Dear Bellevue School District Community
In 2018, we completed the Bellevue School District (BSD) Strategic Plan: a five-year guide for our collaborative effort to ensure that our students continue to excel. In addition to presenting our mission and vision, the plan establishes the district’s priorities and shared values, while also providing some detail on the steps we will take to bring our mission and vision to life. Threaded throughout the plan are three themes representing the essence of our mission and vision: Affirm. Inspire. Thrive.
Affirm. Our commitment is that each Bellevue student—no matter their race, ability, language background, religion, national origin, immigration status, or sexual orientation—will receive an exemplary education and achieve success in a way that honors their identity and affirms their individuality.
Inspire. Inspiration has the power to propel potential and transform the way students perceive their own capabilities. In addition to cultivating talents and abilities, we strive to provide experiences that inspire students to learn and introduce them to new possibilities.
Thrive. It takes all of us—staff, families, and the community—working together to exceed expectations and continue to earn our place as a national model of educational excellence that meets the needs of every student academically, socially, and emotionally.
As we seek new staff to join our learning community, current BSD staff members are sharing how they affirm, inspire, and help students thrive. As we shine a light on our exceptional educators, they, in turn, are shining a light on BSD’s world-class education program and the unique ways in which we are serving all students across our district, knowing that our work is not yet done.
While each staff member’s message is poignant, I want to take a moment and highlight BSD School Counselor, Elana Jimenez’s message about affirming students’ individuality:
“Each year, I look forward to planning events that provide the necessary space for our students to affirm and uplift their cultural identity, to hear from and engage with speakers who racially identify like them, and to be inspired and build connections.”
In addition to BSD’s commitment to high quality instruction for all students, this example highlights our efforts to support student well-being through efforts that affirm them racially, linguistically, and culturally.
In February, some school communities will be working together to do more to inspire and lead for racial equity—independently planning special events and activities aligned with Black History Month and Black Lives Matter Week. As a district, we endorse efforts—not only in February but throughout the year—that engage students, families, staff, and community organizations as advocates and partners for equity.
I look forward to the powerful, thoughtful, engaging, and respectful dialogues that will advance our focus on racial equity and inclusion and affirm the individuality of our students and staff.
In partnership,
Ivan Duran
Superintendent
Bellevue School District
Message for Families: Spanish (PDF) / Simplified Chinese (PDF) / Traditional Chinese (PDF)