Chinook Newsletter: June 16, 2025

 

Topics What's New in BSD Well-Being Tips Mental Health Support Traffic Survey Safety Tips PTSA Updates In Case You Missed It

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Important Dates   

• June 19
  • No School, Juneteenth
• June 20
  • 8^th Grade Promotion, 12:30 PM (Details)
• June 23
  • Early Release Day,1:20 PM Dismissal, 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,

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the final five days of the 2024–25 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:

• Tuesday, June 17 – Final day for after-school activities. Starting Thursday, all students will need to ride the regular bus home at 2:30 PM or arrange alternate transportation.
• Thursday, June 19 – No school in observance of Juneteenth.
• Friday, June 20 – 8th Grade Promotion! We look forward to honoring our 8th graders as they transition to high school. (Details)
• Monday, June 23 – Early release day. School will dismiss at 1:20 PM.
• Tuesday, June 24 – 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!

Best regards,

James Peterson

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What’s New in BSD: Enhancing Support, Access and Student Success in 25-26

In the 2025-2026 school year, the Bellevue School District will be introducing a number of updates and initiatives aimed at improving family engagement, supporting student success, and enhancing district-wide operations. Families are encouraged to learn more about the changes and innovations in preparation for the new year, including:

• Welcome Center Grand Opening
• Updated Grading Practices
• New School Locator
• Bell Time Adjustments
• BSD Mobile App
• SchooLinks to Replace Naviance
• Digital Portfolios
• SAT School-Day Testing

Learn more about the changes. 

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Well-Being Tips for Recharging This Summer Break

As the sun starts to shine brighter and the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to pause, recharge and soak up all the goodness that summer has to offer. While you're planning your adventures, be sure to make space for your mental and emotional well-being, too.

• Step outside and soak it in. Nature has a way of lifting spirits. Whether you're hiking a scenic trail, tending to your garden, riding your bike, or simply lounging under a shady tree — fresh air can do wonders for your mood and creativity.
• Reconnect with your people. Summer is a great time to slow down and invest in relationships. Host a game night, plan a picnic, enjoy a backyard BBQ, or just call someone you've been meaning to catch up with.
• Get some rest. A steady sleep schedule can make all the difference. Use this season to reset your routine and give your body the rest it deserves.
• Prioritize what makes you smile. Start a new hobby, revisit a favorite pastime, or simply spend a few quiet moments doing something that brings you joy. Little pockets of happiness can go a long way.

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Mental Health Support through Care Solace

If you or someone in your family is facing mental health or substance use challenges, you’re not alone. Care Solace, a free and confidential service provided by BSD, is available 24/7/365. Care Solace is available to all BSD students, staff and families.

Call 888-515-0595 or visit caresolace.com/bsd405 to connect with care in your language, on your time.

Don’t forget to check out the Care Solace Summer Transition Kit — created just for families to help ease into summer with confidence and calm.

Additional Mental Health Resources

• BSD Mental Health Support Resources
• Anxiety and Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Substance Abuse
• Suicide Prevention
• Safe Crossings Children’s Grief Services - Resources for Families
• Camp Erin – King County
• Dougy Center Grief Resources & Toolkits

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SchoolPool Districtwide Travel Survey 

The Bellevue SchoolPool Districtwide Travel Survey is now extended to Friday, June 20! The City of Bellevue is seeking travel data on how students travel to and from school. Please help by completing this short, five-question survey for each school-aged child (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SchoolPoolSurvey2025). This annual survey helps the city’s Bellevue SchoolPool program evaluate strategies for alleviating drop-off and pickup congestion at schools.

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Prioritizing Safety This Summer

As summer approaches, we urge our students and families to prioritize their safety while enjoying well-earned rest and time with loved ones. Here are a few important reminders:

• Always be aware of your surroundings and stay connected with trusted family or friends when out in the community.

• If you ever feel unsafe, seek help immediately — whether from a trusted adult or by calling emergency services.
• If you see or hear something concerning, report it. It’s important that we look out for one another.
• Take advantage of safe community spaces and events available throughout Bellevue this summer.

We remain committed to fostering a community of care, where every student feels valued, protected and supported. We will continue to advocate for the safety of our staff and students. 

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King County Shares Water Safety Tips for Families 

Welcome to summer 2024! As your children get ready for summer break, it’s important to remember that water activities are not without risk. King County has experienced a rise in preventable drowning fatalities since 2019, with preliminary data showing 30 deaths in 2023. Many of these deaths could have been avoided with life jacket use and supervision. It’s crucial to prioritize water safety to protect our kids.

To stay safe this summer, the King County Department Natural Resources and Parks, the King County Sheriff’s Office and Public Health – Seattle & King County advise the following:  Wear a USCG-approved life jacket when swimming, and during boating activities. It’s mandatory for children under 12 on vessels under 19 feet. Learn to choose the right life jacket here.

• Learn to swim and self-rescue. Swim lessons are available at low or no cost to qualifying families in Seattle and many surrounding areas. Or check with your local park department.
• Supervise children closely near water and appoint a dedicated “water watcher.”
• Avoid alcohol, cannabis, or other impairing drugs during water activities and while supervising.
• Learn CPR. Visit kingcounty.gov/cpr for training information on Hands-Only CPR.

Additional Resources

• For safety tips and resources: King County Water Safety.
• River Safety and Boating Tips
• For lifeguard schedules, swim lessons, and life jacket stations: King County Area Public Lifeguarded Beaches and Summer Outdoor Pools.
• Locate nearby life jacket loaner stations: “Washington State Parks Life Jacket Loaner Map.”
• Get a 20% off the regular price of any life jacket in stock at Big 5 Sporting Goods via Seattle Children’s Drowning Prevention Network.

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PTSA Updates

 🍰🍩 S🍦🍰Staff Appreciation-End of Year Lunch🍰🍩 S🍦🍰

June 24th---Last Day of School

Please support our teachers and staff for one last end of the year staff appreciation lunch!! This will be the last time our teachers and staff will enjoy a meal altogether and we'd love to send them our thanks in food. Your donation will supplement our PTSA's staff appreciation team's lunch. Have a favorite pie, cake, brownie or treat...send it in. Have a special summer (non-Alcoholic) concoction, bring it in! Think of favorite, write a note to our teachers and staff to include if you want and drop it off. You can SIGN UP HERE

You can drop off all items on Monday, June 23rd or by 9:30 on the 24th. 

 

🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️💻Volunteers Needed🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️💻

June 18th

Laptop Collection

If you have some time on June 18, our IT department and students would appreciate you pitching in for laptop collection. It's quick and easy but does require several helping hands as the kids turn in their laptops. Please sign up HERE

 

June 18th

Yearbook Hand Distribution

Signup to assist in handing out yearbooks on June 18th!! The end of the year is fast approaching and we need one last bit of assistance to hand out yearbooks during lunch periods. Please Sign Up HERE for a shift.

 

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In Case You Missed It

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Last Day for Activities and Activity Bus

The last Day for Activities and Activity Bus Transportation is next Tuesday, June17. Students staying after school will need to arrange their own transportation.

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Last Chance to Purchase a Yearbook

Final selling period of 2024-25 yearbook is coming up. Please mark the calendar Wednesday, June 11 – Tuesday, June 24. This is the last opportunity to buy your yearbook, so don’t miss out! You can purchase a yearbook here.

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Bellevue School District Summer Resources

The Bellevue School District (BSD) offers various programs and services to support families during the summer months:

• Free Summer Meals: Available for students aged 18 and under at designated school locations starting July 7, 2025.

• SUN Bucks Grocery Program: Eligible families receive $120 per child to purchase groceries during the summer.

• Health and Immunization Services: Summer is an ideal time to update immunizations and health records.

• Get Ready for Fall: The 2025-2026 school year will begin in a few months! Get ready for the fall by updating your registration for the upcoming year.

For more details and updates, visit the BSD Summer Resources page: bsd405.org/programs-and-services/family-resources/summer-resources

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Check for Outstanding Fees and Fines

Nearly half of 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.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter!

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Free Summer Meals

 

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8th Grade Promotion Ceremony – Event Details

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

Date and Time: The 2025 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 20 at 12:30 PM in the Chinook Middle School Gym.

See the full event details here.