Principal Newsletter, Week of September 30

September 30, 2024

Good morning, Thanking for joining us last week at Curriculum Night.  I always enjoy reconnecting and meeting new families each year.  Thank you for sending your very best.  It is a privilege to work and serve in our community.  I’ve attached the slides shared Thursday evening. Have a great week,  Vic Anderson

 

BELLEVUE HIGH SCHOOL PSAT AND SAT OFFERED OCTOBER 9TH

To ensure access to the SAT/PSAT for all students, Bellevue School District will offer an opportunity for juniors and seniors to take the exam, free of charge, on October 9^th.

11^th Grade: Eleventh Graders will take the Digital PSAT/NMQST (Practice SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test).  These exams are for practice only and scores are only reported to students and their families.  No need to register for the exam with the College Board as we will be ordering an exam for you.  Students should arrive on campus by 7:15 to be seated at 7:45.

12^th Grade: Twelfth Graders will take the official Digital SAT.  To register complete this form - Seniors Register for the SAT by October 2nd.  You do not need to register with the College Board.  Students should arrive on campus by 7:15 to be seated at 7:45. This is a change in timing from earlier announcement.

 

BHS COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER

Below are some updates from the College and Career Center, if you have questions, want to meet, or need more information just send Ms. Hansen an email, Teams Chat, or use the link in at the bottom of this message to book a meeting.

• OPPORTUNITIES:
  • Leaders for Ethics, Animals and the Planet (LEAP) As part of the LEAP program, students will participate in collaborative lessons and opportunities to learn from professionals in fields such as animal law, food science, veterinary medicine, sanctuary management, renewable energy, and more. Applications now open: https://www.pasadosafehaven.org/learn/leap-program-for-teens/
  • ACE Mentoring: A free after-school program where teams of students are paired with professionals in architecture, construction, and building engineering to learn about career opportunities by designing a hands-on project together over 15 sessions.  Applications open:  juniors and seniors registering from now until September 20, and freshmen and sophomores registering from September 21 until October 4. https://app.acementor.org/login
  • Somerset Elementary PTSA is hosting our Third Annual Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, Oct 26 from 3-5 pm and is looking for high school volunteers.  Sign up here: Here is the high school volunteer sign up link.

• COMMUNITY:
  • KCLS: Demystifying the College App Essay, Oct. 3^rd 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm (online)
  • Woodland Park Zoo is hosting a Zoo Career Explorations Day this fall, on Friday, October 11th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm. 

• COLLEGE VISITS: (all visits at 7:30 am in the library unless otherwise noted)

• • Mon. 9/30:  Vanguard University, US Army
  • Tues. 10/1: Marist College, Seattle University, Southeastern University, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, University of Wisconsin
  • Wed. 10/2:  Arizona State University, Cal Poly, California College of the Arts, UC Riverside, University of San Francisco, Willamette University
  • Thur. 10/3: Baylor University, Georgetown University, Gonzaga University, Occidental College, Purdue University, University of Denver, Villanova University
  • Fri. 10/4: Bryn Mawr College (virtual), Northwestern University, New York University, University of Michigan

Lisa Hansen | College and Career Advisor

Class of 2025 Advisor | Prom Coordinator

Bellevue High School | 10416 SE Wolverine Way, Bellevue, WA 98004 | 425.456.7028

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A MEETING

 

PARENT/CAREGIVER INFORMATION SESSION ~ FOR INDIVIDUALS NEW TO THE WASHINGTON STATE EDUCAITON SYSTEM

Have you moved from another country or US state?

Do you have questions about Bellevue High School or the Washington state education system? Would you like the opportunity to meet other parents for ongoing support throughout the year?

Whether you moved last week or a much longer time ago all parents/caregivers are invited to meet with Dr. Anderson and a group of BHS parents who know what a challenge moving can be. Please join us at school on Friday, November 1 from 8:15 to 9:30 am to have your questions answered, share hints and tips, and meet new friends.

More information is coming soon about where to meet at school and which interpreters will be available in-person at this event. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

UPDATE YOUR SCHOOLMESSENGER PREFERENCES FOR IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS

BSD uses the SchoolMessenger communication notification system to send regular announcements and urgent alerts such as school delays and closures. Families may receive SchoolMessenger communication via phone call, text message and email.

You do not need to create an account to receive notifications, as you will automatically receive them to the phone number and email address listed in your student’s record. However, if you choose to set up a SchoolMessenger App account, you may adjust how you prefer to be notified. You may also view messages from the last 30 days online or by setting up the app on your IOS or Android smartphone.

Important: Families should sign up for SchoolMessenger with the same email address used for Online Student Data Verification through Synergy ParentVUE.

The following tips may help if you think you are not receiving important messages from the district or your school:

·         Email Tip: Check your Junk/Spam folder. Depending on your email provider, you may need to mark email from the Bellevue School District as “safe,” or “move to inbox” to ensure future messages will not go to hidden folders.

·         Phone Call Tip: Save the phone number 425-456-4072 in your contacts to ensure that calls show up as “Bellevue School District.” There have been reports from some families who receive the calls as “Potential Spam.”

·         Text Message Tip: Create a SchoolMessenger account and manage your contact and notification preferences. To receive SMS texts from SchoolMessenger, send a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school’s short code number, 67587. You will then receive a confirmation that you have registered for SchoolMessenger notifications.

 

SUPPORT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION BY JOINING AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Bellevue School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is seeking business professionals to join our CTE Program Advisory Committees. There are 12 program advisory committees seeking members for the 2024-2025 school year. These committees are designed to meet state and federal guidelines for career and technical education programs and ensure that CTE programs are aligned with current industry needs and trends.

The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Newport High School. CTE teachers from across the Bellevue School District will partner with industry professionals and provide guidance and advice for district programs. Please confirm your interest in a committee and RSVP for the kickoff by October 16, 2024.

 

GET INVOLVED IN A DISTRICT DESIGN TEAM

The district is excited to announce the formation of our 2024-2025 Strategic Plan Coalition and Design Teams! These groups will play an integral role in advancing our strategic plan, and YOU’RE INVITED to be part of this important work. Teams include:

· Strategic Plan Coalition

· Sustainability Design Team

· Inclusion and Accessibility Design Team

· Multilingualism for All Design Team

Students, family members, community members and staff are encouraged to express their interest in serving on one or more of our Strategic Plan Coalition and Design Teams by completing this application form. We will also need one or two representatives from each Design Team to participate in the Strategic Plan Coalition. Applications will be open through September 26. You will be notified no later than October 4 if you are selected to serve on a team.

 

SENIORS:

The BHS School Counselors are working with Seniors over the next two weeks to help prepare them for graduation and college applications in the following ways:

• Senior Lessons were taught in English classes on Sept 18-19. This is the 3^rd graduation/college planning lesson for the Class of 2025. The prior lessons were presented in January and May of 2024. Did you miss the lesson? Watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/ygGFZSfbGCw

• Senior Blitz appointments have been scheduled for each senior to meet with their School Counselor starting the week of Sept. 23^rd.  At the appointment, students will review their graduation requirements, college/future plans and come home with a copy of their transcript to share with their families. Students should check their email/Outlook calendars to confirm their appointment day and time and must contact CampbellD@bsd405.org if they need to reschedule their Senior Blitz appointment.

 

SIGNS OF SUICIDE (SOS) PREVENTION LESSON AND BIMAS2

Beginning on October 14, we will be offering Signs of Suicide (SOS) suicide prevention lesson and BIMAS2 well-being screening for students in 9^th-11^th grades.  New this year, 12^th graders enrolled in science classes will also have opportunity to receive the SOS lesson.  The SOS lesson teaches students how to notice warning signs of depression or suicide and encourages seeking help from a trusted adult.  The BIMAS2 well-being screening is a self-report of student well-being in a variety of areas of functioning, including social, behavior, executive functioning, emotional, and academics.

Caregivers will receive a letter explaining SOS via email and can choose to opt their child out of the lesson and/or well-being screening prior to their child receiving the SOS lesson and BIMAS2.  To learn more about SOS, check out https://www.mindwise.org/parents/. 

We all have a role in preventing suicide in our community. You don’t have to have any special training to ACKNOWLEDGE warning signs of depression or suicide, show the person you CARE, and TELL a trusted adult or professional. 

 

 WASHINGTON GUARANTEED ADMISSIONS PROGRAM

Bellevue School District is excited to continue our participation in WA GAP, the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program.  Through WA GAP qualifying Bellevue School District seniors will receive guaranteed admission to six Washington colleges and universities. Guaranteed admission is not free admission. Participating colleges and universities are:

Central Washington University

Eastern Washington University

The Evergreen State College

Washington State University

Western Washington University

University of Washington-Tacoma

Open this link to learn about eligibility requirements. 

 

WORLD LANGUAGE COMPETENCY CREDIT PROGRAM

World Language Competency Credit is a way for high school students to earn credits for a language they already know. In order to earn competency credits in World Language, students will demonstrate proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. These assessments are aligned with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency levels. A maximum of 4 World Language credits may be awarded through the Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Competency Based Credit testing process.

See our district website to learn more about registration, testing dates, and locations. 

 

WOLVERINE GUARD COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Wolverine Guard (WG) is a Bellevue High PTSA sponsored award that recognizes students who perform 100+ hours of community service in the 12-month period from May 1st to April 30th of each school year. Each student who reports 100 or more approved hours will earn the Wolverine Guard Community Service Award.

• ALL BHS students from 9-12 grades are eligible for WG should they meet the requirements.
• Students who earn WG in a given school year will receive a certificate to recognize their community service. Students who earn WG in at least two of their four years at BHS will qualify for a WG Blue/Gold Honor Cord at graduation; students with 4 years of service at BHS will also be awarded the WG Distinction Community Service Award.
• Application must include volunteer time logs which should be detailed and with signed (non-digital) signatures from volunteer coordinators.
• Volunteering is done through a non-profit organization (usually a 501c3 organization).
• The PTSA WG program is separate from the Bellevue School District volunteer hours requirement for graduation. We DO NOT coordinate with Naviance and will only accept Wolverine Guard time logs.

Applications are due midnight on April 30th, 2025. No late applications will be accepted!

Review guidelines and WG application and time logs at PTSA Wolverine Guard page: https://www.bellevuehighptsa.com/wp/wolverine-guard/. 

Any questions, please reach out to Michelle Pflaum and Sherry Fang at wolverineguard@bellevuehighptsa.com.

 

APPLICATIONS FOR ADVANCED LEARNING SERVICES NOW OPEN FOR 2025-2026

Applications for Advanced Learning Services for the 2025-2026 school year are open now through October 18 at 4:00 p.m. for students currently in grades 1 to 11. Please note that this is an earlier date than in previous years.

About Advanced Learning Services

Bellevue School District's Advanced Learning Services provide identified students with academic services at an advanced level and accelerated pace. Instruction is designed to meet students' cognitive and academic needs at the appropriate level. Centered program services begin in second grade at select schools. Domain Specific services are available to students in grades 1 - 9 at all schools. We welcome you to consider Advanced Learning Services for your student.

Who Should Consider Applying for Advanced Learning Services?

Students in need of advanced learning services have an exceptional ability to learn and reason beyond their same-age peers. These children exhibit a high ability to make meaning out of complex concepts or problems.

You may want to consider applying for services for your student if you have noticed these characteristics:

· advanced vocabulary for their age

· strong reading skills two or more grade levels above current grade in school

· demonstrates high interest in numbers at an early age

· is imaginative

· finds interesting solutions to problems

· understands information quickly

· may prefer to interact with adults or older children

Apply Now! Visit the Advanced Learning Services webpage to learn more about Advanced Learning Services and to apply for your student.

 

JOIN BHS PTSA!

All new and returning parents, guardians, students, staff, and interested community members are invited to join the Bellevue High School PTSA. Our membership numbers strengthen our voice at the local, state and national level in advocating for our students. Your ANNUAL membership supports your child's health, safety, and quality of education and helps build a stronger, more inclusive, school community.  

Don't Delay, JOIN TODAY! http://www.bellevuehighptsa.com/wp/joinptsa/

 PTSA BLAST

Sign up to receive the BLAST, our PTSA’s Weekly Newsletter, filled with information about opportunities for students and families.

We are so excited to announce that Bellevue High PTSA is on Instagram! Follow us @bellevueptsa to be the first to know about our upcoming events and updates!

 

IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES

October 9                    PSAT and SAT Testing for Juniors and Seniors

October 9                    Principal Coffee, 8:15-9:15 am on Teams and classroom TBD

October 11                  Non-Student Day, Staff Professional Development

October 14                  Picture Make Ups

October 25                  Homecoming Assembly

October 26                  Homecoming Dance

October 29                  Club Fair during both lunches

November 1                End of First Quarter

November 1                Parent/Caregiver Information Session, for Individuals New to the Washington State Education System

November 8                Veterans Day Assembly

November 11              Veterans Day Holiday, Schools and Offices Closed

November 13              Principal Coffee, 8:15-9:15 am in the Library and on Teams

November 15              BHS Multi-Cultural Night

 

DISTRICT OFFICIAL NOTICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

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

 

JOIN THE 2024-2025 BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR PROGRAMS!

The Bellevue Schools Foundation is seeking passionate individuals to join our Ambassador teams! If you're a parent/guardian and interested in Bellevue School Foundation's mission to fund students and teachers across Bellevue School District, consider becoming a BSF Ambassador at our school!

Or, do you know now an outstanding rising junior or senior? Encourage them to apply for our new Student Ambassador program!

Both programs offer a fun and engaging way to give back and meet great people. For more info, check the links above or email deb@bsfdn.org.

 

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Bellevue School District 405 would like to continue connecting with you via email. If you prefer to be removed from our list, please contact Bellevue School District 405 directly. To stop receiving all email messages distributed through our SchoolMessenger service, follow this link and confirm: Unsubscribe

SchoolMessenger is a notification service used by the nation's leading school systems to connect with parents, students and staff through voice, SMS text, email, and social media.

 

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Bellevue School District 405 would like to continue connecting with you via email. If you prefer to be removed from our list, please contact Bellevue School District 405 directly. To stop receiving all email messages distributed through our SchoolMessenger service, follow this link and confirm: Unsubscribe

SchoolMessenger is a notification service used by the nation's leading school systems to connect with parents, students and staff through voice, SMS text, email, and social media.