The month of May includes various celebrations honoring critical members of BSD’s learning community. Join us in celebrating and thanking the educators, nurses, school lunch heroes, and communicators for going above and beyond every day to ensure our students and community can thrive!
This week, we celebrate BSD’s phenomenal educators through Teacher Appreciation Week. All year long, teachers create a sense of safety and belonging for students, provide support and resources to families, and transform classrooms into positive learning environments.
Today is National School Nurse Day, where we acknowledge the accomplishments of school nurses everywhere and their efforts to meet the needs of today’s students by providing and advocating for quality student-centered care and contributing to our local communities by supporting students to stay healthy, in school, safe, and ready to learn.
School Communicators Day is on Friday, May 12, recognizing the valuable work of school public relations professionals and their role in making sure school communities are informed on important issues in the district as well as local, state and federal initiatives that impact students, staff, families and the greater community.
Also celebrated this month was School Lunch Hero Day, which recognizes the difference school nutrition professionals make for every student who comes through their cafeteria by providing healthy meals, serving with smiles and kind words, and encouraging students to try new things to get the nutrients their bodies need.
Creators of Their Future World: May 2023 Highlights
At BSD, students dedicate their time and talents not only to academics, but also to their passions, hobbies, and service to others. This month, we highlight the creators of their future world who have achieved excellence in robotics, horticulture, engineering, performance and the fine arts, and more.
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, we celebrate the diversity of cultures, achievements, and contributions of our AAPI communities who have shaped the American story and embody the diversity of our nation. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese peoples to the United States in 1843 and marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869. The majority of workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
The vast AAPI community comprises a multitude of ethnic groups with distinct histories, cuisines, languages and cultures. BSD is proud to welcome and serve this diverse community in our schools.
Puget Sound Educational Service District recently announced the 15 winners of the Regional High School Art Show, which includes three BSD students. Congratulations to Rachel Jang, sophomore at Bellevue High School, Dahyun Jung, sophomore at Newport High School, and Rachel Han, sophomore at Newport High School, whose entries will advance to the 50th Annual State High School Art Show through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
BSD students received several additional awards at this year’s Regional Art Show, including:
PSESD Board of Directors' Choice Award
Kayli Wong, 10th Grade, Bellevue High School
Superintendent Honorable Mentions
Rachel Jang, 12th Grade, Bellevue High School
Kayli Wong, 10th Grade, Bellevue High School
Board of Directors Honorable Mentions
Rachel Jang, 12th Grade, Bellevue High School
King County Executive Awards
Emily Hu, 12th Grade, Bellevue High School
Central Washington University Scholarship Awards
Serenity by Rachel Jang, 12th Grade, Bellevue High School
Students were honored at the Regional High School Art Show Online Awards Presentation on May 3. Those advancing to the 50th Anniversary Superintendent's High School Art Show will be recognized at Benaroya Hall, in Seattle on May 30, 2023. Congratulations to all the BSD students who participated, and good luck to those advancing to the state show!
BSD students, staff and community members work to achieve sustainable practices throughout the year, including through the recent adoption of Policy 6811 Sustainability. Students, staff and community members also put these practices into action in honor of Earth Day on April 22. Some activities this year included Ditch the Drive/Carpool to School Day, Turn Off the Lights Day (T.O.L.D.), SchoolPool, recycling initiatives, classroom lessons on environmental issues, and more.
Superintendent’s Blog: Celebrating Teachers and Nurses
Incoming Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Aramaki, shares his first blog with the BSD learning community. In this edition, Dr. Aramaki highlights Teacher Appreciation Week, National Nurses Week, and the people behind this incredible work. Join Dr. Aramaki in reaching out to teachers and nurses to let them know how much they are loved and appreciated this week and throughout the year.
In recognition of the valuable work of school public relations professionals, the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) celebrates School Communicators Day this year on Friday, May 12. The Bellevue School District is fortunate to have a team of communications and engagement professionals, whose mission is to share factual and timely messages that serve all community members with accessible information through a transparent and dynamic communications process across all BSD media channels.
The Bellevue School District is proud to be acknowledged by the Washington School Public Relations Association this year for its public relations work, including a special honor awarded to Interim Superintendent, Dr. Art Jarvis, for his dedication in supporting public schools and school communications.
School Transition Update – Student Well-Being Support Team
BSD recently launched an elementary student well-being support team, in preparation for welcoming new school and classroom communities — now and in the fall. This team, made up of educators, including counselors, will be creating and providing resources and making recommendations to ensure that our elementary schools are equipped to welcome new students. The team will also be providing educators with tools for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions (PBIS). This includes things like instruction on making good decisions, solving problems, and being a good friend. It also includes expectations for common areas such as in the lunchroom or at recess. The part educators and students get most excited about, though, are the celebrations of the positive examples by students and classrooms and the opportunities to engage in fun and learning at the same time!
SEL is an essential component of a child’s education and personal growth. By developing social and emotional skills, your child will be better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, build meaningful relationships, and thrive in school and beyond. Research has shown that children who participate in SEL programs demonstrate improved academic performance, increased empathy and self-awareness, and a greater sense of well-being. These skills not only benefit your child’s immediate development, but also set them up for a successful future.
School Transition Update – Welcome Events and Classroom Assignments
The week of May 1, Regional Implementation Teams met to discuss:
School welcoming events – how they are going, and what continues to be planned
Classroom assignments, and the impact of changing enrollment on resource allocation
Finalizing decision such as fall events and school swag, including student input on a mascot for the combined Eastgate and Spiritridge
Regional events will be added to school calendars, and separate work teams are progressing through things like volunteer support for packing and consolidating library resources.
The open transfer process for students attending consolidated schools is now complete, and all families have been notified of their child’s placement for the 2023-24 school year. Families who chose to open transfer to a school other than their new “home/neighborhood” school can always choose to return to their home school at any time. Schools appreciate early decisions whenever possible, as it impacts teacher assignments and grade level configurations. Families are encouraged to reach out to their school principal if they have any questions.
The district is preparing the 2023 Annual Budget for constituent review and school board approval. Funding supports our learning community and ensures that students, staff, and families receive the support necessary for the 2023-24 school year. This is an annual process, and the dates below are when our school community can hear more specific information and hear from administrators and school board members about how we will continue vital programs and services as we manage through declining enrollment.
May 18: Presentation to the board
August 3: Full budget review
August 17: Board vote
Policy 6000 Budget Preparation requires notice and conduct of a budget hearing before approval. A proposed budget must be available to the public by July 10. The annual budget must be adopted by August 31. Legal notifications for certificated staff must be completed by May 15.
Become a Board Director: File a Declaration of Candidacy by Friday, May 19
Are you interested in student, staff and community well-being? Consider a candidacy for becoming a school board director.
The Bellevue School Board of Directors is made up of five community members, one from each geographic region of the district. Districts 1,2 and 4 are open for election in 2023.
Candidates who are interested in running for a school board position must file a Declaration of Candidacy with the King County Elections office during the filing period. The filing period begins the Monday two weeks before Memorial Day and ends the following Friday. This year’s deadline is Friday, May 19. There is no filing fee for school board positions. For step-by-step instructions, please refer to King County’s Candidate Manual.
IMPORTANT: The State of Washington requires all candidates and elected officials to file a financial disclosure statement and report all campaign finances to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC).
Each year, all schools administer state-required assessments to students in certain grade levels:
Smarter Balanced (SBA) ELA and Math tests, grades 3-8 and 10
Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS), grades 5, 8 and 11
The spring 2023 SBA and WCAS testing window has begun and continues into early June. Each school has determined a testing schedule, which is communicated to students and families. The SBA and WCAS tests are required for state and district accountability, and the results will also provide valuable information on students’ progress for parents, guardians and teachers.
Students will either take the SBA/WCAS tests or the alternate WA-AIM tests. WA-AIM tests are used by a small number of students who receive special education services.
Smarter Balanced and WCAS are both online tests, and as always, the state tests are untimed.
Some 11th and 12th graders will be taking or retaking the SBA tests. Passing scores on the high-school Smarter Balanced ELA and/or Math tests can be used by 11th and 12th grade students to fulfill their Graduation Pathway (which is a graduation requirement).
Students and parents/guardians are welcome to review and try out SBA and WCAS practice tests, using Washington State’s assessment portal. Many test resources are available on the portal.
Questions? Each school has an administrator who will oversee testing, or email Chris Lindberg, BSD testing manager, at lindbergc@bsd405.org.
Special Education Family Resource Session – Sensory Processing Strategies for Home and School
Join BSD’s Special Education Department and the Bellevue Special Needs PTA for a resource session about sensory processing on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The event will take place in person at the Wilburton Instructional Service Center (WISC) and online via Microsoft Teams. Participants attending in person must RSVP.
At this family-focused session, attendees will learn about sensory processing strategies both at home and at school. Presenting on this topic will be Occupational Therapists Diane Knoll and Katherine Legros. Diane Knoll is the Founder/CEO of Cascadia Therapy Services. Cascadia Therapy Services is a consulting & therapy business for those seeking support for sensory processing challenges. Katherine Legros works as an Occupational Therapist in BSD and has experience working with students of all ages, both in the classroom as well as in the community, and collaborates with a variety of school staff to support student access to school or job site.
If you do not have health insurance, please reach out to International Community Health Services to get help signing up for insurance and establishing care:
International Community Health Services
1050 140th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98005
425-373-3000 (main line and after hours)
The Bellevue School District partners with local organizations and non-profits to support our students and families. Visit our Community Partner webpage to learn more about these organizations, find out about their services and how you can engage with them.
Double Your Impact with the Bellevue Schools Foundation
The Dean Witter Foundation has challenged the Bellevue Schools Foundation and the Bellevue School District learning community to raise $25,000 for the Mental Health program in the Bellevue School District — which they will match! Not only will your support double, but it will also provide more access to services and improve outcomes for thousands of students.
Bellevue Police Department Informational Meeting: Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Incidents
The Bellevue Police Department and its advisory councils have partnered with the King County Prosecutor’s Office, Eastside 4 All (their partner coalition), and City of Bellevue DEI to start an initiative in bringing education and awareness to Hate Crimes and Biased-Related Incidents. They will be holding their first community outreach event on Tuesday, May 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bellevue Youth Theatre.
Attendees will learn about:
The difference between a hate crime and a bias-related incident
How to report a hate crime
What to expect after your report
Non-law enforcement reporting
Support resources
City of Bellevue Construction Notice
The City of Bellevue Transportation Department continues improving access and traffic flow on 124th Avenue NE between Ichigo and Northup Ways. Read on to learn if this will impact your travel to and from BSD facilities.
Beginning June 1, 124th Avenue NE between Ichigo and Northup Ways will be closed to through traffic for approximately seven months to raise the roadway and replace the existing culvert for fish and wildlife. During the closure of 124th Avenue NE, 120th Avenue NE will serve as a detour route.
In preparation for the upcoming detour, contracted crews will work on 120th and 127th Avenues NE to conduct roadway pavement improvements and install temporary traffic signals. This work is anticipated to occur in May 2023.
What you can expect:
Crews will maintain access to vehicle traffic on 120th and 127th Avenues NE by working on one side of the street at a time. Flaggers will be present to direct vehicles through the work zone.
Crews will install temporary traffic signals on 120th Avenue NE (near the King County Metro East Base facility) and at 127th Avenue NE/Northup Way.
Parking will be prohibited through the work zone on 120th Avenue NE between NE Spring Boulevard and Northup Way from now through 2024. Follow all posted parking signs.
Although 127th Avenue NE is considered a private road, motorists should avoid street parking along this roadway due to increased construction activities.
Community members will continue to be updated about this critical work, including lane and road closures that may impact neighboring properties. For the latest updates, subscribe to receive email or text alerts by visiting the Ichigo Northup construction webpage.
Openings on Bellevue Youth Link Board
The Bellevue city manager is seeking five high-school aged candidates and three adults for vacancies on the Bellevue Youth Link board. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17.
Applicants must attend school, work or live in Bellevue. Board members serve two-year terms, attending two meetings at City Hall each month.
The City Council formed the Youth Link Board in 1991 to promote diversity, unity and equity for high school youth in Bellevue, representing the youth voice to leadership in the community. The board is a catalyst for responding to the interests and concerns of young people by engaging the entire community. Current board work includes addressing youth mental health, food, housing, social services, diversity, equity and inclusion.
BSD utilizes Let's Talk! to exchange messages with families. Find messaging options on our website.
Please contact staff at your student's school about schedules, attendance and any other school-specific questions or concerns. Visit https://bsd405.org and select Schools in the top menu to find your school.
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
