Tiger Tales
Newsletter #22 - February 2, 2024
· Language Access: Español | 简体中文 | Pусский | Tiếng Việt | 한국어 | العربية
Dear Families,
There were moments when January seemed to fly by and also times when it felt like the longest month ever. Before we wrap up the week, we want to acknowledge the work that goes beyond the events like World Culture Night. It's all the work behind the scenes, planning and preparation, and the build up to the excitement. We thank our parent volunteers who put up the flags, the map and information about the languages spoken in our school as well showcased their culture that evening. Even though World Culture Night has come and gone, our students still stop to point out information about themselves and to learn about each other!
This week ahead is also National School Counseling week where we honor our counselor Ms. Geck for her support of our students and staff. We invite you to take a moment to share your appreciation to Ms. Geck through email (gecke@bsd405.org) or wish her a great week if you see her in person.
With gratitude for this community,
Kati & Betty
Upcoming Events
February 5: PTA General Membership Meeting, 8:10am – 9:30am
February 12: Preschool registration for new families opens
February 19-23: No school, mid-winter break
March 1: Kindergarten Registration opens
March 22: 1/17 District-wide closure school makeup day
April 8-12: No school, spring break
Bus Route Cancellation For the Week of 2/5/2024
Bus Route 25 is cancelled next week due to driver shortage. This affects both AM and PM rides. Families impacted should plan alternate transportation for their students. All other bus routes servicing these schools will run normally as scheduled.
District-wide Closure Make up Day
Per the District calendar, Friday, March 22nd is the make-up day for the January 17th closure. March 22nd is now a regular school day.
For more information on Emergency Closures see the District website at www.bsd405.org/closure.
Understanding Progress Reports
The first semester report card will be available to view in ParentVue on February 9th at the end of the day. We will not be sending home a paper copy or an emailed copy of the report card. However, if you would like your child’s report card printed or emailed, please contact the front office. Information on how to log into ParentVue can be found here: https://bsd405.org/departments/district-technology/grades-attendance/ . Click here for directions: English, Spanish, Chinese.
Progress reports are intended to provide you information on how your child is doing in school socially, emotionally, and academically. Teachers use classroom assignments, assessments (such as tests or work samples), and observation of your child to determine how close he or she is to meeting the standards. The 1-4 descriptors on the progress report stand for the levels of proficiency your child is showing. For those who are new or unfamiliar with this scale, here are the possible descriptors that teachers will be using:
4= Exceeds Standards (exceeds expectations)
The student who receives this descriptor is consistently demonstrating performance that is above the standard in relation to expected semester progress. Students who are exceeding are able to apply learning to new situations and independently use strategies and skills to do work that is expected of a student in a higher grade.
3= Meets Standards (developing appropriately)
This descriptor indicates that the student has met the standard. The student consistently produces quality work that meets expectation in relation to expected semester progress. The student shows application of skill and learning in their work on a regular basis.
2= Approaches Standards (beginning to develop)
The student receiving this descriptor is progressing and demonstrates basic or inconsistent application of the standard in relation to expected semester progress. The student may struggle with certain skills and application of skill/learning.
1= Below Standard (needs to develop)
The student receiving this descriptor shows limited understanding of the standard as related to expected semester progress. Student performance is below grade level and the student may need more support both at school and home.
Click below for a few great tips for parents on discussing progress reports with your child.
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual opportunity to recognize the significant role Black Americans have played throughout history and celebrate African American achievement. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) devotes its 98th Annual Black History Month theme to African Americans and the Arts. This theme examines the wide array of history and lives of African American arts and artisans. African American art is infused with African, Caribbean and the Black American experiences. In honor of Black History Month, the City of Bellevue will exhibit a public art display featuring the work of 17 Pacific Northwest-based Black artists during the month of February. The “Elevating Voices” exhibit is available to the public at the Bellevue City Hall concourse, Monday through Friday, during business hours and evenings when City Hall is open for public meetings or events. Learn more about the exhibit.
Resources to celebrate this month with your family:
- Here are some ideas to honor Black History Month for families of all ages!
- 55+ Activities and lessons you can do at home around both Black history and Black culture today.
- February is also International Friendship Month! Check out these crafts and activities to celebrate friendship with your kids at home!
- Read alouds can be wonderful conversation starters about what makes a great friend and how we can be that to others.
Lunar New Year
Saturday, February 10, marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year is considered one of the most significant celebrations among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including the Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. It is called Lunar New Year because it begins with the rise of the first new moon and spans until the full moon arrives. The Lunar New Year is a time to honor ancestors through celebrations and feasting.
Click on this link for overview https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-year.
In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is called Tết Nguyên Đán. Click here for some details about Tet https://www.asiahighlights.com/vietnam/new-year. Korean Lunar New Year is called Seollal https://nationaltoday.com/korean-new-year/, and one of the important rituals, ‘Sebae’, involves younger members of the family bowing deeply to the elders in the family.
February Observances
- National Freedom Day celebrates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in 1865.
February 10, 2024 – Lunar New Year
- The Lunar New Year festival celebrates the beginning of a new year in China and other Asian countries and cultures whose calendars follow the cycle of the moon.
- In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter. Ash Wednesday pays homage to Christ’s 40-day fast and practice of self-discipline in the desert before beginning his ministry.
February 17, 2024 – National PTA Founders Day
February 19, 2024 – President’s Day
February 24, 2024 – Lantern Festival
- The Lantern Festival marks the final day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.
February 26 – 29, 2024 – Ayyám-i-Há or Intercalary Days
- The Ayyam-i-Ha (or Intercalary Days) are when members of the Bahá’ís faith focus prepare for the month of fasting
Attend the BSD Certificated Staff Job Fair
Join us for the Certificated Staff Job Fair on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Highland Middle School to learn about certificated positions in the district. Representatives from schools and departments throughout the district will be available to answer questions about working in Bellevue. Screening interviews will be available.
Certificated positions include: Administrators, Elementary and Secondary Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Counselors, Social Workers, School Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and School Psychologists.
Arabic Language Evening – Join Us on February 28
Middle and high school students and families are invited to learn about our 2024-25 online class offerings.
Ahlan wa Sahlan!
Please attend our Arabic language evening on Wednesday, February 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sammamish High School Library. Learn more about our Arabic language classes held online for middle and high school students, meet our teacher, Manar Chaaban, and meet current students and families.
Participate in activities like tatreez (embroidery) and dabkeh (folkloric dance), and enjoy food and art demonstrations. Come in your best Arabic cultural outfit (Thobe or Abaya) to enter a friendly fashion competition. Baklawa, Maamool (date cookies) and Moroccan Mint tea will be provided.
BSD secondary students who choose to enroll in Arabic language classes will attend class online through Bellevue Digital Discovery during their regular school day at their home school.
If possible, please let us know if you plan to attend through this online form.
Questions? Please email chaabanm@bsd405.org.
4th grade Social Studies Textbook Adoption
4th grade social studies classes are engaged in experimental use of new materials during the 2023-24 school year. The resources include The State We’re In: Washington (Grades 3-5 Edition) textbook and Washington, By and By: A Community Planning Graphic Novel.
We invite community members to explore the resources using the links below.
The State We’re In: Washington (Grades 3-5 Edition)
Washington, By and By: A Community Planning Graphic Novel
Feedback Survey
Thank you for providing feedback on the resources: 4th Grade Social Studies Curriculum Adoption Family & Community Survey.
February Celebrates Career and Technical Education
Each February, the achievements and value of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in schools is acknowledged during National CTE Month. CTE provides BSD students the opportunity to engage in career-connected learning through a wide variety of programs. Students participate in authentic, meaningful experiences that connect their learning to real world applications. The 2023-2024 Career Pathways Catalog identifies ten different career pathways students can explore. Follow along on BSD social media (Facebook and Instagram) as we spotlight CTE in BSD throughout the month of February.
Community Partnerships - New Affordable Housing in Bellevue
Polaris at Eastgate, located at 13300 SE Eastgate Way, is a brand-new community in the heart of Bellevue that is available to qualifying families. In the spring of 2024, there will be 360 available units, and they will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested families can learn about the documentation requirements to qualify. For assistance with the application, contact Bellevue LifeSpring. For more information on qualifications, call 425-946-2562 or email polarisateastgatewa-br@m.knck.io.
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.