It’s Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week!

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week kicked off today and runs all week. Bells Mill PTA is excited to celebrate our incredible teachers and staff who make our school such a special place for our children. Throughout the week, the PTA will be celebrating all teachers and staff with a plethora of sweets, treats, gifts and other fun surprises (cupcakes and a barista bar to name a few) to show our gratitude for all they do!

In addition to supporting your child’s grade teachers (see our suggestions below!Read Full Post

Final PTA Meeting of the Year is Tomorrow! Tuesday May 5

Join us for the final BMES PTA meeting of the school year on Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30pm in the APR. Parents will vote on the 2026–2027 PTA Board and budget and hear updates from BMES administration and the PTA. Snacks will be provided!

We are hoping that many families will join us in-person for this meeting; complimentary childcare for school-aged children and pizza will be provided by Bar-T and the PTA; sign up at tinyurl.com/BarTmay2026Read Full Post

Last Chance to Purchase Your BMES Yearbook: Deadline is Wednesday, May 6

The 2025–2026 Bells Mill Elementary School yearbook is now available for purchase. From classroom activities to special events, the yearbook captures all the moments that make this school year so memorable. It’s a wonderful keepsake for students to look back on for years to come.

Yearbooks are $35, with an optional $6 customization add-on.
Order Deadline: May 6
Order Here: https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/bellsmillelementary

Posted in PTA

Breakfast with Bears – Tuesday May 12

Come join us on the blacktop for light breakfast refreshments (donuts, juice, and coffee) before school on May 12 from 8:30 to 9:05am (rain date: May 13). Each Bells Mill Bear can bring one special person to share the morning with. To ensure we have enough refreshments, please RSVP by Friday, May 8. Breakfast with Bears

Volunteers Needed: We are looking for volunteers to help with coordinating food purchases, set up, clean up, and food distribution.… Read Full Post

2026-2027 BMES PTA Board Candidates

The nominating committee proudly presents the 2026–27 BMES PTA officer and delegate candidates. Elections will be held Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 PM in the APR.

President: Amanda Klueger
Treasurer: Lis Patterson
Secretary: Erin Penfold
Vice President—Membership & Fundraising: Shara Reiter
Vice President—Community Events: Jenna Cooper
Vice President—Communications & Family Engagement: Natalie Malloy
Vice President—Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Community: Zina Siegal
MCCPTA Delegates: Nathalie Babou and Adam D’Angelo

Other Board Members (non-elected by PTA Members)
Chair- Membership and Fundraising: Danielle Somers
Chair- Community Events: Claire Andrews
Chair- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Community: OPEN
Chair- Family Engagement: Lauren Koubek
Past President: Deb Palisin

We are currently seeking a Chair for DEI & Community.… Read Full Post

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our PTA Volunteers

To our incredible PTA volunteers,

This Volunteer Appreciation Week, I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you who give your time, energy, and heart to the Bells Mill community. From our dedicated Board members to our committee and activity chairs, your leadership and commitment make everything we do possible. Whether you’re organizing events, wrangling kids before enrichment, writing the Bear Post each week, or working to fundraise for our amazing PTA, your impact is felt every single day.… Read Full Post

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Celebrating Our Community at the BMES International Festival

Thank you to all of our Bells Mill families who joined us for last Friday evening’s International Festival! With over 400 attendees and 26 countries represented, the event was a vibrant celebration of the rich diversity within our community. We are especially grateful to the families who hosted tables—sharing food, traditions, and culture made the evening truly special. It was a wonderful night of connection, learning, and fun for all!

Posted in PTA

Changes to the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar

Due to a Maryland State Board of Education requirement that public school systems end their school years by June 18, 2027, the Board of Education will need to amend the school calendar. Potential options for changes are:

  • Start the school year earlier on August 17
  • Shorten Winter and/or Spring Break
  • Identify days of religious observance as inclement weather makeup days

The Maryland State Board of Education is requiring public school systems to end their school years by June 18, 2027.… Read Full Post

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