We are excited to have a guest teacher this year from Spain. He has been a fantastic asset to our school community. We had a host family for the first trimester. We are looking for a host family for the remainder of the year (December 20, 2024, to June 18, 2025).

If you may be interested in hosting or if you would like to find out more, please get in touch with Sahnica Washington at smwashington@seattleschools.org

Message from the Current Host Family:

We are hosting Miquel currently, and can't speak highly enough about our experience. Miquel is kind, responsible, and a joy to host, and our children (3.5 and 5.5 years old) adore him. We would happily extend our hosting agreement except we have family visiting and travel in the new year. If you are considering hosting but hesitant or want to hear more, you are welcome to reach out to me at meisner.julianne@gmail.com.

Miquel’s Bio:

Hi, I’m Miquel. I’m from Barcelona, Spain, and I’m 24 years old. I have two younger sisters, aged 22 and 19. I consider myself a family-oriented, active, and committed person. My friends describe me as sensitive, sociable, and with a good sense of humor, while my colleagues at work say I’m responsible, dedicated, proactive, and fun. I’m passionate about music: I play the guitar, ukulele, and love to sing. In my free time, I enjoy playing card games, board games, and reading. When I was younger, I used to play chess and tennis. I want to live new experiences and to learn a lot!

If you want me to tell you more about myself, just let me know. Thank you so much.

Miquel

Parents, we have heard you, and we are happy to confirm that the rumors are true! The PTA will be hosting this school year's first Parents Night Out. For our new families not aware of PNO, this is a fundraiser for the PTA and a well-loved one by all BHIS parents. On December 13th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., families can drop their kids off for a fun night of activities at our school. Parents can use this time to holiday shop, do laundry, go for dinner, or take a good old-fashioned nap. The options are endless. For more information on PNO, read the PTA section of the TTT newsletter.

Please don't forget that December 4th is Picture Retake Day! If you missed picture day, are a new student, or would like to redo your child's picture, please mark your calendars for December 4. If you would like to have your child's picture retaken, please ensure your child brings all their prints to the photographer so that you are not charged any additional fee.

This is a reminder that the last day for fall After-School Enrichment is December 12th. Please mark your calendars accordingly. Also, keep an ear out for additional information about the Winter Program offers. Romelle Bradford and the PTA are working hard to bring exciting new programs!

Please make sure that you check lost and found (located outside of the cafeteria) for any missing items before Winter Break!

The GLT wants to thank you all for bringing your plastics to school and preventing so much plastic from ending in landfills! Because of you, the event was a huge success!

We’re bringing the yearbook back this year! If you’ve taken, or plan to take, photos at school events, we would love to include them. Please upload your photos to bit.ly/24-25-BHIS-Yearbook.

Join us for a Principal/PTA Chat at 8:00 AM in the cafeteria. Enjoy a cup of coffee, hear important updates from our Principal, and share your thoughts with the PTA on how we can work together to support our school community.

Take a break while the kids enjoy a fun evening at school! We are hosting a Parents Night Out on Friday, December 13th, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The cost is $30 per child (siblings welcome if they are potty-trained). Activities will include dancing, a movie, and holiday crafts! Register here.

Sign up to volunteer here, and your child(ren) attend for free.

Another way to show your appreciation

Consider a general donation to help us gift BHIS Spirit Wear to our hardworking staff.

Dessert December! Show your appreciation for the teachers by dropping off some delicious treats. (Please remember to label ingredients for homemade items.)

Being involved in the PTA allows you to connect with teachers and fellow parents, have a say in school programming, and positively impact our school community.

As many know, Seattle Public Schools are facing a significant budget deficit. The PTA plays a crucial role in supporting our school by helping to bridge the gap and provide valuable programming. Some of the ways we support our school include:

• School supplies

• Spirit Wear

• Community events and celebrations

• Afterschool programs

• Gym and playground supplies

• Library enhancements

• Tutoring and teacher grants

• Yearbook

• 5th-grade camp

• Grade-level celebrations

• And much more!

Get Involved

We need your help to continue supporting these efforts! If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved in any of the following areas, please fill out this form:

• Co-President

• Co-Secretary

• Grant Writing Committee

• Fundraising Committee

• Yearbook Committee

• Community Engagement Coordinator

• Pod Parent for each grade or class

• Monthly Teacher Appreciation Coordinator

• Move-A-Thon Volunteers

• Volunteer Coordinator

• Supply Drive Coordinator

• 5th Grade Graduation Committee

• Events Committee

• Event Photographers

• Ad-hoc Volunteers

We look forward to working together to make this year memorable for our students and families!

Thank you for your continued support,

Beacon Hill International School PTA
info@beaconhillpta.org

We are so close to reaching our goal! Please continue to donate and share our QR code!

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression that can impact individuals of all ages, including children and adults. It typically emerges during the fall and winter months, coinciding with shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure, which can affect one’s mood and overall well-being. In addition to SAD, others may experience a milder variation called the “winter blues.” Feeling slightly melancholic during the colder months is a natural response to the changing seasons.

Below are a few resources providing comprehensive information about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). These resources highlight warning signs to look out for and offer practical strategies for effectively managing symptoms if they happen to show up. A free virtual workshop on breathwork and meditation, designed especially for child caregivers, is included.

Resources:

Read: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (for Parents) | Nemours Kids Health

Seasonal Affective Disorder in Kids: Tips for Parents - Cincinnati Children's Blog

Watch: Bing Videos

For caregivers: Breathwork - Free Weekly Class • Redmond Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

For the SPS 2024-2025 Academic Calendar, click here.

December

December 3: BHIS Dental Sealant Day

December 4: School Picture Retake/Makeup Day

December 12: Last Week of After-School Enrichment

December 13: Parents Night Out (5:00p - 8:30p)

December 13: Principal/PTA Chat (8:00 am Cafeteria)

December 20: (1-hour Early Dismissal)

December 23: January 3 Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

Upcoming Dates

January 1: HAPPY NEW YEAR

January 3: End of Winter Break

January 6: Return to School from Winter Break

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr Day (NO SCHOOL)