Spiritridge Principals Update

It has been a long three days since the stormy winds came through the Puget Sound. We know that many of you may still not have power and hope you are all safe. Bellevue School District will continue to send updates via email, text. social media and the BSD website. Stay up to date by checking those for more information about school openings or closings.

Reminder: Next week (11/25-27) is Early Release Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 1:20 for teacher conferences. And then No School on Thursday/Friday for Thanksgiving Weekend. Your child's teacher would have communicated with you about Teacher conferences. Pleaser reach out to them directly with any questions.

We want to share our gratitude to our Orca Community for such great support with our Book Fair and our BINGO night. We had a huge turnout of families at Barnes and Noble - they said it was the biggest book fair night they have had. It was so festive and fun! Thank you for supporting our Library and students. And BINGO Night was another big success the following evening. Students were quite excited and loved wining some prizes.

Shout Out to our amazing PTSA and volunteers to create such meaningful community events for our students and families. It's Always a Great Day to be an Orca!!

In Partnership,

May and Scott

November 25-27: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday = Early Release @ 1:20 PM

November 26, Tuesday - Lockout Drill

November 28th - 29th (Thursday - Friday) - Thanksgiving: No School

December 3, Tuesday - Education Connections: Parenting Strategies @ Interlake HS 6:30-8:00 PM

December 21-January 5 - Winter Break - No School. Return on Monday January 6, 2025

January 20, Monday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated in November to honor the history, culture, and achievements of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island communities. It's also a time to recognize the contributions of Indigenous people to the nation and to honor veterans who have served in the military. the theme for 2024 is Celebrating Resilience and Strength.

We celebrate with our Native American families and community as we recognize and honor their stories, history, and achievements. We also mourn with them over what has been taken from them while recognizing their continued resilience and strength in preserving their culture, improving lives, protecting resources and building community to ensure Native Americans can thrive.

Learn more about Native American Communities and Work in Washing State HERE: WASHINGTON TRIBES: https://www.washingtontribes.org/

American Sign Language Club meets on Tuesdays,

Time: 3:35–4:15 PM
Location: Spiritridge Elementary, Library
Led by School Counselor Hailey Weed, with PTSA Volunteer Jennifer Glover. Come explore American Sign Language in a welcoming, fun, and inclusive environment! Whether you’re brand new to ASL or already know a little, this club is for everyone.

Why Join?

• Build Connection – Learn to communicate with friends and peers in new ways!
• Boost Inclusion – Help create a more inclusive school community.
• Learn a New Skill – ASL is great for enhancing memory, focus, and expression.
• Have Fun! – Games, hands-on activities, and engaging lessons.

Everyone is Welcome! No prior experience needed. Please email Hailey to sign up, weedh@bsd405.org

You're Invited to the BSD Language Fair!

Join the Bellevue School District MLL team for an evening dedicated to exploring the world of language learning and helping students and families choose the school and program that matches their interests.

Location: Highland Middle School
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: Drop in anytime from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

What to Expect:

· Discover Your Options: Learn about language programs that meet every student’s needs.

· Explore Programs: Hear about Dual Language Immersion, Bilingual Education, and World Language pathways.

· Celebrate Student Success: View inspiring student work from our language programs.

· Get Your Questions Answered: Chat with knowledgeable district and school staff.

· Connect with Students: Hear firsthand experiences from students currently enrolled in a variety of language programs.

We look forward to helping current and prospective Bellevue School District families explore the possibilities for multilingualism for all. See you on December 3, 2024!

For more information, contact Paris Granville (granvillep@bsd405.org).

Open Houses and 2024-2025 Open Transfer, Choice School and Choice Program Period

The Open Transfer, Choice School and Choice Program Application period for the 2024-2025 school year will open on Monday, December 9, 2024. Students and families are invited to learn more about Bellevue School District schools and programs during upcoming open houses and information events.

· Each school will host an open house during the Open Transfer and Choice School/Program application period.

· Families are invited to the Language Programs Fair on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to learn more about the variety of language offerings available for students.

· Families with students between the ages of three to age five are invited to attend a Preschool Information Session on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, or Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Upcoming Open House Dates for the next two weeks:

o December 4, 2024 – Puesta del Sol Open House, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

o December 5, 2024 – Phantom Lake Open House, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

o December 5, 2024 – Sherwood Forest Open House, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

o December 10, 2024 – Lake Hills Open House, 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.

o December 10, 2024 – Cherry Crest Elementary Open House, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

o December 11, 2024 – Tyee Middle School Open House, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

o December 11, 2024 – Big Picture High School Open House, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

o December 12, 2024 – Big Picture Middle School Open House, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

For all open house and information session dates, times and locations please view the open house webpage.

Attendance Matters!

As we approach Thanksgiving and winter breaks, the Bellevue School District reminds families that it is important to try to avoid missing school days before and after the scheduled breaks. Thanksgiving break is Thursday, November 28 - Friday, November 29, 2024. Winter Break begins Monday, December 23, 2024. Students return to school on Monday, January 6, 2025. If your family is traveling during these breaks, please ensure that your student can rest and get back on schedule prior to the start of school.

Every day of school is important and provides an opportunity for students to learn and connect with peers and teachers. Even two absences a month (excused or unexcused) can significantly impact student learning. Make it a goal to attend five days a week and have fewer than five absences in a semester. If your child is healthy, encourage them to show up to class when school is in session.

We are very thankful for our students and families who do their best to show up daily even when it isn’t easy. We are grateful for our teachers and administrators who make school a welcoming and safe place for students to learn. We appreciate our support staff and community partners who provide the extra attention that our students need.

If your family or your student needs support, please reach out to your school counselor.

The Equity, Family and Community Engagement team is committed to equity driven family and community engagement and support. True engagement is a collective partnership and an essential component to the academic success and well-being of each and every student. Learn more HERE and how to contact our team.

Judy Hunsberger is our Spiritridge Family Services Specialist. She brings years of experience and expertise in supporting families and their needs in the Bellevue community. You can reach her at her BSD email: HUNSBERGERJU@bsd405.org

Family Connection Centers:
The Bellevue School District is committed to affirming and supporting all families and students. Our Family Connections Centers (FCCs) are open to all BSD students and families. Staffed by Family Engagement Specialists, their mission is to connect families with district and community support services, provide them with educational opportunities to better navigate the school system and help them become engaged in the education of their children.

Now Available! 2023-24: Family Connections Annual Resource Application!

If your student qualifies for free and reduced lunch and/or if your family is facing financial hardship, there are several community programs that may be able to help. If you are interested, please complete the online form for each BSD student so that your family can be added to the appropriate community program list.

Note: Being on a program list does not guarantee participation as these programs are funded and managed by our community partners (Bellevue LifeSpring, Backpack Meals, Jubilee REACH, Assistance League of the Eastside, Eastside Baby Corner, Congregation for Kids and more!).

Click Here for the Resource Application

Family Connections Centers serve thousands of Bellevue families each year. While our locations are school based, all BSD families are welcome to walk into any center throughout the district for support. We believe that the support and resources provided by our centers and specialists can benefit all BSD students and their families. We invite you to stop by a center near you. Family Connections Centers are open during school hours when schools are is session.

If you are in need of support, please contact the Family Engagement Specialist assigned to your child’s school (PDF).

New Sensory Friendly Performances – Bellevue Youth Theater

Bellevue Youth Theater is piloting a new program to make theatre more accessible for all: Sensory Friendly Performances. These are performances specifically designed for audiences who are on the spectrum or have other sensory-processing sensitivities.

Sensory friendly performances will have increased lighting, lower sound volumes, a designated quiet zone, sensory guides and complimentary fidgets, items in the lobby that can be touched and explored prior to the show, an actor introduction of the show, and the permitted use of digital devises. Fewer seats will be sold for these shows to make for a more comfortable viewing experience. Our goal is to welcome many into the theatre who may not have been comfortable before. Learn more by calling 425-452-7155

Upcoming sensory friendly performances will include

· The Mummy’s Revenge (November 2, 2:00 p.m.)

· Finding Nemo Jr. (November 23, 7:00 p.m.)

· Twas the Night Before Christmas (December 14, 2:00 p.m.)

Supports for our Community

With the holidays approaching, there are numerous ways that our community can provide support for one another. Here are opportunities to Belong, Learn and Lead.

We Belong:

· For anyone needing access to temporary warming centers or charging stations, please view the options available through the City of Redmond and the City of Issaquah. In addition, the City of Bellevue City Hall and the city community centers currently open are available during business hours, as space allows for members of the community to warm up and charge devices during this current widespread power outage. Additional information can be located on the King County Cold Weather Overnight and Daytime Shelters page. The King County Housing authority has a regional services database which allows individuals to find a day or overnight shelter by filtering by needs and other factors.

· The Together Center Share Your Blessings Lunch. This event will include a Thanksgiving-style meal, tea and coffee, giveaways, and the opportunity to break bread and build community together. This free event will take place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP to ensure there are enough meals for all attendees. This year’s Share Your Blessings meal is a collaboration by the Together Center, Essentials First, and the Muslim Community Resource Center.

· The Eastridge Church is providing the community with 1,500 turkeys and bags of groceries, while supplies last. Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, families can pick up one meal and bag of groceries per household. Eastridge Church is located on SE Issaquah-Fall City Road.

· The Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seekers Support project is designed to meet the basic needs of people who have recently arrived in the United States and Washington state but are ineligible for federal refugee services. Participants may be eligible for housing support, immigration-related legal services, and culturally responsive case management. Participants are also connected to medical, education, and job-training resources that are available in the community.

· Apply: Complete and submit the Client Request for Eligibility Screening.

· Learn More: Read Washington state launches Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support Project.

We Learn:

· Northwest Immigrant Rights Project will hold Rapid Response training on November 22, along with the WA Immigrant Solidarity Network - Red de Solidaridad de Inmigrantes en WA. This webinar will share information about existing rapid response networks that support communities and works to keep families together. Registration required.

o RSVP: Sign up online.

We Lead:

· Hopelink’s Lend a Hoping Hand campaign seeks to raise funds with the aim of supporting our community to ensure basic needs are met and everyone can experience warmth and joy during the winter months.

· Mary’s Place is sharing a request for holiday decorations and activities for their community. They hope to create a fun atmosphere for those they support.

Wednesday = 9:05 - 1:20

School Breakfast 8:45-9:05

School Lunches 11:00-1:00

• 2nd Grade: 11:05-11:30
• 4th Grade: 11:10-11:35
• Kindergarten 11:35-12:10
• 3rd Grade 11:55-12:20
• 1st Grade 12:25-12:50
• 5th Grade 12:35-1:00

Elementary (Preschool, Grade K-5)

• · Breakfast – $2.25 - Breakfast will be served 8:45-9:00 in Spiritridge cafeteria
• · Lunch – $4.00

How to Pay for Meals

Nutrition Services uses PayPAMS for online payments for school meals. Go to https://paypams.com/ for more information. PayPAMS will charge a $2.95 fee per family, rather than per student for online credit card payments. PayPAMS can be used to set up low balance reminders, automatic deposits, to transfer funds between students and view account activity. PayPAMS additionally offers an ACH Direct Withdrawal payment option. This option enables families to make payments directly from their bank account. The direct withdrawal option has a $1.95 transaction fee.

· For credit card and ACH Direct Withdrawal payments, there is a $250.00 transaction maximum.

· Families/students may also pay for meals by check or cash at their child’s school. Checks should be made payable to Bellevue School District.

If a student does not have sufficient funds to pay for a school meal, it is the policy of the Bellevue School District to allow the student to charge their meal. Snack bar or a la carte items (including milk only) may not be charged. Parents/guardians are responsible for negative balances on a student’s account. Parents may set limits. Contact Nutrition Services for more information.

Free and Reduced Price Meals

Your child(ren) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals as well as other benefits including a waiver for some school fees. Qualification is based on household size and income. You must reapply every year!

Please visit the Free/Reduced Price Meal page on BSD Nutrition Services for more information and to apply.

https://www.bsd405.org/programs-and-services/nutrition-services/free-and-reduced-price-meals

We encourage all our families to join the Spiritridge PTSA to support our community of learners. There are a variety of ways to be involved, volunteer and participate in school activities, events, leadership, and classrooms. Family involvement is an essential part of our school community and ensure we are providing the best learning experience for all our students.

Learn more and Sign up here: Spiritridge PTSA

https://spiritridge.givebacks.com/

Please review the attached Spiritridge Handbook 2024-2025.

Also, The 2024-2025 Official Notices are now available on the district website, in English, Spanish and Simplified Chinese. Families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the district's
2024-25 Official Notices, which include:

· Student Education Records (FERPA & Directory Information)

· Notice of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

· Notice of Students and Staff Rights and Responsibilities

· Non-Discrimination

· Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

· Notice of Child Find

· Notice of Complaint Resolution

· Notice of Pesticide, Asbestos and Lead

· Weapons

· Truancy

· Career and Technical Education

· Office of the Education Ombuds services

Please read the attached Attendance Acknowledgement document. We will be sending home signature acknowledgements the first week of school as well. Thank you.

Review the 2024-2025 Official Notices

The 2024-2025 Official Notices are now available on the district website, in English, Spanish and Simplified Chinese.

Families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the district's 2024-25 Official Notices, which include:

· Student Education Records (FERPA & Directory Information)

· Notice of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

· Notice of Students and Staff Rights and Responsibilities

· Non-Discrimination

· Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

· Notice of Child Find

· Notice of Complaint Resolution

· Notice of Pesticide, Asbestos and Lead

· Weapons

· Truancy

· Career and Technical Education

· Office of the Education Ombuds services