Category Archives: Enrichment

Register now for Winter Enrichment – Classes are filling up fast!

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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 (indoors) during the cold winter months!

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.

Winter Programming

Pottery with Jimmy Potter’s Workshop— This winter, young artists will embark on a cultural journey through the enchanting world of Arctic wildlife.… Read Full Post

Bells Mill Model UN – 2025 Winter Registration Session is Open

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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

Reflections Art Program – Now Accepting Submissions

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Submission Deadline: 11:59 pm on Monday, December 8th, 2025

The ’25-’26 National PTA Reflections Program is now accepting submissions with this year’s theme, “I Belong!.” Students can express their creativity through Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts. 

This contest provides students with a platform for self-expression, helping them hone their creative talents and explore different art forms. It offers an opportunity to showcase their work, fostering pride and accomplishment. … Read Full Post

Odyssey of the Mind—Registration Extended to October 1 (today!)

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Registration for Odyssey of the Mind has been extended to October 1, so if you haven’t had a chance to register, now’s the time!

Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that builds creative problem-solving, teamwork, and performance skills in students. Teams of 5–7 are formed by grade, interests, and balance, with Grades 1–2 in the Primary Division and Grades 3–5 in Division 1. Participants may compete in the Maryland State Tournament each spring, with the chance to advance to the World Finals.… Read Full Post

Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly & Poster Project (Deadline Extended)

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We are pleased to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month again this year (September 15-October 15). On October 10, students will be attending a special Cultural Arts Assembly, arranged by the PTA, with Mr Lilo Gonzales to honor this important month (you can listen to his music ahead of time on Spotify)!

In addition, we’re inviting Hispanic and/or Latino families to create posters that showcase the diverse countries and cultures we’re celebrating. Ms. Pilar Busto, one of our parents, is helping coordinate these family posters for our school.… Read Full Post

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a Poster at BMES

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Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). Students will be attending a special Cultural Arts Assembly in October to honor this important month. In addition, we’re inviting Hispanic and/or Latino families to create posters that showcase the diverse countries and cultures we’re celebrating. Ms. Pilar Busto, one of our parents, is helping coordinate these family posters for our school.

If you’d like to participate and create a poster for display at Bells Mill, please fill out the Poster Submission Form by October 1, 2025.

Last Chance to Join Bells Mill Afterschool Enrichment Programs!

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Exciting news—many of our fall afterschool 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 arts to cooking and cheerleading, there’s something for every child to explore, learn, and enjoy after the school day ends.… Read Full Post

Volunteer Chair Needed—PTA Reflections Art Program

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What is the PTA Reflections program? PTA’s Reflections is a nationwide art program which provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts. Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas; develop artistic literacy; increase confidence; and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.… Read Full Post

Odyssey of the Mind – Registration is Open

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Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that builds creative problem-solving, teamwork, and performance skills in students. Teams of 5–7 are formed by grade, interests, and balance, with Grades 1–2 in the Primary Division and Grades 3–5 in Division 1. Participants may compete in the Maryland State Tournament each spring, with the chance to advance to the World Finals. Learn more at https://odysseyofthemind.com/

The program is run entirely by parent volunteers and parent participation in this program is vital to its success. … Read Full Post

Update on Enrichment Programs

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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 school year.

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.

New This Year: Kiddo Platform!
The Bells Mill PTA is using enrichment activity planning and management tools offered by Kiddo, a Montgomery County based public benefit company.… Read Full Post