Please join the 2026-2027 Bells Mill PTA to support our students and congratulations to Felicity R (Kindergarten), winner of our first raffle!

Thank you to the 208 families and 29 teachers that have already joined the PTA; but we still have a ways to go! Your membership helps fund over 50 programs, events, and activities for our students throughout the year. Our next raffle is on September 20.

Join today:https://bellsmillpta.membershiptoolkit.com/

Bells Mill Administration is looking for parent volunteers to support our upcoming Parent-Child Reunification (PCR) Drill now scheduled on Thursday, September 17, from 2:30–3:30 p.m. (this is a date change from prior communication). 

The goal is to prepare as realistically as possible for the unlikely event that we would ever need to reunify students with their families following an emergency. To make this practice meaningful, the more parents we have participating and “picking up” their child, the better our drill will be.

We Are Hoping for at Least 50 Volunteers!

If you are able to participate, please complete our Bells Mill Volunteer Sign-Up Form or you can email Mrs. Tilkens directly.

This form is also the school-wide volunteer sign-up and is a great way for parents and family members to share their time, talents, and expertise with the Bells Mill School community throughout the year. Please feel free to share the form and this volunteer opportunity with other Bells Mill families.

Please save Thursday, September 24 for a night out for a great cause! Stop by Shake Shack AND Carmen’s Italian Ice in Cabin John Shopping Center and support the Bells Mill PTA.

Shake Shack | 10 AM–10 PM

Use code DONATE on the Shack App, at the register, or online at checkout, and 25% of your meal purchase will be donated to the PTA.

Carmen’s Italian Ice | 3–9 PM

Mention Bells Mill when you order, and 20% of your purchase will be donated to the PTA. These funds are used to fund over 50 programs and initiatives for our students throughout the school year.

Model United Nations (or Model UN) is an authentic simulation of the United Nations General Assembly in which students act as country delegates and engage in acts of diplomacy, negotiation, and decision making. The program is offered through Global Minds, LLC, founded in 2021 by former Bells Mill/Cabin John parents, Audré Park and Shreelata Durbhakula.

Date & Time: Fall Session starts, Wednesday, September 16 from 4:15pm - 5:15pm (8 weeks) and ends on November 4

Cost: $230

Registration Link: https://globalmindsmun.com/program/bells-mill-es/

⚠️ Important: All programs are run by outside providers (not the school or PTA). Please contact the vendor directly with any questions about schedules, supervision, or safety.

Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is an international creative problem-solving program where students work in teams of 5–7 to develop imaginative solutions that combine STEM, art, storytelling, and performance. Each year, teams take on a brand-new challenge in areas such as Vehicle, Technology, Classics, Structure, or Performance, while also building quick-thinking skills through Spontaneous problem-solving. 

Parent Information Meeting: A virtual parent information meeting will be held on September 25 at 8:30-9:30 pm. Sign up here to learn more: Parent Information Session Signup 

Cost: Final cost will be determined based on the number of participants. The fee covers team registration fees, t-shirt, materials for spontaneous problems, room rentals and other needs that arise. 

Ready to Join? Register by October 2

Walking to school is a great way for students to start the day, but staying alert and making safe choices is essential. Families can help by reviewing a few simple pedestrian safety habits with students:

Drivers also play an important role: slow down, stay alert and watch carefully for students, especially during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.

A few extra seconds of attention can make a big difference. Learn more.

MCPS is seeking your input as it works to develop the 2027-2028 AND 2028-2029 school calendar. Please complete this survey by September 20 to share your input.

Your feedback is critical to the process. MCPS will consider educational interests, operational needs, mandated school closures by state law, compliance with minimum instructional days and credit hour requirements, inclement weather and other emergencies, staff professional days and early release days, and assessment schedules aligned to MCPS Board Policy IDA, School Year Calendar.

Safe@Home Classes with Mindful Beginnings - Are you looking for ways to build independence, confidence, and essential life skills for your older elementary students and pre-teens? Mindful Beginnings offers interactive, expert-led safety courses designed to prepare your children for the next step. Our Safe@Home course (grades 4–6) equips younger students with core safety skills, emergency readiness, and confidence when staying home alone for short periods. For older siblings and pre-teens (ages 11+), our Safe Sitter® program delivers comprehensive training in childcare basics, safety management, injury prevention, and CPR/choking response.

Bringing these programs to your school community, neighborhood, or local group is easy, and we handle the instruction. All you need to do is coordinate a group of interested families, choose a location, and pick a date that works best for your group.

As a thank-you for organizing a session, the class is completely free for the host’s child! Ready to bring hands-on safety education to your community? Visit mindfulbeginnings.org to learn more.