Chinook Newsletter: February 10, 2025
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Topics
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Important Dates
- February 10
- 6th grade Camp Information Session, 6:30 PM, Chinook Commons
- February 13
- Evacuation Drill (Special Schedule)
- February 17-21
- Mid-Winter Break (No School)
- February 28
- World Culture Night (PTSA), 6:00-8:00 PM, Chinook Commons
- April 29-May 2
- 6th Grade Science Camp
Greetings Chinook Middle School Community,
I hope this message finds you well and staying warm! Last week’s winter weather certainly made its presence known, bringing snow, and ice, and causing some adjustments to our school schedule. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigated late starts and a closure day to prioritize everyone's safety.
Looking ahead, I want to take a moment to wish all of our students, staff, and families a restful and enjoyable Mid-Winter Break next week, from February 17-21.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our Chinook community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, February 24!
Sincerely,
James Peterson
Share Your Feedback: District Spending Reduction Plan
At the February 6 Regular School Board Meeting, Superintendent Aramaki presented a $20 million spending reduction plan for the 2025-2026 school year, to help stabilize the district’s finances.
In the coming weeks, you will have opportunities to share feedback on this proposal. Here are three different ways to provide feedback:
- Complete this survey by Friday, February 28
- Send an email to communityinput@bsd405.org
- Attend the Special School Board Meeting on Thursday, March 6 for public comment and sign up to speak.
In his message to the community, Dr. Aramaki invites you to be part of the conversation because this district is our beloved community — and together, we will navigate this challenge with the same spirit of resilience and collaboration that makes Bellevue exceptional.
PTSA News
Join Us for World Culture Night!
Celebrate the rich diversity of our community at Chinook Middle School’s Culture Night on February 28th, from 6-8 PM! This special evening will feature traditional food, music, performances, crafts, and displays from around the world, all presented by our amazing families.
Want to participate? Sign up to represent a country individually or with a group! Share your culture through food, art, performances, or activities. Let’s make this a night to remember! Click here (https://forms.gle/LKiTePiMPuf1hFcP6) to sign up and be part of this exciting event. We can’t wait to see you there!
Staff Appreciation Lunch: Chocolate Extravaganza!!
February 13th
Join us in spreading the love by donating to our Staff Appreciation Chocolate Extravaganza!! Brownies, cupcakes, cakes, pies, chocolate candies, chocolate dipped fruit....you name it, we want it. This is a great and fun event to contribute to as our teachers love getting little delights of deliciousness to sweeten their day. Please sign up HERE
2025 Youth Involvement Conference
Sponsored by Bellevue Youth Link. Bellevue Youth Link is a youth leadership and community service program cosponsored by the city and Bellevue School District. Since 1990, Youth Link has been giving youth in our community a voice and opportunity to create change. There are many ways to get involved! Learn more and join Bellevue Youth Link.
Free Medical Clinic
In Case You Missed It
Inclement Weather and Potential Closure Reminders
Winter weather continues in our region, which makes it a good time to revisit the district’s emergency closure schedule protocols and our emergency closure decision-making process. While some decisions are made for the whole district, conditions may vary across different communities, which may result in different decisions for some schools. We encourage families to make personal decisions based on their specific circumstances. Read the full article to learn more about:
- Receiving emergency communications
- Transportation during severe weather, including snow routes
- Changes to childcare options in the event of delays, closures and early dismissals
- Special circumstances like power outages
6th grade Camp Information Session
We will hold a family information session on February 10, from 6:30-7:30 in the Chinook commons. This is not required, but we encourage you to attend if you would like more information or have any questions. Camp dates are April 29-May 2, 2025, at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island.
Course Registration Dates
Current 5th grade Registration:
- Student Information Sessions: Week of March 10 at Elementary Schools
- Parent Information Session: March 18
- Course Selections Due: March 28
Current 6th and 7th grade Registration:
- Student Information Sessions: Week of February 24th in Social Studies classes
- Parent Information Session: March 6
- Course Selections Due: March 28
High School Registration:
- Student Information Sessions: March 3rd in Social Studies Classes.
- Course Selections due by March 9
More information about course registration will be shared soon!
Multi Language Principal Coffee (MLPC)
In partnership with our PTSA, Chinook Middle School is hosting a Multi-Language Principal Coffee on Wednesday, March 13, at 8:30 AM. This event provides a great opportunity for parents to connect and learn more about the course registration process for the next school year.
The session will cover important information about course options, key deadlines, and how families can support students in making informed decisions. We will also share guidance on using school resources and tools to navigate the registration process effectively.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) Dates and Schedule
- May 5: WCAS in 8th grade Science Classes (regular schedule)
- May 6: WCAS in 8th grade Science Classes (regular schedule)
- May 7: WCAS Make-Ups (regular schedule)
- May 12: 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)
View the SBA Testing Bell Schedule Here.
2025 BSD College Conference Series Update
The Bellevue School District has a long tradition of hosting an annual College Conference to support students and families in their college and career planning journey. Over the years, the format has evolved — from in-person events to a virtual format during the pandemic, and back to in-person gatherings. However, recent attendance trends and current budget constraints have prompted the district to approach the event differently.
This year, we will offer a scaled-back 2025 BSD College Conference featuring previously recorded sessions from the 2024 conference and select virtual events throughout the spring. This approach allows families to access valuable information at their convenience while enabling the district to allocate resources more effectively.
Additionally, based on feedback and planning discussions, we are shifting College Conference programming to later in the school year. This shift better aligns with students’ and families’ focus on the college application process, particularly toward the end of junior year. Moving forward, the in-person College Conference event will transition to every other year, as budget allows.
Our first event in this year’s series will be the Running Start Information Session on February 5, 2025. Stay tuned for additional updates on upcoming virtual sessions and resources!
Save the Date: Education Connections - One Pill Can Kill: Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention
Join the Bellevue Schools Foundation for an important conversation with community partners about the dangers of opioids, including fentanyl. Learn where it comes from, how it impacts children, and how to talk to your kids about the risks. Together, we can support our schools and keep our community healthy and safe.
March 4, 2025
Community Partners Resource Fair, 5:45-6:30 p.m., WISC Baker Room
Presentation: 6:30-8:00 p.m. WISC Rainier Room 12241 Main Street, Bldg #1. Bellevue WA 98005