Tiger Tales
Newsletter #3 - September 1, 2023
· Language Access: Español | 简体中文 | Pусский | Tiếng Việt | 한국어 | العربية
Dear Families,
It was so fun to see many of you and reconnect during Kindergarten Camp and Teacher Meet and Greet. The first few days of school bring a mixture of emotions, from nervousness to excitement. While we collectively have experienced many first days, each time is always special. Please read the information below in preparation for the fun that is the first week of school. We appreciate everyone's support in following school procedures and requests, especially with arrival and dismissal.
Before then, rest, rejuvenate, and we'll see you soon!
With anticipation,
Betty Nhan, (nhanb@bsd405.org)
Kati Weiland, (weilandk@bsd405.org)
Upcoming Events
September 4 - No School- Labor Day
September 5 - First Day of School for Grades 1- 5
September 8 - First Day of Kindergarten
September 11- First day of Preschool
September 13 - Curriculum Night, 5:30-7pm
- 5:30pm - 5:55pm: Grades PreK-2 Classroom Presentation
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6:00pm - 6:25pm: Principals' Presentation & Specialist Meet and Greet
6:30pm - 6:55pm: Grades 3-5 Classroom Presentation
Come join other Pre-school families for playdates:
September 7 - Medina Park, 6:30pm
September 10 - Medina Park, 9:30am
Traffic Flow during Arrival and Dismissal
If you need to drive to school to drop your child(ren) off, please follow these guidelines:
1. Use the designated drop-off/pick-up lane when dropping off/picking up children curbside. Children should exit the car curbside as cars continue to move in the left-hand lane.
2. When using the drop off / pick-up lane:
a. Pull as far forward as possible in the rear drop-off/pick-up lane. Drop off/pick up your child(ren) on the curbside and pull back into the left lane to exit.
b. Remain in your car at all times, and refrain from using your cell phone.
c. Please keep the line moving! If you need to talk with another parent or a teacher, park your vehicle in a parking space.
The entire circular drive is a FIRE LANE and there is NO PARKING in a FIRE LANE. Vehicles that are stopped and unattended can be ticketed by the Medina Police at any time during the day. To ensure the safety of our students in case of an emergency, please park in the designated parking spots around the school.
If you have someone new picking your child up, please take a moment to share with them how the drop off/pick up lane works.
Locations for Arrival and Dismissal
Students should not be dropped off before 7:45am as there is no supervision before that time. Students will be let in through their assigned arrival spots starting at 7:55am. Our front doors remain closed until 8:00am, so students should go to their arrival spot.
Arrival Logistics
Car Riders – ARRIVE BETWEEN 7:45-8:00AM.
If your child is coming to school via car, please use the above map for arrival. Please pull all the way forward to unload after the crosswalk. This will take patience and teamwork and we have staff to support in following this guideline.
Please say your goodbyes as you pull into the school lot, have your child exit quickly, and then pull away slowly. Car riders will unload throughout the whole loop. If your child needs help to unbuckle or carry their supplies/bag, please park in a designated spot so that you have more time to safely help your child.
Walkers – ARRIVE AT 8:00AM, PICKUP AT 2:35PM
Please use the right sidewalk to pick up your walker. See map above.
Bus – WILL ARRIVE TO SCHOOL AROUND 7:50AM AND LEAVE SCHOOL AROUND 2:40PM
Dismissal Logistics
Walkers and Bus Riders will be dismissed at 2:30.
CAR RIDERS will be dismissed as follows. If you have a 1st Grader or 2nd Grader, please arrive as one of the first cars in the lot for easier dismissal.
- K: 2:35pm
- 1st: 2:30pm
- 2nd: 2:30pm
- 3rd: 2:32pm
- 4th: 2:32pm
- 5th: 2:35pm
Please follow staff directions while in the car loop and remember that we will NOT be loading any students before the crosswalk at dismissal for safety purposes. Stay in your cars at all times and continue to pull forward while you are waiting.
When your child is available for pickup, please encourage your child to quickly enter the car, buckle up, and pull away slowly.
Bell Schedule
Transportation
We encourage you to have your child ride the bus or walk to school with a group of other children. You can also carpool with neighbors. Traffic around Medina is very congested during pick-up and drop-off times. Fewer vehicles make the transition easier for everyone! Plan for a few extra minutes in your morning or afternoon routine if you drop your child(ren) off or pick them up.
See here for the bus route website: https://bsd405.org/departments/transportation/bus-routes/ or please call Transportation at (425)456-4512.
School Attendance
Prompt and regular school attendance by students is important to support their growth, development, and daily learning. At Medina, student supervision begins under the covered recess area (to left of main entrance) at 7:45. There is no supervision before 7:45am.
A student is considered tardy if they are not in class by 8:05am. Thank you in advance for your support in ensuring your child(ren) is/are on time and ready to learn each day.
If your child will be absent or late, please email medinaattendance@bsd405.org or call the Medina Attendance Hotline at 425-456-5401 as soon as you are aware an absence will occur. We value your child’s safety and need to know where they are if not in school. The school requires a written note or phone message from the child’s legal guardian explaining the absence or late arrival. If a student misses more than half of the day (50%), it is considered an absence.
Staffing Updates
News Across the District
Bellevue Family Hub
Bellevue Family Hub - New Hours and New Second Location!
The Bellevue Family Hub has new hours at its location at Highland Middle School and recently opened a second site at Stevenson Elementary. Families can receive emergency financial assistance and support for basic needs. Students and families can also attend free educational workshops and get connected to community organizations in a welcoming safe environment. The Bellevue Family Hub is generously supported through district partner, Bellevue LifeSpring.
Bellevue Family Hub Locations and Hours
Hours effective starting September 5, 2023.
The Hub at Highland Middle School
15027 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue, WA 98007
Hours:
- Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Hub at Stevenson Elementary School
14220 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98007
Hours:
- Mondays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled by emailing Help@BellevueLifeSpring.org. Walk-ups are also welcome. Learn more on the Bellevue LifeSpring website.
Bellevue Youth Theatre - Fall Audition Information
The Bellevue Youth Theatreis a community theater for youth, teens and families. Fall auditions, open to students age 5 and older for all performances, will take place on September 7 and 8 at Bellevue Youth Theatre. Everyone who auditions will be cast in a production. There is no cost to participate for Bellevue residents.
· 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.