students walking into school in unorganized line

Dear Clyde Hill Community,

We are excited to share with you the launch of a NEW weekly communication, the Community Planning Team Newsletter! The purpose of this weekly update is to share details about the consolidation of Wilburton Elementary so that you understand the work being done to support sensitive spring farewells and joyful fall hellos as we build our new school community together.

We deeply value and recognize that continued engagement and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders is critical. The purpose of the Community Planning Team is to ensure a smooth transition of students, staff, and families as we blend our school communities. The team is currently brainstorming historical (those already in place) as well as new “milestone events” that will proactively support the upcoming transition. Historical events such as Cultural Festivals, Spring Promotions, Field Day, and June Community Assemblies are traditions within our community. In addition, we are excited to plan for NEW events that may include Virtual and In-Person Community Field Trips, Pen Pals, and “A Day in the Life” Videos! The Community Planning Team recognizes the importance of preserving long-held traditions and intentionally adding opportunities that support well-being, build community, and establish spring relationships so that Fall is a reunification with our new spring friends!

Student voice is essential! Community Planning Teams are also discussing strategies for ensuring our students are also key collaborators in this work! Whether it be an upcoming individual or grade level survey, classroom community discussion, or a student focus group, we are focused on strategies for obtaining student input that will spark new ideas!

Together, we will continue to cultivate equitable and inclusive communities, prioritizing well-being and sense of belonging. We want you to be involved in this work as well! Volunteer opportunities will soon be available! Educators, parents, community members and PTSA organizations are valued and critical partners in so many end-of-year and beginning of year events and activities.

We look forward to sharing further details with you in next week’s update!

Sincerely,
Community Planning Team



The Bellevue School District acknowledges that we learn, work, live and gather on the Indigenous Land of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish and Snoqualmie Tribes. We thank these caretakers of this land, who have lived and continue to live here, since time immemorial.