Berkeley Lake Elementary
September 10, 2021
Principal's Message
It's been another great (4-day) week of learning at BLES! I want to call your attention to a couple of upcoming events. I will hold my first Coffee Talk of the year next week on Thursday the 16th at 10:30. This informal meeting is a chance for you to hear what is happening at BLES and to ask any questions you may have. We meet via Zoom and the link will be sent out on Class Dojo. We will also have Ms. Orci, our Parent Liaison, translating in Spanish throughout the meeting. I hope you will join us!
We will have our first digital learning day on Tuesday the 14th. Students who need devices will bring them home the day before and they should be returned on Wednesday. These devices are only checked out at your request, and you are responsible for their safe return.
On behalf of the staff, I want to thank you for the work you do on DLD's. I know it can cause an inconvenience, but these days are invaluable for us. All the planning and preparation for teaching happens in a brief window of time when students are at specials each day and our teachers give up numerous hours of their own time on weekends and the evenings to make sure your children have rigorous and engaging lessons. All that is to say, DLD's are like gold to us, and we appreciate the work you do to make them happen.
Finally, I would like to encourage you to participate in the PTO's Charleston Wrap Fundraiser. All money that the PTO raises goes towards enrichment activities for your children, so help them out if you can!
Your Principal and Partner,
Dr. Pendleton
A Look Ahead...
Monday, September 13
- Patrol on the Job Training
- PTO Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Continues
- 3:00pm Chess Club- Media Center
Tuesday, September 14
- PTO Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Continues
- Digital Learning Day for All Students
Wednesday, September 15
- Patrol on the Job Training
- PTO Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Continues
- 12:30pm Play to Learn
Thursday, September 16
- Patrol on the Job Training
- PTO Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Continues
- 10:30am Coffee Talk with Dr. Pendleton
- 6:30pm Girl Scout Night- Parent Information Night
Friday, September 17
- Patrol on the Job Training
- PTO Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Continues
- Progress reports emailed or sent home
- Picture Day
- 7:45am K-Kids Meeting in Ms. Ashadele's room
- 6:45pm Fine Arts Night at Duluth High School
PTO News:
Grandparents Day is Sept. 12. Let’s Celebrate - Digitally!
(We typically sell these at our Grandparent’s Day luncheon as for $5. If you’d like to provide a donation, please see MyPayments Plus, PTO section, and type in the amount you’d like to give.)
Fall Charleston Wrap Fundraiser is Here
Here’s how to get started:
Click here to register today! Use organization ID number 11515.
We have an email invitation tool ready as soon as you register. Send 10 unique and valid shopping email invites to your friends and family.
Let the shopping begin! With over 2,500 gift ideas, you can check off your holiday gift list and support BLES, too.
PRO TIP: The more email invites you send, the more supporters we’ll get! So, break out your email contact list, share on social media and help spread the word! If you have any questions or issues, customer support is available at 1-866-395-2926.
School News:
Congratulations
Congratulations to all of our BLES Students who participated in the Gwinnett County Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge! We are so proud of our Super Summer Readers who represented BLES!
Coffee Talk with Dr. Pendleton
Reminder: 1st Digital Learning Day for All Students Coming Up on Tuesday, September 14th
Picture Day is Coming
BLES Annual Title I Parent Meeting and Parent Workshop #1: Restorative Practices
Fine Arts Night at Duluth High School
The annual Fine Arts Night will be at Duluth High School on Friday, September 17. All of our BLES families are invited to attend this event. Arrive by 6:45 so you can watch some of the BLES 4th and 5th graders sing on the field at about 7:00.
K-Kids Club
The next K-Kids meeting will take place on September 17 from 7:45-8:15 in Mrs. Ashadele's classroom.
Attention 5th Grade Parents
If your child was selected for School Store, they have a required meeting on Tuesday, September 21st from dismissal to 4:15pm. We will meet you in the bus lane by the main school doors at 4:15 for pick-up.
Regular duties will start on Wednesday, September 22nd based on their assigned work day which you will receive in a note home. On their assigned work day they need to arrive in the bus lane at the main school doors between 7:25 and 7:29.
Please send in a note by Monday, September 20th stating that your child will be staying for School Store training. Please state in the note who will be picking your child up from training at 4:15. If the person is someone other than the parent/guardian, please add them to your emergency contacts and remind them to bring their photo I.D.
Gwinnett County Substitute Teacher Incentive Plan
In Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), our people are our greatest resource, including our substitute teachers and the tremendous support they provide to our students, staff members, and schools. GCPS substitutes play a critical role in our students’ education, making a difference in the lives of children every day!
With that in mind, GCPS is pleased to announce two initiatives for substitute teachers:
- A one-time incentive payment to recognize the service of our substitute teachers.
- Substitute Teachers who work at least 45 days between August 4, 2021, and December 17, 2021, will be eligible to receive a one-time incentive payment of $500, above and beyond the substitute's regular earned pay (attached flyer contains additional details).
- A pay rate increase for our substitute teachers effective 9/20/2021 through the duration of the pandemic:
- Substitute Teacher – from $108 to $130 per day
- Extended Substitute Teacher – from $120 to $150 per day (10 or more consecutive days in the same classroom)
Please email substitutes@gcpsk12.org with any questions.
Thank you!
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Mobile Vaccine Clinic Will Be at Duluth High School on Sept. 21st and 23rd from 3:00 - 7:00 PM
New to Gwinnett County Public Schools and the United States?
AKS at Home Family Engagement Support
If you are unable to attend the AKS at home meetings for each grade level last week, a parent tip sheet and a recording of the meetings will be available on the county website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/26993
Family Engagement Tips
Positive Interventions and Behavior Support (PBIS)
4th - 8th Grade Boys and Girls Basketball Tryouts:
Berkeley Lake Elementary is a Georgia After School Program (GASP) School
Do You Have a Young Child at Home That is Not Yet in School? If so, Get Involved With Play to Learn.
From Our Counselors
Many of us face economic hardships at various times in our lives. Due to these hardships, we may need additional help with basic needs like food. At this time, Berkeley Lake Elementary can help by providing a small amount of groceries for your family each week. They will be sent home in your child’s backpack on Fridays. The food is provided by donation. Your name and your child’s name will not be revealed to the donor. The Berkeley Lake Staff will get the food to your child in a discrete manner.
To participate, please email one of us, call either school counselor, or Mrs. Orci (Spanish speaker) to request participation.
Please call us with any questions or concerns.
Lyndsay Murphy
School Counselor
School Counselor
770-582-7523
Laura Marantz
School Counselor
770-582-7522
Sandra Orci (Spanish)
Parent Liaison
678-291-4232
We Collect Box Tops (Online)
Do You Have a Parent Portal Account?
If you need to register with the portal, please print and complete this registration form and turn it in to the main office. Along with the completed form, you are required to show a photo I.D. for verification.
Do You Have a MyPaymentsPlus Account?
Did You Know BLES is on Various Social Media Apps?
Opportunity for Discounted Portable WiFi Hotspot for Families
Berkeley Lake Recycles
Berkeley Lake recycles aluminum cans and old clothes and shoes (in any condition) in the two bins in the upper parking lot. The Green Team receives 10¢ per pound of donations, which helps pay the fee for the weekly paper and cardboard pick-up. The aluminum cans are recycled at Progressive Recycling on Simpson Circle. Please support our Green Team by recycling these items here at Berkeley Lake. Thank you!
Our Parent Center
The Berkeley Lake Parent Center is located across from the front office and it's providing services by appointment. For Parent Center support please call Ms. Sandra Orci, Parent Liaison, at 678-291-4232 or email her at Sandra.Orci@gcpsk12.org
Our Mission
To provide learning experiences in a secure and stimulating environment where every child can develop to his/her fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our Vision
BLES is a positive safe, nurturing environment that fosters respect among all students, teachers, parents and community members, while forwarding world-class achievement that successfully maximizes each student's individual potential through engaging instruction.
We Thank Our Business Partners
Contact Us:
Berkeley Lake Elementary
4300 S. Berkeley Lake Rd.
Duluth, Georgia 30096
P: (770)446-0947
F: (770)582-7514