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Important Dates
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Greetings Chinook Middle School Community, I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the final days of summer break. We are preparing for another incredible school year and getting ready to welcome approximately 740 students on the first day of school. As principal, I want every one of our students to know that we believe in them, care about them, and are here to support them. Reminder- Current and past newsletters are always posted on the front page of our website here. Lots of important news and updates are below. In Partnership, James Peterson Principal |
Newsletter Translation
This newsletter can be translated into more than 100 languages by using the “Select a Language” tool in the upper left corner of the webpage. The drop-down menu allows you to translate text on the Chinook website as well as any other Bellevue School District website.
Welcoming New Staff
- Jason Ewert- Career and Technical Education Teacher
- Steve Hamada- Career and Technical Education
- Megan Jancola- Orchestra Teacher
- Carol Johnson- Counselor
- Hillary Leonard- Career and Technical Education Teacher
- Eric MacDonald- Social Studies Teacher
- Kjell Mattson- Spanish Teacher
- Jie Tang- Multi-Language Learning Facilitator
- Volha Tsialpuk- Special Education Teacher
- Saori Suzuki- Assistant Principal Secretary
- Melissa Wax- Special Education Teacher
School Counselors
Chinook has 3 school counselors who work with an alphabetical distribution. Their mission to provide a comprehensive school counseling program that will assist ALL students in acquiring the required skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will allow them to be successful in and out of the classroom. As school counselors, they value the unique potential of each student and will assist them in maximizing their goals and working to the best of their ability.
- Sam Glinsmann (glinsmanns@bsd405.org): Last Names A-H
- Carol Johnson (johnsonca@bsd405.org): Last Names I-N
- Jamie Johnson (johnsonj@bsd405.org): Last Names O-Z
See our counseling page for more information and resources.
Cell Phones- Away for the Day
Research shows that access to cell phones at school has a negative academic and social impact on students. When students do not have the freedom of accessing their phones during school hours, they are more engaged socially and academically.
Per BSD Policy, Telecommunication devices will be turned on and operated only before and after the regular school day and during the student’s lunch break, unless an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger.
This means, students may use cell phones only:
- Before school in the Commons until 7:40 a.m.
- During Lunch in the Commons
- After school to communicate about after school plans.
Parents/guardians that need to send an emergency message to their students may contact the Chinook office at 425-456-6600.
Students are expected to keep cell phones, earbuds, and electronics powered off and out of sight or in designated area (per each teacher’s expectations). Classrooms will have pocket charts behind teacher desks for students to store cell phones during instructional time.
The following process will be followed when students violate these expectations.
- Step 1: Device held in main office until after school, picked up by student.
- Step 2: Device held in main office until after school, and parent/guardian contacted.
- Step 3: Device held in main office until after school, and parent/guardian is contacted. Conference with administration and one week with device left at home or kept in office during school hours.
Social Media
How does your student use social media? How do you know? Chinook, like other schools nationally, has seen a rise in bullying and harassing behavior between students via text and social media. It is important for families to be aware of the social media activities of their children, to be aware of the apps installed on their devices, and to know what is in their feeds.
Resources:
- Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between | Common Sense Media
- What Are Some Basic Social Media Rules for Middle Schoolers? | Common Sense Media
School Pictures
School pictures are scheduled for September 12. All Chinook students will have individual pictures taken for their Student ID card and for use in the yearbook.
Portrait packages can be ordered for a fee online at www.mydorian.com, search for Chinook Middle School – Bellevue, WA. You can order online now and for up to four (4) days after picture day.
See the flyer from Dorian for more information.
Volunteers Needed
We are excited to welcome students back to school. We are in need of volunteers to help out with the first few weeks of school in regards to schedule handout, laptop distribution, Picture Day and hearing screening.
- First Day of School (September 5) schedule handout and laptop distribution. Schedule handout is from 7:00 am – 8:15 am. Laptop distribution is from 12:30 – 2:30 pm.
- Picture Day, September 12. There are three shifts, times are indicated :
- Hearing Screening, September 22:
Reimagining Middle Schools
Bellevue School District’s Reimagining Middle School (RMS) Design Teams have started the work for 2023-2024. The goal is to develop structures and practices that best serve the development of social, emotional, and academic skills of all our students. Specifically, we will develop plans for successful implementation of Advisory/Homeroom and Problem-Based Learning. We will share our proposals with Bellevue School District’s executive team and Superintendent Dr. Kelly Aramaki, by the end of the academic year.
We seek your voice! If you are interested in providing feedback along the way for our Advisory/Homeroom and/or Problem Based Learning Design Teams, we invite you to join our Consultancy Board. To learn more about the Consultancy Board, please visit RMS Consultancy Board Member Responsibilities.
If you are interested in joining, please complete this interest form. You are also invited to follow our progress throughout the year through our webpage: click here.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns at RMS@bsd405.org
Official Notices
The 2023-2024 Official Notices are now available on the district website. English, Spanish and Simplified Chinese versions can be found on the Official Notices page. Content in the District’s 2023-24 Official Notices includes:
- Student Education Records (FERPA & Directory Information)
- Notice of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
- Notice of Students and Staff Rights and Responsibilities
- Non-Discrimination
- Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
- Notice of Child Find
- Notice of Complaint Resolution
- Notice of Pesticide, Asbestos and Lead
- Weapons
- Truancy
- Office of the Education Ombuds services
This information above can also be found on the Official Notices webpage.
Language Access
Chinook Middle School is committed to improving meaningful, two-way communication with families. If you or members of your family speak a language other than English, the district offers services to provide language support. We’re committed to help you connect with school and district events, programs, and services — all for free! For translation or interpretation services, please contact our office. For more information and to know your rights, please visit the district’s language access webpage.
Join the Middle School Student Well-Being Adoption Committee
BSD has a strong commitment to supporting well-being for all our students. This includes supporting their social, emotional, and mental health growth. During this school year, the district will need to review, renew and update curriculum materials and determine what will be best for students. We encourage you to join the Adoption Committee.
The committee will be responsible for a variety of tasks including determining criteria for curriculum selection keeping students at the center, exploring available curriculum, listening to feedback from various stakeholders, and identifying professional development needs for educators. For more details about the commitment, please read the Middle School and Well-Being Adoption Committee responsibilities document.
The Adoption Committee offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our middle schoolers. As a member of the team, you will have the chance to make curriculum recommendations that meet the needs of our students and community.
If you would like to take part in the committee, please complete this short interest form before September 11, 2023.
For questions, please contact Wendy Powell (powellw@bsd405.org), Secondary Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Developer or Melisa Macias (maciasm@bsd405.org).
2023-24 Cultural Calendar
The Bellevue School District learning community is comprised of a multitude of cultures, traditions, histories, identities, experiences and faith backgrounds. BSD strives to acknowledge and affirm each and every student, family and staff member. In collaboration with members of the Communications Ambassadors, BSD has developed a cultural calendar that incorporates the lived experiences of our community.
In Case You Missed It
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering about the Daily Schedule, Advisory, Tutorial, Lunch, Lockers, and more? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.
6th grade Orientation
6th grade WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Orientation will occur on September 5, as part of the first day of school.
Here’s a message to 6th grade students:
We’re excited to welcome you to Chinook with a special program just for 6th graders on the first day of school! This orientation is about having fun and getting to know your school and other students, including the 8th grade WEB Leaders who are very excited to meet you!
Here are some important details to know:
- When you arrive in the morning, pick up your schedule in the Commons and then go to your 1st period teacher (don’t worry, we’ll help you find your way😊).
- Please wear comfortable clothes.
- Do not bring school supplies! You can bring them with you on Wednesday.
- You will pick up your school laptop after lunch.
Questions? Just ask! We look forward to seeing you soon!
Ms. Karnick (karnicka@bsd405.org), Mrs. Metz (metzj@bsd405.org), and Mrs. Erickson (ericksonk@bsd405.org)
New 7th and 8th grade Student Orientation
New 7th and 8th grade Student Orientation will be incorporated into the first day of school on September 5. Pick up your schedule in the Commons when you arrive. Don’t worry, we’ll help you find your way! New 7th and 8th grade students will also receive their BSD Laptops on September 5.
School Meals (Breakfast and Lunch)
BSD Nutrition Services offers Breakfast and Lunch for students.
Set up payment for student meal purchases. Nutrition Services uses PayPAMS for online payments for school meals. Families may also pay for meals by check or cash at school. For more information, visit the Nutrition Services page or call (425) 456-4507.
Free and Reduced Price Meal Application.
After School Activities, Clubs & Sports
Activities begin the week of September 11.
Extracurricular activities are available to all Chinook students. Participation in these activities enriches the middle school experience. Activities offered are based on student interest. Some activities or clubs meet only once a week, while others meet daily. Most activities meet from 3:10–4:00 pm. Information will be distributed about the various sport and non-sport activities available for each activity session throughout the year.
Activities & Club schedules can be found on the Chinook website here. Updates are coming soon.
Registration for 2023-2024 school year sports and activities opens on September 1st. Families must complete registration forms in advance for participation in sports, activities, and field trips. Middle School athletics do NOT require physicals. https://bsd405.org/departments/athletics-activities/middle-school-athletics-activities/
An Activity Bus is available at 4:10pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Tip: Students should write down their route numbers, stop, and home address, and have this information easily accessible during the first weeks of school.
Curriculum/Community Night
Curriculum/Community Night is scheduled for September 18. More information will be coming soon.
Suggested School Supplies
Click here to see the suggested supplies to begin the school year. BSD schools will not require students to purchase any required school supplies for the 2023-24 school year.
Student Schedules
Draft student schedules will be available online through Synergy StudentVUE and ParentVUE portals by September 1. Student schedules may continue to shift as we work to balance class sizes and will not be finalized until September 5.
See https://bsd405.org/departments/district-technology/grades-attendance/ (also has instructions to activate ParentVUE account).
Paper copies of final schedules will be available the first day of school, in the Commons.
Bus Routes
Tip: Students should write down their route numbers, stop, and home address, and have this information easily accessible during the first weeks of school.
Chinook Activity Routes (Does not begin until week of September 11)
Questions about bus service? See Transportation – Bellevue School District (bsd405.org) or contact the BSD Transportation Office at 425-456-4512.
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
Goal: Safely and efficiently drop students off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon through a systematic process.
For the safety of our students, please:
- Drive SLOWLY
- Manage technology (no cell phones, please)
- Demonstrate respect and patience toward all
The right lane (curb) will always be drop off and pick up. The left lane is “thru” traffic. Please follow the guidance of the traffic attendants.
Drop Off
- Please pull forward, do not stop in the middle of the passenger loading zone.
- Watch for students crossing.
- Cars should pull completely forward and utilize the full length of the passenger loading zone.
- If you need to get out of the car, pull into a parking spot for continued traffic flow.
Pick Up
- Watch for students crossing.
- Cars should pull completely forward and utilize the full length of the passenger loading zone.
- If you need to get out of the car, pull into a parking spot for continued traffic flow.
School Calendar
See the 2023-2024 Bellevue School District Family Calendar here: 2023-2024 Family Calendar – Bellevue School District (bsd405.org)
Annual Online Student Verification & Attendance Policy Agreement
Update student information through the online student verification process beginning August 23, 2023. Synergy ParentVue provides parents and guardians with the ability to view the student assignments, grades and attendance. When logging on to update student information in August, a prompt will remind parents/guardians to acknowledge the yearly attendance agreement.
Current BSD Families:
Make sure to update your email address and the language you prefer to receive messages. This will ensure you are kept up to date throughout the year about district news and events.
Emergency Contacts
Please update your emergency contacts in Synergy ParentVue . More information on emergency contacts and emergency school release can be found on the student reunification process page.
Join the Chinook PTSA
Join us in our goal to create a strong Chinook community. The Chinook Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) strives to build a strong partnership between the school and the families to help every child achieve their potential.
Your membership includes an automatic subscription to the Kodiak Korner and up to two votes at membership meetings. Membership also includes special discounts through WA State PTSA partners.
When you join, you also have the option to purchase a membership for a Chinook Teacher/Staff member.
PTSA Membership Scholarships Available.
Print out the Chinook PTSA Membership Form or join online.
Learn more about the Chinook PTSA.
Attend the BSD Health Fair
In partnership with state and local partners, BSD will hold health fairs on Wednesday, August 30 and Thursday, August 31. The health fairs will offer immunization clinics to students in preparation for the start of the 2023-2024 school year, as well as information about community agencies, overdose awareness (watch a video shared by Superintendent Aramaki in July about this topic.), internet safety and resources from physical and mental health providers. The fairs are free and open to the public. Immunization appointments are required. Please note, COVID and flu vaccines are not currently available.
BSD nurses, athletics and activities, and technology departments will be on-hand to support families, answer questions and provide resources. Partner organizations will also be in attendance, including: Washington State Department of Health, Youth Eastside Services, International Community Health Services, and Safeway Pharmacies.
Two Options:
Wednesday, August 30
- 4:00-7:00 p.m.
- Chinook Middle School, 2001 98th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
- Sign up for an immunization appointment.
Thursday, August 31
- 4:00 -7:00 p.m.
- Odle Middle School, 502 143rd Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98007
- Sign up for an immunization appointment.
Chinook is Hiring
Chinook is hiring Para Educators for the coming school year.
Commitment to Nondiscrimination
Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights, Racial Discrimination, and Gender Expression or Identity Discrimination:
Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or phamn@bsd405.org
Sex-based Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment: Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, (425) 456-4010 or lowellj@bsd405.org
Disability Discrimination: Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Heather Edlund, (425) 456-4156 or edlundh@bsd405.org
Mailing address for all three: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.