Category Archives: Enrichment

Changes to Math Acceleration and Literacy Plans, Meeting on May 21

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At last week’s Board of Education Meeting, MCPS unveiled changes to Math and ELA enrichment and acceleration in elementary schools. Link to presentation.

Per the presentation, MCPS is planning to eliminate compacted math classes in elementary school AND eliminate “Model 1” ELA classes in grades 4 and 5. Instead, MCPS proposes delivering enrichment and acceleration through cluster grouping within heterogeneous classrooms.

While BMES is still working with its partners at Central Office to better understand these changes and what this will mean for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond, the PTA is asking parents to reach out to the Board of Education boe@mcpsmed.org… Read Full Post

Bells Mill Science Fair & STEM Night – March 22

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The Bells Mill Science Fair & STEM Night is scheduled for Sunday, March 22 from 4:30-6 pm. We encourage any interested student to participate in the Science Fair by completing a project and showcasing it that night. Register your science fair project today!

We also need help running exciting and interesting STEM experiments throughout the night. Volunteer to run an experiment station.

Learn more about student project requirements.

Save the Date: Bells Mill Science Fair & STEM Night – March 22

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Bells Mill PTA will host a Science Fair & STEM Night on Sunday, March 22! We encourage any interested student to participate in the Science Fair by completing a project and showcasing it that night. We will be sharing more information on what’s required for student projects, along with a link to register your project soon.

Parents, we need your help running exciting and interesting experiments throughout the night. A signup link to volunteer with also be available in the coming weeks.

Spring Enrichment – New Classes Available!

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Even though it feels like we’re living inside a snow globe lately… it’s actually the perfect time to start dreaming about spring. Because while we’re scraping windshields and piling on layers, spring enrichment classes are quietly filling up fast.

Longer days. Lighter jackets. Kids running around outside again. And all those fun after-school activities that spark their creativity and confidence.The best part? You don’t have to wait for the snow to melt to plan for it.… Read Full Post

MCCPTA – Upcoming Meetings and Events

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MCCPTA Curriculum Committee and Gifted Education Committee
Math Night Presentation was held on January 29 – Linked are the presentation as well as a summary of the meeting/Q&A.

Upcoming Math Changes Meeting is tonight, February 5 – MCPS will be hosting a meeting on the upcoming math changes at 6:30pm-7:45pm. More information and the Zoom link can be found here.

Special Education Committee Meeting – February 19 – The Winston Churchill High School cluster is invited to attend a WCHS PTSA Special Education Committee virtual presentation on Thursday, February 19 at 7pm about free opportunities for students with physical and developmental disabilities.… Read Full Post

Register for Spring Enrichment Programs – New Classes Added

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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

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

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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

Community Corner

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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.

RISE Flag Football: Flag Football is the fastest-growing youth sport in the country. Get active, learn the fundamentals, and build teamwork in a safe, non-contact environment led by the WJ Varsity Flag Football Coach, Butch Worden.… Read Full Post

Register Now for Winter Enrichment — Limited Spots Left

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Exciting news—many of our winter after school enrichment programs at Bells Mill are underway, and spots are filling up fast! To view open classes and to register, please visit the Bells Mill page on Kiddo. All classes require a minimum number of students in order to run, so please don’t delay and register your children today!

From hands-on STEM projects and creative writing, to karate and chess, there’s something for every child to explore, learn, and enjoy after the school day ends.… Read Full Post