
The Phoenix Flame Family Edition
A weekly newsletter that will light your way.
Week of February 10th - 14th
I hope you all have a great weekend, and week ahead!
This week was Counselor Appreciation Week! Our two counselors, Megan Wardle (9-12) and Joanna Sappenfeld (K-8) are fabulous! They work really hard for all of us! Please feel free to let them know how much you appreciate them!
This coming week we do not have school on Friday 2/14 for our snow make up day! This is part of a long weekend, with no school on Monday 2/17 for President's day, and PD day for teachers on 2/18, also resulting in no school for students.
It is the time of year that we start looking ahead towards Graduation! For our seniors, you will want to make sure you are caught up with what you need, so I've moved the Senior newsletter up to the top to make sure you see it!
Black History Month Theme: African Americans and Labor
From the White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/01/national-black-history-month-2025/
From the Smithsonian: https://www.si.edu/events/black-history-month
Multi Governmental Partnership: https://blackhistorymonth.gov/
ASALH - The founders of Black History Month: https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/
From Google Blog: https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/diversity/black-history-month-2025/
Where to celebrate Black History Month around the Sound: https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/events/where-to-celebrate-black-history-month-around-seattle-in-2025/
Visiting our school?
We are located in portable 10 behind Liberty Middle School 7319 Eustis Hunt Rd. E Spanaway, WA 98387 (see map).
1) Enter where it says "Buses Only" just behind Pioneer Valley.
2) Parking is available next to the star (our portable) on the grass/gravel.
Call us if you have questions 253-800-3100
Tips for Success
For Students, From Students
The topic for this week's "Tips for Success" For Students, From Students is: PROCRASTINATION.
Procrastination (noun): to delay something that needs to be done.
News for All Families
Do you need to change the settings so your name shows when you join a Zoom meeting?
CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW for a step-by-step document that shows you how to fix this.
Elementary News (K - 5)
Parents:
Please read your Teacher Newsletters or Homepage on Canvas for class updates & reminders.
ELEMENTARY CLASS MEETINGS:
Zoom links are posted in Canvas Courses and in Weekly Newsletters & Emails.
- Kindergarten:
- Mondays at 11 am
- 1st Grade:
- Mondays at 1 pm
- 2nd grade:
- Tuesdays at 9 am
- 3rd grade:
- Tuesdays at 10 am
- Please check Homepage and Newsletter for updates.
- 4th grade:
- Tuesdays at 9 am.
- Schedule your Check in Appointment in Canvas every other week.
- Read your novel and complete all worksheets while you go, not all at once.
- 5th grade:
- Tuesdays at 10 am
Secondary News (6 - 12)
Skills USA
Calling all 7th - 12th graders!
We would love for you to join us this year on Zoom for SkillsUSA club! It will take place every other Thursday from 2-3pm. The next meeting will be on February 20th. We'll enjoy a student-led presentation from our leadership team, play a game and learn more about all SkillsUSA has to offer--including the first Guest Speaker!
What is SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA is a club for students who want to become leaders and excel in their future careers and life as both a student and in the workforce. The club at BVA will be held every other Thursday on Zoom from 2-3pm.
Things to look forward to this year:
- Guest Speakers from all types of Careers
- Virtual Field Trips
- Escape Rooms
- Fun and Games and more!
Email either one of us if you have any questions:
Mrs. Johnson at shajohnso@bethelsd.org
Mr. Johnson at petjohnso@bethelsd.org
ZOOM LINK:
https://bethelsd.zoom.us/j/85476446245?pwd=WefwrOBBA1OqPeGusWhzsCYnHla8fO.1
We hope to see you all there!
Weekly Academic Contact for January 28th - February 1st
Elementary Attendance ~ 97%
Middle School ~ 98%
High School ~ 96%
BOL ~ 91%
School Total: 96%
Counselor's Corner Information
Stories of the Week
February 5th, 2025
- February 10, 24: One Hour Late Arrival Days
- February 14: No School (Unused snow make-up day)
- February 17: No School (President's Day)
- February 18: No School for Students (Waiver Day #2)
You can find the full district calendar at https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/district-calendar
Podcast Episode 120: The alternative high school experience
This week we sit down with Challenger High School's academic counselor and two seniors to learn how its alternative high school experience is positively impacting the education of students. Listen at https://www.bethelsd.org/podcast or search “Bethel School District” wherever you listen to podcasts.
Transportation earns 100% on Washington State Patrol inspection
The Washington State Patrol recently conducted an unannounced drop-in inspection of our Transportation Services Center. And we are proud to announce that our staff received a 100%! This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the entire team – from mechanics ensuring the fleet is safe and road-ready, to drivers and staff maintaining compliance and safety standards every single day. Their efforts continue to ensure the safety of our students and uphold the high standards of our Transportation Department. Great job!
National School Counseling Week
It’s National School Counseling Week! Thank you to ALL of our school counselors for their dedication and unwavering support helping our students thrive!
National Girls & Women in Sports Day
This week marks the 39th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Let’s celebrate the occasion with Spanaway Lake High School superstar bowler Tamia Yeager, who was featured on King 5 News this week! https://www.king5.com/article/sports/local-sports/prep-zone-spanaway-lake-bowling-sensation/281-ce5f8b1e-6e5d-4641-be91-4065400a0b6c
BHS Cheerleader named Athlete of the Week
We want to give a big shout out to Bethel High School cheerleader Ella Blue for being named a WIAA Athlete of the Week! Way to go, Ella! https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1032658128906172&set=a.630244575814198
Technology and Art Fair: Feb. 22
Mark your calendars! Our annual Technology and Art Fair will be held February 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spanaway Lake High School! https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=988786486626670&set=a.630244575814198
Pack the Gym: Feb. 27
This year's Pack the Gym event is on February 27 at Spanaway Lake High School starting at 6 p.m. Admission is FREE! Pack the Gym is a friendly competition between our high schools' and Transition Lab's Unified Basketball teams! Unified Sports is part of the Special Olympics program and is a wonderful opportunity for students with disabilities to participate in sports and whole school events. Local food truck vendor P&J's Waffle Delight will be in the parking lot, light snacks and drinks will be available at the concessions stand, there will be entertainment put on by our high schools, and most importantly, we'll be cheering on our Unified Basketball teams as they play each other to determine this year's winner!
Transportation Hiring Event: March 4
Our amazing transportation team is hosting another hiring event in March! At these events there are opportunities for on-the-spot interviews and potential day-of job offers. The next hiring event will be on March 4 from 2 to 6 p.m. at our Transportation Service Center (5625 192nd St E, Puyallup, WA 98375).
Paraeducator Hiring Event: March 12
We’re hosting another hiring event geared towards Special Education Paraeducators, including 1:1 Instructional Paras! Join our team to support teachers and students in special education classrooms. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom activities, working one-on-one or in small groups with students, and supervising student activities. These part-time roles are perfect for parents, grandparents and community members looking for work that aligns with school schedules. Enjoy working the same days students attend school, with the same breaks off, and make a difference in students’ lives.
- Location: Educational Service Center (516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387)
- Date: March 12, 2025
- Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
School Board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Bethel School District's Educational Service Center (ESC), 516 176th St. E., Spanaway 98387 unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome! To join via Zoom, visit https://bethelsd.diligent.community/Portal/
- February 11: Regular School Board Meeting
- February 25: Regular School Board Meeting
Anything Below this Line is Repeat Information
BVA Library!
Our BVA Library has had some new additions! Stop by the office and take a look! :)
Important Dates 24/25
FEBRUARY
- February 3, 10, 24: One Hour Late Start Days
- February 14: No School
- February 17: No School
- February 18: No School for Students
- February 19th & 20th: MAP Determinations
- February 24th - 28th: UNSAT Meetings
Need an Appointment? No problem!
Sometimes you just need a few minutes to talk to the Principal! I have created some appointment times every Friday for students/parents who would like a zoom meeting with me! Here is the link to create an appointment based on my availability.