MCCPTA Tech Committee Releases Report on Survey of School Chromebook Use

On January 26, the MCCPTA Tech Committee released its report summarizing the over 1,000 responses received from MCPS families regarding school Chromebook use. The report was shared with district and state education leaders and partner organizations. Families are welcome to continue to fill out the survey here. Please see the attached cover letter and committee report.

The committee will continue to advocate around and gather evidence relating to technology use in schools. We invite you to join our listserv for the most up-to-date news by emailing technology+subscribe@mccpta.groups.io.… Read Full Post

Posted in PTA

Yearbook Photos Needed!

This is a week to remember, especially all the sledding fun at the Bells Mill Hill. We would LOVE to see those photos capturing the excitement, friendships, and snowy memories.

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

  • Sledding at the Bells Mill Hill
  • PTA events – Bingo, Breakfast with Bears, Trunk or Treat, and more
  • Fall Festival – parade and classroom parties
  • Restaurant Nights
  • Field Trips
  • Chorus and Instrumental Music concerts
  • Sports teams or clubs connected to Bells Mill
  • Class projects and other special classroom moments

If you’re uploading directly from your phone, be sure to scroll to the correct category (not just the grade level) before submitting your photos.… Read Full Post

Posted in PTA

Sign up for the Bells Mill Talent Show, February 6

Important Links
Talent Show Entry Form | Volunteer Signup Form | Waiver Form

Calling all Bells Mill student talent; it’s time to shine! The world famous, annual BMES PTA Talent Show is on February 6 at Cabin John Middle School at 6pm (there will be one talent show for all grades). If your child (or your child with a group) would like to participate in the Talent Show, please complete the Google Form.

Everyone is invited to participate, but due to time constraints each student can participate in only one performance (e.g.,… Read Full Post

Register for Spring Enrichment Programs – New Classes Added

The Bells Mill PTA is proud to help coordinate a variety of before and after-school enrichment opportunities for our students. From chess to sports and science, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Spring.

Important Note: All activities are run by outside providers—not the school or PTA—so families must contact vendors directly with any questions. These programs manage their own schedules, student supervision, and safety protocols.

Spring Enrichment Offerings

Bloom into Spring with Clay at Jimmy Potter’s Workshop – Students will craft unique, spring-themed pieces such as Monet-inspired garden scenes, delicate cherry blossom trees from Japan, and cheerful tulips from the Netherlands.… Read Full Post

Community Corner

Each week, the PTA will share information from other schools in the cluster or community programs that provide opportunities to connect and help each other. If you have anything you would like to add, email communications@bellsmill.org. While these are not sponsored or endorsed by the BMES PTA, we’re happy to help share information as appropriate.

Yellow Brick Basketball Spring enrollment is now open. We offer clinics and leagues for kids in PreK – 5th grade. We focus on kids having fun, improving skills and building confidence.… Read Full Post

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MCCPTA: Synthetic Turf and AI Policy Resolutions

The MCCPTA will be voting on two resolutions on January 27th, 2026. The first is regarding the AI Usage Policy and second one is regarding Synthetic Turf.

Please review the provided resources on AI, Tech & Education and provide any thoughts or feedback directly to your BMES PTA Delegates (delegate@bellsmill.org). You can also review the draft resolution, slides on the purpose of the resolution, and the associated Q&A. There will be two additional Tech Committee office hours to Discuss AI Resolution that you can attend on Zoom on:
Thursday, January 15, 7:00 pm
Thursday, January 15, 9:00 pm

The second resolution is in regard to the Dangers of Synthetic Turf.… Read Full Post

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Please Complete Boundary Study Survey by Tomorrow, January 9

COMPLETE THE SURVEY TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO MCPS by January 9, 2026. We have heard from MCPS and the Board of Education that meaningful feedback matters!

The recently proposed Crown Boundary Study options have caused significant concerns within our Bells Mill Elementary School community, as several of the options would cause split articulation to Herbert Hoover Middle School and Cabin John Middle School, before meeting back at Churchill High School.

On December 1, MCPS released four additional boundary options for the Crown/Damascus Boundary Study (Options E-H).… Read Full Post

Posted in PTA

MCCPTA Meeting on K-12 English Language Arts – January 12

Interested in learning more about K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) programming in MCPS? Join for an informative session hosted by the MCCPTA Curriculum Committee and the Gifted Education Committee. They will share updates on the ELA curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school, along with details about enrichment and acceleration opportunities available to students. You’ll also learn what you can do to advocate for stronger curriculum and enrichment options within the school system. Please bring your questions.… Read Full Post

Bells Mill Elementary Community Night at Potomac Pizza – January 14

Make dinner easy and support our school! Join us for Bells Mill Elementary Community Night at Potomac Pizza on Wednesday, January 14th from 4–9 PM. Dine in or carry out, and mention Bells Mill Elementary School. 20% of sales will be donated back to the school!

Ordering online? Be sure to click the “Fundraiser” tab on the left menu and add it to your cart before checkout for your order to count. We hope to see lots of Bells Mill families there!… Read Full Post