Berkeley Lake Elementary
August 6, 2021
Principal's Message
It has been such a treat to have students back in the building this week! As you know, our 4th and 5th graders will return on Monday and then it will feel like the school year has really started.
We are using a new dismissal system through a company called PikMyKid. Every student is entered in the PMK system with their enrolling parent's mobile number. You can download the PikMyKid app from the App store or Google Play store and use it to pick up your car rider OR to make transportation changes up until 1:30 each day. This can be done instead of sending in a note.
If you make the changes yourself, you can avoid having to send in a note every week for students who regularly have transportation changes. You can also delegate a different person to pick up your child, using the app. Any changes, using the app, must be entered by 1:30PM.
If you do choose to send in a transportation change note, please print and use this form on our website if you can. If you can't, please include as much information as you can on your note including student's full name, teacher name, dates of the change, the bus #, etc. The more accurate information we have on the note, signed by a parent, the better!
Change is hard! While our students, staff, and parents are adjusting to the new system, things are moving slower than normal. Car riders are also moving slower in the morning and afternoon due to the large number of students who are not riding the bus. I encourage you to try the bus but, if your child is a car rider, please be patient with us as we work out any issues with our new system.
I also want to make clear that the mask mandate and the hard deadline of August 2nd (to change to digital instruction) is not a local school decision. While I am happy to talk with any of you about these decisions, they are not something I can override. I appreciate your understanding.
I hope you have a great weekend and I look forward to having all our Bears back next week!
Your Principal and Partner,
Dr. Pendleton
A Look Ahead...
Monday, August 9
- In person school begins for 4th and 5th
Tuesday, August 10
- No events
Wednesday, August 11
- No events
Thursday, August 12
- No events
Friday, August 13
- No events
If You Need to Borrow Technology Equipment
The school will email you when the device is ready to be picked up in the front office.
Curriculum Nights Are Coming Up
Links will be sent out by teachers through Class Dojo closer to the event:
Thursday, August 19
- Zoom Curriculum Night Pre-K and KG 5:30pm
- Zoom Curriculum Night 1st Grade 6:15pm
- Zoom Curriculum Night 2nd Grade 7:00pm
Thursday, August 26
- Zoom Curriculum Night 3rd Grade 5:30pm
- Zoom Curriculum Night 4th Grade 6:15pm
- Zoom Curriculum Night 5th Grade 7:00pm
Zoom Etiquette
September 14
October 20
November 9
January 25
March 2
March 22
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
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?
Georgia After School Program (GASP)
Duluth Middle School Hosting a "Back to School" Event for ALL Saturday, August 7th
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!
We Collect Box Tops (Online)
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