Family Cougar Connect Newsletter
February 9th, 2024
Dear Families,
We hope many of you were able to experience our annual school dance last Friday and enjoy this fun community event. This year the theme was 'Come Together' and this is what the night embodied. Seeing students, parents, and other family members come together to smile, dance, and laugh was the perfect way to close out the month of January.
February is a month were we remember and acknowledge the stories and contributions of African American in our History. We elevate these stories not only this month, but all year. As a school, we acknowledge and celebrate that “Black is Beautiful.” Together, we will make a mural with poems and drawings to represent all of the things in our world that are black and beautiful. We hope that once this mural is complete you can come see the amazing work of our cougars.
Tomorrow we honor the Lunar New Year and are eager to celebrate and learn with our student this upcoming week. On Friday, February 16th we will be celebrating the Lunar New Year at our school assembly. We wish you all celebrating a joyous day and prosperous year!
Warmly,
Chhoun and Brooke
Important Dates:
- January 26-Feb 9 - Math Challenge
- February 13 PTA General Board Meeting @ 6:00 in Library
- February 16th Lunar New Year Assembly
- February 19-28 - No school, Mid-Winter Break
- March 8th Science Festival @6:00
Arrival and Dismissal Reminders
Families, we want to remind that our school doors open for breakfast at 7:40, this is for any student eating breakfast. If your child is not eating breakfast our school doors open at 7:50 and below is where students based on grade level should be waiting and entering the building. Please know that there is not student supervision prior to 7:40.
Preschool students will need to be dropped off at their class exterior door.
Kinder/1/2 grade students will line up near the glass windows in the front of the building.
3/4/5 graders will line up in the under covered area.
Bus riders and walks will walk to their designated grade level waiting spaces to enter the building.
We are doing our best to support the traffic flow at both arrival and dismissal time. We understand that arrival and dismissal can be challenging, please be patient. We are working with the City of Clyde Hill and our Facilities department this upcoming week to brainstorm other ideas to help with the flow of traffic. Thank you for you support and understanding.
Dismissal Reminder
Please remember that school dismisses at 2:30pm daily, and 12:15pm on Wednesday, and to pick up your child/children promptly. For students left after school, office staff will first contact parents via text and phone, and then emergency contacts, for pick up. Thank you.
Private School Applications & Records Requests
With Private School Application season in full swing, please make sure to follow the BSD process for requesting records for private schools.
Visit https://bsd405.org/departments/records/private-school-applications/ for the complete process. Remember to allow a minimum of two weeks for records to be processed. Thank you.
Virtue of the Month- Kindness
Our Virtue of the Month for January is ‘kindness.’ Kindness is showing you care are about another. It is being thoughtful about people’s needs. Kindness is showing love and compassion to something who is sad or needs your help. Kindness is treating yourself and others gently. It is caring about the earth and all living things.
Questions Stems
How we you practice kindness?
What does kindness mean to you?
How can you practice kindness at home? At school?
Why is kindness important?
When was a time you showed kindness?
When was a time you showed kindness?
What is hard about demonstrating kindness?
What is easy about demonstrating kindness?
Monthly Safety Practice Drill- Lockdown
Washington state law and Bellevue School District policy require all schools to hold at least one drill per calendar month while school is in session. This month, we will be conducting a lockdown drill and practicing actions to help keep us safe in the event of a threat or intruder.
Please note that a lockdown is considered a preventative measure and is not the same as an Active Threat.
During a lockdown drill, students learn about the importance of listening to school staff and following instructions quickly and quietly.
Lockdown is initiated when there is a threat to the campus or school. All threats are taken seriously. In the interest of student safety, lockdown may be initiated while the nature of the threat is evaluated. Staff are trained to lock classroom doors, shut off the lights, close the blinds, and to continually assess the situation.
Please talk with your student about preparing for emergencies and disasters. Encourage them to talk about their concerns and express their feelings. Emphasize that even though sometimes things happen that we may not expect, there are lots of things we can do to help us stay safe.
For more information on talking to your child about school safety, you might want to visit the website https://www.mhanational.org/talking-kids-about-school-safety.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Progress Reports
The first semester progress report will be available next week in StudentVue beginning Friday, February 9th after 12:00 PM. Please know that sometimes access can take time, if you do not see your child's progress report at this time, check back towards the end of the day. All progress reports will be available digitally through StudentVue. Kindergarten families will receive a paper copy, which will be sent home on next Friday.
Progress reports are intended to provided you information on how your child is growing and progressing in school socially, emotionally, and academically. We are proud of each of our cougars for their incredible efforts in school!
Need help accessing on StudentVue? Click on the following attachments to see a step by step break down. We are here to help, please email us if you have questions or need support in accessing.
Upcoming Event
Science Festival
We are excited to share about the upcoming the Clyde Hill PTA's Science Festival at Clyde Hill Elementary that promises to be both educational and fun for our students.
Date: March 8th 2024
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Location: Gymnasium, Clyde Hill Elementary
What: Student Science Posters, Live Demonstrations (including robotics), Pop-up Activity Stations
Register a poster: https://forms.gle/2aBqmr8A5EbhW5vN9
Volunteer: http://tinyurl.com/CHEScienceFest2024Volunteers
The Science Festival is a platform for our students to explore their creativity, curiosity, and passion for science. We believe that your guidance and support can make a significant difference in making their participation even more enriching.
All families are invited to attend (no registration required) the Science Festival regardless of whether or not a student creates a science project poster board. Students who would like to participate should register by clicking the Registration link by March 4th 12:00 PM. We have a limited number of poster boards available for pick up so, please select if you need a poster board in the registration form. A handbook with details of the Science Festival is also attached to this email.
Additionally, if any of you are interested in volunteering or contributing, please sign-up in the link for volunteer. Your involvement is highly valued and appreciated.
We believe that with your involvement, our students can truly shine in the Science Festival. Thank you for being a crucial part of this exciting journey. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to manasa.nandyal@outlook.com
Let's make this Science Festival an inspiring and memorable experience for our young scientists!
For more information check https://www.clydehillpta.org
The Science Festival handbook has been translated using a tool, please know there may be inaccuracies. Thank you for understanding.
School District News and Resources
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.
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.
Information Event: Real Madrid Foundation Summer Camp
The USA Real Madrid Foundation Project Manager, Marcos Lerma, will host an Information Event at Highland Middle School on February 14 from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. to meet with all the families who would like to learn more about the Real Madrid Foundation Summer Camp, to be held July 15-19 at Highland Middle School. They still have around 50 more applications available. Mr. Lerma will be selecting an attendee to give a FREE full uniform. Don't miss it!
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.
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.
Social Studies Text Book Adoption
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.
4th grade Social Studies Textbook Adoption - Simplified Chinese Version:
四年级社会学教材选择
2023-24 学年,四年级社会课将尝试使用新材料。这些资源包括《我们所处的状态:华盛顿》(3-5 年级版)教科书和《华盛顿,By and By:社区规划图画小说》。
我们邀请社区成员使用下面的链接来了解这些资源。
我们所处的州:华盛顿(3-5 年级版)- The State We’re In: Washington (Grades 3-5 Edition)
华盛顿,By and By:社区规划图画小说 - Washington, By and By: A Community Planning Graphic Novel
反馈调查:感谢您提供有关资源的反馈:
四年级社会课教材选择家庭与社区调查 - 4th Grade Social Studies Curriculum Adoption Family & Community Survey
4th grade Social Studies Textbook Adoption – Spanish Version:
Adopción de libros de texto de estudios sociales de cuarto grado
Las clases de estudios sociales de cuarto grado participarán en el uso experimental de nuevos materiales durante el año escolar 2023-24. Los recursos incluyen el libro de texto El estado en el que estamos: Washington (edición para los grados 3 a 5) y Washington, By and By: A Community Planning Graphic Novel.
Invitamos a los miembros de la comunidad a explorar los recursos utilizando los enlaces a continuación.
- El estado en el que nos encontramos: Washington (edición de grados 3 a 5) - The State We’re In: Washington (Grades 3-5 Edition)
- Washington, poco a poco: una novela gráfica de planificación comunitaria - Washington, By and By: A Community Planning Graphic Novel
Encuesta de Comentarios
Gracias por brindarnos comentarios sobre los recursos: Adopción del plan de estudios de estudios sociales de cuarto grado Encuesta familiar y comunitaria - 4th Grade Social Studies Curriculum Adoption Family & Community Survey.
Just In Case You Missed It
Register for Spring for Schools, Hosted by the Bellevue Schools Foundation
I'm excited to share that Spring for Schools 2024 registration is live! You are invited to attend Bellevue Schools Foundation's annual event on Saturday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m., and I truly hope to see you there! As a reminder, Bellevue Schools Foundation provides critical funding to our school-- you can take a look at the programs supported in our classrooms here. {Insert a line about a favorite program of yours/why you believe funding from BSF is critical} The evening will offer attendees a chance to connect with one another and teachers, and explore the initiatives funded by BSF in their signature Education Showcase.
Event registration is free, and childcare will be provided as capacity allows. Additional event details can be found here. The purpose of the evening is to raise funding so that BSF can continue to provide transformational opportunities for our students and teachers — please consider making a donation here.
Please reach out to our PTSA BSF Ambassador, David Cordova (dcordova@deloitte.com) if you have any questions about the event
Clyde Hill Math Challenge 2024
Welcome to the Clyde Hill Math Challenge! Submissions due Feb 9!
We believe math is for everyone!
https://www.clydehillpta.org/mathchallenge
Available in English, Español, 简体中文, हिंदी, 日本語, 한국어, Русский, українська
You may also pick up printed copies from the front office.
Our goal is to encourage participation, learn and have fun! Within each grade, the class with the most participation wins Beast Academy puzzle books for their class! You do not need to finish the packet to participate. To participate, you only have to try!
If you would like the challenge translated into another language, please email us at math-challenge@clydehillpta.org.
Thank you!
Have fun mathing!
¡Diviértete con las matemáticas!
祝你数学愉快!
गणत का आनंद ल!
楽しく数学しましょう!
즐거운 수학 되세요!
Занимайтесь математикой с удовольствием!
Бажаємо весело провести час з математикою!
Clyde Hill PTA
BSD 2023-24 Cultural Calendar
The Bellevue School District learning community is comprised of a multitude of cultures, traditions, histories, identities, experiences and faith backgrounds. BSD strives to acknowledge and affirm each and every student, family and staff member. In collaboration with members of the Communications Ambassadors, BSD has developed a cultural calendarthat incorporates the lived experiences of our community.
Monthly Acknowledgement: Black History Month
Monthly Recognitions: CTE Month
2024 Observances:
- February 1, 2024 – National Freedom Day
- National Freedom Day celebrates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in 1865.
- February 5 – 9, 2024 – National School Counseling Week
- 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.
- February 14, 2024 – Ash Wednesday
- 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 14, 2024 – Valentine’s Day
- 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, 2024 – March 1, 2024 – Public Schools Week
- 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.