Chinook Newsletter: March 16, 2026

Mar 16 2026

Dear Chinook Community,

Last Friday’s snow was a surprise, and I hope everyone stayed safe and warm as winter reminded us it is not quite finished yet. I am grateful for the flexibility and care our families and staff showed throughout the day, and for the extra attention to safety as students arrived, departed, and enjoyed the excitement that snow always brings.

Because we did not experience any emergency school closures this year, Friday, March 27 will be a non-school day.

There are also just a few days left to share your voice through the District Family Engagement Survey, which closes on March 20. Your feedback is important- access the survey here.

Below, you will find important updates, including reminders about cell phone expectations during the school day and e-bike guidelines. These expectations are in place to support student safety, focus, and a positive learning environment for everyone. Thank you for your partnership and continued support of our school community.

Sincerely,

James Peterson (Principal)

Topics

Important Dates
Cell Phone Expectations
E-Bike Information and Guidance
6^th grade Camp Parent Volunteers
District Family Survey- Closes March 20
PTSA Updates
Smarter Balanced Assessment Dates (Updated)
Ed Tech Advisory Committee
Safe Routes to School Survey
Workshops for Parents
In Case You Missed It

Important Dates

March 16: High School Registration Presentations to 8^th Grade
March 17: Rising 6th Grade Parent Course Selection Information Session, 6:30 PM (Teams: Click here to join the meeting)
March 19: Band Concert, 7:00 PM
March 23: Next Year Course Selections Due (more information)
March 24: PTSA Chipotle Fundraiser (show this flyer or enter code LVWZGJW)
March 24: Choir Concert, 7:00 PM
March 25: PTSA Meeting, 6:30 PM (learn more)
March 25: Orchestra Concert, 7:00 PM
March 27: Non-School Day
April 6-10: Spring Break, No School

Cell Phone Expectations

Keeping classrooms focused on teaching and learning

At Chinook, our focus is on teaching and learning, and our expectation is that cell phones are silenced and away during instructional time so students can remain focused and engaged.

Research shows that access to cell phones during the school day has a negative impact on learning and peer interactions. When phones are not accessible, students are better able to concentrate, participate in class, and engage meaningfully with peers and teachers.

As a reminder, per district policy, students may use cell phones only:

Before school
Between classes
During lunch
After school

Students may check messages from family between classes, during lunch, or before and after school, but phones should not be used during instructional time.

During instructional time, cell phones, earbuds, and personal electronics must be silenced and stored in backpacks or placed in the designated classroom storage location.

During instructional time, cell phone and personal electronics must be silenced and stored in backpacks or placed in the designated classroom storage location.

Students may not keep cell phones on their person, including in pockets or clothing. Even when not actively used, phones kept on a student’s body remain a distraction and are easily accessed. If a phone is kept on a student’s person, staff will prompt the student to move it to their backpack or the classroom storage area.

Staff follow a common response when a cell phone is used during instructional time. This includes the phone being held for the remainder of the day, a brief conversation with the student about the expectation, and contact home with documentation.

With repeated violations, additional consequences may apply, including alternative lunch assignment or storage of phones in the school office.

If a family needs to reach a student during the school day for an urgent reason, please contact the Chinook office at 425-456-6600, and we will ensure your message is delivered.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting focused classrooms and strong learning conditions for all students.

E‑Bike Information and Guidance

E‑bikes are an increasingly popular way for students to travel to and from school. To support safety and clarity, the District has established expectations for e‑bikes and other personal transportation devices on school property.

What Everyone Needs to Know

Helmets are required for all riders using personal transportation devices (e-bikes, bikes, etc.) on District campuses. For assistance with low-cost helmets, families may contact one of the community organizations listed here: Free and Low-Cost Bicycle Helmets in King County.
Only legal e‑bikes are permitted. E‑bikes must meet Washington State definitions per RCW 46.04.169.
E‑bikes that exceed 28 mph are classified as e‑motorcycles and are not allowed on campus unless properly licensed, registered, and operated by a rider with a motorcycle endorsement. See RCW 46.04.330 and RCW 46.20.500.
E‑scooters and motorized foot scooters are not permitted on campus unless the rider is over 16 years old. See RCW 46.20.500.
No riding on sidewalks, grass, athletic fields, courts, or plazas.
Bicycles and e‑bikes must be parked and locked in designated bike racks during the school day.
Bikes, e‑bikes, and batteries are not allowed inside school buildings.
Unsafe riding may result in disciplinary action, including loss of riding privileges on District property.
The District is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal transportation devices.

Click here for full E‑Bike Information and Guidance on the Bellevue School District website.

6^th grade Camp Parent Volunteers

We are looking for parents to help supervise and support students at Camp Orkila on Wednesday June 10-Friday, June 12. We expect 2 parent chaperones PER cabin. At this time, we are still determining a chaperone fee, we will notify you as soon as possible. More information will be sent via email by Kristin Jonas (6th grade teacher)!

LINK: 6th Grade Chinook: Orkila Parent Volunteer Application 2026 – Fill out form

District Family Survey- Closes March 20

Chinook families are invited to complete the Bellevue School District’s Family Survey, open March 2 through March 20. Your feedback helps inform our work and supports ongoing improvement at Chinook.

This survey is an opportunity to share what is working well and where we can continue to grow in areas such as communication, belonging, and the overall student experience.

Access the survey here.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Chinook Middle School.

PTSA Updates

Support our Chipotle Dine-Out Fundraiser: Take a night off from cooking and join us on Tuesday, March 24th from 5:00–9:00 PM at Chipotle. It’s a great way to enjoy a meal with other families while raising funds for essential PTSA programs. Show this flyer or enter code LVWZGJW and the school will get 25% of orders

PTSA Membership Meeting: Please join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, March 25th at 6:30 PM. We will be meeting in the library, but a Zoom link will be sent prior to the meeting.

Board Interest Form: If you are interested in joining the PTSA Board for the 2026-2027 school year, let us know by completing this form. Please note, completing the form does not commit you to joining the board.

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

Smarter Balanced Assessment Dates (Updated)

This spring, all students in grades 6-8 will take the Smarter Balanced Assessments in Math and English Language Arts. 8th graders also take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science.

May 12: SBA English Language Arts Computer Adaptive Test (modified schedule coming soon)
May 14: SBA English Language Arts Performance Task (modified schedule coming soon)
May 19: SBA Math Computer Adaptive Test (modified schedule coming soon)
May 21: SBA Math Performance Task (modified schedule coming soon)
May 28-29: WCAS in 8th grade Science Classes (regular schedule)

Please note these dates and plan ahead to ensure your child is present at school. Additional details and modified schedule will be shared in the coming month.

Learn more about state level assessments here.

Ed Tech Advisory Committee

Your Voice Matters: Join the Ed Tech Advisory Committee

We’re excited to highlight the Educational Technology Advisory Committee and invite members of our learning community to get involved!

This committee brings together students, staff, family members, and community members to help guide how technology is used to support teaching and learning at Bellevue School District. Members will share diverse perspectives, help set best practices for using technology in meaningful ways, and review key decisions to ensure all students have access to fair, engaging, and effective learning tools.

To Join

BSD students: Please fill out the student interest form.
BSD staff, family and community members: Please fill out the staff, family and community interest form.

We welcome your participation in shaping the future of educational technology in our district!

For questions about the Educational Technology Advisory Committee, please contact Aysha Altayar at altayara@bsd405.org.

Safe Routes to School Survey

The City of Bellevue is working on a comprehensive school safety project called the Safe Routes to School Action Plan, and is seeking input from families, students, and staff on their experiences traveling to and from school. Please take a few minutes to provide your input through their Engaging Bellevue webpage about what you enjoy, what you would like to see more of, or any concerns you may have about your trips to school.

https://www.engagingbellevue.com/safe-routes-to-school-survey

Workshops for Parents

Safety Preparations and Drills

Chinook follows Bellevue School District safety procedures and maintains a site-specific Emergency Operations Plan that is reviewed and practiced regularly. Staff receive ongoing training to support preparedness and effective response during unexpected situations, including Active Threat Response and Suspicious Activity Training. Students also receive age-appropriate safety instruction and participated in Active Threat and Lockdown training in November.

Each year, students and staff participate in the following safety drills:

3 fire evacuation drills
2 earthquake drills
3 lockdown drills, including 1 lockout drill
1 shelter in place drill
1 drill using the school mapping system

Each type of drill serves a different purpose. A lockout is used when there may be a concern outside the school building, allowing normal activities to continue safely inside. A lockdown is used when there is a direct safety concern on campus. Practicing these procedures helps students understand what to expect and how to respond in real situations.

Chinook works closely with the Bellevue School District Safety and Security Department and local first responders to continually review and strengthen safety practices, with a strong focus on student well-being and clear communication.

Click here to learn more.

World Hindi Day & Film Festival: Celebrating India’s Unity in Diversity

Join us for a vibrant celebration of India’s Unity in Diversity — an immersive experience that brings together culture, cuisine, creativity and community. Hosted by the Indian Consulate, this interactive event invites participants to explore the many languages, traditions and stories that shape India through an engaging Understanding India session, hands‑on workshops in Indian heritage arts, and a flavorful Indian food festival showcasing regional cuisines. Enjoy an Indian film festival movie that reflects the richness of Indian storytelling, and wrap up the celebration with exciting prizes. Attend to learn, taste, watch, create and celebrate the spirit of India together!

Saturday, March 21

2:30-7:30 p.m.

Interlake High School

RSVP to attend.

Course Selection for 2026-27 School Year

It's time to start planning for the upcoming school year! The courses students select will determine their 2026-27 schedule and help shape our master schedule.

Visit our Registration Hub for everything you need to know! This is your go-to resource for:

Step-by-step registration instructions
Course options and descriptions
Important deadlines and FAQs

The master schedule is built based on student course requests, so thoughtful selections help ensure the best possible class offerings and teacher assignments.