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Important Dates
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Greetings Chinook Middle School Community,
It can sometimes be challenging to get information about school from our children. The response to asking, “What did you do at school today?” is often not much of response at all. Instead, consider asking your student, “What questions did you ask today?” or “What questions did the teacher ask you, or the class?” You may find that you receive more of a response from your child by asking a different type of question. This document titled Making Thinking Visible: 10 Apps for Parents offers this suggestion and several others. These are not ‘apps’ in the downloadable sense of the word; but rather are approaches for parents wishing to strengthen connections for their children’s learning and understanding. This comes from research by Ron Ritchhart and Harvard University’s Project Zero, which focuses on how students think, how we can teach students different types of thinking, and how we can help make their thinking more visible. I hope that you find this resource helpful. Lots of important news and updates are below. In Partnership, James Peterson Principal |
Superintendent Aramaki to speak to Chinook Students
Tuesday, September 26, Dr. Kelly Aramaki, BSD Superintendent, will share his story and speak to Chinook students during an all-school assembly held during the advisory period. Learn more about Dr. Aramaki here: Superintendent – Bellevue School District (bsd405.org)
Curriculum and Community Night Feedback
We want to know what you think of the new format for Chinook’s Curriculum and Community Night. Please answer a few brief questions here.
Unable to attend? View the presentation slides:
Grade 6 Group Presentation Slides
Grades 7 and 8 Group Presentation Slides
Class Additions
In response to increased enrollment, Chinook is adding an additional section of each of the following classes to the master schedule:
- Applied Engineering
- Design and Production
- Geometry
- Health
- Language Arts 7
- Physical Education 7
These additions have been prioritized to key areas where class sizes are exceptionally high. Tuesday, 9/26, is the target date for these new sections to begin, and counselors are informing students of their new schedules. Most students will not have a schedule change.
2024-2025 Applications Now Open for Advanced Learning Services
Applications for Advanced Learning Services for the 2024-2025 school year are open now through October 31 at 4 p.m., for students currently in grades 1 to 11.
Bellevue School District’s Advanced Learning Services provide identified students with academic services at an advanced level and accelerated pace. Instruction is designed to meet students’ cognitive and academic needs at the appropriate level. Full-day, self-contained Advanced Learning Services begin in second grade at select elementary schools. Domain Specific services are available to students in grades 1 – 8 at all schools. We welcome you to consider Advanced Learning Services for your student.
Who Should Consider Applying for Advanced Learning Services?
Students in need of advanced learning services have an exceptional ability to learn and reason beyond their same-age peers. These children exhibit a high ability to make meaning out of complex concepts or problems.
You may want to consider applying for services for your student if you have noticed these characteristics:
- advanced vocabulary for their age
- strong reading skills two or more grade levels above current grade in school
- demonstrates high interest in numbers at an early age
- is imaginative
- finds interesting solutions to problems
- understands information quickly
- may prefer to interact with adults or older children
Apply Now!
Visit the Advanced Learning Services webpage to learn more about Advanced Learning Services and to apply for your student. Please note that if your student is currently in the Advanced Learning full-time self-contained program, there is no need to re-apply.
BSD Health Education Night
- Tuesday, October 10, 2023 5:30-7pm
- BSD WISC, Baker Room
- 12241 Main Street; Bellevue, WA 98005
How do you talk to your child about sexual health? What will they learn in 7th/10th grade Health class? Secondary Health teachers invite you to a F.L.A.S.H. (Family Life and Sexual Health) and HIV/AIDS curriculum preview/education evening. This is an opportunity for Health parents/guardians (students welcome too!) to be introduced to and ask questions about the sexual health curriculum prior to classroom instruction and receive modification/opt out options if necessary. Please see Senate Bill 5395 for the updated Washington State Healthy Youth Act and BSD procedures 2125 and 2126 for details.
Healthy Youth Survey
Chinook Middle School is participating in the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey during fall 2023. The survey will be given to students in Grades 6 and 8.
The Healthy Youth Survey includes questions related to physical activity and diet, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, sexual behaviors, abuse, risk and protective factors, and access to school-based services. Survey results are used by schools, communities, and state agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risks.
Participation in the survey is voluntary and the students’ answers are anonymous. There are no codes or information used to match a survey to a student.
Information for students and parents.
Family Connections Specialist
I hope this note finds you well and in good spirits. My name is Ashley Mata, I am the staff member in charge of the Family Connection Center at Chinook Middle School, and I have the tremendous privilege to serve all the families and students of this amazing school.
I’m new to the Bellevue School District and am excited to be here. To developed meaningful relationships with community partners, parent teacher associations, leadership within our beloved district, and most importantly – YOU, the parents of the students.
I hope I get to meet you sometime during the school year, please feel free to stop by and say hi, I am always eager to meet parents and guardians alike.
I would like to take this opportunity to list a few of the things I will be supporting our school community by referring our families to some of our community partners that assists with:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Clothing
- School supplies
- Holiday support
- Summer resources
I am attaching at the end of this letter some links to the Application Form for the Free and reduce lunch, as well as a form that we call “Resource Application”, this form is the best way for me to know if you need resources with any of the items I have mention previously.
I am here to serve you and your family. I am honored to be part of the Chinook community,
With respect-
Ashley Mata
Bellevue High School Centennial
Bellevue High School is celebrating their 100th year anniversary!
This free event is open for public and happening on Saturday, September 30th from 1-5pm.
Guest speakers include Dr. Aramaki, BSD superintendent, and Lynne Robinson, City of Bellevue mayor.
There will be music by all BHS music department students, club fair, food trucks, games, and scavenger hunt.
See this link for more information: Bellevue High School Centennial – Telling the Story of BHS (bsd405.org)
Picture Retakes
School picture retake day is scheduled for October 20. Any Chinook student who missed the first picture day needs to have picture taken for their Student ID card and for 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 beginning September 29th and for up to four (4) days after picture day.
See the flyer from Dorian for more information.
Yearbook Purchases
The 2023-2024 yearbook may be purchased during the following periods:
- 9/15/23 – 9/28/23
- 11/1/23 – 11/14/23
- 1/15/24 – 1/28/24
- 6/5/24 – 6/18/24 (limited quantities, subject to availability)
Yearbooks are available for pre-order 3 times a year. The cost is $25. Order online here, yearbook, or at the school office.
Scholarships are available through your student’s counselor. Yearbook is handed out the end of school in June.
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures: Reminder
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.
I- Connect: Parents’ Back-to-School Get Together
Thursday, Sept 28, 2023
6:00pm-7:30pm, Chinook Library
Topic: What to Expect in Middle School – Get the Scoop From Seasoned Parents
Guest Speakers: A Panel of 7th and 8th Grade Parents
Welcome back, parents and guardians, to our first live, in-person social event of the school year.
Hear from a panel of returning parents who will share information, tips, and perspectives on middle school. This is a great opportunity for parents/guardians new to Chinook to learn more about the school and to get connected within the school community in an informal setting. Parents/guardians who have been at the school for a while are also welcome and encouraged to attend. There will be time for networking after the panel. Light appetizers will be served.
Chinook I-Connect Co-Chairs 2023-2024: Stephanie Hsu & Michelle Pflaum (iconnect@chinookptsa.org)
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What is Chinook I-Connect? Chinook I-Connect is an award-winning PTSA program that connects new and existing parents/guardians to build relationships, foster participation, and strengthen our school community. With this in mind, I-Connect puts together informal, monthly meetings that focus on topics that are relevant to the middle school parent community, such as education, parenting, diversity, and community. We believe that by meeting face-to-face, sharing our experiences and thoughts, and giving each other tips and advice, we will strengthen and enhance our Chinook family. These are casual meetings, and you can choose to attend one, a couple, or all the meetings. Bring a friend and spread the word!
More info: http://www.chinookptsa.org/i-connect.html
~ Provided by Chinook PTSA ~
Free Financial Workshops at Stevenson Hub – Open to All District Families
This October, Bellevue Hopelink welcomes families to attend Financial Foundations, a three-part workshop that will equip families with the knowledge and skills to make confident money decisions and build a solid financial foundation. If you are just starting your journey to financial security or looking to enhance your existing skills, these workshops offer practical insights that will last a lifetime.
Prior registration is required. Instruction is provided in both English and Spanish. Workshops are free to attend and are open to parents, guardians and high school students. Complimentary childcare and food is provided.
View workshop dates, times and registration information.
2023-2024 Youth Link Open House
Students interested in youth leadership or community service opportunities may wish to attend the 2023-2024 Bellevue Youth Link program open house. The open house will take place at Bellevue City Hall on Thursday, September 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Contact youthink@bellevuewa.gov for more information.
In Case You Missed It
BSD News and Events
Stay up to date and see the most recent BSD News and Events newsletter here: BSD News & Events – September 14 E-Newsletter – Bellevue School District (bsd405.org)
Too Sick for School?
There are various medical conditions which may require your child to stay home from school. Below are some signs your child should stay home from school:
Appearance, Behavior – unusually tired, pale, lack of appetite, difficult to wake, confused or irritable
Eyes – white or yellow drainage, vision change, and/or redness of the eyelid or skin around the eye, itchiness, pain or sensitivity to light. This may be a sign of “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) and need medical evaluation. However, students can be in school if there is only minimal redness to the white of the eye and no other signs.
Fever – temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Student needs to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Giving a fever reducing medication just before returning to school does not make a student well. It may only mask the fever until the medication wears off. In this situation, a student needs to be home so others are not exposed to illness.
Ear Pain with Fever – Untreated ear infections may cause permanent hearing loss so, consult with the student’s health care provider.
Persistent Nasal Drainage And/Or Chronic Cough – may need to be seen by a health care provider. These may be signs of a condition that may spread to others and require treatment.
Sore Throat – especially with fever or swollen glands in the neck. A student with a confirmed diagnosis of strep throat may return to school after 24 hours of appropriate treatment.
Diarrhea – 3 or more watery stools in a 24-hour period, especially if the student acts or looks ill.
Vomiting – vomiting 2 or more times within the past 24 hours.
Rash – body rash, especially with fever or itching. Exceptions are rashes due to heat, diapers, and allergic reactions which are not spread to others.
Scabies – Students with scabies may return to school 24 hours after beginning treatment.
Chickenpox – Students are infectious 1 – 2 days before the rash appears and until the blisters (sores) are dry and crusted. This is usually 5‐6 days after the rash appears. Students need to stay home until all lesions have crusted over and there are no new lesions in 24 hours. If your child has chicken pox, alert the school nurse.
COVID-19 – Students who have symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and be tested and/or see a health care provider. View the latest guidance here.
Care Solace Mental Health and Substance Use Care
Care Solace is a new partnership in the district that coordinates mental health and substance use care for district staff, students and families at no cost. The Care Solace team is available 24/7/365 in 200+ languages to explain options and coordinate care. Please be sure to register for Care Loop by using this registration link. Care Loop registration will allow you to do warm handoffs on behalf of students and staff.
Once registered, check out the Care Solace FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions. For BSD-specific Care Solace questions or concerns, please contact Alyssa Symmes at symmesa@bsd405.org.
More information about this partnership is available on the Mental Health Services section of the district website.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Resources for the BSD Community
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a great time to share what BSD is doing to prevent suicide in our community. Families are encouraged to learn about the Signs of Suicide curriculum, the district’s mental health resources, Care Solace, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
We all have a role in preventing suicide in our community. You don’t have to have any special training to ACT to prevent suicide:
- ACKNOWLEDGE warning signs of depression or suicide,
- Show the person you CARE, and
- Tell a trusted adult or professional.
Learn more and access additional resources on the BSD website.
Screenagers Under the Influence
The Bellevue Schools Foundation is sponsoring a screening of Screenagers Under The Influence
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
7pm-9pm
Cinemark Lincoln Square Cinemas
700 Bellevue Way Northeast
Bellevue, WA 98004
We invite you to view the film ‘Screenagers Under the Influence‘ at Cinemark Lincoln Square Cinemas. This event is designed to enlighten and educate attendees about teenage drug use in the digital age. It is suitable for teenagers and their parents or caretakers.
After the screening, we will have an interactive panel presentation to provide resources for responding appropriately.
Panelists include:
- BSD Mental Health Assistance Team
- Dr. Ray Hsiao, Seattle Children’s Hospital
- Marnie Maraldo, Influence the Choice
- Angelica Zapata, Be Ready to Grow
Doors open at 6:30PM and the film starts at 7:00PM. We look forward to seeing you there!
High School Athletics Attendance
Please know that any middle school student attending varsity games at any District high school during the 2023-2024 school year will be required to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult. Unaccompanied middle school students will not be admitted.
When preparing to attend any athletic event, whether varsity or sub varsity, please note that all spectators at any District high school will watch contests from the designated stands. Restrooms and concession areas will remain available for breaks and refreshment.
You can purchase tickets ahead of any game by accessing the District’s Hometown Ticketing Box Office (https://bsd405.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?schools=2).
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.
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.