Chinook Newsletter: June 15, 2026

Jun 15 2026

Dear Chinook Community,

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the final five days of the school year! As we wrap up this year together, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership, encouragement, and unwavering support of our students and staff. This final stretch brings both celebration and reflection, and we’re grateful for the growth, learning, and memories our students have made.

Here are a few important reminders as we head into the last week:

No More After School Activities or Activity Bus: All students will need to ride the regular bus home at 2:35 PM or arrange alternate transportation if they are staying for tutorial.
Friday, June 19 – No school in observance of Juneteenth.
Monday, June 22 – 8th Grade Promotion! We look forward to honoring our 8th graders as they transition to high school. [Details here]
Tuesday, June 23 – Last day of school! Students will attend a 2-hour day from 7:45–9:45 AM.

Thank you for a fantastic year at Chinook! We are proud of all that our students have accomplished and excited for what lies ahead!

Sincerely,

James Peterson (Principal)

Topics

Important Dates
8th Grade Promotion
Not Returning Next School Year?
E-Bike Safety Guidance - Updated Definition of E-Motorcycles
PTSA Updates
Attendance Matters: Summer Tips
Summer Resources and Information for Families
Travel Survey
In Case You Missed It

Important Dates

June 15-18: Laptop Collection
June 19: No School, Juneteenth
June 22: 8^th Grade Promotion, 12:30 PM
June 23: Final Day, 7:45-9:45 AM

8^th Grade Promotion

We’re excited to celebrate our 8th grade students as they complete their time at Chinook Middle School!

Date and Time

The 2026 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony will take place on June 22 at 12:30 PM in the Chinook Middle School Gym.

Live Stream

For those not able to attend in person, you are invited to view the live stream on Microsoft Teams here: Chinook Middle School 8th Grade Promotion

Click here for more information.

Not Returning Next School Year? Please Notify Us

If your student will not be returning to the Bellevue School District in September 2026, please send an email to studentplacement@bsd405.org. Be sure to include your student's name, ID number (if available), and current school.

E-Bike Safety Guidance - Updated Definition of E-Motorcycles

The state legislature has further refined the definition of an e-motorcycle to include any e-bike with pedals that can go over 20 mph solely on the electric motor. E-motorcycles, by definition, can only be operated by those over the age of 16 years who are licensed to drive a motorcycle. Further, e-motorcycles must be licensed, registered, have required safety equipment, and can only be operated on roadways. They cannot be operated on sidewalks, pathways, or fields.

See this page for more information: E-Bike Information & Guidance - Bellevue School District

PTSA Updates

New at Chinook: Science Olympiad!

If you missed our information meeting last Thursday, take a look at the information from the Science Olympiad meeting:

Presentation: Science Olympiad Presentation
Sign up link: Science Olympiad Sign up Form
Meeting FAQs: Science Olympiad FAQs

I-Connect: 8th Graders Tell All

Incoming 6th grade families are invited to join us for a fun and informative “Tell-All” session hosted by current Chinook 8th graders!

Date: Wednesday, June 17th
Time: 6:30PM-8:00PM
Location: Chinook
RSVP: RSVP here

This is a great opportunity for incoming students and families to ask questions, ease nerves, and get excited for the transition to middle school.

8th Grade Party: Kodiak Coachella Festival

This is free event for all 8th graders, but RSVP is required and volunteers are still needed!

Date: Thursday, June 18th
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
Location: Chinook

RSVP & Permission Slip: 8th Grade Party Permission Slip - RSVP Here
Volunteer: 8th Grade Party Volunteer Sign-up Here
Donate: 8th Grade Party Donations Here

For more PTSA news, check out our most recent Kodiak Korner Newsletter and visit the PTSA website.

Attendance Matters: Summer Tips to Be Ready for the First Day of School

Being ready for the first day of school starts in the summer! Mark your calendars now to get ready for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year:

September 2 – First day of school for grades 1-12
September 8 – First day of kindergarten and Evergreen Transition Program
September 9 – First day of preschool

Read this edition of the Attendance Matters series for tips on how to stay connected to the district this summer and prepare for the first day of school.

Summer Resources and Information for Families

The district has compiled a list of resources to support families throughout the summer. Visit the Summer Resources webpage to learn more about:

Summer meals and grocery programs

Student device collection and laptop pick-up for summer (elementary and secondary deadlines coming soon)

Health resources and care services during the summer months

Mental health resources, including Care Solace and information on a number of mental health topics

Summer safety

Back-to-school resources and important dates for fall

Travel Survey

The deadline for the City of Bellevue’s Districtwide Travel Survey was extended to Friday, June 19. Please use this survey link complete the short survey to help the city reduce drop-off and pick-up congestion at schools.

Thank you for your participation!

View Community Flyers

Submit a Community Flyer

Check for Fees and Fines

Many Chinook students currently have outstanding fees or fines on their accounts. Please take a moment to check your student’s account using the following link: Student Account and follow the log in prompts.

Important Notes:

Library book fines will be removed once books are returned.
For 8th grade families: All fines must be paid before students can purchase a yearbook or attend homecoming events in high school this fall.

Current 8th Graders: Earn Service Hours Before High School Starts

Did you know that incoming Bellevue High School freshmen can begin earning eligible Wolverine Guard community service hours during the summer before high school starts? The Wolverine Guard (WG) program, sponsored by the Bellevue High PTSA, recognizes students who complete 100+ hours of community service each school year and celebrates their commitment to leadership, service, and community impact. Volunteering is a wonderful way for students to build confidence, develop new skills, meet friends, and make a positive difference while preparing for high school.

Rising freshmen are encouraged to start exploring volunteer opportunities this summer and learn more about the Wolverine Guard program, requirements, and recognition opportunities at the Bellevue High PTSA Wolverine Guard website: https://www.bellevuehighptsa.com/wp/wolverine-guard/. Students can also find a list of community service and volunteer opportunities through Bellevue High School’s Community Service page: https://bellevuehigh.bsd405.org/academics/community-service.

Eligible volunteer hours for incoming 9th graders may begin counting on May 1 before starting at Bellevue High School. Summer is an especially great time to get involved, as students often become busy once the school year begins with academics, clubs, athletics, performing arts, and other activities. Getting a head start on volunteer hours during the summer allows students to make meaningful contributions to their community while building a strong foundation for a successful high school experience.

8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

We’re excited to celebrate our 8th grade students as they complete their time at Chinook Middle School!

Date and Time

The 2026 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony will take place on June 22 at 12:30 PM in the Chinook Middle School Gym.

Schedule for 8^th grade Students for June 22 (6^th and 7^th grade students go to classes as normal)

1st & 2nd Periods: Regular class schedule (attendance required)
3rd Period Onward: Promotion rehearsal and preparation (attendance required)
All 8th grade students are expected to attend the rehearsal to participate in the ceremony.

Backpacks and Attire

No Backpacks: Students should leave backpacks, binders, and school supplies at home.
Dress Up Encouraged: Students are encouraged to dress nicely for the ceremony. Clothing must meet BSD’s Student Dress Guidelines (Policy 3224P).

Ceremony Duration

The ceremony will last approximately 1½ to 2 hours.
After the ceremony, students may:
- Leave with their families, or
- Remain on campus until dismissal
  There will be no afternoon classes for 8th grade students.

Guests and Seating

No Tickets Required
Due to limited space, please limit guests to 2–3 per student.
Doors open at 12:00 PM – please do not arrive earlier.

Chinook Sibling Attendance

If a Chinook sibling will attend the ceremony, a parent/guardian must submit a note to our attendance office at ChinookAttendance@bsd405.org by June 8. Please remember that seating is limited.

Parking Information

On-campus parking is extremely limited.
Please follow all posted parking regulations.
Do not park in the bus loading zone behind the school.

Accessibility Needs

If you require wheelchair-accessible parking or seating, please contact Linda Harter at harterl@bsd405.org.

Final Day of School

Tuesday, June 23: Final day of school (7:45–9:45 AM only)
While an official school day, no tests, projects, or classwork will be assigned. 8th grade students are welcome to attend.

We look forward to honoring our 8th grade students and celebrating this important milestone with their families!

Student Technology Collection

The BSD Technology Services Department will be collecting all district-issued student devices for annual maintenance and reimaging.

At Chinook, device collection will follow this schedule:

Grades 6 and 7

Students will return their laptops during science class on June 15.
Styluses must be placed in the stylus bay. Missing styluses will be considered lost.
Students should keep their chargers in a safe place at over the summer.

Grade 8

Students will return their laptops, chargers, and styluses during science class on June 18.
Eighth graders will receive a new device when they start high school.

Online World Language Students

Devices will be collected on June 22 as students exit their language class.

If your student will be leaving early for summer break, all devices and accessories must be returned before their last day at Chinook.

Need a Laptop for Summer Learning?
Students who need a laptop for summer learning can check one out at the Wilburton Instructional Service Center:

Wilburton Instructional Service Center
12241 Main Street, Building 1
Bellevue, WA 98005

Mondays and Wednesdays
July 6–24
8:00 am to 3:30 pm

For more details, visit the Student Technology Collection page on the BSD website.