Chinook Newsletter: April 21, 2025

 

Topics Calling All 7th Grade Future Leaders! Dyslexia Webinar PTSA Updates Bellevue LifeSpring Family Workshop In Case You Missed It

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Important Dates   

• 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,

Last week, our students and staff did an outstanding job during our extended emergency drill. This was more than just a typical evacuation drill- we practiced how the school would respond in the event of a major emergency like an earthquake, including how we would safely reunite students with their families. This kind of preparation is part of a larger system called the Incident Command System, which helps ensure clear roles, communication, and procedures during a crisis.

I am very proud of how our students and staff responded!

If you’d like to learn more about how student reunification would work in a real emergency, you can visit: Student Reunification Process - Bellevue School District.

Best regards,

James Peterson

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Calling all 7^th Grade Future Leaders!

We are looking for current 7th graders to be our WEB Leaders for next year.

What is WEB?

WEB is a middle school transition program that welcomes 6th graders and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their middle school experience. WEB, an acronym for Where Everybody Belongs, is built on the belief that students want to and can help other students succeed. The WEB middle school transition program trains members of the 8th grade class to be WEB Leaders; as positive role models, WEB Leaders are motivators, leaders and teachers who guide 6th graders to discover what it takes to be successful in middle school. Learn more.

WEB Leaders are:

• Dedicated to making Chinook a better place
• Willing to lead others and be a positive role model
• Enthusiastic and willing to take risks
• Hoping to make a positive impact on next year’s 6th graders

What should your student do if interested?

Have your student email Ms. Karnick (karnicka@bsd405.org), or come by the choir room (1305) to get more information about how to fill out the application.

Application Process:

Applications are available online to students. Students will be emailed a link through their daily announcement emails, but can also request one from Ms. Karnick. Applications will be due on Friday, May 9th at 3:00pm. No late applications will be accepted. We will be accepting approximately 60 students into the program.  Letters of acceptance and regret will be distributed at the end of May.

Questions?

Please email Anna Karnick (karnicka@bsd405.org), Julie Metz (metzj@bsd405.org) or Katy Erickson (ericksonk@bsd405.org).

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OSPI Professional Education Opportunities: Dyslexia Webinar

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is highlighting a family educational opportunity that focuses on dyslexia.

Dyslexia Webinar: Questions on Dyslexia from the Field for Parents, Families, and Caregivers

• Date: April 23, 2025
• Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Location: Virtual

OSPI is sponsoring this webinar through Glean Education, an organization that offers online courses and consulting resources designed to support literacy achievement and educational equity. The event is hosted by OSPI, and features Jessica, the founder of Glean, providing an overview of dyslexia-specific information. We will also facilitate discussions related to dyslexia and address questions from parents, families, and communities during the next session. This webinar is designed to support families and caregivers by providing information about dyslexia, strategies for providing support at home, and guidance on advocating for their child in partnership with their school.

Visit the Zoom registration page, to register. Please contact Carey Kirkwood at carey.kirkwood@k12.wa.us if you have questions. 

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Bellevue LifeSpring Free Family Workshop – Housing Challenges

Join Bellevue LifeSpring in partnership with Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP) and the Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center for a free workshop on navigating housing challenges. The workshop will focus on what tenants need to know to remain housed, prevent eviction and navigate difficult conversations with landlords. Childcare is available for in-person sessions. Registration requested. 

Session in Spanish

• Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
• Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Bellevue Family Hub, Stevenson Elementary School (14220 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98007)
• Virtual Session Link

Session in English

• Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
• Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Bellevue Family Hub, Stevenson Elementary School (14220 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98007)
• Virtual Session Link

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In Case You Missed It

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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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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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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.