BMS Patriot Press Newsletter

Use the toolbar at the top of the page to translate this newsletter into your language and to choose accessibility options.

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,

As we wrap up another week, it is the perfect time to pause, reset, and keep our Focus Forward. Together, we are on a journey toward Destination Learning, and every day brings new opportunities to inspire our students, build momentum, and grow as a community. We are so grateful for the heart and dedication you bring to BMS every step of the way.

This week reflects the ongoing commitment of our staff and students to being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible each and every day. We are so proud of the positive culture we are building together and grateful for the support of our families in making this possible.

We are also thrilled to celebrate our 2028 Teacher of the Year, Mr.Jackson ! He represents the dedication, passion, and excellence of all Berkmar Middle School teachers, and we know he will continue to make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families.

Thank you for your continued partnership and your commitment to Berkmar Middle School.

Have a relaxing and rejuvenating long weekend!

Warm Regards,

Felecia C. Jones

Principal

Mark your calendar!

Monday, September 7

• Labor Day (School Holiday)

Wednesday, September 9

• Volleyball: BMS vs. Sweetwater at Home; 6PM

Friday, September 11

• Progress Reports

Wednesday, September 16

• Library Tour with Ms. Silva at Lilburn Public Library

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

All students learn at home.

Congratulations to Mr. Caston Jackson, Berkmar Middle School Teacher of the Year 2027-2028!

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!

Applications are now open for the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is a group of middle and high school students from across Gwinnett County Public Schools who meet with the Superintendent to share ideas, give feedback, and help make our schools even better. Dr. Estrella is seeking students for this year's council who are respectful, honest, collaborative, and committed to representing the interests of all students, not just their own school or peer group.

The application link is available for students in the student Launchpad, which students can access from the GCPS Chromebook or from the GCPS website.

Please note that both students and parents/guardians will receive a copy of the submitted application.

Application Deadline Extended: Friday, September 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

For more information visit the SSAC web page.

• 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.

Even teens who've never had attention problems in the past may see them crop up in middle and high school. These years involve more transitions and more details to remember. If this is a problem for your teen, suggest strategies that can help your student keep up and stay focused on what the teacher is saying. These include things like clarifying directions and using abbreviations when taking notes. Eating a healthy breakfast can also help your teen stay alert and on task.

Visit 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

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

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!

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

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.❤️

Celebrating good behavior in our students!

We are Ready...Responsible...Respectful!

Thank you, Family Volunteers!

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

Make sure your student’s free or reduced price meal benefits continue without interruption! Some families are currently receiving temporary meal assistance that will expire on September 16. To help avoid any interruption in services, please contact Ms. Silva so she can check the status of your student’s meal account and assist you with completing an application if needed.

Completing a Free & Reduced Meal Application may provide several benefits for your family and our school:

1. Free or reduced-price nutritious meals for your student.
2. Additional funding for technology and internet access.
3. Discounts on fees related to the college application process.
4. Reduced fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams, along with other scholarship opportunities.
5. Increased funding to support educational programs and resources.

Need assistance? Contact Ms. Silva:

Email: pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org

Call: 770-638-2319

Visit: BMS Family Center Monday–Friday from 9:30 AM–3:30 PM.

Keeping your child’s immunizations up to date is an important part of protecting their health, supporting a safe school environment, and helping prevent the spread of serious illnesses.

If you are unsure whether your student’s immunizations are current, please contact Ms. Maricela Guzman at Maricela.Guzman@gcpsk12.org or call 770-638-2311.

Staying informed and keeping records updated helps ensure your child is ready for a healthy and successful school year.

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.

Support Berkmar Middle School

Please use your Kroger Account to support Berkmar Middle School!

• Go to Kroger.com or the Kroger app
• Log into your account
• Choose the 3 lines menu at the top corner of the screen
• Scroll down and choose Rewards
• Choose Community Rewards
• Search for Berkmar Middle School
• Click on Enroll
• Exit out and you are finished with the process.

Volunteer opportunities may vary throughout the school year based on school needs and upcoming events. Parents and family members can choose opportunities that best fit their interests and availability.

Every volunteer makes a difference at Berkmar Middle School!

Families, is your scholar interested in running or conditioning for another sport? They can join the Cross Country team. No tryouts, but an updated physical is required. Find the form on the BMS website under athletics and have your student turn it in to the 6th grade office. Practices Wednesday and Friday 4:30 - 5:30pm. Team fee pay for race entry fees and team shirt. Races on September 12, September 19, September 26, and October 10 in the morning with bus transportation provided from Berkmar MS to the race. Contact Ashley Bolton at ashley.bolton@gcpsk12.org for more information.

Step up and join the team!

Yes, you! We want you!

• Boys and girls; All grade levels
• 📅 Monday & Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• 📍 Berkmar Middle School

See Ms. Bolton in the 6th grade office for more 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:

• 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