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’ve completed our first week using the Evolv weapons detection system and want to thank you again for your support and cooperation, as well as share a brief update on how things are going.

What We’ve Seen:

· More than 4000 individuals were scanned last week.

· The system operated efficiently.

· The vast majority of students passed through screening without delay.

· A small number of secondary screenings were conducted quickly and respectfully.

What We’ve Learned:

· Arriving a few minutes early helps ensure a smooth entry.

· Students have adapted well to the new process.

· Staff are continuing to refine procedures to make the experience even more efficient.

· We’ve made a few minor adjustments to improve traffic flow and reduce wait time.

Overall, we are encouraged by how well our students and staff have adapted. This Evolv system is just one part of our multi-layered approach to school safety, and its smooth rollout reflects the strength of our school community.

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 8 - Friday, December 12

• Monthly Clubs

• By Invitation Only
• Chorus Concert at 6PM

• Dangerous Trends Family Workshop @ 2:30PM
• Connections Final Exams: B-Day

• Connections Final Exams: A-Day

• PBIS Celebration

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

• District Final Exams (3rd & 4th Academic)

• End of First Semester

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.

Ms. Mendez and Ms. Merkerson have turned practicing higher level math into an engaging experience for their students. A gallery walk allows students to have collaborative conversations with one another about the content as well as serve as a formative assessment opportunity. What a dynamic duo!

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, we want to help you stay one step ahead!
Berkmar Middle School will be hosting a family workshop to talk about the trends and behaviors that are impacting today’s youth.

This session will cover:
🔍 What our students may be seeing online and at school
🚭 Vaping and other harmful habits
💊 Substances that are currently circulating among young people
⚠️ Red flags parents should recognize
🗣️ Tips on how to start conversations at home
🛡️ Ways to keep children safe and informed

🗓️ Wednesday, December 10
⏰ 2:30 PM
📍 BMS Library – 4355 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lilburn

We want to learn together, support one another, and ensure our students make healthy choices.
Please save your spot on ParentSquare or email pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org.

Let’s protect our kids as a community. 💙🤍❤️

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. 💙

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.

The BMS Soccer Boys are getting ready to practice with heart, discipline, and true Patriot Pride to bring that Championship back to BERKMAR MIDDLE SCHOOL where it belongs! 💙❤️🤍

📣 BMS Familias, we will need YOU!
Come cheer for our team, bring the energy, and support our boys as they make us proud. 👏🎉⚽

📆 Game dates are coming soon so stay tuned!
Let’s fill the sidelines with fans, vuvuzuelas, cheers, and Patriot spirit!
OLE OLE OLE!!! 🔥⚽💙

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.

We’re excited to invite all interested students to join our Berkmar Middle School Soccer Tryouts!

🗓️ Girls: Monday, December 8 and Wednesday, December 10!

✅ To try out, students must:

• Be passing 5 out of 6 classes (Math & Language Arts must be passing).

• Have their physical, health insurance, and all paperwork uploaded to RankOne.com before tryouts.

⚠️ No paperwork = No tryouts!

📞 Questions or need help?
Contact Mrs. Silva at pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org or 770-638-2317

Let’s 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.

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