Dear BHIS Families,

I hope this message finds you well. As we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, I want to ensure that every child feels welcomed, protected, and secure at school.

The following paragraph contains the SPS procedures for limiting immigration enforcement at school in the unlikely event that immigration enforcement officers try to gain access to our school.

1. We will not allow immigration enforcement officers into the building or provide them with any student information.
2. If immigration enforcement officers come to the school, they will not be allowed/buzzed in. Principal Washington is the point of contact and will exit the building to communicate with them. If Principal Washington is available, Mx. Stevie is the point of contact. No one else will engage with them.
3. Principal Washington and/or Mx. Stevie will inform the officers that they cannot enter the building. If they have any legal documents, we will gather them and send them to our legal counsel. Then, we will ask them to leave the premises.

I want to reiterate that immigration enforcement officers will not gain access to our building or receive any student information. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Sahnica Washington (Proud Principal of BHIS)

While it may seem that BLACK History is separate from American History, the truth is that there is no American History without BLACK HISTORY. So, don't just sit back, but learn all about Black History!

This is a reminder that the lower playground closes at 2:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. We ask that everyone be respectful and mindful of the times.

We are adjusting the dismissal area for our 4th and 5th grade students. Due to safety concerns, we will be dismissing students to the lower playground. Our 4th and 5th graders' class area will be in front of the tiger mural. Please remember that our lower playground hours are 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. We ask that the playground be exited at the respective times.

Many of our families may be anxious about the recent executive orders. It is essential to us that we do not add to anyone's anxiety by providing untruths or responding to third-party information. Seattle Public Schools has a strict protocol for those who can gain access inside all 106 Seattle Public Schools. You can read that protocol here! Please note that the SPS District partners with our state, county, and city officials to ensure we comply with state law. Here is a letter from Superintendent Reykdal from Washington State OSPI outlining our state policy. You can also click here to read the State Law (RCW 43.10.310)

Here are some things you can do to ensure you get the most accurate, on-time information, and ways of supporting the community and yourself.

1. Make sure we have your most current email and telephone numbers.

2. Make sure that your emergency contact information is current at school. (Have you updated who can pick up your child in your absence)

3. Ensure your kids arrive at school on time and are picked up on time.

4. Use the correct doors during drop-off and pickup.

5. Don't hold doors for anyone.

6. Always enter the building using the appropriate doors.

7. Look/Listen for ways to support each other and the community.

8. If you're interested in learning ways to help support our community, please reach out here!

We have completed our first week of winter ASEP! Kiddos seem to be enjoying themselves. Please ensure you pick up your kids at 3:45 p.m. in their designated area.

We are looking for volunteers to help support outside recess during the day. Please email Robb Valentine at revalentine@seattleschools.org for more information or to answer any questions you might have.

Due to safety concerns, we regret to inform you that we must cancel our Valentine's Day Parents Night Out. We have enjoyed doing these and know BHIS kids also enjoyed it. Please accept our profound apology.

- BHIS Black Family Council.

Our kinders and first graders are studying animals of South America and animals of the PNW. Our goal is for each student to stay excited about learning and sharing their knowledge about the animals we talk about in class. We want each student to be able to take a magazine home to share with their families. Support Here!

It's Soul Food February! Show staff appreciation by bringing in any soul-comforting food from any culture (snacks and drinks are also welcome) anytime during the school day on Wednesday, February 12. Please label ingredients for homemade items.

The Move a Thon will be on April 11th! If you would like to volunteer, please get in touch with the PTA!

BHIS will have a Yearbook this year! If you have any pictures that you think would be good in our YEARBOOK, please send them to the PTA!

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

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

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

February

February 1: Admissions Fair will be held at the John Stanford Center, 10 am- 2 pm.

Open Enrollment School Choice priority applications will be accepted (tiebreakers apply).

February 4: Open House Night (5:30p) (Mercer Middle School /Prospective 6th Graders)

February 7: Lunar New Year Celebration (Staff and Students Only)

February 12: Teacher Appreciation

February 17: Mid-Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

February 18: Mid-Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

February 19: Mid-Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

February 20: Mid-Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

February 21: Mid-Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

February 28: Black History Celebration (Staff and Students Only)

Upcoming Dates

April 11: Move A Thon

April 14 - 18: Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)