 4355 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn, GA, USA
Phone: 770-638-2300