Bells Mill Elementary School PTA

Happy December! We have a lot lined up for the winter and spring. You won’t want to miss it!

The Literati Everglow Forest Book Fair is coming to Bells Mill December 5-12! The rewards we earn from your purchases directly help our school to pay for books and supplies for the Media Center, grade-level classes and more! Your child will be visiting the fair with their class, and students will have the opportunity to make a wish list or purchase books using cash or Literati Gift Cards. Set up cashless shopping for your child at literati.com/store… Read Full Post

The ’25-’26 National PTA Reflections Program is now accepting submissions with this year’s theme, “I Belong!.” Students can express their creativity through Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts. 

This contest provides students with a platform for self-expression, helping them hone their creative talents and explore different art forms. It offers an opportunity to showcase their work, fostering pride and accomplishment.

Submission Instructions: 

1. Reflect on the theme, “I Belong!” 
2. Choose an art category (dance, film, literature, music, photography or visual arts)
3. Create your project.

Celebrate the magical start of our Bells Mill book fair at the Eric Energy Science Show on Saturday, December 6. The interactive show will delight elementary students of all ages and give families an opportunity to visit the book fair together. Doors open at 10.15 am; the show starts at 10.30 am; and the book fair opens at 11.30 am.

As part of their fundraising efforts, 5th grade will be selling concessions at the event; please note that they will be cash only.… Read Full Post

This holiday season, let’s come together to show our amazing teachers and staff just how much we appreciate all their hard work! We’re treating them to a build-your-own box of baked goodies, and we need your help to make it happen.

You can contribute by baking or purchasing 2–3 dozen of your favorite cookies, bars, or sweet treats to share the joy. Donations can be dropped off either the evening of Tuesday, December 16 or the morning of Wednesday, December 17 (details in the link below).… Read Full Post

For the third year, we are coordinating holiday gifts for our non-classroom staff so that all of the amazing people who support our students feel appreciated. Check out the sign up genius and list below to find your favorite specialists, paraeducators, and support staff. Gifts may be sent in with your child or dropped off at the front office for staff mailboxes. Please remember MCPS gift guidelines: no more than $20 per staff member gift and $100 per child for the year.… Read Full Post

The MCCPTA Technology Committee invites all families to share your views regarding use of school-issued Chromebooks. Parents have reached out to us to express their concerns, and we wanted to provide a way for individuals to share their specific concerns, and also collect data and testimonials to share with MCPS and the Board of Education. As the Technology Committee is also considering what recommendations to provide to MCPS on its draft artificial intelligence policy, it is especially important for us to share how technology has been and is being used in the classroom now.… Read Full Post

This year we have made it easier than ever to collect photos for the yearbook! Parents and staff can now upload pictures from school and PTA events and around the community using our new and improved submission link. 

Password: BMESybcandids2526!

Photo ideas (Please submit photos that include groups of two or more students when possible):

• PTA events – Bingo, Breakfast with Bears, Trunk or Treat, etc
• Fall Festival- Parade and Parties
• Restaurant Nights
• Field Trips
• Chorus and Instrumental Music Concerts
• Sports Teams or Clubs connected to Bells Mill
• Class Projects and other special classroom memories If you’re uploading directly from your phone, make sure to scroll to the correct category and not just the grade level before submitting your photos.

• Donut Fundraiser for 5th grade
• Winter Enrichment Opportunities

The general PTA meeting has been moved from December 2 to December 3 to allow community members to attend the boundary study engagement session on December 2 at Gaithersburg High School at 6:30 p.m. MCPS will release updated boundary options on December 1, including a recommendation to use Crown High School as a temporary holding school for upcoming projects and a possible hybrid option for local students.

The PTA meeting will be held on Zoom at 6.30 p.m.… Read Full Post