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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Reminder: International Festival Reimbursement Deadline is This Friday!

Planning to host a country table at Bells Mill’s International Festival on Friday, May 2? Don’t forget that the PTA offers a $60 reimbursement per country table to help cover food, crafts, decorations, and other materials.

Reimbursement deadline: Friday, April 11

Here are the event details again:
Date: Friday, May 2
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Sign-up deadline: April 25

Join us for an evening of food, performances, and cultural celebration. Sign up today and help make this year’s International Festival another amazing success!

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BMES Model UN March Updates

On March 1, Bells Mill Model UN participants attended VIMUNC XII at Langley High School in McLean VA where one 5th grader received an award—the first award of the year!

  • Jayden Chang (BMES) received a Verbal Commendation (4th place) for representing Drake in the Crisis Committee: Brain Rot – Sigma Solution
  • Clara Lee, made exceptional, strategic arguments to navigate her committee during a sabotage reenacting the “Among Us” game.

On March 7, 2025, the following Bells Mill participants attended the Global Classrooms DC Training Conference at the Pan American Health Organization in Washington D.C. … Read Full Post

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Celebrating Autism Awareness Spirit Month

Bells Mill ES is hosting a spirit month in honor of Autism Acceptance Month as we celebrate the neurodiversity of our community and world. Check out the calendar to see the special events that will occur this month. We will repurpose our “Spirit Wear Fridays” for three weeks in honor of this celebration; tomorrow, we’re wearing red! The class with the most participation will get a shoutout from our SGA on the announcements. 

BMES will conclude the Spirit Month with our annual Door Decorating Contest, which is always an exciting event for all students.… Read Full Post

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