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 hope you and your family had a safe, restful, and enjoyable Spring Break!

We are excited to welcome our students back into the building and look forward to a strong finish to the school year. This is an important time, and our team is ready to support every student as they continue to grow, learn, and achieve.

With Georgia Milestones testing just 5 days away, student attendance and engagement are more important than ever. Being present, focused, and giving their best effort each day will make a meaningful difference in your child’s success.

As we return, please help your child start the week strong by ensuring they:

• Arrive to school on time (arrival begins at 8:50 AM)
• Come well-rested and ready to learn
• Bring their Chromebook fully charged each day

We are excited to see our students reconnect with their teachers and peers. Together, we can support them in finishing the year with confidence and success.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are ready for a great week of teaching and learning!

Warm regards,

Felecia Jones

Principal

Sunday, April 19

• National Library Week begins

Friday, April 24

• Atlanta Food Bank Distribution

Friday, May 1

• Library and Chromebook Fines are due

Final Exam Dates:

Connections A: Tuesday, May 12

Connections B: Wednesday, May 13

iReady Spring Assessment Reading (6th/7th only): Tuesday, May 12

iReady Spring Assessment Math (6th/7th only): Wednesday, May 13

Gwinnett County Public Schools has named Dr. Alexandra Estrella as the next superintendent, beginning this July. Families are invited to attend an Area Board and Town Hall Meeting to meet Dr. Estrella and members of the Board of Education.

Our district’s meeting will take place on Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 PM at Parkview High School.

More information, including livestream access, is available here: https://www.gcpsk12.org/about-us/board/area-board-and-town-hall-meetings

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!

To help students feel prepared for Georgia Milestones, families can access free online study guides and practice tools provided by the Georgia Department of Education. Georgia Milestones, sometimes referred to as GMAS (Georgia Milestones Assessment System) is the statewide assessment that measures how well students are mastering grade-level standards in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The results help schools understand student progress and guide instruction. Our school will administer the Georgia Milestones assessments between April 20 and April 30. These resources show what students will be tested on and include practice questions, explanations, and the online tools students will use during testing. Families and students can explore the study guides and practice tools at www.gaexperienceonline.com by selecting “Test Practice” and then “Study Guide for Students and Parents.”

If your lease or rental agreement is set to expire this month, it is required that you schedule an appointment to update your residency information. To prevent unenrollment, please ensure that all documentation verifying your residency is submitted promptly.

• Reach out to Ms. Maricela Guzman at maricela.guzman@gcpsk12.org via email if your lease is nearing expiration.
• Please reach out to Ms. Pilar Silva at pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org via email if you need assistance with updating your proof of residency.

(Present one from Column A and one from Column B to show that a family lives in the attendance zone.)

Column A: Present one of the following (must include address):

• Non-contingent sales contract
• Current lease/rental agreement
• Current residential property tax statement or bill
• Current warranty or quit claim deed
• Current home purchase agreement
• Current homeowner’s insurance policy

AND

Column B: One of the following:

• Current water bill
• Current electric bill

Important information about Proof of Residency documents

• Documents presented for residency verification must include the same address as the accompanying utility bill.
• The bill must have the name and address of the enrolling parent/guardian. If the bill does not have the enrolling guardian’s name, one piece of business mail in the parent/legal guardian’s name with the address of the home or apartment in which the student is residing is permitted.
• A telephone bill is not acceptable.
• A contingency sales contract is not acceptable.
• Exception: A deed without an address is acceptable if accompanied by two utility bills (excluding telephone bills) with same address in attendance zone.

The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls enjoyed the Dress For Success workshop! They learned how to present themselves confidently and each received a new scarf. They also created vision boards to inspire their personal goals!

• 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.

BMS would like to thank the amazing volunteers who helped make our i-Ready Growth Celebration such a success! We truly appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedules to celebrate our students’ academic growth and achievements. Your support makes a difference in building Patriot Pride and encouraging our students to keep striving for excellence!

There will be more volunteer opportunities to close out this school year and of course during upcoming school year 2026–2027.

If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to Ms. Silva:
📧 pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org
📞 770-638-2317

Thank you again for your continued support of our students and school community! ❤️💙

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! 💙❤️🤍

With the Georgia Milestones assessments beginning in April, now is the perfect time for students to practice important strategies such as reading directions carefully, managing their time, checking their work, and staying focused throughout the test. Starting early with test-taking skills is one of the best ways to help students feel confident and prepared for success. Developing these habits early helps reduce anxiety and builds the confidence students need to demonstrate what they have learned. Families can support this effort by encouraging regular study routines, providing a quiet space for homework and practice, and reminding students to do their best each day. Consistent preparation now will help students feel ready and capable when testing season arrives.

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.

T-Mobile’s Project 10Million is an initiative designed to help bridge the digital gap by providing eligible K-12 students with free internet access and a mobile hotspot device.

Program Highlights:

• Free mobile hotspot device (while supplies last)
• Free high-speed data (up to a set annual limit)
• No cost to families (for qualifying households)
• Supports students with reliable internet access for schoolwork and virtual learning

Eligibility: Parents will need to provide proof of eligibility for ONE of the following programs listed below :

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or EBT
• Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
• Medicaid
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

How to Apply:
Families can apply directly online using the link below and to learn more about the program.
https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million

This is a great opportunity to support student engagement and ensure consistent access to learning, particularly for students experiencing housing instability or limited internet connectivity.

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.

Our Student Council is proud to host "Popsicle and Chill." If your child have perfect attendance starting March 30th-April 30th, they will get to hang out with their friends outside and enjoy popsicles. Make sure they come to school! Date, location, and times will be announced soon.

If your student is interested in participating in any sports next year, they will need a sports physical. Here are two opportunities by appointment only.

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.

Follow Us On Social Media

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