Upcoming Events
Dec 3rd, 6:30-8:00pm: BSF Education Connections: Parenting is Hard, Strategies for the Journey (at Interlake High School)
Dec 5- MS Panorama Survey
Dec 6- MS Theater Arts Class Performance
December 9 - January 17 - Open Transfer and Choice School and Programs Application Period for the 2025-2026 School Year
Dec 11, Jan 8- BP High School Enrollment Info Night (for current 8th grade families)
Dec 12, Jan 9- BP Middle School Enrollment Info Night (for current 5th grade families)
December 14th, 10am-1pm: PTSA Panther Market
Dec 23-Jan 3- Winter Break- No School
Jan 8-22- Yearbook Sales Window
Jan 10- PTSA Movie Night
Jan 15- PTSA General Membership Meeting
Jan 17- Chemistry Escape Rooms
Jan 20- Martin Luther King Jr. Day- No School
Jan 21- MLK PMUs
Jan 22,24- HS Finals
Jan 24- Last day of 1st semester
Feb 7- PTSA movie night
Feb 17-21 Mid winter break- No School
Stay on top of events and activities and plan for important dates by reviewing the district calendar. Previous and current printable calendars, including the Family Calendar, are also available online.
High School Enrollment Information Night for Current 8th grade Families
Please join us on December 11th at 6:30 pm for an information night about high school selection! The same session will be offered again on January 8th. All 8th graders and their families are invited to attend. You'll get an overview of Big Picture, our high school program in particular, hear from high school students and staff, and have an opportunity to ask questions. This meeting is open to current BP students and prospective new to BP high school students.
8th grade students will register and begin selecting high school classes Feb 2025. Please check the district website for a complete listing of information nights available at all other district schools.
Enrollment Information Nights
The Open Transfer, Choice Schools and Choice Programs application period for the 2025-2026 school year will take place from Monday, December 9, 2024, to Friday, January 17, 2025. For families with a student currently enrolled in the BSD, who would like to remain at their current school, choice school, choice program or continue in their approved transfer feeder pattern for the 2025-2026 school year, no action is required. For currently enrolled families who are not Bellevue residents, nonresident paperwork will need to be submitted when requested by the Student Placement office.
Sibling Procedure for Current Resident 5th Grade Students:
If you have a 5th grade student and are planning on sending him/her to BP next year, then please remember that you must apply within the district deadlines to ensure that your 5th grader will have a spot here next year. The BSD sibling procedure applies for RESIDENT students only. If you reside outside of the Bellevue School District, siblings are not guaranteed a spot at BP. Applications must be received by January 17th to guarantee a spot for a sibling in our 6th grade class. In addition, the older sibling must maintain enrollment at Big Picture for next year and the two siblings must attend together for a minimum of one school year. If you desire to not access the sibling guarantee process, your child will be entered into the lottery with the other applicants. Applications received after January 17th will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list. The district oversees the process of collecting applications and performing the actual lottery. The application form will be available online by December 9th on the district website and will be completed and submitted online. For families who cannot access email, please stop by our office and we can assist you. Please review the Open Transfer and Choice Schools & Programs webpages and the frequently asked questions for each to learn more about the application process. Here are the important dates that you need to take notice of:
Information Nights: Big Picture Cafe
Middle School: December 12 and January 9, 2025 6:30 PM
High School: December 11 and January 8, 2025 6:30 PM
Applications open: December 9, 2024
Applications for lottery due: January 17, 2025
Applications for Grades 7th-12th: Accepted on Rolling Basis beginning January 27
Prom Fundraisers
Pizza Wednesday 12/04 After School: CASH ONLY
Costco Pizza $3 slice
Drinks $1-2
Chips $1
Donut Friday 12/06 Before School: CASH ONLY
Donuts $3
Hot Cider $2
Prom "Wrap it Up" Fundraiser CASH ONLY
On Saturday, December 7, Big Picture Prom Committee will be offering Gift Wrapping Services in the library at our “Wrap it Up!” Event. Students will be wrapping, tying bows, and beautifully packaging items for prices ranging from $3-$10 per item, depending on size. All funds will go towards funding our Springtime Prom. We are also asking for donations of gift wrap, gift bags, ribbons, scotch tape, and gift tags. Our wrapping collection box will be in the main office starting 11/25.
> When: Saturday, December 7 10:00-2:00
> Where: Bellevue Big Picture Library
> What: BP students will expertly wrap your holiday gifts for you!
Suggested Donations: $3-$10, based on size.
> (Reduced prices if you bring your own materials)
All Proceeds Benefit the Big Picture Prom! Thank you!
Senior Class of 2025 Washington DC Trip Fundraisers
Hello Big Picture Families,
The Class of 2025 is asking for your help. Because of COVID, this group of seniors was unable to enjoy a Big Picture tradition: The Washington DC trip. In order to make sure every student who wants to go, can go on this important trip, we are hosting a few fundraisers. Your donation will help us continue this important tradition.
Brown Bear Car Wash Tickets:
They NEVER expire! Plus, they’re good at every Brown Bear Car Wash. They only cost $15. Not only will you be getting a Beary Clean Car Wash, you’ll also be helping the environment and a local business. Follow this link Touchpoint or Use the QR code at the end of this message and make sure to select CLASS OF 25 SCHOLARSHIP. Your ticket will be available for pick up at the front office or we can send it home with your student. Email davisr@bsd405.org to give your preference. We will also have them to purchase at the other fundraiser…
Pizza at Pick-Up:
Don’t stress for dinner. Let Big Picture Seniors take care of that for you. Every Friday in December, you can pick up a piping hot Costco Pizza while you pick up your student! For $20 you can choose a cheese or pepperoni large pizza with 18 slices. Fill out the attached MS Form to ensure you have a yummy pizza or two ready for your family on Wednesday. You can bring cash on Friday OR Follow this link Touchpoint OR prepay using the QR code below. Just make sure to select CLASS OF 25 SCHOLARSHIP.
Dates- December 6, 13, and 20th.
Time- 3:00 – 4:10
Fill out this form to sign up. Microsoft Form to order pizza
NOTE: If you would like to order for multiple Fridays, please fill out the form for each order.
Can prepurchase or pay at pickup.
Can purchase using this link Touchpoint
QR Code: (Instructions continue below the code)
Communication
We encourage communication and problem solving to occur as close to and directly with the people involved as possible. When your student comes to you with concerns about a class, please
◦1. Encourage student advocacy directly with their teachers
◦2. Reach out to teachers with questions or provide support for your student’s advocacy
If your student is unable to resolve directly with the teacher, please encourage he/she
◦3. Seek assistance from counselors: Jamie: Middle School and Amy: High School.
The counselor can facilitate conversations with you/student and the teacher to problem solve.
◦4. Reach out to Devin who oversees these departments- PE, Math, Science, Spanish or Bethany who oversees these departments- Art, ELA, SS, Special Ed, LTI.
We are here to work in partnership with you and your child and value feedback and the opportunity to engage in productive problem solving conversations.
How to Report a Safety Concern
Bullying and safety concerns can always be reported to any staff member at your school. Reporting forms are located in the main office and each classroom. The Bellevue School District also utilizes an anonymous reporting tool called SafeSchools Alert through which anyone can make a verbal or written report of harassment, intimidation or bullying. Information on how to submit a report via any of these methods is available on the district website here.
FAFSA Resources
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Aid and the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) open on December 1, 2024, for 2025-26 college financial aid.
There are some important things you can do to get ready to file for Financial Aid. While you can submit your application any time, it is important to submit it as soon as possible in order to be considered for all grants and scholarships including those that have limited availability.
The information found here is intended to help families prepare to file their financial aid application. On this page you will find links to resources, including a link to register for a free Class of 2025 Financial Aid Night webinar on Wednesday, November 13 hosted by the 12th Year Campaign.
HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE: X2VOL TRACKING SYSTEM
X2VOL, accessed in Naviance, tracks the hours students give to community service, eliminating paperwork and automating the tracking and reporting process. Once in Naviance, students follow the X2Vol link to see community service opportunities, or add their community service hours and projected hours. *Remember, each high school student needs at least 40 hours of recorded service to meet the community service graduation requirement
Big Picture PTSA
Check out the recent PTSA newsletter here (Info is included on how to access the school directory)
The PTSA supports our students, staff and families in many amazing ways from classroom enhancement grants and support for school socials/activities to coordinating volunteers, family educational events and staff appreciation to name a few. You can also purchase school spirit wear. We deeply value our partnership with the PTSA and encourage everyone to check out their website to learn more.
Supports for our Community
With the holidays approaching, there are numerous ways that our community can provide support for one another. Here are opportunities to Belong, Learn and Lead.
We Belong:
- For anyone needing access to temporary warming centers or charging stations, please view the options available through the City of Redmond and the City of Issaquah. In addition, the City of Bellevue City Hall and the city community centers currently open are available during business hours, as space allows for members of the community to warm up and charge devices during this current widespread power outage. Additional information can be located on the King County Cold Weather Overnight and Daytime Shelters page. The King County Housing authority has a regional services database which allows individuals to find a day or overnight shelter by filtering by needs and other factors.
- The Together Center Share Your Blessings Lunch. This event will include a Thanksgiving-style meal, tea and coffee, giveaways, and the opportunity to break bread and build community together. This free event will take place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP to ensure there are enough meals for all attendees. This year’s Share Your Blessings meal is a collaboration by the Together Center, Essentials First, and the Muslim Community Resource Center.
- The Eastridge Church is providing the community with 1,500 turkeys and bags of groceries, while supplies last. Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, families can pick up one meal and bag of groceries per household. Eastridge Church is located on SE Issaquah-Fall City Road.
- The Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seekers Support project is designed to meet the basic needs of people who have recently arrived in the United States and Washington state but are ineligible for federal refugee services. Participants may be eligible for housing support, immigration-related legal services, and culturally responsive case management. Participants are also connected to medical, education, and job-training resources that are available in the community.
- Apply: Complete and submit the Client Request for Eligibility Screening.
- Learn More: Read Washington state launches Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support Project.
We Learn:
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project will hold Rapid Response training on November 22, along with the WA Immigrant Solidarity Network - Red de Solidaridad de Inmigrantes en WA. This webinar will share information about existing rapid response networks that support communities and works to keep families together. Registration required.
- RSVP: Sign up online.
We Lead:
- Hopelink’s Lend a Hoping Hand campaign seeks to raise funds with the aim of supporting our community to ensure basic needs are met and everyone can experience warmth and joy during the winter months.
- Mary’s Place is sharing a request for holiday decorations and activities for their community. They hope to create a fun atmosphere for those they support.
Mental Health Resources for the BSD Community
Did you know that the BSD website includes a Mental Health Support section? These pages provide information about mental health resources for students, staff and families. The BSD community is encouraged to explore these resources to learn more about mental health topics including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide prevention. Individuals seeking support may also reach out to school counselors and Mental Health Assistance Team (MHAT) counselors. The Bellevue School District has also partnered with Care Solace to complement districtwide efforts that support the well-being of students, families and staff. Care Solace is a free and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of circumstance. Care Solace is NOT an emergency response service or mental health service provider. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. The Care Solace team is always available — including nights, weekends and holidays.
Bethany Spinler, Principal
Devin Barrett, Assistant Principal
Carol Anne Yamamoto, Registrar
Kelley Hoang, Attendance