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 made it to the final stretch of the school year! With just three days of school remaining, we want to thank our students, families, and staff for an amazing year filled with growth, learning, and memorable moments.

As we close out the year, let’s continue to encourage our students to finish strong by staying focused, attending school each day, and giving their very best effort.

Please note that Science and Social Studies Finals will take place on Monday, May 18. Be sure students come to school on time, prepared, and ready to do their best.

Let’s make these last few days count with positivity, encouragement, and Patriot pride as we cross the finish line together!

Thank you for your continued support of Berkmar Middle School!

Warm regards,

Felecia Jones

Principal

• Monday, May 18

  • Last day for students to bring backpacks
  • Science and Social Studies Final Exams (6th/7th Grades)
  • 7th Grade Awards Night (By Invitation Only)
  • 8th Grade Field Day

  Tuesday, May 19

  • 6th Grade Chromebook Collection - THIS is a DATE CHANGE.
  • 7th Grade Chromebook Collection

  Wednesday, May 20

  • Last Day of School for Students - Students should not bring backpacks to school.

It is awards season and time to celebrate our awesome BMS students. Please see the awards schedule below. Attendance to this event is by invitation only.

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!

Has your student located their library books? Look around the house. Check their backpacks.

All library books are due to the library by Friday, May 15.

Help your student prepare for device collection day and avoid possible fines.

Collection Dates:

Friday, May 15 - 8th Grade

Tuesday, May 19 - 6th Grade and 7th Grade

Berkmar High School is excited to begin the upcoming girls flag football summer conditioning and fall season schedule.

📱 Stay Connected

We will be using the “sportsyou”app for all primary team communications, schedule changes, and alerts. Please download the app and join our group using the access code below:

• App: sportsyou

• Team Code: 6KQ2-LBLQ

🗓️ Practice Schedule (Tentative)

Please note that our practice times shift as we progress through the summer.

Tentative dates & times: 10:30am-12:30pm

June-1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17

July- 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29

August- 4, 6, 11, 13 (2:30pm-4:00pm)

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday (2:30-4:00pm)

August- 17, 18, 20, 24, 25, 27

September- 1, 2

🏆 Official Season Start

• First Official Practice: Tuesday, September 8th

• Regular Schedule: Monday through Thursday

• Standard Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

• 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.

Keep your child’s mind active all summer long through reading! Summer literacy activities help students strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, creativity, and critical thinking skills while preparing them for a successful new school year. Encourage your child to read books they enjoy, listen to audiobooks, create a cozy reading space at home, and connect reading to fun summer activities. Even just 20 minutes of reading a day can make a big difference!

Let’s keep our Patriots reading, learning, and growing all summer long! ❤️💙🤍

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! 💙❤️🤍

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

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