BMS Patriot Press Newsletter

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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!

Greetings, Berkmar Middle School Families,

Thank you for the energy, enthusiasm, and partnership you bring to our school community every single day. We are so proud of the progress our students are making as we power through this exciting school year!

Upcoming Event: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Please join us for our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration this evening! It is a fantastic opportunity for our school family to come together, appreciate the rich history and culture of our Hispanic community members, and celebrate the diversity that makes our school so special. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

Recent Highlights Around Our School It has been a busy and rewarding week across our classrooms and hallways:

• STAR Patriot Breakfast: We loved celebrating our students who consistently demonstrate what it means to be Ready, Respectful, and Responsible. Thank you for those families who were able to attend and help us celebrate our amazing scholars.

• PBIS Store: Our students enjoyed redeeming their hard Patriot Bucks at the PBIS Store, recognizing their positive behavior and effort.

• Fall Athletics Success: Congratulations to our Volleyball team on a wonderful season and celebratory banquet, and to our Cross Country team on a fantastic inaugural season! We are so proud of our student-athletes for their hard work, growth, and team spirit.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our students. We are grateful for your partnership in making our Patriot Family strong.

Wishing you all a restful weekend, and we look forward to another great week ahead!

Warm Regards,

Felecia C. Jones

Principal

Mark your calendar!

October

• National Principals Month

Friday, October 2, 2026

• Hispanic Heritage Celebration@ 5:30 pm
• National Custodial Workers Recognition Day

Saturday, October 3, 2026

• Día de la Raza Fútbol Tournament

Monday, October 12- Friday, October 16

• Fall Break

October 21, 2026

• Basketball: BMS vs. Radloff MS @BHS. NOTE: Game time is 6:15 PM.

October 22, 2026

• BMS Literacy Night

October 30, 2026

• Atlanta Food Bank & BMS Food Distribution

Friday, October 2nd

THANK YOU for your dedication and hard work!

The 2026 Día de la Raza Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, October 3 on the back field beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please be at least 15 minutes early as matches will start on time. A plain text description of the bracket graphic is included below the image for accessibility and translation.

Tournament Overview

• Event: 2026 Día de la Raza Tournament Bracket
• Format: 18 Teams, Single-Elimination with Consolation Matches
• Locations: Field 1 (F1) and Field 2 (F2)

First Round Matches

Field 1 (F1)

• Match 1 (9:00 AM): Honduras vs. Mexico
• Match 3 (9:30 AM): Japan vs. Norway
• Match 5 (10:00 AM): Argentina vs. Netherlands
• Match 7 (10:30 AM): Portugal vs. Uruguay
• Match 9 (11:00 AM): France vs. Winner of Match 1

Field 2 (F2)

• Match 2 (9:00 AM): Costa Rica vs. Colombia
• Match 4 (9:30 AM): Brazil vs. Cuba
• Match 6 (10:00 AM): Spain vs. England
• Match 8 (10:30 AM): El Salvador vs. Cape Verde
• Match 10 (11:00 AM): Guatemala vs. Winner of Match 2

Consolation Matches (Losses Bracket)

• 11:30 AM (Field 1): Loser of Match 1 vs. Loser of Match 2
• 11:30 AM (Field 2): Loser of Match 3 vs. Loser of Match 4
• 12:00 PM (Field 1): Loser of Match 5 vs. Loser of Match 6
• 12:00 PM (Field 2): Loser of Match 7 vs. Loser of Match 8
• 12:30 PM (Field 2): Loser of Match 9 vs. Loser of Match 10

Advanced Rounds & Finals

Quarterfinals & Semifinals

• 1:00 PM (Field 1): Winner of Match 9 vs. Winner of Match 3
• 1:00 PM (Field 2): Winner of Match 10 vs. Winner of Match 4
• 1:30 PM (Field 1): Winner of Match 5 vs. Winner of Match 7
• 1:30 PM (Field 2): Winner of Match 6 vs. Winner of Match 8
• 2:00 PM (Field 1): Winner of 1:30 PM (F1) vs. Winner of 1:00 PM (F1)
• 2:00 PM (Field 2): Winner of 1:30 PM (F2) vs. Winner of 1:00 PM (F2)

Championship Match

• 2:30 PM (Field 1): Final Championship Match

• Friday, October 9th
• $3.00 per participant (cash or card payment)
• No blankets, no slippers, no robes.
• All clothing must be school appropriate.

It is National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15, 2026. Berkmar Middle School celebrates each and every individual as we cultivate a culture of belonging. We lead with empathy, equity, and excellence to ensure that BMS students, families, and staff feel welcome, safe, accepted, valued, and prepared for the future.

The Berkmar Cross Country team finished the season with a great last race on September 26th at Murphy Middle School. Thank you to Coach Collins, and the team members, Noah, Ma'kai, Laci, and Yulianna (not pictured). It's been a great inaugural season and we're already looking forward to next year!

• 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

770-638-2317

pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Mastering math takes hard work and practice. Math builds on itself, so have your teen make time each day to work on math and stay current in the class. Encourage your student to write down and solve sample problems from the book or from class. Students should also analyze problems before trying to solve them (it may help to draw a diagram). Then, remind your teen to check work carefully before turning a completed assignment in.

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

Berkmar Middle School is excited to honor the rich cultures, traditions, history, and contributions of our Hispanic community throughout the month. ❤️💙💛💚

Be sure to save the date for our Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5:30 PM–7:30 PM at the BMS Gym! Join us for an evening filled with food, music, dancing, culture, and much more as we celebrate the diversity that makes our BMS community so special.

Mrs. Lynette Aponte, Director of the International Newcomer Center, will be the special guest speaker. Don't miss this opportunity to hear her speak!

We can’t wait to celebrate with our BMS families! Different cultures, stronger together. ❤️
For information on how to participate, contact Ms. Silva at pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org or 770-638-2317

• Wednesday, October 21, Home at Berkmar HS; NOTE: Game Time is 6:15 PM for this game.
• Saturday, October 24, Home at Berkmar HS
• Saturday, October 31, Away at Collins Hill HS
• Wednesday, November 4, Home at Berkmar HS
• Saturday, November 7, Away at Duluth HS
• Wednesday, November 11, Home at Berkmar HS
• Saturday, November 14, Away at Peachtree Ridge HS
• Monday, November 16, Away at Discovery HS
• Wednesday, November 18, Away at Brookwood HS
• Wednesday, December 2, Home at Berkmar HS
• Saturday, December 5, Home at Berkmar HS
• Wednesday, December 9, Home at Berkmar HS
• Saturday, December 12, Home at Berkmar HS
• Wednesday, January 6, Away at Norcross HS

Weeknight games begin at 5:30pm except for October 21.

Weekend games begin at 9:00am

We indulged in celebrating students for being respectful, responsible, and ready in our PBIS store. Students enjoyed redeeming their Berkmar Bucks for different toys, trinkets, and candy. If you would like to help donate to this cause, please see Ms. Feinberg or Ms. Silva.

This calendar is available to download as a PDF or image in multiple languages and in an accessible version: All Calendars | Action for Happiness

📅Test Day is October 27, 2026

✏️Why do students take PSAT?

PSAT helps students to prepare for taking the SAT, a test that is required for admission to many colleges and universities and merit scholarship opportunities. PSAT also helps schools with making instructional decisions. The test provides students and schools with AP Potential and gives students and families information and resources for College and Career.

❓For more information, visit GCPS Assessments and then scroll down to expand the PSAT 8/9 section.

For any students interested in Basketball, tryouts will be the week of September 28 - October 1. You must have a recent physical uploaded and all forms completed in RankOne by next Wednesday, September 25 to try out. Forms and information are located in the grade level offices.

For more information:

See 6th Grade AP Ms. Bolton OR

Boys: See Coach Johnson

Girls: See Coach Jaiteh

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

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

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

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

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:

• Follow us on Instagram

• Follow us on Facebook

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

Website: berkmarms.gcpsk12.org
Location: 4355 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn, GA, USA
Phone: 770-638-2300