From the PTA – Giving thanks for our Volunteers and Admin Support Teams!

As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our incredible parents and families for the time, energy, and care you give to support our students and school community—you make a real difference every day! We also want to recognize our amazing front office staff for Administrative Professionals Day on April 23. Thank you, Mrs. Overs and Mrs. Montecinos, for all you do to keep everything running smoothly with warmth and efficiency!… Read Full Post

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Volunteer for Staff Appreciation Week, May 5-10

We’re looking for a number of volunteers to help with upcoming Staff Appreciation Week activities during the week of May 5. If you have some time to lend a hand with the planned activities, please email [email protected]. Any help—big or small—is appreciated!

Our staff love for students to join in the fun, so be on the lookout for details from your room parents about simple and meaningful ways students can show their appreciation. Let’s show our teachers and staff how much they mean to us!

Breakfast with Bears – Tuesday May 13

Please join us on the blacktop for breakfast refreshments (donuts, juice, and coffee) before school on Tuesday, May 13 (rain date: Wednesday, May 14). Each Bells Mill student can bring one special person to share the morning with. To ensure we have enough refreshments, please RSVP by Friday, May 9.

Parent Volunteers Needed: Please consider volunteering for Breakfast with Bears. The event runs from 8:30am to 9:05am, and we will need help before, during, and after to help with food purchases, setup, cleanup, and food distribution.… Read Full Post

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

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

Save the Date: PTA General Meeting – Tuesday May 6

The next PTA General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 PM in the All-Purpose Room (APR). All PTA members, parents, and staff are encouraged to attend.

We will be voting on the 2025–26 PTA budget, an amendment to the 2025–26 budget, bylaws updates, and the incoming 2025–26 board members. A quorum of at least 15 attendees is required to proceed with the vote, so please join us if you can. The rest of the agenda will be shared ahead of the meeting on May 6.

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2025-26 BMES PTA Board Candidates

The nominating committee proudly presents the 2025–26 BMES PTA officer and delegate candidates. Elections will be held May 6 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: John Sorrenti
Vice President—Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 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 Stephens
Chair- Family Engagement: Lauren Koubek
Past President: Deb Palisin

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

MCPS Boundary Study Impact on BMES

Confused by all the MCPS boundary study updates? We’re here to help clarify. Of the two current studies, only one affects the Churchill Cluster—the Crown Boundary Study. It’s focused on determining student assignment for the new Crown High School opening in 2027–28, with an emphasis on equity and sustainability. While the first survey is closed, more will follow in the coming months—please participate to better inform the boundary study process and help shape the outcome.… Read Full Post

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Community Corner

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 [email protected]While these are not sponsored or endorsed by the BMES PTA, we’re happy to help share information as appropriate.

Churchill Field Hockey is hosting their annual skills clinic on Saturday, June 7, from 9:00AM to 11:00AM. This clinic is for girls in grades 3-8 from any school and will be run by returning Churchill varsity field hockey team members and coaches. … Read Full Post

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