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Fri 10/31 Progress Reports Sent Home with Students
Mon 11/03 Balfour - Junior/Senior Items, Ring Orders & Letter Jackets
Tue 11/04 Election Day (Student and Staff Holiday)
Wed 11/05 Balfour - Junior/Senior Items, Ring Orders & Letter Jackets
Thu 11/06 Senior Portraits (Appt Required)
Thu 11/06 Literacy 102 for Parents @Berkmar HS
Sat 11/08 Berkmar Cluster Parent Leadership Academy @ Kahoheda ES
Sat 11/08 Taste of Berkmar
Mon 11/10 - Fri 11/14 GA High School Graduation Test Retest
Sat 11/15 Senior Portraits (Appt Required)
Sat 11/15 Principal's Corner
Tue 11/18 Advance Placement Night
Wed 11/19 Literacy 103 for Parents @ Berkmar High School
Fri 11/21 Dance, Night of the Living Nutcracker - Theater
Fri 11/21 Progress Reports Sent Home with Students
Fri 11/21 Dance, Night of the Living Nutcracker - Theater
Sat 11/22 Dance, Night of the Living Nutcracker - Theater
Mon 11/24 - Fri 11/28 Thanksgiving Break (School Holiday)
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Fri 10/31 V Football vs Shiloh High School - Senior Night
Sat 11/01 XC Region 8AAAAA Meet @ River Green Complex - Duluth
Fri 11/07 Swim & Dive Meet
Fri 11/07 V Football @ Central Gwinnett High School
Sat 11/08 XC GHSA State Cross Country - Carrollton HS, Carrollton, Ga
Thu 11/13 9th and JV Basketball @ Collins Hill
Thu 11/13 V Basketball Scrimmage @ Collins Hill
Fri 11/14 Swim & Dive Meet
Sat 11/15 9th and JV Basketball @ Buford
Sat 11/15 V Wrestling Lanier Duals @ Lanier
Tue 11/18 9th and JV Basketball @ Shiloh
Wed 11/19 Wrestling @Alexander
Fri 11/21 Boys Basketball FL/GA Challenge
Fri 11/21 Swim & Dive Meet
Sat 11/22 Boys Basketball FL/GA Challenge
Sat 11/22 Girls Basketball Barrow Tip-Off Tournament
Sat 11/22 Swim & Dive Meet
Sat 11/22 Wrestling Dual Tournament @Kennesaw Mountain
Mon 11/24 Wrestling @Home Stephenson/Southwest Dekalb/Towers
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A Message from Mr. Taylor |
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Dear Berkmar Family,
It's hard to believe that we are closing out the 12th week of the 2014-15 school year already! As fast as this semester has been, the pace of school will only continue to increase as we enter the final 6 weeks of this semester.
As some of you may be aware, the 2013-14 graduation rates have been finalized and published for public review. Although we have much work to do in this area, we are pleased to announce that we saw an increase in our graduation rate from the previous year! This is evidence and validation that we are certainly moving in the right direction and are confident that we will see increases each year.
One way that you can support your child and our efforts as a school to increase our graduation rate is to closely monitor his or her attendance and academic performance. On-time graduation is largely correlated to students' success in their classes; students' success in their classes is largely correlated to their attendance. Making sure your child is present and on-time every day for every class is a critical component of their success in school and access to future opportunities once they leave Berkmar High School. A single failing grade can have a significant impact on whether your child will graduate on-time. With only 6 weeks left in this semester, the time is now to reach out to your students' teachers for additional assistance, tutorial availability, scheduling time for the completion of make-up assignments or retaking tests, etc. Progress reports are going home today. Please be encouraged to be proactive and reach out to your child's teacher now!
I look forward to seeing you all at the next Principal's Corner meeting at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 15, 2014, in the Media Center. Topics will include a follow-up to our redistricting conversation and plans for the implementation of Career Academies at Berkmar High School in 2015-16.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue to build the Berkmar brand!
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Redistricting Information
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 Redistricting for the New Berkmar-Central Relief Cluster GCPS has launched a redistricting effort that will result in the creation of a new cluster, the establishment of attendance zones for several new schools, and the balancing of enrollment in existing schools. Berkmar is one of six clusters that will be affected by this process.
At this point, conversations are focused on receiving input from parents, community members, and educators regarding the proposed map boundaries.
Please visit our county's link below for additional information. Feel free to complete an input form from the site and return it to the main lobby area of our school by November 3, 2014.
Link: Information for Redistricting Process-Boundary Maps, Input Forms, Meetings, Timelines
Dates to remember: | 11/3 | Deadline to submit an input form | | 12/4 | Public meeting and comments from affected schools of redistricting process (Board Room of ISC 7:00-9:00pm) | | 12/18 | Public meeting and comments on redistricting (Board Room of ISC 6:00-6:30pm) | | 12/18 | Board of Education votes on redistricting (Board Room of ISC 7:00pm) |
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Q & A About Redistricting
Q: What is the name of the new school and who is the principal?
A: The Gwinnett County Board of Education has not yet voted on a name for the new school or it's principal. Both should be named relatively soon.
Q: Who is impacted by the redistricting?
A: Students in five different clusters are impacted. Maps showing specific boundaries are available on our website and the GCPS website.
Q: We live in an area that is zoned for the new school. Why does my current Berkmar HS 10th grader have to change schools?
A: Students impacted by the redistricting that will be in the 11th and 12th grades next year have the option to stay at Berkmar HS if they are able to provide their own transportation. Students impacted by the redistricting that will be in the 9th & 10th grades next year are automatically zoned to the new school. These students may be eligible for a permissive transfer to Berkmar HS if Berkmar is designated as a school permitted to accept permissive transfers. The permissive transfer schools list will be published in the Spring of this year.
Q: If we do a permissive transfer for my rising 9th grader and it is accepted, does that mean he will remain at Berkmar for all 4 years?
A: Not necessarily. Permissive transfers are valid for one year and must be renewed at the end of the year. Students on permissive transfers must maintain good grades, attendance, and discipline to avoid having their permissive transfers revoked. Furthermore, schools that are projected to be over enrollment from one year to the next may deny permissive transfers due to a lack of space.
Q: Are any Berkmar HS students rezoned to attend Meadowcreek HS?
A: At the moment, no. However, some students zoned to attend Meadowcreek HS will be attending Berkmar HS.
Q: How are students with IEPs impacted by the redistricting?
A: This depends on the specific disability. For students in specialized programs (i.e. Autism, DHH, MOID, etc.), placement in schools is determined by where the specialized program is housed. Not every school houses specialized programs. Berkmar HS, for example, has students bused in from other schools across the county because we are the only location with a specific program.
Q: How are students from foreign countries in sheltered classes impacted by the redistricting?
A: Sheltered instruction and other services for ELL students are provided by every school in the district. The new school's principal will ensure his/her school is properly staffed to meet the needs of all of the students.
Q: How will students currently involved in sports be affected with the redistricting?
A: Because redistricting efforts are beyond students' and/or families' control, GHSA policies take that into account when determining eligibility. Students impacted by the redistricting efforts retain eligibility at both schools as long as all other eligibility requirements are met (i.e. grades, credits, physicals, etc.). For example, a student that is currently at Berkmar HS and opts to stay will be eligible to participate in athletics provided they are able to furnish their own transportation to and from school. A student that is currently at Berkmar HS but is unable to provide transportation and will be going to the new school is also eligible to participate in athletics at that school.
Q: Will the new school's athletic program be eligible for region competition?
A:This is a local school decision usually made the principal and athletic director. Schools that opt to not play a region schedule are not involved in playoffs.
Q: Will information for summer tryouts and conditioning for Fall sports be communicated to students going to the new school?
A: Yes. We will work very closely with the administration of the new school to ensure timely and effective communication is provided to all students impacted by this change. |
Berkmar officially welcomed the newest member of the Patriot family, Mr. Patriot, during the Homecoming Parade. At present, the naming process for Mr. Patriot is underway. If you have any suggestions, please submit suggestions to the Athletic Director, Greg Phillips.
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Parents and students gathered in the commons to celebrate Gwinnett's unprecedented second time winning the Broad Prize.
Guests were greeted by the orchestra and escorted to the commons by the Berkmar Beamers. The 9th Grade Cheerleading squad kicked off the event with a few inspirational Patriotic cheers as the show choir concluded the evening's entertainment with an ensemble of song and dance, "This Joint is Jumping."
Thank you to everyone that came out to make this evening a success!
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Dear Parents,
The Parent Center at Berkmar High School is here for you! We offer:
- Parent workshops
- Parent library
- Parent Portal support
- Support for your child's academic success
- Computers for parent use.
We have some exciting opportunities for you this month! Our workshops will provide information on literacy resources, activities, and strategies that will help you assist your child in reading complex texts and writing short responses. In addition, you are invited to participate in the Berkmar Cluster Parent Leadership Academy. This academy will meet once a month, from October to May. You may still join during the November 8th meeting at Kanoheda Elementary School from 9 AM to 11 AM. More information on the workshops offered through the Parent Center can be found on our web page. Our November dates are listed below.
November 6, 2014 @ 6 PM
Literacy 102 Workshop
Parents are invited to attend this informational workshop on instructional strategies to strengthen the student's ability to comprehend complex texts and develop short constructed responses. This workshop will focus on building vocabulary with activities that parents can use at home.
November 8, 2014 @ 9 AM - 11 AM
Parent Leadership Academy, Kanoheda Elementary School
All parents are invited to participate. For more information, please call 770-806-3719.
November 19, 2014 @ 6 PM
Literacy 103 Workshop
Parents are invited to attend this informational workshop on instructional strategies to strengthen thestudent's ability to comprehend complex texts and develop short constructed responses. Each workshop will feature a new strategy to use at home.
Please come by the Parent Center to visit the next time you are at Berkmar High School. It is located on the first hallway, between Attendance and Counseling, room 8.234. Hours are from 6:40 AM to 2:40 PM and after hours by request.
Mary Berkson
Parent Instructional Coordinator
770-806-3719
[email protected]
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Kroger Community Rewards Program Begins Monday, Nov 3
Kroger Community Rewards� makes fund-raising easy...all you have to do is shop  at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card! BUT you must first register your Kroger Plus card so Berkmar can begin earning money.
How To Register Your Card
Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with your organization after you sign up. If you do not have a Kroger Plus card, please go to the customer service desk at any Kroger to sign up
- Go to: krogercommunityrewards.com
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Click on Sign In/Register
- Most participants are new online customers, so they must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the 'New Customer?' box.
- Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions
- You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
- Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
- Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
- Update or confirm your information.
- If you already have an online account, sign-in and Enroll Now
- Enter 42917 or Berkmar, select the high school from list and click on confirm.
- To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization's name on the right side of your information page.
- REMEMBER, purchases will not count for Berkmar until after you register your card.
- Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.
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Berkmar's Jamal Wise Named Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community
On October 6, Jamal Wise was named the Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community. The program, sponsored by Ford, recognizes leaders on and off the field and encourages student athletes to continue to be leaders within their communities. According to Wise, "What makes a good leader is giving back to the youth and the community so they can be successful."
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9th Grade Patriots Go 5-0
A big congratulations goes out to the 9th Grade Football squad for an undefeated record this season. Go Patriots!
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Student Photographer Recognized
Talar Rashid attended the Georgia Scholastic Press Association Fall Conference at the University of Georgia. Her photo was selected as the BEST in their on-the-spot photo contest!
Not only is this a great recognition for a very talented photographer, Talar also was awarded an iPad!
What a well-deserved honor for Talar!
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Cross Country Team Places in the Bob Roller Invitational and the ASICS Invitational
Berkmar's cross country team had a strong showing and represented Berkmar well. In the girls JV race, four runners finished in the top 10, and six received metals for finishing in the top 25. Overall, the team received 2nd place with a close 40 to 41 score with Mountain View.
Michelle Ramirez 2nd place(23:40)
Esther Oliva 3rd place(23:46)
Liliana Buruca 6th place(24:38)
Raquel Ramirez 9th place(25:22)
Elizabeth Celedon 22nd place(26:39)
Claudia Vasquez 25th place(27:38)
In addition, the Varsity boys captured 5th place. Three of the runners cracked the top 25 and received medalist honors.
Santiago Fabra - 15th place (18:32)
David Llanes - 19th place (18;50)
Isaac Garcia - 25th place (19:04)
The J.V. Boys took 4th place and were led by three additional runners who finished in the top 25.
Jesus Casique - 11th place (19:45)
Cristian Esquival - 21st place (20:01)
Tony Perez - 22nd place (20:03)
The Berkmar Boys Cross Country team also competed in the ASICS Invitational and placed 18th out 32 teams. Junior Santi Fabra ran a personal best 17:52 and placed 50th out of 280 runners. Sophomore Isaac Garcia placed 91st with a personal best time of 18:30 followed by Marco Saldernia who placed 100th!
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 The Marching Patriots The Marching Patriots participated in their first competition of the year at the 33rd annual LaFayette Marching Classic at Fayette County High School.
Colorguard received good ratings with a 3rd place finish overall in AA; the Percussion Drumline received excellent ratings with a 2nd place finish overall in AA; the Band received excellent ratings and a 2nd place finish overall in AA; and Drum Major Saba Maheen received Superior ratings and a 1st place finish overall in AA.
The Marching Patriots will visit Newnan County High School on November 1st to finish out their competition season. Wish them luck and thanks for supporting your Patriots.
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 Jessica Brown, Berkmar Graduate, Inducted Into the LaGrange College Sports Hall of Fame
Berkmar graduate Jessica Brown Bold was inducted into the LaGrange College Sports Hall of Fame.
Bold is LaGrange's all-time leading scorer in women's basketball scoring a total of 1,263 points in her career.
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Taste of Berkmar is Back
Come out and join us Satruday, November 8 from 1-5 pm for the Taste of Berkmar! Try new foods from local restaurants, shop at the vendor fair, bid on silent auction items and be entertained by some of Berkmar's finest performers!
Tickets are $10 for 10 tasting coupons. You can purchase them from Track, Baseball, Cheerleading, Ecogeeks, Relay for Life and Advance Dance team members or at the door. Don't miss this event!
There will be a SURPRISE performance from an Award-Winning Trio
featuring one of our talented Assistant Principals! Don't miss this event!
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 Design 29 The City of Lilburn and Lilburn CID are working on new ways to help US 29 (Lawrenceville Highway) transform our community. The new Design 29 study effort will evaluate how urban design elements along the corridor can improve the sense of place for our community.
Be part of Design 29
Visit the project's site and sign up for updates. The site is a great outlet for providing feedback and accessing the latest news.
Also plan to attend the first public workshop on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Providence Christian Academy (4575 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn, GA 30047). The workshop will take place in the media room.
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Academic Decathlon
 Academic Decathlon is a team competition where students match intellects with students from other schools in 10 categories: Art, Econ, Essay, Interview, Language & Literature, Math, Music, Science, Social Science & Speech. This year's theme is Innovation and Alternative Energy. The team is comprised of 9 students - 3 with A averages (3.75-4.00 core GPA), 3 with B averages (3.00-3.74 core GPA), and 3 with C averages (under 3.00 core GPA). In the last 12 years, the team has won the state competition 7 times while finishing second 5 times.
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 True Girls
Berkmar High School TRUE Girls is a mentorship program that provides additional learning opportunities for Berkmar students who may have experienced past behavioral or academic challenges. In addition, the program is also designed for young girls who need a positive support group and for those who would like to join a club that provides guidance and direction to be a successful young lady while in high school and beyond. The acronym for TRUE Girls is Transformed, Refined, Unique, Educated-girls. Activities include study skills exercises, etiquette and social skills exercises, and interviewing, job skills and strategies. Students participate in group discussions, preparatory classes using affective skills, and activities for appropriate social, study, etiquette, and interviewing and job skills. We also discuss peer-relationships, parent/child relationships, and student/adult relationships.
Students also benefit from hearing guest speakers discuss a variety of important topics, community service field trips, and community outings that require the young ladies to utilize the skills they are taught in the program. The advisors provide support and encouragement through all activities.
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Order Your Holiday BBQ
T  he Berkmar High School Baseball team is selling Boston butts to help complete your Thanksgiving feast. For $30, you'll get 5-7 pounds of juicy, delicious smoked meat courtesy of the Pig-n-Chik on Peachtree Industrial. Orders are due November 14th and pickup for the meat will be November 22nd at Berkmar High School from 8-12 PM.
Orders can be placed with any baseball player or email Coach Newland to place your order. |
 Benefield STEM Night On December 9, Berkmar High School Chemistry Department will be partnering with Benefield Elementary School with their STEM night. The purpose of STEM Night is to engage and inform parents about the content and teaching practices that support science and mathematics... and to have fun and build relationships with Berkmar stakeholders and feeder school!
STEM Night will run from 6:30-8:00 PM at Benefield Elementary 6:30-7:15 Classroom visits 7:15-7:30 Announcement of Science Fair winners |
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Patriots Community Service
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Beta Club Blood Drive 
On October 31, Beta Club members hosted a schoolwide Blood Drive.
Canned Food Drive
The Class of 2017 are currently collecting canned goods to donate to nonprofit organizations in need.
Relay for Life's "Mo Bro!"  Relay for Life would like for you to be a "Mo Bro!" If you are unfamiliar with Movember, it encourages men to grow a mustache for the month of November to raise awareness for prostate cancer and testicular cancer. This is not a fund-razor (ha...see what I did there?), we would just like you to help us raise awareness for this awful disease that we all unfortunately have been effected by and have some fun while doing it. If you are interested in taking part in Movember, the rules are below.
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Each Mo Bro must begin the month of Movember with a clean shaven face.
- For the entire month of Movember each Mo Bro must grow and groom a mustache.
- Don't fake it. No beards, no goatees, etc.
- Use the power of the moustache to create conversations about men's health.
- Each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman.
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ACT Dates
| Registration Deadline | Administration Date | | Aug. 22 | Sept. 13 | | Sept. 19 | Oct. 25 | | Nov. 7 | Dec. 13 | | Jan. 9 | Feb. 7 | | March 13 | April 18 | | May 8 | June 13 |
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SAT Dates
| Registration Deadline | Administration Date | | Sept. 12 | Oct. 11 | | Oct. 9 | Nov. 8 | | Nov. 6 | Dec. 6 | | Dec. 29 | Jan. 24 | | Feb. 13 | March 14 | | April 6 | May 2 | | May 8 | June 6 |
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There's an App for That!
Did you know Berkmar High School now has an app? Get yours today and have all the information you need to know in the palm of your hand.
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