Bells Mill Elementary School PTA

Everyone needs to Create a New Account. The BMES PTA is excited to be welcoming parents and students to a new school year. Some things will look a little different this year, including the new and improved online school directory at AtoZ Connect!!   AtoZ Connect is now powered by Membership Toolkit to bring you the best school directory experience available. The system is secure, easy to use, and free to families once you log in, add, and verify your information.… Read Full Post

Please consider sponsoring this year’s school directory by placing an ad for your business! There are options available in the print edition and the new mobile app. Your business will have exposure for at least a year. You can refer to THIS LINK for pricing and available spaces. Reach out to Michele Delgadillo from AtoZ if you want additional information. P: 301-523-0574 or E: michele@atozconnect.com.

When you shop on AmazonSmile, 0.5% of your purchase is donated to the charity of your choice. Click here to register the Bells Mill PTA as your AmazonSmile Charity.

AmazonSmile customers can now support Bells Mill Elem PTA in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.

If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, update your app. 

This is a free program started by an alumni of Bells Mill in the beginning of the

pandemic to raise awareness about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This program  has included virtual presentations from speakers at the FDA, NIH, NIST, NOAA, NASA, NSA, NSF, and many other organizations. Students can ask questions and interact with the presenters. A few past topics have been extraterrestrial life, artificial intelligence, galaxies, marine heatwaves, etc. and there are many topics to come!… Read Full Post

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’d 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.

For 2021-2022, MCPS will use a lottery-based selection process for magnet middle schools, and will not administer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) exam this year for second, third, fifth, and eighth graders (2022 Regional (criteria-based) magnet programs Overview & FAQ). It will rely on achievement assessments such as MAP scores and grades. MCPS has not yet released information regarding the Centers for Enriched Studies, but similar changes are anticipated. These changes also impact placement into advanced elementary and middle school courses at local schools.… Read Full Post

We’re looking for a representative from Bells Mill for the MCCPTA Gifted & Talented Education Committee. Responsibilities involve sharing information (like the update above) from the G&T list serve, attending periodic online committee meetings, and coordinating with Bells Mill staff when needed. If you are interested, email info@bellsmill.org to learn more. Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out our list of Bells Mill PTA Volunteer Opportunities

The Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (MCCPTA) would like to hear from you on what you consider to be important priorities for the school year. Based on your input, BMES PTA will submit comments on draft MCCPTA  priorities, which—along with feedback from other school PTAs—will help drive advocacy with MCPS, the Board of Education, the County Council, and the Maryland State Legislature. The priorities include  Communication; Covid-19 Response and Recovery; Curriculum; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Health, Wellness, and School Climate; Ombudsman; and Transportation and Facilities.… Read Full Post

Are you looking for an after school opportunity that helps students use their engineering, artistic, and theatrical skills to conceptualize and create new solutions to intriguing problems?  If so, then Odyssey of the Mind is for you. 

Please fill out the interest survey by Friday, 10/15 here:  https://bit.ly/OOTMinterest

For more information, email bellsmillodyssey@gmail.com

We’re looking for volunteers to help with our programs and events at Bells Mill. Below is our list of committees and we’re looking for volunteers! If you would like to volunteer, please complete the google form and we’ll be in touch. In particular, we’re looking for a representative from Bells Mill for the MCCPTA Gifted & Talented Education Committee.

Bells Mill PTA Volunteer Opportunities 

A description of the committees is available at https://bellsmill.org/about/committees/. Events and activities occur throughout the entire school year and we will be developing a full calendar shortly.… Read Full Post