Bells Mill Bash – June 4 – Important Updates

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We are one week away from the Bells Mill Bash – our end of year celebration for Bells Mill families. Please review these important updates and things to do ahead of the event.

No Volunteers = No Event

We are still in need of a number of adult volunteers to assist with setup, cleanup, concession sales, check-in and more. If we don’t get enough parent volunteers, we may be forced to cancel the event. Please consider donating an hour of your time; It’s a great way to give back, and also a lot of fun!… Read Full Post

MCCPTA Tech Committee Partners with Schools Beyond Screens

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The MCCPTA Tech Committee is proud to partner with Schools Beyond Screens, the Los Angeles–based parent organization that recently helped the Los Angeles Unified School District pass a landmark resolution on student screen use.

Parents, caregivers, educators, and community members who are interested in the impact of technology on students’ wellbeing, safety, and learning are encouraged to join the growing Google Group community, which is approaching 900 members:

Schools Beyond Screens – MCPS Google Group

Moving forward, the group will serve as the primary channel for advocacy updates, news, resources, and opportunities for engagement.

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Updates on MCPS Math Instruction for 2026-2027 School Year

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Beginning next year, MCPS is moving to a new cluster model for mathematics instruction. Cluster grouping is designed to allow students to move into advanced learning opportunities as they become ready. Classes will be organized to reduce the broad range of instructional levels within a classroom.  

This model will begin in 2026-2027 for Grade 4 students only, with additional grade levels the following year. 

Mrs. Abramson and Mr. Fenton will provide some information about ongoing and/or upcoming shifts related to the statewide ELA and math policies. … Read Full Post

Parent Coaches for 2026-2027 – Girls on the Run/Boys Gotta Run

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We are currently looking for parent volunteers/coaches to help lead two of our favorite enrichment programs for students in grades 3–5: Girls on the Run and Boys Gotta Run!

Both programs run during the fall and spring seasons, and we simply cannot offer them without the support of parent volunteers. These programs are a wonderful way to encourage fitness, confidence, teamwork, and fun for our students

We would also like to extend a very special thank you to Maggie Sorrenti for serving as our head coach for Girls on the Run this year.… Read Full Post

Yearbook Update – There’s Still Time to Order!

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The moment students have been waiting for is almost here — yearbooks are on their way! If you ordered a yearbook before the deadline, your child’s copy is scheduled to be delivered directly to their classroom during the week of June 1. We can’t wait for students to enjoy all the memories from this school year!

Missed the deadline? Good news, Freed has reopened online ordering through June 18. They will be shipped directly to your home in late June/early July.… Read Full Post

Purchase Your Tickets for Bells Mill Bash — June 4

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Sign up for the ever-popular Bells Mill Bash on Thursday, June 4 from 5:30-7:30 pm. All children ages 3-17 require an admission bracelet and signed waiver. Advance admission is $10 per child for PTA members and $13 per child for non-members. Walk-up admission on the day of the event is $15 per child. Adults are free. (Please note: This event is for Bells Mill families only, and children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.)… Read Full Post

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Math & ELA Program and Policy Changes — Save the Date

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Below are some some opportunities to learn about the MSDE ELA and math policies and what will be implemented over the next year and beyond.

*Opportunity #1* Bells Mill Overview

Mrs. Abramson and Mr. Fenton will provide some information about ongoing and/or upcoming shifts related to the statewide ELA and math policies. In addition to sharing these updates, theywill share how things may look in our school as initial preparations kick off for the upcoming school year.… Read Full Post

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Community Corner

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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 communications@bellsmill.org. While these are not sponsored or endorsed by the BMES PTA, we’re happy to help share information as appropriate.

Academic and Executive Functioning Coaching — We Come to You!
Let us help you finish the year strong! Regardless of how qualified you are — as Mom and Dad, it is infinitely harder to support your own child academically.… Read Full Post

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Urgent: Contact Education Board Over Budget Cuts

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The County Council is slated to pass the county budget this Thursday, May 21. MCPS anticipates they will be given a budget that is short by $36M. Therefore the Board of Education will need to make adjustments to its preliminary operating budget. MCPS has announced that media assistants will likely be cut in the first round of tranches necessary to make up the shortfall. Our wonderful media assistant — Mrs Wendy Reiter — who is critical to our school and helping our students meet their literacy goals may be lost.… Read Full Post

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Upcoming MCPS Math Curriculum Discussions and MCCPTA Town Hall

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Want to know more about MCPS changes to the Math and ELA curriculum for elementary schools? MCCPTA is offering a virtual session this Thursday, May 21 at 7 pm. Please register here to attend. Additionally MCPS will be holding community engagement sessions both in person and virtually on Math changes. Dates are as follows: 

• Tuesday, May 26, 7:00–8:15 p.m. — Rosa Parks MS
• Tuesday, June 2, 7:00–8:15 p.m. — Virtual
• Tuesday, June 9, 7:00–8:15 p.m.… Read Full Post

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