Bells Mill Annual International Festival is Tomorrow – Friday May 2

Join us on Friday, May 2, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our school community. Enjoy delicious food, vibrant performances, and interactive country table displays!

For more information or if you would like to help with setting up or volunteering at the event, please reach out to Sarah Ghoddousi or Georgia Karamalikis at [email protected].

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

Input on Personal Mobile Devices

MCCPTA would like to hear from our community on our views on the usage of personal mobile devices at school. MCPS will be issuing revised draft regulations on the use of personal mobile devices in the near future based on the “Away All Day” Pilot and other relevant studies and information on screen and device use for students at all grade levels. We have the opportunity to provide input on the regulation as well as hopefully influence the implementation plan they develop.… Read Full Post

Posted in PTA

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.

Girls on the Run is looking for Coaches: Want to make a difference in your community? Bells Mill ES is seeking parent coaches for a Girls on the Run team for 3rd–5th grade girls this fall!… Read Full Post

Posted in PTA

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

Posted in PTA

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