Author Archives: Shara Reiter

Our next PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30 pm. Some highlights will include Mrs. Abramson presenting on Benchmark Advance and the approach to enrichment.

Many of our children have been traumatized by the events of the last 20 months, some more than others, and some by additional events. Sheppard Pratt is offering help for parents to help their children. To find out more information about this support group, please see the flyer. It is open to all, even though it names a specific school. 

This parenting group will provide information about the psychological impact of trauma and stress on you and your child’s brain and body.… Read Full Post

Tonight at 7:00 pm the SEAC will be holding a meeting to provide information about Special Education in MCPS. There will be an opportunity to get your questions answered directly from the MCPS Special Education Department Staff. The last half hour will consist of parent-to-parent support time.

For those who want to provide public testimony, they can do so by emailing the SEAC co-chairs (emails found on the SEAC website at https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/special-education/seac/) 

To subscribe to the SEAC list to find out about upcoming SEAC meetings, fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjRAFHrMz19Z9xrZB5TG1pB3_A9YjtpMG3EGL9PiOVhurleg/viewform… Read Full Post

Last week the GEC (Gifted Education Committee) held a virtual discussion on the different English Language Arts (ELA) curricula MCPS uses for highly able learners in Elementary Schools. The slide deck from the discussion can be found at the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SygnDtAeytkiOXY9b2aMSJsPnGZpfRsq-toL_eSRqYE/edit?usp=sharing

In addition to the slide deck, the GEC prepared a comprehensive list of helpful questions (both ELA and math) to ask during Parent/Teacher conferences to assist parent and caregivers of highly able learners in elementary schools.… Read Full Post

It is time to put on your thinking cap, roll up your creative sleeves, and REFLECT on this year’s theme:  “I Will Change The World By…”

Display your creativity via Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts.

For details, submission forms, and contest rules, and questions, please visit:  https://bellsmill.org/reflections-art-program/

Submission Deadline: Wednesday, December 1, 2021

The GEC invites all MCPS caregivers to join in for a discussion on the different English Language Arts (ELA) curricula MCPS uses for highly able learners in Elementary Schools.

We’ll  present an overview of the curriculum used in the Centers for Enriched Studies (CES), the Enriched Literacy Curriculum (ELC), and the Supplemental Enrichment Guidance to Benchmark Advance curriculum.

We’ll compare and contrast the curricula, and discuss how you can partner with your child’s school to meet your child’s needs.… Read Full Post

The MCCPTA Technology Committee is recruiting members and welcome you to join them for a 60-minute meeting on Wednesday, November 10, at 5pm.  

We will hear from MCPS about their YouTube policy and provide our feedback on some potential changes.  We will also discuss the DRAFT Committee Work Plan.If you are interested in joining, please email [email protected] for the zoom link.

This fall, our county will undergo the process to search for a permanent Superintendent to take the place of Jack Smith. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/superintendent-search/ For more information about the posting: JOB LISTING FOR SUPERINTENDENT POSITION   

TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN INFORMING THE CONSULTANT ON THE NEEDS OF OUR COUNTY: 

1. Please use this link (and share with your network) to provide input — PROVIDE YOUR INPUT  (Toggle for English or Spanish – Other Languages Coming Soon)

2. Please consider participating in one of the two remaining zoom sessions below:

Thursday, November 4, 2021, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The November Bells Mill Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting will be held tonight — Tuesday, November 2 at 6:30-7:30 PM on Zoom. All families and staff are welcome to attend. Dr. Smith will distribute Zoom login info later today (be sure to log in with your student’s credentials!).

The meeting will cover upcoming PTA activities and volunteer opportunities, Dr. Smith will speak on the MCPS Equity Initiative, and Dr. Smith and Mrs. Kemp will address parent questions.… Read Full Post

Watch “Luca” outside at Bells Mill on a 23′ screen on Wednesday, November 3 at 6:00pm (movie starts at 6:30). Bring your blanket, chair, and a flashlight and set up on the field. Chairs will not be provided. Remember students don’t have school the next day!

Tickets are $10/family. Advanced purchase is strongly encouraged to minimize lines at the gate. Buy your tickets at https://bellsmillpta.membershiptoolkit.com/store/7631. Wrapped snacks, candy, and drinks will be sold for $1/each (cash only).… Read Full Post