Bellevue Big Picture School News

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December 9 - January 17 - Open Transfer and Choice School and Programs Application Period for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dec 9 and 16th- Green Team Winter Craft workshops- MS and HS 3:30-4:30

Dec 11, Jan 8- BP High School Enrollment Info Night (for current 8th grade families) 6:30 PM

Dec 12, Jan 9- BP Middle School Enrollment Info Night (for current 5th grade families) 6:30 PM

Dec 12th- 8th grade Interview Panels- advisory

Dec 13th- Biology Field Trip- Gates Foundation

Dec 13th - ASB Hot Cocoa Social- after tutorial

December 14th -PTSA Panther Market-10am-1pm

Dec 14th- BP Innovation Project Parent Focus group- In person (see below for sign up link)

Dec 16-20- Spirt week

Dec 17th- BP Innovation Project Parent Focus group- Virtual (see below for sign-up link)

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.

Check us out on social media. We're running a series this Fall on 'What is Big Picture Learning?'

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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.

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

Please see the community bulletin below which contains information and updates about our Innovating for the Future process. This includes a link to sign up for an opportunity to participate in a focus group on Dec 14th or Dec 17th to learn more about our prototype ideas and to provide input into the designs for the steering committee to review. we will also host a few targeted focus groups in various communities. We anticipate phasing in changes beginning Sept 2025. We're excited to share our innovative ideas with you and hear your perspective. Sign-up here. https://forms.office.com/r/0CszsdHvj6

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)

• Registration Closing Date: Friday December 13th, 2024
• Who is testing: Sammamish High School, Big Picture High School, Digital Discovery High School, International High School
• Testing Location*: Sammamish High School Library
• Registration link (use your BSD laptop to register

In the event a test date is full, priority is given to Seniors and Juniors. Students will be able to sign up for the make up date.

World Language Competency Credits - Make Up – ALL High Schools March 19, 2025 – 7:45 a.m. check-in

• Registration Closing Date: March 9, 2025
• Who can test: All High Schools: Bellevue High School, Interlake High School, Newport High School, Sammamish High School, Big Picture High School, Digital Discovery High School, International High School
• Testing Location*: Wilburton Instructional Center - Rainier Room
• Registration Link (use your BSD Laptop to Register)

From <https://www.bsd405.org/academics/language-programs/world-language/world-language-competency-credits>

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.

Interested in the club offerings? Check out the current list of BP clubs here.

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.

Check out the recent PTSA newsletter here (Info is included on how to access the school directory)

If you were a DirectorySpot user last year and you used the same email when registering, then you don’t need to do anything, just log in with the same username and password.

If you are a NEW user, you have been set up and can download DirectorySpot for free from the App Store (iPhone users) or Google Play (Android users), or you can also access the data from the web.

Please let us know if you have any questions! If you have any data changes throughout the year, please contact Directory@BellevueBPSPTSA.org and we will update it on the App

Available now! Click Here.

• Order BP Spirit wear here: https://bigpictureschool.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
• PTSA membership: https://www.bellevuebpsptsa.org/membership

The Open Transfer, Choice School and Choice Program Application period for the 2024-2025 school year will open on Monday, December 9, 2024. Students and families are invited to learn more about Bellevue School District schools and programs during upcoming open houses and information events. . Learn more about who should apply.

• Each school will host an open house during the Open Transfer and Choice School/Program application period.
• Upcoming Open House Dates for the next two weeks:
• December 4, 2024 – Puesta del Sol Open House, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• December 5, 2024 – Phantom Lake Open House, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• December 5, 2024 – Sherwood Forest Open House, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
• December 10, 2024 – Lake Hills Open House, 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
• December 10, 2024 – Cherry Crest Elementary Open House, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• December 11, 2024 – Tyee Middle School Open House, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• December 11, 2024 – Big Picture High School Open House, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
• December 12, 2024 – Big Picture Middle School Open House, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

For all open house and information session dates, times and locations please view the open house webpage.

We are excited to an upcoming Vaccine Clinic in partnership with Albertson’s to help keep our community healthy and safe! This event is open to all BSD students, staff, families and community members and will offer:

• Flu Vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccine
• Tdap Vaccine (protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis or whooping cough).

Event Details

Date: Friday, December 13, 2024

Time: 4:00-9:00 p.m.

Location: Sammamish High School, Commons Area

Address: 100 140th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA 98005

Sign up online.

Other Things to Know

Please register in advance so Albertsons can anticipate how many vaccines to provide. Walk-in appointments will be available for flu and COVID-19, but registration is required for DTap and Tdap vaccines.

Most insurances are accepted. Participants must bring their insurance card to the event.

Getting vaccinated is a key step in protecting your family and our school community. Here’s why these vaccines are so important:

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Did you know that Washington state has seen a significant rise in whooping cough cases this year, with over 1,533 reported statewide as of November 27, 2024? Babies and young children are especially at risk, and the best way to protect them is by staying up to date with the Tdap vaccine. Whooping cough can cause severe coughing fits and even life-threatening breathing issues, especially in infants.

The DTaP and Tdap vaccines protect against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The “P” in DTAP and Tdap stands for pertussis. These vaccines help your body build defenses to fight off whooping cough and prevent its spread to others.

Students attending Bellevue School District should have received a total of 5 doses of DTaP by the age of 4 or before starting kindergarten. Students should receive a Tdap booster before the start of 7th grade.

If you are not sure if your child is up to date on their required school vaccines, please contact your child’s medical provider or log into MyIR Mobile.

Flu and COVID-19

Flu and COVID-19 are more than just colds - they can cause serious illness, especially in children, older adults, and those with health conditions. The flu vaccine can reduce severe illness by 40-60%, while COVID-19 vaccines continue to lower the risk of serious symptoms.

Let’s work together to keep everyone healthy this winter.

For kids (and adults!), returning to school or a regular schedule is hard following a break. Yet, there are some things that parents can do to help ease their child's transition. Before the first morning back (Monday January 6th), start planning for any triggers that might lead to a difficult return. Tips for sleep, travel, and emotional support are provided below.

SLEEP TIP: Sleep schedules often shift toward staying up and waking up later over breaks, which leads to problems getting to sleep at a reasonable time after break. Whenever possible, encourage your student to keep a consistent routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. If this isn't realistic, do your best to slowly move up bed and wake times until your child is sleeping and waking at the desired times for school.

TRAVEL TIP: If your family has been away, plan to have at least one day at home for your student(s) to relax and recoup before their first day back at school.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TIP: It is common for kids to feel anxiety about returning to school. Parents can help their student work through these feelings by 1) Actively listening and validating the child's feelings of unease, 2) Reminding the child that it is completely normal to feel uncomfortable during times of transition, and 3) Reinforcing that as their parent, you have full confidence in their ability to handle the transition back to school."

As we approach upcoming breaks, the Bellevue School District reminds families that it is important to try to avoid missing school days before and after the scheduled breaks. Winter Break begins Monday, December 23, 2024. Students return to school on Monday, January 6, 2025. If your family is traveling during these breaks, please ensure that your student can rest and get back on schedule prior to the start of school.

Every day of school is important and provides an opportunity for students to learn and connect with peers and teachers. Even two absences a month (excused or unexcused) can significantly impact student learning. Make it a goal to attend five days a week and have fewer than five absences in a semester. If your child is healthy, encourage them to show up to class when school is in session.

We are very thankful for our students and families who do their best to show up daily even when it isn’t easy. We are grateful for our teachers and administrators who make school a welcoming and safe place for students to learn. We appreciate our support staff and community partners who provide the extra attention that our students need.

If your family or your student needs support, please reach out to your school counselor.

As we enter the time of year when colds and fevers tend to appear unexpectedly, the Bellevue School District wants to remind families of some important guidelines regarding when students should stay home from school. Students experiencing certain illnesses may be required to stay home to rest and recover.

The Bellevue School District's nurses and attendance team have provided helpful guidance on which symptoms indicate a student should remain at home and when they may safely return to school. Keeping sick students at home, along with encouraging regular handwashing, helps protect everyone—especially those with fragile immune systems or acute medical conditions. Learn more on the Too Sick for School webpage.

Winter is approaching and may bring more unpredictable weather to our community. BSD encourages families to take the time to revisit the district’s emergency closure schedule protocols and our emergency closure decision-making process. While some decisions are made for the whole district, conditions may vary across different communities, which may result in different decisions for some schools. We encourage families to make personal decisions based on their specific circumstances. Read the full article to learn more about:

• Receiving emergency communications
• Transportation during severe weather, including snow routes
• Changes to childcare options in the event of delays, closures and early dismissals
• Special circumstances like power outages

We are excited to announce that we will be adding a new Parent Partnership Program component to our Bellevue Digital Discovery elementary to support elementary age students and families who engage in homebased learning. This new program component will serve students through an Alternative Learning Experience model which includes a personalized learning plan developed in partnership with the student, teacher and family. Students will engage in learning at home, online and in-person at our new Bellevue Discovery learning lab. Together with members of the community, Kristin Tinder and Tom Duenwald are leading the co-creation of this new program component of Bellevue Digital Discovery.

We invite interested families to learn more at our upcoming Bellevue Discovery Open House, January 13 at 6:00 p.m. online, or to contact us directly at ppp@bsd405.org

Enrollment for the 25-26 school year for this Bellevue Discovery program begins Monday, December 9, and the link to enroll can be found on the Enroll at BSD webpage.

Thank you in advance for your support of this new program in BSD as we continue to diversify our learning options to meet student needs.

Battle of the Badges: Holiday Lights

Join the Bellevue Police Department and the Renton Police Department for the largest ever Battle of the Badges Holiday Lights display. Walk through rows of decorated public safety vehicles from across the region. Enjoy music, food, and holiday fun. This interactive experience will be held at Renton Technical College on Saturday, December 14, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Learn more on the City of Renton website.

Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink

Let’s skate! November 15 – January 12, Downtown Bellevue Park plays host to the annual ice rink. Free parking is available at two downtown parking lots. Online tickets are available on the Bellevue Ice Rink website. Tickets include skate rental. Enjoy free evening skating lessons compliments of Microsoft.

This soccer summer camp is open to students between the ages of 6 and 17, of all playing levels from beginner to advanced. The camp will be hosted at Highland Middle School July 14-18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (with an option to extend the time from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

The Real Madrid Foundation is offering thirteen scholarships, and there will be additional scholarships added if funding is available. To request a scholarship, please fill out this FORM before January 12, 2025. On January 24, you will receive an email if you have been granted the scholarship. Click here to register.

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

Beth Orr, Office Manager

Carol Anne Yamamoto, Registrar

Kelley Hoang, Attendance

School Website

Facebook

PTSA Website

Main Office: 425-456-7800

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: Karen Dejong, (425) 456-4277 or dejongk@bsd405.org.

Mailing address for all three: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.