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 enter this pivotal season of the school year, I want to share my deepest gratitude for your continued partnership. We truly appreciate the heart and effort you put into ensuring our students arrive prepared, on time, and with a mindset ready for success. Your support is the foundation that allows our school to thrive, and we are honored to work alongside you.

Progress reports were emailed home this past Friday, marking an important moment to pause and reflect on your child's accomplishments. We encourage you to sit down with your child this week to review their progress. To help spark a meaningful conversation about finishing the year strong, try asking these three Reflective Questions:

• What is one achievement from this semester that you are most proud of?

• Looking at your current grades, what is one specific goal you want to reach by the end of the month?

• What is one "small win" you can focus on this week to stay on track?

As you review the GA Milestones Assessment schedule included below in this newsletter, please keep in mind that consistent attendance is more important than ever. We are officially in our 15-day countdown to testing. To ensure your child feels confident and prepared, please help us by avoiding early check-outs or absences during these designated dates. Every minute of classroom instruction and small-group support counts toward their success.

We have just a few short weeks remaining. Let’s work together to ensure every student is passing their classes and finishing this year strong!

As always, thank you for being part of Team BMS! We truly appreciate your continued support and partnership as we start another great week.

Warm regards,

Felecia Jones

Principal

Friday, March 20

• Email Progress Reports

Monday, March 23

• Club Day

Tuesday, March 24

• Rising 6th Grade Visit-Hopkins
• Title I Planning Meeting- 6PM

Wednesday, March 25

• Help Day
• Rising 6th Grade Visit-Minor

Thursday, March 26

• Rising 6th Grade Parent-6PM

Friday, March 27

• LGPE-Band
• Berkmar Cluster Tailgate at BHS - 4:30PM

Tuesday, March 31

• STAR Patriot Breakfast

Monday, April 6 - Friday, April 10 - Spring Break

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.”

Ms. Rani, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Carpenter, Ms. Robinson, Ms. Cuttito, and Ms. Artime's classes hosted their annual exhibit for students, staff, cluster principals, and our cluster superintendent, Dr. Davidson. This year's exhibit is "Our World, Our Continents". Students have been learning about the seven continents and exploring different countries, cultures, landmarks, animals, and geographical features from around the world.

The Berkmar Cluster Art Show was all a buzz with elementary, middle, and high school art work on full display at the Allison Crossman Theatre. Kudos to Ms. Rollocks and our Patriot art scholars for their passion and commitment to Visual Arts.

• 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.

Berkmar Middle School families, you are invited to participate in our Title I Planning Meeting! This is your opportunity to review, provide input, and help revise important school plans including BMS goals and data, The Plan/The Promise, the Title I Budget, and Staff Training priorities. Your voice and feedback help shape decisions that support our students and school community.

📍 BMS Media Center
📅 March 24, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM

For more information contact Ms. Silva
📞 770-638-2317
📧 pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org

Berkmar Middle School is looking for parent and family volunteers to support upcoming student celebration on April 1st. We are currently seeking 6 volunteers, who will serve in three scheduled shifts of 45 minutes each. Please see the flyer below for the exact times that are needed.

Volunteering is a meaningful way to stay connected to your child’s education, strengthen our school community, and help create positive experiences that motivate and encourage our students. Your time and support make a difference in promoting academic success, school pride, and strong family-school partnerships.

For more information or to sign up, please reach out to Ms. Silva at pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org.

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.

Come join us as we show off our Berkmar Pride with an evening full of community, food, and fun!

📅 Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 4:00–6:30 PM
📍 Location: Berkmar High School
405 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lilburn, GA 30047
⚽ Game: Berkmar vs. Norcross
🍔 Enjoy: Tailgate classics, outdoor games for all ages, music, and dancing
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who: All Berkmar Cluster families are welcome!

💙❤️🤍 Start as a Patriot, Finish as a Patriot!💙❤️🤍

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.

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.

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.

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