The Bennett Bark: Community Edition
May 10, 2024
Heartfelt Thank You
Dear Bennett Families,
As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for the overwhelming outpouring of kindness and appreciation.
Your thoughtfulness in showering us with treats, cards, and words of appreciation has truly touched our hearts. We have felt cared for, spoiled, and supported by your generosity. Your gestures have brought us immense joy and have made us feel truly special.
From all the staff, we extend our sincerest thanks to you. Your gestures have not only brightened our week but have also reaffirmed why we love what we do. It is a privilege to work with your children each day, and your support means the world to us.
Thank you for making this week a memorable and uplifting experience for all of us. Your kindness has left a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful.
With warm regards and heartfelt thanks,
Bennett Staff
Bennett's Volunteer Tea
Join us for a delightful morning as we express our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable individuals who have tirelessly supported us throughout the year. You're invited to our Volunteer Appreciation Tea, where we'll celebrate your invaluable contributions that have consistently lifted our spirits and enriched our community.
Your dedication has been the foundation of our success, and now it's our turn to honor you. Join us on Friday, May 17th, from 8:00 to 8:45 am in the Bennett Library for a special gathering in your honor.
Together, we've made a profound impact on our community, and your partnership has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of our students. We couldn't do this without you, and we're excited to come together to celebrate all that you do.
Please mark your calendars and join us for a morning of appreciation, and heartfelt thanks. We can't wait to see all our wonderful volunteers there!
Input for the 2024-2025 School Year
As shared in our previous newsletter, as we gear up for the approaching school year, your insights are invaluable in crafting an optimal learning environment for your child. Kindly spare a few moments to fill out this form, aiding us in comprehending your child's requirements, inclinations, and strengths. To assist you, we've included a guide to filling out the form:
Learning Environment: Describe the environment in which your child learns best. Consider factors such as noise level, structure, and flexibility. If there are specific accommodations or considerations necessary for your child's optimal learning environment, please mention them.
Learning Style: Identify your child's preferred learning style (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic). Observe how they engage with learning tasks at home. Share any successful learning strategies or preferences your child has developed.
Social Skills: Reflect on how your child interacts with peers and adults in social settings. Consider their communication skills, empathy, and ability to collaborate. If there are any social challenges your child faces, provide relevant information for us to better support them.
Areas of Strength: Highlight subjects or activities in which your child excels. This could include academic subjects, sports, arts, or other areas of interest. Mention any skills or talents your child possesses that you believe are noteworthy.
Areas of Growth: Identify areas in which your child could benefit from additional support or focus. This could be academic, social-emotional, or behavioral. Share any specific goals or aspirations you have for your child's development.
Additional Comments: Use this space to provide any other information or insights you believe would be helpful for us to know. This could include unique interests, hobbies, or family dynamics.
Tips:
- Be honest and specific in your responses. The more detailed information you provide, the better we can understand and support your child.
- Consider discussing the survey questions with your child if they are old enough to provide input. Their perspective can offer valuable insights into their learning and social experiences
- Please refrain from requesting specific teachers, as teacher requests will not be honored.
Thank you for partnering with us in your child's education journey. Your input is essential in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Deadline for the form is Wednesday, May 15th
Please click on the link below to access our form
Pick Up- Drop Off Reminders
As we navigate through bustling pick-up and drop-off times, safety remains our utmost priority. We kindly request everyone to utilize only designated entrances and exits upon entering the parking lot, and to park in assigned areas, steering clear of curbs or sections marked with cones. This guarantees sufficient space for school buses to maneuver securely.
It is crucial to adhere to the posted speed limits, especially considering the school zone speed limit of 20 miles per hour. This ensures the safety of all our students, staff, and families. Please maintain this speed from the moment you approach the neighborhood until you are clear of the school zone.
Additionally, please refrain from dropping off students on NE 18th St, 179th Pl NE, and the roundabout behind the school on 178th Ave NE. It is vital to avoid forming double lines while entering the parking lot and refrain from dropping off students amidst traffic.
We appreciate your cooperation in showing courtesy to our staff members and safety patrol students who diligently remind us of these vital procedures. Let's collaborate to ensure the safety of all our students by refraining from dropping off in unauthorized areas and adhering to our traffic protocols.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Upcoming Dates
- May 12th- Happy Mother's Day (United States)
- May 15th- Deadline to complete Parent Input Form (details above)
- May 16th- 4th Grade Field Trip
- May 17th - Volunteer Tea (details above)
SBA Testing For 3rd - 5th Grade - English Language Arts/Literacy Assessment (ELA)
- May 14th- 3rd, 4th, & 5th ELA CAT (Computer Adaptive Tests)
- May 16th & 17th- 3rd & 5th ELA PT (Performance Task)
- May 20th & 21st - 4th ELA PT (Performance Task)
- May 21st - 5th WCAS (Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science)
- May 29th - 3rd, 4th, & 5th Math CAT (Computer Adaptive Test)
- May 31 - 3rd, 4th, & 5th Math PT (Performance Task)
State Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Washington State Smarter Balanced Assessment
Access BSD's Cultural and Academic Calendars below!
PTSA Corner
Yearbooks for Sale
Last call for yearbook orders! Please use below link to purchase. They will be distributed during class at the end of the year.
PTSA Field Day
Field Day is quickly approaching and scheduled for Thursday, June 13th. Angela Schneider is chairing the event and would love to have a committee to help plan. Please sign up below to join.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48A4A92CA7FEC61-49609465-field
District News and Resources
Health Services Update: Measles Prevention and Safety
Since December 2023, there have been 11 cases of measles in Washington state. Measles spread easily and can make people very sick, especially if they haven’t had their vaccinations. It can cause serious health problems like pneumonia, brain damage and in rare cases, death. Babies, pregnant people and individuals with weak immune systems are especially at risk.
Keeping your family’s vaccinations up to date is very important to prevent measles and other diseases.
Read additional tips on how to keep your family and our community healthy.
Latest BSD News and Events Link
Check out the most recent BSD News and Events Link!
Counselor's Corner
Shared Value for May: Service
This month, our value focus at Bennett is service. There will be various ways the Bennett Community can participate in Bennett’s service projects and we will begin advertising them soon. Students will be choosing, as a class community, a project they feel most inspired to participate in. Options for service might include a food drive, collecting essential items like toothpaste and toilet paper, or gathering used sports equipment and shoes. We are excited to be partnering with Jubilee Reach, an organization with numerous programs dedicated to supporting families in our city. Student leaders are creating presentations to inspire their classmates at Bennett to think about ways to serve. I am always amazed and encouraged by the creative and compassionate ideas our student changemakers generate when given the chance. Keep your eyes and ears open to what your student shares about service in the coming weeks. I hope you’ll be inspired as well.
Contact Us!
Bennett Front Office - (425) 456-4800
Attendance: bennettattendance@bsd405.org
Office Manager: Melanie Pierson PiersonM@bsd405.org
Principal: Jessica Strazzulla strazzullaj@bsd405.org
Assistant Principal: Katerina Pawloski-Johnson pawloskik@bsd405.org
In Case You Missed It
Read our previous newsletters here:
Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights, Racial Discrimination, and Gender Expression or Identity Discrimination:
Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or phamn@bsd405.org
Sex-based Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment:
Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, (425) 456-4010 or lowellj@bsd405.org
Disability Discrimination: Section 504/ADA
Coordinator: Heather Edlund, (425) 456-4156 or edlundh@bsd405.org
Mailing address for all three: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005