Chinook Newsletter: April 14, 2025

 

Topics Safety Update Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) Testing Schedule PTSA Updates Bellevue School District Computer Science Engagement Night Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council In Case You Missed It

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Important Dates   

• April 17
  • Extended Emergency Drill (Classes run on Wednesday Schedule, Drill runs 1:20-2:30, students stay until 2:30. Tutorial and Activities run as normal)
• April 29-May 2
  • 6^th Grade Science Camp
• May 26
  • No School, Memorial Day
• June 13
  • 8^th Grade Social (PTSA Event)
• June 19
  • No School, Juneteenth
• June 20
  • 8^th Grade Promotion, 12:30 PM (more information coming soon)

Changes Due to Emergency Closures

• June 23
  • Early Release Day, Wednesday Bell Schedule
• June 24
  • New Last Day of School, 2-Hour Day, 7:45-9:45 AM

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Greetings Chinook Middle School Community,

I hope you had a restful and refreshing Spring Break. As we return for the final stretch of the school year, I want to thank you for all the support and partnership that makes our community so strong.

With just under 11 weeks to go, we’re excited to finish the year with focus, purpose, and a continued commitment to growth!

Here’s to a strong start to the final quarter!

Best regards,

James Peterson

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Safety Update for Bellevue Students and Families

Many in our communities have heard about a recent incident where a 16-year-old girl was accosted by a stranger as she exited a Metro bus in the Lake Hills area. The Bellevue Police Department has issued a statement informing residents that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the attempted kidnapping and the investigation is ongoing.

The incident provides us the opportunity to share a few safety tips that are important to keep in mind. The Bellevue Police Department reminds us that if anyone feels like they are being followed or are in the process of being attacked, there are actions they can take:

• Walk with a partner or in groups
• Share estimated times of arrivals with trusted individuals
• Make as much noise as you can. You can attract community members who can assist/help you.
• Run away or fight, if necessary.
• Call 911 when it's safe to do so.
• Enter a nearby business and ask for help.

For more information about safety in our schools, visit the Safety and Security department pages. Safety concerns can also be reported through the district website. Everyone is reminded to call 911 if you are in immediate danger or in the case of a life-threatening emergency.

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Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) Testing Schedule

Please take note of the upcoming state testing dates for May. Students will follow either a regular schedule or a modified SBA Testing Bell Schedule depending on the day.

Testing Dates

• May 5: WCAS in 8^th grade Science Classes (regular schedule)
• May 6: WCAS in 8^th grade Science Classes (regular schedule)
• May 7: WCAS Make-Ups (regular schedule)
• May 8: SBA Prep (SBA Testing Bell Schedule) 
• May 13: SBA ELA CAT (SBA Testing Bell Schedule)
• May 14: SBA Make-Ups (regular schedule)
• May 15: SBA ELA PT (SBA Testing Bell Schedule)
• May 20: SBA Math CAT (SBA Testing Bell Schedule)
• May 21: SBA Make-Ups (regular schedule)
• May 22: SBA Math PT (SBA Testing Bell Schedule)

Helpful Links

• View the SBA Testing Bell Schedule 
• View the student training slides
• Learn more about Smarter Balanced Assessment (OSPI)

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PTSA Updates

PTSA General Membership Meeting

Thursday, April 17th, 6:00pm, Chinook Library

Please join us for our 3rd PTSA General Membership meeting on April 17th at 6pm in the Chinook library. We will review the budget, discussing next year Board member roles and finalizing plans for the remainder of the year.

8th Grade "Let's Glow" Celebration

Friday, June 13th

Don't forget to mark your calendars for our 8th Grade "Let's Glow" Celebration. We are in the planning stages and will soon roll out the agenda for the night! This event is a long-standing tradition at Chinook and is planned by 8th grade parents. Our committee will have a list of volunteering opportunities shortly but here's how you can help now:

Donate $29 for the Class of 2029! 

We gladly accept donations of any value, all of which are tax-deductible. 
Simply click HERE or scan the QR code below. And please don’t forget to company-match and double your impact! Early donations are appreciated so we can continue planning with care.

Got Connections?? 

If you know of a business willing to donate party food, supplies, sponsorship money or gift cards, we would LOVE an introduction. Please reach out to Rhea Weiss, rheaweiss@gmail.com.

Get Hands-on! 

Join our planning committee and share your creative ideas, or volunteer to provide day-of support. Keep an eye out for volunteer sign-ups and supply wish lists – coming soon! Email Robin HERE for more information!

Staff Appreciation: Snack Attack

Friday, April 18th, 9:30am

Join us to celebrate our teachers and staff for the month of April. As we wind down the year, let's make sure we help push our teachers and staff over the finish line with this fun and easy SNACK ATTACK celebration. Donate, drop off or ship a variety of your favorite snacks to our teacher's lounge by this Friday morning so they get a nice send off into the weekend........we all know how that first week after break can be so let's support our teachers and staff this week! Sign up HERE.

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Bellevue School District Computer Science Engagement Night

Event Highlights:

• Share your interest and feedback. Tell us what you’d like to see next in the Computer Science program!
• Explore BSD’s PreK-High School Computer Science opportunities funded by the Bellevue Schools Foundation.

This in-person event will be a great opportunity to learn about PreK-High School computer science programs. Your participation will help capture community interest and support for ongoing computer science education for all. Many vendors will be available, along with interactive booths for families to engage with. We look forward to seeing you there!

Event Details

• Date: April 24, 2025 (Thursday)
• Time: 5:30-7:30pm
• Location: Highland Middle School Commons
• Audience: BSD Community (staff, students and families)

Register online

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Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) - Applications Open for 2025-2027 Cohort

LYAC is a student-led organization that empowers young people (ages 14–18) to engage directly in policymaking, meet with legislators, and advocate for issues affecting youth across the state.

 LYAC members engage in advocacy, meet with legislators, and help shape policies that impact young people across Washington. Applications for the 2025–2027 cohort are now open, and we would love for your students to apply!

Students must be 14–18 years old as of August 31, 2025, and in grades 7–10 at the time of application. The program is completely free, and applications close on April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Learn more and apply online.

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In Case You Missed It

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Arabic Language Evening

Please come join us at Arabic Language Evening during Arabic Heritage Month on April 23, 2025, at 6:30 at the Sammamish High School Library.

Students from BSD elementary and secondary schools will showcase their Arabic language skills in a variety of fun filled presentations, skits and competitions.

To RSVP, please complete this online form.

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Bellevue Youth Link Youth Leadership Award Nominations Open

Do you know a Bellevue child or teen who has championed a cause, served the community or advocated for equity and social justice? Nominations are now open for the 35th annual Community Leadership Awards.

The awards are sponsored by Bellevue Youth Link, a city youth leadership program for which the Bellevue School District provides support.

At Community Leadership Awards, you can find background information about each award category and submit an online nomination through 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 2. Awards will be presented Wednesday, May 28, 6:00 p.m., at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, followed by a reception at 7:30. The free event is open to the public. 

Submit a nomination.

For additional information about Youth Link or the awards, please email youthlink@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-2846.