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,

It’s been a wonderful week filled with learning and growth for our students, and we are so thankful for the partnership and support of our families.

As we head into the Thanksgiving break, I hope you take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy special moments with loved ones.

We are deeply grateful to our families for all you do to help create a strong foundation for student success. Your involvement and encouragement make our school community thrive.

If time permits during the break, please encourage your student to:

• Read daily to keep their minds engaged.
• Work on iReady lessons for extra practice.
• Complete any missing assignments to stay on track.

When we return, we’ll have just three weeks left in the semester, so every effort counts toward finishing strong!

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and restful Thanksgiving!

With Patriot Pride,

Felecia C. Jones
Principal

Subject: Important Safety Update: Evolv Weapons Detection System Coming Soon

Dear Berkmar Middle School Families,

As part of Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) continued commitment to student and staff safety, we are preparing to implement the Evolv weapons detection system at Berkmar Middle School starting on Tuesday, December 2.

This system will be used during morning arrival at designated entry points. Evolv is a state-of-the-art, touchless screening technology designed to detect potential threats while allowing students and visitors to move quickly and safely into the building.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Entry Points: Look for clearly marked entrances with Evolv systems.

2. No Need to Unpack: Phones, keys, and wallets can stay in your bookbags, pockets, and purses.

3. Secondary Screening: If an alert is triggered, a quick secondary screening may be required.

4. Arrive Early: Please arrive early to avoid delays.

In addition to the Evolv system, our school will be staffed with School Safety Officers (SSOs). SSOs are security personnel whose primary responsibility will be to operate the Evolv system during the school day, after morning arrival. Their presence ensures the system is used effectively throughout the day while allowing school staff to remain focused on teaching and learning, and our School Resource Officers (SROs) to continue to oversee the overall safety and security of the campus.

Families may already be familiar with the Evolv system, as it was successfully used at GCPS football and basketball games last year. We appreciate your cooperation in helping ensure a smooth transition as we expand its use to daily school operations.

The implementation of the Evolv weapons detection system is part of a broader, multi-layered safety strategy that includes:

· Enhanced staff training in emergency response and threat detection.

· Upgraded surveillance and security monitoring systems.

· Ongoing collaboration with local law agencies.

We appreciate your support as we work together to maintain a safe and welcoming school environment.

Sincerely,

Felecia C. Jones

Want to learn more about Evolv?

The links below will allow you to access

important inforation about the Evolv System.

• Transform School Culture and Security with Evolv Express®️

• Evolv & Schools: What You Need To Know

• Evolv Quick Demo Video

• Evolv Express® Health & Safety Brochure

Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28

• Thanksgiving Break

• Book Fair - BMS Library

• Monthly Clubs

• 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

Dear Families,

We are thankful for you!

As we prepare to take time off from school during the week of November 24th for the Thanksgiving break, we want to share our gratitude for everyone in our school community. Your partnership makes it possible for students to come to school every day, on time and ready to learn.

Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to connect with peers and teachers, and to grow personally, socially and academically.

We are thankful for:

• Our students and their families who show up to school regularly, even when it isn’t easy.
• Our staff who go above and beyond to help make school a welcoming learning environment and help us stay safe, connected and excited about learning.
• Our many healers and helpers from support staff and volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our students need.

We appreciate each one of you. If your family or your child needs support, please reach out to your grade level counselor. We are here to help!

We are grateful for everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you again when school resumes on December 1st.

Thank you for partnering with us!

Sincerely,

Your BMS Counseling Department

Joycelyn Harris, 6th grade

Lasha King, 7th grade

Jennifer Feinberg, 8th grade

Ms. Paul’s 8th Grade Physical Science students plan and carry out investigations to analyze the motion of an object!

• 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.

This month is all about celebrating the partnership between home and school — and the amazing ways families can learn, grow, and connect together! 💙

Check out our Family Engagement Calendars for both Elementary and Middle/High School families. Each day includes fun, simple, and meaningful activities that bring families closer, from reading together 📚 and enjoying game nights 🎲 to showing kindness 💕 and having family conversations that strengthen connection and confidence.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Whether it’s helping your child explore new goals, sharing family traditions, or volunteering together, every moment counts.

🌟Let’s make November a month to strengthen our bonds and celebrate the power of family engagement! 🌟

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 November.

✨ Don’t miss out on all the fun, read, create, and connect with your community!

Start your holiday season with the City of Lilburn’s annual Holiday Parade, a magical hometown tradition that brings holiday cheer to the streets of Old Town. 🎄

This year, Berkmar Middle School staff will be walking in the parade, and we encourage all of our Berkmar families to come out, support us, and cheer for your Berkmar Middle School family as we walk by with pride representing our school! ❤️💙

The event takes place each year on the first Saturday in December and features an exciting lineup of marching bands, festive floats, dancers, school groups, and local nonprofits all decked out in their holiday best. Keep your eyes open for special appearances from beloved Christmas characters like Santa, the Grinch, and some mischievous elves.

Claim your curbside spot, grab a warm drink, and watch the sights and sounds of the season roll by!

We always look forward to connect with our families in our school or outside of school! Please keep a look out for our upcoming Spirit Nights!

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

Families can receive free fruits, vegetables, and shelf-stable foods — no ID required.

🕒 Begins at 3:00 PM
✅ Free, contactless, drive-thru style
📦 While supplies last – first come, first served

📍 Upcoming Locations & Dates:

• Best Friend Park (Norcross) – October 28

• Rhodes Jordan Park (Lawrenceville) – October 14

• Bryson Park (Lilburn) – August 26, November 18

• Rock Springs Park (Lawrenceville) – December 9

• Lenora Park (Snellville) – November 4

🔗 More food resources here
🔗 Another resource recently shared with us

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.

From games and puzzles to small group peer engagement, our BMS monthly clubs give staff and students the opportunity to build strong relationships, development interpersonal skills, and cultivate new interests.

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 pilar.silva@gcpsk12.org so she can assist.

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

🗓️ Boys: December 1–5
🗓️ Girls: December 8–12

✅ 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