Tiger Tales #24

There is a lot of research about the importance of community building in schools and the sense of belonging it creates. We experienced that last night at our Medina school dance! A big thank you to our student leaders who helped plan the neon-themed party. Students helped create posters for the school to advertise the dance and they shared it on our Medina Tiger Newscast. Students also stayed to help decorate the gym and set up for the dance. Also, PTA volunteers made popcorn and came early to set up for the event. Even the photo stall was thanks to the contributions of parents. Some teachers came to also enjoy the fun. THANK YOU ALL. Your participation, volunteering, cooperation and collaboration made our community night a huge success. It was joyful to see the smiles and we look forward to our next gathering as a Medina community!

This weekend on Sunday, March 9, we will 'spring' forward due to Daylight Saving Time. Please remember to adjust your clocks forward one hour.

Student Earth Month Art Contest

The BSD Sustainability Design Team is excited to host our first Earth Month Student Art Contest. This contest is open to all K-12 students. The theme is Our Planet, Our Power. Submissions are open now and will close March 26, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Submit an entry.

Honoring Bellevue’s Diversity and Preserving Civil Rights in Our Beloved Community

Superintendent Aramaki shares a message with the BSD community acknowledging recent celebrations and commemorations in our community, including Lunar New Year, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Black History Month, and Ramadan. He goes on to share that amidst the celebrations, there have also been many in our community who have experienced fear and uncertainty. In response to the executive orders coming from the federal government, many students, families, and staff — particularly our immigrant community, our LGBTQIA+ community, our families with children with IEPs and 504s, and our communities of color — have worried about their education, safety, and belonging.

As a district, we are doing our best to navigate the flurry of K-12 education-related executive orders and communications from the US Department of Education. In his most recent video communication (listen in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian), Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, addresses how the state’s school districts, including the Bellevue School District, are to respond to the executive orders. Dr. Aramaki encourages students, staff, and families to watch his video to get a better understanding of the implications of the recent executive orders. A few of the key points from Superintendent Reykdal that apply to the Bellevue School District are: · The Civil Rights of Undocumented Youth (Procedure 4310.1P) · The Civil Rights of LGBTQIA+ Youth (Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P) · Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Policy 0130 and Procedure 0130P) Focus on Funding Public Education

Dr. Aramaki goes on to share a personal story of how his family was impacted by Executive Order 9066, which in 1942 authorized the forced relocation of Japanese Americans along the west coast to internment camps. He expresses that even during this dark time in history, there was still hope. And in this instance, it was attributed, in part, to the courage and care of a former teacher in Bellevue’s beloved community. Read the full Superintendent blog for more of this story and to learn about the recent federal actions and guidance from the state

We wanted to remind our families about our allergy policy in the district and the responsibilities of parents/guardians. (Full policy linked here)

If your child has a life-threatening allergy:

• Notify the school of the student’s medically diagnosed life-threatening allergy prior to attending school as required by law. Secure updated IHP/504s and completed medication authorization form(s) which are signed by a Licensed Health Care Professional (LHCP) and parent/guardian and present to school nurse annually prior to the first day of attendance
• Collaborate with the school nurse in the development of the IHP/504
• Keep all emergency contact information current
• Provide the school with adequate medications for the student prior to the first day of attendance
• Consider providing back-up medication for students who self-carry medication
• Provide replacement medication immediately after use or upon expiration
• Support the student in the self-management of their allergy consistent with the age and developmental level of the student
• Consider sharing medical information with chaperones on field trips and with the PTSA for PTSA organized activities, clubs and events at the elementary (pre-school P-5) level
• Provide lunch and snacks from home when possible

Whether your child has a life-threating allergy or not:

• Keep all emergency contact information current
• Remind your child to NEVER share food, even if they think their friends/peers don’t have allergies
• Although we discourage food/candy treats at school, any treats they receive here (e.g. holiday candy) should be taken home and eaten with your permission

Our Medina students have so many wonderful opportunities, thanks to our very supportive and generous PTA: Community events, field trips, author visits, after-school programs, STEM week, etc.

There are many more examples of how parents make Medina Elementary rich in experiences for students. This would not be possible without our PTA. In March, the PTA is hosting a Spring fundraising event called, Bloom into Spring. If you would like to join this festive and fun event, please see the link and information here.

Also, next week on February 4 there is a general PTA meeting. We hope you will join the parent community to learn more about all the ways our parent-school partnership makes a difference in the lives of your children.

Bellevue School District new student enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Families interested in enrolling their student(s) for the upcoming school year are invited to begin the enrollment process.

Know a friend, neighbor or community member living in Bellevue with a student who does not currently attend a Bellevue School District school? Invite them to join the district named the best in Washington! Families interested in transferring into the Bellevue School District are welcome to learn more.

March:

9: Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 AM - 'Spring' clocks ahead one hour.

18: 4:30 - 6:00 PM, Book Talk about the book: The Anxious Generation (at Clyde Hill)

21: 5:30 Bloom into Spring PTA fundraiser

31: 8:15 AM Pastries with Principals (Art room)

April:

7 -11: Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)

25: STEM night

Updated 2024-2025 School Year Calendar is posted here.