Category Archives: Enrichment

Volunteers Needed for the GeoBowl

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This year, all students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 are invited to participate in the GeoBowl! The focus of this year’s event is on Africa, Asia, and Europe. Study packets have already been handed out in class.

We’ve updated the format of the GeoBowl—now, all students will have the chance to participate on the day of the event, with no sign-ups required. While caregivers won’t be able to attend the event, we are looking for two volunteers per grade to help ensure everything runs smoothly.… Read Full Post

MCPS K-12 Student Poster Art Contest to Celebrate 2025 AAPI Heritage Month

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The month of May is designated by law as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, to commemorate the history of AAPIs since their arrival in the United States in the mid-1800s, their challenges, and their contributions to American society.

All MCPS students are invited to submit original artwork for a poster that reflects ‘A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience’ in AAPI history and/or culture. The entries will be judged by community art and art performance professionals.… Read Full Post

Free State PTA Reflections Winner

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We are delighted to announce that Caden Xin has won the Award of Excellence in Literature, Primary Division, at the Free State PTA Reflections for his piece, ‘No One is Perfect.‘

It was wonderful to see Caden and all of the students’ work displayed during STEAM Night—what a celebration of creativity! Congratulations, Caden!

STEAM Night is Coming—March 27!

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We’re excited to announce that our traditional STEM Night is evolving! This year, we’re adding an A for Arts to celebrate creativity alongside science, technology, engineering, and math.

Join us for STEAM Night as we proudly showcase our talented students’ submissions from the Reflections Arts Program, themed “Accepting Imperfections.” Explore the amazing creativity our students have shared while enjoying hands-on STEM activities too.

To sign your student up for a project or to volunteer to run an experiment, please see this previous post for all the details.… Read Full Post

Reflections Art Program – Submissions Due Friday December 6

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Calling ALL BMES Artists! This year’s Reflections Art Program is underway.  Based on this year’s theme, “Accepting Imperfection,” students are encouraged to create original artwork in one of six areas:

-Visual Art
-Music
-Dance
-Photography
-Writing
-Film

To submit an entry, take a high-quality photo, video, or file and submit it through this Google Form. For more information and inspiration, visit the Reflections webpage. 

Rules and Guidelines
2024-2025 Judging Information
2024-2025 Reflections Coloring Book

The submission deadline is Friday, December 6th.… Read Full Post

Community Corner

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Each week in Bear Post we will share information from other schools in the cluster or community events 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.

Learn Coding with Panda Programmer—Starts December 6
Give your child the opportunity to explore the exciting world of coding with convenient after-school classes held right at Bells Mill.… Read Full Post

MCCPTA’s Gifted Education Committee (GEC)

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We are excited to introduce Julia Chuang, as the BMES liaison to MCCPTA’s Gifted Education Committee (GEC). If you are interested in accelerated and enriched
instruction at BMES, please reach out to her so she can better understand your child’s needs.

It’s her role to coordinate advocacy for our students – let’s see what we can get done! You can reach Julia at delegate@bellsmill.org

In addition, you can join the GEC listserv by sending an email, along with your child’s school
and grade, to gifted-education+subscribe@mccpta.groups.io.… Read Full Post

Registration for Odyssey of the Mind – Closes Tomorrow

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Odyssey of the Mind is an international program aimed at developing creative problem-solving skills in children of all ages.  The program encourages teamwork, critical analysis of ideas, effective conflict resolution, flexible creative thinking, and on-stage performance skills.  Students are placed in teams of 5-7 students based on grade level, interests, child preferences, and balance. Grades 1-2 participate in Primary Division and Grades 3-5 in Division 1.  Participants have the opportunity to compete at the Maryland State Tournament in the Spring, with the potential to advance to the World Finals.… Read Full Post

Registration is Now Open for Model UN Fall Session

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Model United Nations (or Model UN) is an authentic simulation of the United Nations General Assembly in which students act as country delegates and engage in acts of diplomacy, negotiation, and decision making. The program is offered through Global Minds, LLC, founded in 2021 by former Bells Mill/Cabin John parents, Audré Park and Shreelata Durbhakula.

Global Minds offers three 8-week instructional sessions (Fall, Winter, and Spring) throughout the year, and serves as administrators to register students in local Model UN conferences at the U.S.… Read Full Post