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,

I hope you have all had a restful and rejuvenating weekend. As we reflect on a productive February, we are moving into an important week of growth and assessment here at Berkmar Middle School.

As Phil Jackson once said, "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." This partnership between school and home is what allows our students to truly shine.

Testing Readiness: Gwinnett Writes & Interims This week, our students will be participating in Gwinnett Writes and District Interim Testing. To ensure every student can perform their best, we ask for your help with the following:

• Charge Up: Please ensure your student brings their fully charged Chromebook and power cord to school every day this week.

• Rest & Fuel: A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast make a significant difference in focus and stamina.

• On-Time Arrival: Being in the classroom before the first bell helps students start their testing session feeling calm and prepared.

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5, which will be an Early Release Days for students. This time is dedicated to parent-teacher conferences, which are a vital part of our partnership in your child's success.

• Scheduling: Please look out for specific communication from your child’s teacher this week to schedule a time to meet.

• Goal: These conversations allow us to align our efforts to support your student's academic growth and well-being.

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

Monday, March 2-6: SEL Sprit Week

Tuesday, March 3

• Gwinnett Writes- ELA

Wednesday, March 4

• Early Release / Parent Conferences
• District Assessment- Science

Thursday, March 5

• Early Release

• District Assessment: Social Studies

• District Assessment: Math
• Progress Reports Emailed

• Digital Learning Day

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!

From Afrocentric attire to the door decorating contest, Black History Month proved to be a time to celebrate all of the accomplishments from individuals across the african diaspora.

Thank you to all of the families who participated in the Georgia School Climate Survey. Your voices truly matter, and we are grateful for your continued partnership and support of our school.

We are excited to invite you to participate in the 2026 Educational Effectiveness School Survey, which is now open. This survey is a meaningful opportunity for you, as part of the BMS family, to share your experiences and perspectives. This suvey is often thought of as our school’s report card, your feedback directly helps guide decisions, strengthen programs, and ensure we continue providing an equitable, effective, and excellent learning environment for your children.

⏰ We have a short window to make an impact!

• The survey closes on Friday, March 6
• It should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
• Every BMS voice should be heard.

🍕 We’re keeping the Pizza Party Competition going! Every completed survey helps us move closer to celebrating our students. Make sure you share your screenshot, so a point can be applied to the homeroom!

👉 How to participate:

1. Click on the link to go directly to the survey site: 2026 Educational Effectiveness Family Survey
2. Choose your language of preference
3. Select Berkmar Middle Schoolas your school.
   • If you have children in different schools, you can complete a survey for each school.
   • If you have multiple children at Berkmar Middle School, please complete one survey per child, as experiences can vary by grade level.

If you need any help accessing the survey, please reach out to Ms. Silva. She is always happy to assist and truly enjoy connecting with our families. You can contact her through ParentSquare, email, phone, or by stopping by the school.

Contact Information:
💬 ParentSquare: Type Pilar Silva
📧 Email:pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org
📞 Phone: 770-638-2317
🕣 Office Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (4355 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lilburn)

Thank you for your time, your voice, and for everything you do to support Berkmar Middle School. I deeply appreciate your commitment to our school community and to your children’s success.
❤️🤍💙

Greetings BMS Families-

Did you know that Chronic Absenteeism means a student misses 10% or more of school days in a year for any reason (excused or unexcused), equating to about 18 days of school? GCPS families not only receive attendance letters at 5, 7, 10 and 15 unexcused absences, they also receive attendance “nudges” for 3 or more total absences (both excused and unexcused). Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged and on track to graduation.

• By 6th grade, chronic absence (missing 10%, or 2 days each month) is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.

• By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

• Frequent absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, dealing with a bully or facing some other difficulty.

Patriots with good attendance reflect our 3 R’s. They are in the building and READY to learn, are being RESPONSIBLE for their classroom success and are showing RESPECT by demonstrating a commitment to learning, valuing the educational environment, and honoring the time and effort of teachers and peers.

Regular attendance is particularly important for English Language Learner (ELL) students. Immersing themselves in an English-speaking environment helps them improve their language skills more quickly. Their attendance allows them to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English daily. Their presence accelerates their journey to English fluency.

We love to see our students in the building each day. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s attendance, please reach out to your grade level counselor for support.

Let’s work together to make school attendance a priority!

McClure Health Science High School is hosting their Rising 9th Grade Night on March 12. See details below and plan to attend.

Mr. Barron's algebra students work collaboratively to fine tune their understanding of systems of equations.

Ms. Jackson and Mr. Molina use a graphically rich classroom to help students better understand integer and exponent rules.

Our Dress for Success Workshop was an event to remember for the young men of BMS. The boys explored how to present themselves confidently, learned how to wear a tie, and each received a new tie with hands on guidance on how to tie it correctly. They also created vision boards to inspire their personal goals!

And guess what? There’s more to come! Stay tuned for the Dress For Success Workshop for girls in grades 6th-8th, coming soon!

The Spread the Love Fundraiser was a HUGE success! The Student Council was able to completely sell out of Candygrams/Candybags. Our Student Council plans to use the funds to support the community and honor the amazing teachers of Berkmar Middle School. Our student leaders worked so hard to make sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you to everyone who helped make this fundraiser a success!

Look at our students shine as they display their science fair projects. Special thanks to Ms. Robinson, Ms. Rana, Ms. Artime, Ms. Carpenter, Ms. Cuttito, and Ms. Taylor for supporting our students throughout the science inquiry process.

Our BMS scholars participated in the 48th Annual Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Gas South Convention Center. The day was full of energy and excitement as our young scienitsts truly fulfilled the theme of the day "Building Our Future One Project at a Time". Thank you to Ms. Jones, Ms. Paul, Ms. Bledsoe, Ms. Carlson, Mr. Moran, and Mr. Sinyard for supporting our students on their path to achieving greatness.

• 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.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on March 4 & 5, 2026 at Berkmar Middle School. This is a great opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers and discuss academic progress, goals, and ways to support learning at home.

Please keep in mind that the majority of conferences are by teacher invitation. However, if you would like to request a conference, you are welcome to reach out directly to your child’s teacher through Parent Square.

If you need assistance with signing up or have any questions, please contact Ms. Silva in the Family Center as she is happy to help!

Let’s continue working together to support our students’ success! 💙❤️🤍

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! 💙❤️🤍

Get ready for an exciting summer! Registration for Maxwell High School of Technology's Middle School Summer Adventures opens its doors to current 5th-8th graders on Friday, March 6th, 2026!

Don't miss out, as spots are limited!

This action-packed program immerses students in hands-on exploration of various career paths through diverse workshops. From breaking down a car engine to baking delicious treats, there's something for everyone!

Key Details:

• Dates: Tuesday, May 26th - Friday, May 29th, 2026

• Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Cost: $125 (non-refundable)

• Registration: Secure your spot on www.mypaymentsplus.com starting March 6th! Search for "Maxwell Middle School Summer Adventures" and follow the instructions.

More Information:

Visit our website for further details and to read specific information about Summer Adventures.

Important Notes:

• Multiple child discounts are unavailable.

• Registration fees support Maxwell and are non-refundable.

We're thrilled to welcome your child to the Maxwell family for a summer of exploration and fun! Join us on this enriching journey!

Warmly,

Maxwell High School of Technology Summer Adventures Team

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