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BREADCRUMB

Chinook Newsletter: October 21, 2024

Chinook Middle School bear logo mark

Topics

  • Socktober
  • Orange and Black Social
  • Parent English Class
  • Education Connections: Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness
  • Dyslexia Awareness Family Event
  • In Case You Missed It

Important Dates   

  • 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
  • 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,

We are grateful for our partnership with Jubilee REACH and for the service of their staff and volunteers in our schools and in our community. We have an opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude on November 16. On behalf of Executive Director Randy Eng and Jubilee REACH, I am excited to invite and encourage your attendance at the 11th Annual Festival of Trees Gala on Saturday, November 16 at the Hyatt Regency, Bellevue.

Learn more and register.

Thank you for your continued support.

In Partnership,

James Peterson (Principal)


Socktober

Socktober is a school wide challenge put on by Chinook's chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), to help support the non-profit Seattle Nightwatch and their annual sock drive: Sock it to Homelessness. Our goal is to collect 3000 pairs of men's athletic socks by the end of the month. As a bonus for the students, we award prizes to our 1st 2nd and 3rd place classes. Students will compete with their 6th period classes and can bring in socks any day of the week to try and get closer to winning their classes these prizes. Socks that are recommended are Men’s Athletic Socks, so please try to refrain from bringing any others. We hope to see most of our students participate in this challenge for fun and to help support those in need!


Parent English Class

When: Tuesdays, 6:00pm

Where: Chinook Middle School, 2001 98th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA  98004

  • Practice English
  • Make Other Parents
  • Get Connected with the District
  • Childcare Provided by High School Student Volunteers

Register now.

High School Students Who Need Volunteer Hours? Sign up here to volunteer.

Questions? Contact Ashely Mata at 425-548-7366 or mataa@bsd405.org


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!

Link to permission form.


Education Connections: Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness

October kicked off a series of conversations hosted by the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF), the Bellevue PTSA Council, and ParentMap to bring a comprehensive 2024-2025 speaker lineup, Education Connections, for families and the greater BSD learning community.

Join BSD families, the BSD Mental Health and Counseling Services team, and the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KSARC) for an informative presentation on sexual assault prevention, awareness, and available resources. 

Learn about age-appropriate information K-12 students are receiving in the classrooms and participate in Q&A sessions with our knowledgeable speakers, and receive valuable handouts and resources for further learning. 

Date: October 22, 2024

Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

RSVP online.


Dyslexia Awareness Family Event

Join the Newport Heights Elementary PTSA as they host a family event to raise awareness about dyslexia.

Date: October 23, 2024

Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Location: Newport Heights Elementary School library

All BSD community members are welcome to join and learn:

  • What is dyslexia?
  • Myths about dyslexia
  • Signs of dyslexia
  • How to support your child
  • Statewide screening for dyslexia
  • Changes to the BSD literacy curriculum
  • BSD support for kids with dyslexia

Together, we can foster a greater understanding of dyslexia and support our children on their learning journeys. We look forward to seeing you there!


In Case You Missed It


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! 

Learn more.


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!