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,

As we approach the final five days of the semester before Winter Break, we want to share our appreciation for your partnership and encourage everyone to finish this week strong!

Our Focus for the Final Week

This is a critical time for students to complete final assignments, review for assessments, and ensure they are ready for the break. We encourage all students to continue showing their "Patriot Spirit" by focusing on Being Ready, Being Respectful, and Being Responsible.

Important Dates: District Final Exams

Our students will be taking the District Final Exams on Wednesday, December 17th, and Thursday, December 18th.

Please ensure these dates are on your calendar, and avoid scheduling appointments or trips for your child during these important testing days. Consistent routines and being present on these days are vital for your student's success.

Your continued support at home makes a huge difference. Please help us by reinforcing the following ideas this week:

• Attendance & Punctuality: Ensure your student arrives before 9:20 a.m. and present every day up to the last bell. Consistent routines are vital for success!

• Completing Assignments: Please check in with your student about any last-minute homework, projects, or studying they may need to do before the end of the semester.

• Behavior and Effort: We encourage all students to remain focused on our school Mantra: Be Ready, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.

We appreciate your perseverance and grace as you support your students through the end of the semester. Our goal, as always, is for every student to "Start as a Patriot and Finish as a Patriot."

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Together, we can make a positive impact on the education and well-being of our students. If you need any support, please contact the school.

We look forward to wrapping up a successful semester next week. We wish all of our families a safe, restful, and joyful Winter Break, beginning on Friday, December 19th. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, January 5th.

Thank you for continuing to support our efforts to create a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all.

With Patriot Pride,

Felecia C. Jones
Principal

Monday, December 15

• Berkmar vs. Snellville MS @South Gwinnett

Tuesday, December 16

• PBIS Celebration

Wednesday, December 17

• District Final Exams (1st & 2nd Academic)
• Orchestra Concert at 6pm

Thursday, December 18

• District Final Exams (3rd & 4th Academic)
• Berkmar vs. Grace Snell @ Berkmar HS

Friday, December 19

• Faculty Meeting
• End of First Semester
• Atlanta Food Bank Distribution

Friday, January 2

• Required Teacher planning Day

Monday, January 5

• Students return to school

Tuesday, January 13

• iReady Winter Assessment-Reading

Thursday, January 15

• iReady Winter Assessment-Math

Thursday, January 15

• Report Cards will be available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE

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!

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

Updated information about the GA Dual Enrollment Program is now available. Click this link or the image below to learn more about Dual Enrollment Programs for Georgia High School Students.

Student’s Electronic Score Report (ESR) from the Fall 2025 Administration of PSAT 8/9 will be available for parent review the week of December 1.

Happy Friday BMS Families,

As the winter months approach, so does the season for illness. We want everyone to stay healthy so that they are able to come to school to learn each day; however, if your student is sick, please keep them at home until they are able to return to the building. Remember to keep your child home if they have a fever, are vomiting, or have other contagious symptoms.

Please remember to send an excuse note within 7 days of your child’s return to school. The note can be from a doctor’s office or handwritten if your child does not have to see a doctor.

When a student has 5 unexcused absences, you will receive a letter from the county, with another letter at 7 unexcused absences. At your student’s 10 unexcused absence, you will be contacted by your grade level counselor to attend a meeting with your child’s teachers, administrator and our social worker to create a plan that will decrease your child’s unexcused absences.

We're so grateful for each of you as we head into winter break! Thank you for helping us build a strong school community this semester. Every school day matters! When students attend, they learn, connect with friends, and grow academically and socially.

If you need help encouraging your child to attend school, please reach out to your grade level counselor. We are here to help!

Stay safe and well,

BMS School Counseling Department

Ms. Harris-6th grade

Ms. King-7th grade

Ms. Feinberg-8th grade

Our star students have shown the best of who they are during the Star Patriot Breakfast. We honored over 35 students this quarter for their diligence and hard work. Thank you to our counselors, teachers, parents and notable guests, Dr. Adrienne Simmons, our District IV board representative and Board of Education Chair as well as Dr. Eric Davidson, our area superintentent, who came out to support our students.

Mr. Ramsey's 7th Grade English students are creating a visual poster that demonstrates their understanding of conflict, plot, theme and setting of the Mississippi Solo memoir by Eddy L. Harris.

This winter, we want to make sure our community stays warm. We are collecting cold-weather clothing for families who could use a little extra support. If you have gently used coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, shirts or pants, please consider donating! 💙

📍 Bring your items to Berkmar Middle School
4355 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn, GA 30047

📅 The last day to drop off is December 17th.

Let’s come together and make a difference! Every donation counts.
💙❤️🤍 Patriot Pride in Action!

• 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.

Parents and guardians are welcome to come discover how iReady helps our students grow and how you can support learning at home.

🗓️ Thursday, January 8
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Berkmar Middle School Library

We’ll walk through the program, answer questions, and share tips you can use right away. We will have warm refreshments so please confirm your attendance through ParentSquare or send a quick email to: pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org.

We look forward to seeing you ❄️🐧💙❤️🤍

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! 💙❤️🤍

I hope you can find time to visit our local public library- Lilburn Branch!
There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this month’s program filled with exciting activities, workshops, and family events happening throughout December.

✨ Don’t miss out on all the fun, read, create, and connect with your community!

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/

December 16th at Shorty Howell Park

2750 Pleasant Hill Rd,

Duluth, GA 30096

December 23rd Rhodes Jordan Park

100 E Crogan St,

Lawrenceville, GA 30046

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

Donate canned goods or volunteer at a pantry. Share these resources with families or friends. When families have access to food, children and adults can attend, learn, and succeed.

Every meal matters. Everyday matters. Every person matters.

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! 💙❤️

#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.

Is your child planning on playing volleyball, basketball, or soccer or become a Cheerleader this year? If so, you need to get them registered with Rank One.

Make sure to get this done soon! If you need help accessing Rankone or uploading your documents, please reach out to Ms. Silva by email pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org or 770-638-2317 so she can assist.

Our Boys and Girls basketball teams played Shiloh Middle School this week. Our cheerleaders also represented BMS with true Patriot Pride.

Freddy the Falcon made a special visit to BMS. Students enjoyed special gifts, videos, and music from our Atlanta Falcons family.

Dr. Lively and Dr. Brown cultivated an unforgettable evening for students and parents entitled "Fiesta! The Legend of the Poinsettia." Our students let their inner artists shine during this outstanding production.

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.

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