Spiritridge Principals Update

Happy Veterans Day to all in our community who have served for our country. We are deeply grateful for your dedication, commitment and sacrifice to ensure we are able to enjoy the liberties and freedoms we have each day. We acknowledge your ongoing dedication and years of service, and we celebrate your love for our country. We value our veterans for all that you have sacrificed for our freedom both at home and abroad

Our Student Leadership Team is planning our Veterans Days Assembly on Wednesday November 13 at 9:00 a.m. One way they would like to celebrate is through family photos. If you have a veteran in your family and would like them be part of the presentation, please send photos of your special veteran to Nicole Quijada: quijadan@bsd405.org. Please include the name of the veteran, military branch and rank. Families are invited to attend our Veterans Assembly. Thank you to our Leadership Teams advisors Kristine Tan and Nicole Quijada for helping students organize the assembly.

In Partnership,

May and Scott

November 11, Monday - Veterans Day, No School

November 13, Wednesday - Veterans Day Assembly 9:00 AM

November 13, Wednesday - PTSA General Assembly meeting @ 7pm, Spiritridge Library

November 14, Thursday - Book Fair @ Barnes & Noble Crossroads 6:00-8:00
November 15, Friday - Family Fun Night: Bingo Night
November 17 Sunday - Goodwill Truck Donation Drive
November 28th - 29th (Thursday - Friday) - Thanksgiving: No School

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated in November to honor the history, culture, and achievements of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island communities. It's also a time to recognize the contributions of Indigenous people to the nation and to honor veterans who have served in the military.

The month-long celebration was officially signed into law in 1990, but its roots can be traced back to the early 1900s when Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca archaeologist and director of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, advocated for federal recognition of Native Americans. In 1916, New York became the first state to recognize “American Indian Day”.

New Sensory Friendly Performances – Bellevue Youth Theater

Bellevue Youth Theater is piloting a new program to make theatre more accessible for all: Sensory Friendly Performances. These are performances specifically designed for audiences who are on the spectrum or have other sensory-processing sensitivities.

Sensory friendly performances will have increased lighting, lower sound volumes, a designated quiet zone, sensory guides and complimentary fidgets, items in the lobby that can be touched and explored prior to the show, an actor introduction of the show, and the permitted use of digital devises. Fewer seats will be sold for these shows to make for a more comfortable viewing experience. Our goal is to welcome many into the theatre who may not have been comfortable before. Learn more by calling 425-452-7155

Upcoming sensory friendly performances will include

· The Mummy’s Revenge (November 2, 2:00 p.m.)

· Finding Nemo Jr. (November 23, 7:00 p.m.)

· Twas the Night Before Christmas (December 14, 2:00 p.m.)

Invitation to Jubilee REACH Festival of Trees Gala

We are grateful for our partnership with Jubilee REACH and for the service of their staff and volunteers in our schools and in our community. We have an opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude on November 16. On behalf of Executive Director Randy Eng and Jubilee REACH, I am excited to invite and encourage your attendance at the 11th Annual Festival of Trees Gala on Saturday, November 16 at the Hyatt Regency, Bellevue. Bellevue School District staff and their guests will receive a discount of $75 on the registration fee by entering “BSDstaff24” as the discount code on the registration page.

Learn more and register using the discount code.

Coming Soon! 2024-2025 Open Transfer, Choice School and Choice Program Period

The Open Transfer, Choice School and Choice Program Application period for the 2024-2025 school year will open on Monday, December 9, 2024. The application period will continue until Friday, January 17, 2025.

Students and families are invited to learn more about Bellevue School District schools and programs during upcoming open houses and information events.

· Each school will host an open house during the Open Transfer and Choice School/Program application period.

· Families are invited to the Language Programs Fair on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to learn more about the variety of language offerings available for students.

· Families with students between the ages of three to age five are invited to attend a Preschool Information Session on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, or Thursday, December 5, 2024.

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

More information will be shared with families and staff in the next few weeks regarding the transfer and application process, including through direct messages and on school and district websites.

How to Know When You’re Too Sick for School

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

The Equity, Family and Community Engagement team is committed to equity driven family and community engagement and support. True engagement is a collective partnership and an essential component to the academic success and well-being of each and every student. Learn more HERE and how to contact our team.

Judy Hunsberger is our Spiritridge Family Services Specialist. She brings years of experience and expertise in supporting families and their needs in the Bellevue community. You can reach her at her BSD email: HUNSBERGERJU@bsd405.org

Family Connection Centers:
The Bellevue School District is committed to affirming and supporting all families and students. Our Family Connections Centers (FCCs) are open to all BSD students and families. Staffed by Family Engagement Specialists, their mission is to connect families with district and community support services, provide them with educational opportunities to better navigate the school system and help them become engaged in the education of their children.

Now Available! 2023-24: Family Connections Annual Resource Application!

If your student qualifies for free and reduced lunch and/or if your family is facing financial hardship, there are several community programs that may be able to help. If you are interested, please complete the online form for each BSD student so that your family can be added to the appropriate community program list.

Note: Being on a program list does not guarantee participation as these programs are funded and managed by our community partners (Bellevue LifeSpring, Backpack Meals, Jubilee REACH, Assistance League of the Eastside, Eastside Baby Corner, Congregation for Kids and more!).

Click Here for the Resource Application

Family Connections Centers serve thousands of Bellevue families each year. While our locations are school based, all BSD families are welcome to walk into any center throughout the district for support. We believe that the support and resources provided by our centers and specialists can benefit all BSD students and their families. We invite you to stop by a center near you. Family Connections Centers are open during school hours when schools are is session.

If you are in need of support, please contact the Family Engagement Specialist assigned to your child’s school (PDF).

November 20 Test of BSD’s Emergency Communication System

On Wednesday, November 20 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., the district will conduct a test of our emergency communication system, SchoolMessenger. BSD families will receive a phone call, text message and email to the primary contact information they have provided in ParentVUE — which families are asked to verify at the beginning of every school year. The purpose of this test is to ensure that BSD families are able to receive district messages in the event of school delays, closures or emergencies.

Learn more about the test and receive tips for receiving district messages via phone call, text message and email.

Wednesday = 9:05 - 1:20

School Breakfast 8:45-9:05

School Lunches 11:00-1:00

• 2nd Grade: 11:05-11:30
• 4th Grade: 11:10-11:35
• Kindergarten 11:35-12:10
• 3rd Grade 11:55-12:20
• 1st Grade 12:25-12:50
• 5th Grade 12:35-1:00

Elementary (Preschool, Grade K-5)

• · Breakfast – $2.25 - Breakfast will be served 8:45-9:00 in Spiritridge cafeteria
• · Lunch – $4.00

How to Pay for Meals

Nutrition Services uses PayPAMS for online payments for school meals. Go to https://paypams.com/ for more information. PayPAMS will charge a $2.95 fee per family, rather than per student for online credit card payments. PayPAMS can be used to set up low balance reminders, automatic deposits, to transfer funds between students and view account activity. PayPAMS additionally offers an ACH Direct Withdrawal payment option. This option enables families to make payments directly from their bank account. The direct withdrawal option has a $1.95 transaction fee.

· For credit card and ACH Direct Withdrawal payments, there is a $250.00 transaction maximum.

· Families/students may also pay for meals by check or cash at their child’s school. Checks should be made payable to Bellevue School District.

If a student does not have sufficient funds to pay for a school meal, it is the policy of the Bellevue School District to allow the student to charge their meal. Snack bar or a la carte items (including milk only) may not be charged. Parents/guardians are responsible for negative balances on a student’s account. Parents may set limits. Contact Nutrition Services for more information.

Free and Reduced Price Meals

Your child(ren) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals as well as other benefits including a waiver for some school fees. Qualification is based on household size and income. You must reapply every year!

Please visit the Free/Reduced Price Meal page on BSD Nutrition Services for more information and to apply.

https://www.bsd405.org/programs-and-services/nutrition-services/free-and-reduced-price-meals

We encourage all our families to join the Spiritridge PTSA to support our community of learners. There are a variety of ways to be involved, volunteer and participate in school activities, events, leadership, and classrooms. Family involvement is an essential part of our school community and ensure we are providing the best learning experience for all our students.

Learn more and Sign up here: Spiritridge PTSA

https://spiritridge.givebacks.com/

Please review the attached Spiritridge Handbook 2024-2025.

Also, The 2024-2025 Official Notices are now available on the district website, in English, Spanish and Simplified Chinese. Families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the district's
2024-25 Official Notices, which include:

· Student Education Records (FERPA & Directory Information)

· Notice of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

· Notice of Students and Staff Rights and Responsibilities

· Non-Discrimination

· Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

· Notice of Child Find

· Notice of Complaint Resolution

· Notice of Pesticide, Asbestos and Lead

· Weapons

· Truancy

· Career and Technical Education

· Office of the Education Ombuds services

Please read the attached Attendance Acknowledgement document. We will be sending home signature acknowledgements the first week of school as well. Thank you.

Review the 2024-2025 Official Notices

The 2024-2025 Official Notices are now available on the district website, in English, Spanish and Simplified Chinese.

Families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the district's 2024-25 Official Notices, which include:

· Student Education Records (FERPA & Directory Information)

· Notice of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

· Notice of Students and Staff Rights and Responsibilities

· Non-Discrimination

· Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

· Notice of Child Find

· Notice of Complaint Resolution

· Notice of Pesticide, Asbestos and Lead

· Weapons

· Truancy

· Career and Technical Education

· Office of the Education Ombuds services