Chinook Newsletter: March 3, 2025
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Topics
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Important Dates
- March 6
- Registration Info/Help Session for Parents of current 6th and 7th grade students (Online via Teams) 6:30 PM, Join Here.
- March 9
- March 13
- Multi-Language Principal Coffee, Topic: Registration and Course Selection, 8:30AM, Chinook Library
- March 14
- Movie Night (PTSA)
- March 18
- Registration Info/Help Session for Parents of current 5th grade students (Online via Teams) 6:30 PM, Join Here.
- March 25
- School Board Visit, Parent and Family Session 7:50-8:20 AM, In-Person and Online via Teams, Join Here
- March 28
- March 28 is Now a Regular School Day Due to the Emergency Closure in November
- Middle School Course Selections Due
- Family Bingo Night (PTSA)
- April 7-11
- Spring Break (No School)
- April 29-May 2
- 6th Grade Science Camp
Greetings Chinook Middle School Community,
A huge thank you to Ms. Kwan and our amazing PTSA for organizing such a fantastic Culture Night! Their hard work and dedication made this event a huge success, and I’m so grateful for everything they did to bring our community together.
It was incredible to see the performances, taste the delicious food, and learn from the many families who shared their cultures. Events like this truly highlight what makes Chinook such a special place.
Thank you again to Ms. Kwan, our PTSA, and everyone who participated- we appreciate you!
Best regards,
James Peterson
School Board Visit - March 25
Chinook Middle School will welcome members of the School Board on March 25 for a visit to learn more about our school, engage with our community.
Parent & Family Session
- 7:50 - 8:20 AM
- In-Person & Online via Teams [Join Here]
This is a great opportunity for families to connect with Board members, ask questions, and share their perspectives.
All parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend, whether in person or online, to take part in this meaningful conversation!
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Safety Guidelines
With so many cars dropping off and picking up students each day, safety is our top priority. Crowds of people and moving vehicles can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and efficient process for everyone.
General Safety Reminders
For Drivers:
- Drive slowly and stay alert.
- Avoid distractions—no cell phones while driving.
- Be patient and respectful to staff, students, and other families.
For Students & Pedestrians:
- Stay on the sidewalk at all times.
- Only cross at designated crosswalks and watch for traffic.
- If you ride a bike, walk it on the sidewalk until you are away from school traffic.
- Bikes should never be ridden in the parking lot—it’s too dangerous.
Traffic Flow & Procedures
- The right lane (curbside) is for drop-off and pick-up only.
- The left lane is for thru traffic—please keep moving.
- Follow the directions of traffic attendants to keep things running smoothly.
Drop-Off Guidelines
- Pull forward to use the full length of the passenger loading zone.
- Do not stop in the middle of the zone.
- Watch for students crossing and be mindful of traffic signals.
- If you need to exit your car, please park in a designated spot.
Pick-Up Guidelines
- Pull forward to allow space for others.
- Remain in your car unless parked in a designated spot.
- Watch for students crossing and follow all safety instructions.
By working together, we can keep everyone safe and ensure a smooth traffic flow. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!
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
PTSA Updates
Staff Appreciation: Pi(e) Day
Thursday, March 13th
Bust out your best savory or sweet pie and help us celebrate Pi(e) Day for staff appreciation!! Whether it's apple, cherry, shepherds or quiche...we want to see your pie delights! Sign up HERE to donate and celebrate our teachers and staff!
8th Grade Social Meeting
March 5th at 7pm
8th grade families....join us on zoom this week to help plan our end of the year celebration for our 8th graders! Please sign up HERE and you will be emailed a zoom link!
Chinook Social Events
March 14th: Movie Night
March 28th: Family Bingo Night
Join us for our March PTSA social events. We will have signups and more information sent out in the Kodiak this week.
Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) Dates and Schedule (updated)
- 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 8: SBA Prep (SBA Testing Bell Schedule) (New Date)
- 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.
BSD Enrollment for the 2025-2026 School Year Now Open – Tell a Friend!
Bellevue School District new student enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! All new students in preschool through grade 12 interested in attending a Bellevue School District school are invited to begin the enrollment process.
Do you know a friend, neighbor or community member living in Bellevue with a student who does not currently attend a Bellevue School District school? Invite them to join the district named the best in Washington! Families interested in transferring into the Bellevue School District are welcome to learn more.
Superintendent’s Blog: Honoring Bellevue’s Diversity and Preserving Civil Rights in Our Beloved Community
Superintendent Aramaki shares a message with the BSD community acknowledging recent celebrations and commemorations in our community, including Lunar New Year, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Black History Month, and Ramadan. He goes on to share that amidst the celebrations, there have also been many in our community who have experienced fear and uncertainty. In response to the executive orders coming from the federal government, many students, families, and staff — particularly our immigrant community, our LGBTQIA+ community, our families with children with IEPs and 504s, and our communities of color — have worried about their education, safety, and belonging.
As a district, we are doing our best to navigate the flurry of K-12 education-related executive orders and communications from the US Department of Education. In his most recent video communication (listen in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian), Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, addresses how the state’s school districts, including the Bellevue School District, are to respond to the executive orders. Dr. Aramaki encourages students, staff, and families to watch his video to get a better understanding of the implications of the recent executive orders. A few of the key points from Superintendent Reykdal that apply to the Bellevue School District are:
- The Civil Rights of Undocumented Youth (Procedure 4310.1P)
- The Civil Rights of LGBTQIA+ Youth (Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P)
- Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Policy 0130 and Procedure 0130P)
- Focus on Funding Public Education
Dr. Aramaki goes on to share a personal story of how his family was impacted by Executive Order 9066, which in 1942 authorized the forced relocation of Japanese Americans along the west coast to internment camps. He expresses that even during this dark time in history, there was still hope. And in this instance, it was attributed, in part, to the courage and care of a former teacher in Bellevue’s beloved community. Read the full Superintendent blog for more of this story and to learn about the recent federal actions and guidance from the state.
2025-2026 BSD Course Catalog Available – Now in a Web-Based Format
The 2025-2026 Course Catalog is now available in a new, web-based format! This new format provides enhanced content accessibility and language translation capabilities. The new Course Catalog allows users to quickly search for courses by grade or school, content area, or by using keywords. There are also a variety of resources available to students and families as they plan out courses for the year.
The Course Catalog provides information about all courses offered at BSD’s middle and high schools, to assist students as they explore their options. From Career and Technical Education (CTE), to performing and visual arts, to world languages, BSD offers a wide range of innovative and rigorous courses to support the learning and development of students with all types of interests. Students should consider their passions and future goals while searching the available courses.
Updated School Calander
The updated 2024-2025 School Year Calendar is posted here. The three emergency days negotiated have been converted to school days. Information on the impact of the Wednesday, February 5th closure will be shared at a later date. If the school year is extended, Chinook’s 8th grade Promotion date, currently June 20, will change.
In Case You Missed It
Course Registration for the 2025-26 School Year
It's time to start planning for the upcoming school year! The courses students select will determine their 2025-26 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.
Explore the Registration Hub to get started!
YMCA Earth Services Corps Environmental Symposium
YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC) is hosting its annual environmental symposium for youth in grades 8-12 on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the University of Washington (Mary Gates Hall, 1851 NE Grant Ln, Seattle, WA 98105). YESC is an environmental education program for Puget Sound teens that develops leadership skills through environmental service.
The symposium gathers student leaders at the University of Washington to learn about environmental issues facing our world and how to create a sustainable future for our schools, communities and beyond! Participants will take part in hands-on workshops led by local organizations designed to give teens the skills they need to address environmental issues in their schools and communities. Lunch will be provided. There will also be a free raffle of outdoor and environmental prizes.
To support teachers who would like to bring youth to this event, YESC is offering Teacher Substitute Reimbursements for teachers who bring seven or more students to the symposium. Spaces are limited, so contact us quickly to reserve a reimbursement. Finally, we are able to provide a Letter of Support that details the academic benefits of this event to help students receive an excused absence.
Participants can register online, by calling 206.587.6116 or emailing us at yesc@seattleymca.org. Deadline: March 14, 2025. For field trip/group registration, please contact Chelsey Wheeler directly at cwheeler@seattleymca.org.
Scholarship Opportunity for 7th grade Students
The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for exceptionally promising 7th grade students with financial need. Educational Advisers help Cooke Young Scholars maximize the high school experience and prepare to thrive at the nation’s top-performing colleges. Our programming and support includes:
- Identifying an appropriately rigorous high school.
- Engaging in four-year planning and goal-setting.
- Funding for academic and extracurricular opportunities, such as music and art lessons; supplemental academic classes; and technology.
- Annual summer programs, including two required Cooke Young Scholar events.
- Year-round interaction and networking with a community of high-achieving peers.
Cooke Scholars come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and from rural, suburban, and urban communities. Many Scholars are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Click here to learn more and apply.
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
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 Thursday, 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!