Big thanks to everyone who volunteered to help with the classroom spelling bees so far! We could still use some more volunteers! If you would like to volunteer, please visit the signup genius, here.

Spout out to Bob Deans, a former Bradley Hills dad and a representative of the National Resource Defense Council, who came to talk to Green Team (4-5th graders) about becoming an environmental advocate. Thanks to Elizabeth Burch, Ms. Hicks, and Ms. Dyer for their coordination and support!

A hearty welcome to our new principal, Ms. Kemp! Many thanks to Ms. Tsonis for supporting the school during this transition!

Weds, Jan 15 – California Tortilla Spirit Night (11am-9:30pm, Bethesda California Tortilla, see below for details)

Fri, Jan 17 – January Birthday Bash (2:30-3:00pm, APR)

Mon, Jan 20 – MLK Jr. Day (No School)

Weds, Jan 29 – End of Term (No School)

Thurs, Feb 27 – BHES Heritage Night

AMAZING READ-A-THON RESULTS!

Bradley Hills readers logged 172,113 minutes and raised $9,332—donations still accepted through January 16th (https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/login)! Congrats to the Blue Whales for winning the team challenge. Top classes for minutes per student were Ms. August's and Ms. Howell's, and for participation rate, Ms. Creamer's and Ms. Williams'. These four classes will enjoy cupcake parties, and top readers will receive prizes! Thanks to all participants, sponsors, and our amazing teachers and volunteers!

WINTER AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

Bradley Hills PTA is excited to offer after school enrichment programming this winter in partnership with Baroody Camps. The Winter session will run from January 21 – March 28, 2025 with classes available Tuesdays – Fridays. (No enrichment on Mondays.) Registration has been extended and will now close on Tuesday, January 14, at 12:00pm!

While a few programs are full or confirmed to run, most are low-enrolled and in danger of not running. Though a class may be "confirmed to run" or "full" based on enrollment, there are various factors that affect whether a class runs or not, including but not limited to, paid enrollment and overall enrollment for the day.

Please see the attached flyer – or click here (https://bc-mco-bradleyhills.jumbula.com/winter-2025) – for the class schedule, pricing information, and to register. Registration now closes on Tuesday, January 14th, at 12:00pm. 

After school enrichment programs are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Montgomery County School Board, the Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, or Bradley Hills Elementary School. Email Natalie Ram at natalie.ram@gmail.com or Helene Gouarne (helene.gouarne@gmail.com) with any questions.

CALIFORNIA TORTILLA SPIRIT NIGHT TO SUPPORT THE PTA (THIS WEDNESDAY, JAN 15, 11:00AM-9:30PM)

See flyer below for details!

HOST A TABLE FOR HERITAGE NIGHT (THURS, FEB 27) 

What is Heritage Night? It is a beloved tradition at Bradley Hills. Each year, we open up the school for one evening and students and their families can "tour the world", visiting various tables with displays that celebrate cultures, traditions, countries, and religions. Tables are set up by volunteer families and can include informative posters, displays, arts, crafts, music, instruments, even food and beverages. It's always a lot of fun!

Are you interested in hosting a table at Heritage Night on February 27nd? We would love your support in celebrating cultural diversity at Bradley Hills! Sign-up to represent your heritage (country, region, state, religion, cultural tradition) HERE by February 14th.

SUPPORT THE PTA, BUY A DISCOUNT CARD, ENJOY DEALS AT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Click HERE to purchase your BHES Discount Card now! For $35 (all proceeds go to BHES PTA), you'll get a card that lets you enjoy exclusive deals and discounts at local Bethesda businesses such as Bradley Food & Beverage, Gregorio's, Matchbox, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, (see card for participating businesses). Just present your discount card at the local merchant and enjoy your great deal (discounts vary by merchant). We thank all participating businesses for their support! 

THE PTA IS HERE FOR YOU

The BHES PTA is committed to promoting an enriching and supportive climate where all members of the BHES community feel safe, seen, and respected. The PTA -- primarily through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee -- works to advance this goal through the following means: dissemination of educational resources for parents/guardians; organization and facilitation of Heritage Night as well as other events and small-group community conversations to help parents/guardians explore their family identities and issues of bias; financial support of assemblies and other in-school programming to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals; and collaboration with school administration, teachers, and staff on development of materials to supplement teacher lessons on anti-bias and commemorative months. 

The PTA's DEI Committee welcomes input from all members of our community about how we collectively work to prevent and respond to hate-bias incidents within our community. If you are interested in sharing feedback, or joining the DEI Committee, please contact DEI Committee Co-Chairs Britt Hogue and Kathleen Foster at klubey@gmail.com

Interested in volunteering? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Claire Heffez at bradleyhillsvolunteer@gmail.com 

Media Center Volunteers email Tracy Sislen to get on the schedule.

Recess Volunteers sign up and review guidelines HERE.

Lunch Volunteers sign up and review guidelines HERE.

MCPS and BHES Volunteer Requirements: Click here.

Questions, comments, suggestions for the PTA? Contact PTA President Jen Villani at bradleyhillsptaprez@gmail.com

Have PTA news to share or Community Event Information? Contact Communications Chair Lesley Freiman at bhescommunications@gmail.com

Visit our website at www.bhespta.com

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/bradleywhalespta/

Bradley Hills Elementary School Websitehttps://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/bradleyhillses/?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=atoz-app

Bradley Hills PTA Websitehttp://www.bhespta.com

Bradley Hills Education Foundation Websitehttps://www.bradleyhillseducationfoundation.org/?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=atoz-app

A to Z Connect (for school directory & to join or donate to PTA)  https://bhespta.membershiptoolkit.com/home

MCPS COVID 19 Info: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/

CDC Travel Guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html

Join or Donate to the PTA: Fill out the PTA membership and donation form found HERE or login A to Z Directory (https://bhespta.membershiptoolkit.com), select “Membership” on the left side menu then "Join" and/or "donate" .

Scan Receipts for Box Tops and Register Your Grocery Store Cards: Download the box tops app and scan grocery store receipts to redeem box tops earnings for BHES. Register your grocery store cards at www.escrip.com (school ID: 6477724) and www.giantfood.com/aplus (school ID: 00665).