Donations Needed for Welcome Back Breakfast—August 21


We continue to be extremely grateful for all of our teachers/staff and their commitment to our students and community. The PTA has a few welcome events planned, including a special breakfast for our teachers/staff on Thursday, August 21. We couldn’t do it without all of our amazing parent volunteers; thank you for all your continued support!

Sign up here to contribute: Link to Signup Genius

Please drop off your donation between 7:45am – 8:15am at the front door/office.… Read Full Post

3 Volunteers Needed to Complete our Annual Financial Review

Each year, the Bells Mill PTA wraps up the fiscal year with a required financial review. It’s a quick, straightforward process (not an audit!), and you don’t need to be a financial expert to help out.

We’re looking for three volunteers to join our review committee. The total time commitment is just 1–2 hours and involves reviewing a few documents, like bank statements and the check register, to help us meet the Free State PTA’s guidelines.… Read Full Post

From the PTA: Wishing you a Wonderful Summer

Today we finally wrap up what has felt like a never-ending school year—and what a year it’s been, with the biggest highlight being named a National Blue Ribbon School. From the celebration parade the day it was announced to the Blue Ribbon Bash, it’s a recognition that brought our community together and one our kids will always remember and be proud of. A huge thank you to Dr. Smith and staff for leading us there and to everyone who helped make it such a meaningful celebration this entire year!… Read Full Post

Field Day – Rescheduled to June 5

Due to forecasted inclement weather and current field conditions, Field Day is CANCELLED for tomorrow, May 30. We will be using our Field Day rain date, which is next week, Thursday, June 5.

If you were a volunteer who signed up for the initial Field Day, please check for an email sent yesterday (5/28/25) for next steps on confirming if you are available to volunteer for our Field Day rain date. A new Eventbrite sign-up link will be sent out Friday, May 30 at 4:15 pm to fill any remaining volunteer slots.… Read Full Post

From the PTA: Blue Ribbon Bash – Let’s Celebrate in Style!

We’re turning the Bash BLUE this year to celebrate an incredible achievement—Bells Mill is officially a 2024 Blue Ribbon School! Join us for an evening of fun, friends, and festivities next Thursday, May 29 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

To celebrate this huge honor, admission is FREE! Just be sure to wear your best BLUE and bring your school spirit!

Here’s what’s in store:

  • Bounce houses
  • DJ dance party
  • Photobooth
  • Cotton Candy
  • Pizza (pre-order only)
  • Hot dog truck (purchase on-site)
  • Ice cream truck (purchase on-site)
  • Concessions (cash only)

Important Details:

  • Wristbands and a signed waiver are required for all children under 17: Link to Waiver
  • We still need a few more volunteers to help with setup and cleanup.
Read Full Post

Staff Appreciation Week – May 5-9

Help us celebrate our amazing BMES staff for their hard work and dedication. See below for daily ways to show your appreciation—not just for teachers, but also for paraeducators, specialists, and support staff.

Monday – Flower Power: Bring a teacher flowers.
Tuesday – Giving Thanks: Write a thank-you note sharing what you appreciate.
Wednesday – Sharing is Caring: Treat or write a note to another staff member (e.g., paraeducators, specialists).
Thursday – Made with Love: Give a handmade gift.… Read Full Post

Volunteers Needed for the GeoBowl

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

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

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

BMES PTA Nominating Committee – 1 Volunteer Needed

The Bells Mill PTA bylaws require us to form a nominating committee to fill next year’s PTA Board. We are still in need of one more volunteer who is a current PTA member.

The nominating committee will be responsible for formally nominating eligible persons for open PTA board positions and reporting their nominees to the general membership prior to the PTA election at a general membership meeting in May. The estimated time commitment is less than 30 minutes!… Read Full Post