Chinook Newsletter: October 14, 2024
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Topics
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Important Dates
- October 16
- Unity Day: Wear Orange
- October 17
- Earthquake Drill (adjusted schedule)
- October 24
- I-Connect: Social media, Cell Phone use and Mental Health, 6:30pm in the Chinook Library
- October 25
- Picture Retakes
- October 30
- Multi Language Principal Coffee, 8:00am in the Chinook Library
- Orange and Black Social, 5:00pm-7:00pm (permission slips required)
- November 1
- End of 1st Quarter
- November 5
- Lockdown Training and Drill (adjusted schedule)
- November 8
- Panorama Survey in Social Studies Classes
- Veterans Day Assembly (adjusted schedule)
- November 11
- No School, Veterans Day Observance
Greetings Chinook Middle School Community,
Unity Day is coming up on Wednesday, October 16th! While Wednesday is the official day to wear orange and stand together for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to prevent bullying, our school will be engaging in activities that promote these values all week long. From classroom discussions to special events, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. Learn more about Unity Day here.
All our students are encouraged to participate in these activities and wear orange on Wednesday to show their support for Unity Day. Together, we can help foster a culture of kindness and respect at Chinook!
Thank you for your continued support.
In Partnership,
James Peterson (Principal)
Orange and Black Social
This month we will have our Orange and Black Social hosted by the schools ASB and PTSA. The social will be held on Wednesday, October 30th. It will be from 5 to 7 pm, and the social will include a DJ, food/drinks, and open area for fun social time between students! In order to attend students must turn in permission forms by Monday Oct 28, the forms will be available in the main office and a copy will be passed directly to students. The social is also ticket based entry which will cost $5 or is free for students who have pre-purchased an ASB membership (scholarships will be available for those who will need). We hope to see many of your students there!
Shine On Chinook
Our Shine on Chinook campaign is off to a great start! Our PTSA appreciates those who have already participated, and we know that the next few weeks will bring us so much closer to our goal of $52,000. If you haven't had a chance to return your envelope, please do. For more information on how you can support our fundraiser, please visit our website. The support we've received so far will go a long way in supporting our programs, events, scholarships and grants!
Thank you!!!
I-Connect
October 24th at 6:30pm at Chinook Library
Social media, Cell Phone use and Mental Health
Join us for a discussion on Social Media and the role it plays on our students' mental health. Dr. Ashok Shimoji-Krishnan, the Behavioral Health Director for Wellpoint, in discussing not only how social media plays a role in mental health, but how to adjust, adapt and prepare our students for better health.
Volunteer Needs
October 25th-Picture Retake Day
Please consider helping out for Picture Retake Day. We only need a few volunteers, but it really helps to make things run smoothly!
Staff Appreciation-Pumpkin Dessert Extravaganza
October 24th
Please help shower our teachers and staff in appreciation by donating to our October 24th Pumpkin Dessert extravaganza!! Make your tasty treat or buy your favorite delight and drop off to our school. Our teachers and staff appreciate all the donations and the support our community shows them!
Reflections Program
The PTSA's National Reflections Program is ready for submissions! Is your student creative? Do they have an interest in the arts? Are they passionate in singing or performing? Drawing, writing, digital arts, photography? The Reflections program is a low-risk way to engage your student's creativity, build a portfolio, and showcase their talent by submitting a piece to our local Chinook competition. Winners can move on to our district and state levels. It's truly a great program that middle schoolers will benefit from by participating!
Multi-Language Principal Coffee (MLPC)
Wednesday, October 30, 8:00-8:45 AM
In partnership with our PTSA, Chinook Middle School is hosting a Multi-Language Principal Coffee on Wednesday, October 30, from 8:00 to 8:45 AM. This event offers a great opportunity for parents to connect and learn more about the resources and support available for students.
The session will cover general information on how to support students during the middle school years. Topics will include an overview of student services, school tools, and tips for navigating school communication channels.
Picture Retakes
Friday, October 25
Did you miss picture day or want to take a new picture?
Retake day is quickly approaching. If we did not see you on picture day or you would like a new image, Dorian Studio will be taking pictures at your school again soon. Do not miss out on ordering pictures of your student.
Orders may be placed online by searching for “Chinook Middle School- Bellevue, WA” at mydorian.com and selecting the green Order button next to your school retake day event. Online orders are available up to 2 days after retake day.
If you already ordered and want a new picture taken, please be sure to return your original picture packet to the photographer on retake day.
Fall Panorama Survey
Chinook students will complete the Fall 2024 Panorama Student Survey on November 8 in their Social Studies class. The purpose of the survey is to gather valuable insights into students' experiences and to further support their growth and well-being. The survey will focus on several key areas, including school climate, sense of belonging, and social-emotional learning (SEL), offering students an opportunity to share their perspectives. Learn more on the Panorama Surveys webpage on the district website.
BSF Education Connections Series
We’re excited to announce an exciting new twist on the popular Education Connections series, brought to you by the Bellevue Schools Foundation in partnership with the Bellevue PTSA Council. This year, we’ve teamed up with ParentMap to offer a full year of engaging webinars featuring parenting experts from across the country. The first webinar is on October 15, 2024, 12 Noon – 1 PM with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation,” Use the discount code: BELLSCHFDN to register for free (a $120 value) at ParentMap Speaker Series. For more information, click here.
In addition to the webinars, we’ll be hosting four in-person mental health and well-being events co-hosted by our Bellevue School District Counseling Department, among other exciting activities. The first one is a presentation on Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention on October 22, 2024 in the Commons at Odle Middle School from 6:30 – 8:00 PM, led by the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center. RSVP here! For more information, click here.
We’re also offering a book club discussion on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, hosted by our Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Aramaki from 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the Rainier Room at WISC. RSVP here! For more information, click here.
For more details, please check out the BSF Education Connections link!
Japanese Language Program Community Conversation
The Bellevue School District is excited to explore the launch of a new Japanese language program for elementary-age students. The program will begin in the fall of the 2025-2026 school year. To ensure this program meets the needs and interests of students and families, the district is seeking community perspectives and insights.
We invite all those who are interested to join district leaders for a family and community listening session on Wednesday, October 30, at 5:30 p.m. at Jing Mei Elementary School (12300 Main Street Bellevue, WA 98005). For questions or additional information contact Languageprograms@bsd405.org.
RSVP to the October 30 Listening Session.
Follow BSD on Facebook
The district launched a new Facebook page, facebook.com/bellevueschools405. We invite you to visit and follow us for the latest updates from our schools, student and staff accomplishments, district news, resources for families, upcoming events, and much more. Stay connected and informed!
The BSD community can also stay up to date with district happenings on our website, through school and district newsletters, Instagram, X and YouTube
Free Family Workshop – Transition to Middle and High School
Join Bellevue LifeSpring for an upcoming free family workshop, Everything You Need to Know for Your Child's Transition to Middle or High School presented by Sistema Escolar.
In this session, families will learn how to navigate their child’s transition to middle or high school with ease. Sistema Escolar will provide expert guidance on the entire process, available resources, and what families can expect during this important phase. Don’t miss out on essential information to help support your child’s educational journey.
This workshop is free to attend and open to all Bellevue families. Snacks and childcare are provided.
Register today! Space is limited.
Workshop presented in Spanish
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Bellevue Family Hub
Stevenson Elementary School
14220 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98007
Workshop presented in English
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Bellevue Family Hub
Stevenson Elementary School
14220 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98007
Be a BFF with BSF
Be a BFF with BSF! What is a BFF? A Best Friend Forever, of course! And if you’re not familiar with BSF yet, we’re excited to introduce ourselves! At the Bellevue Schools Foundation, we encourage the community to invest in our students. This marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship that extends well beyond the school year. You can become a BFF by donating or start your own fundraiser!
Our Superintendent, Dr. Aramaki, has launched his own fundraising initiative with a goal of $19,318 — one dollar for each student in our district! We invite you to create a fundraising goal that’s meaningful to you — whether it’s the number of students at your school or a special year. What matters most is bridging the gap between what public education can provide and what our students truly deserve, ensuring exceptional learning opportunities for ALL students in our district!
In Case You Missed It
Superintendent's Blog: Combatting Antisemitism
We encourage everyone to read Dr. Aramaki’s blog post, which reaffirms our commitment to combating antisemitism and building a Beloved Community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Read more here: Superintendent’s Blog: Combatting Antisemitism | News Details (bsd405.org)
Apply/Reapply for School Meal Benefits
Families must reapply for school meal benefits each year. If your student(s) qualified for free or reduced priced meals last year, their prior year eligibility is extended for the first 30 school days to allow time for a new application to be completed. After the 30th day (October 15, 2024), school meals will be charged at the paid meal price if a new eligibility for free or reduced price school meal benefits has not been established. Complete only one application per household. List all students and household members (along with their income) on the application.
Available in English, Spanish and Chinese, the online application only takes a few minutes and is the fastest, easiest way to get approved for free or reduced-priced school meal benefits.
Apply here: Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) Application
Completing the CNEEB application may qualify you for:
- Summer EBT (grocery) benefits
- Waived or reduced fees for other programs and activities, and
- Community resources available through our Family Engagement Specialists
Not sure if you’ve already renewed? Contact Nutrition Services at 425-456-4507.
BSD Interpreters Needed
Are you interested in becoming an on-demand BSD INTERPRETER? Are you bilingual? Do you have an advanced proficiency in a language other than English? Bellevue School District is committed to improving meaningful, two-way communication and promoting access to district programs, services and activities for students and parents/guardians who require communication in a language other than English. For that reason, we are looking for:
- Language Access Interpreter: Other languages than English (On-demand and in-person - $35/hr)
The positions are paid hourly and on demand. Please apply. If candidates don’t have previous professional experience as an interpreter, they will need to pass a proficiency language test. If you need additional information, don’t hesitate to contact Marta Trilles, BSD’s Language Access Coordinator, at languageaccess@bsd405.org.
Free Tutoring from Venture Academy
We are students from Interlake High School, and we are looking to provide free, online tutoring to elementary and middle school students.
We provide flexible one-on-one or small group tutoring for our students, based on student and parent preferences. The content of our classes will be tailored to fit your student's needs. We hold the meetings using Microsoft Teams, so your student can use their BSD account to access our meetings. As for scheduling, we will be open any day of the week after 3:30pm. If any of your students need additional help after school, please sign them up using the link below. Signups will be closing once we reach 50 students, so make sure to sign up as soon as possible!
Middle: https://forms.gle/5SByHbYXP3DcLBuu6
If you have any questions, please email us at ventureacademy20@gmail.com.