Meet the Team

Janine - Communications department headshot

Janine Thorn
Chief Communication and Engagement Officer


Megan - Communications department headshot

Megan Clute
Assistant Director of Communication


Gargi - Communications department headshot

Gargi Trichel
Communication Engagement Specialist


Brock - Communications department headshot

Brock Molmen
Web Content Specialist


Zoe - Communications department headshot

Zoe Zarkades
Digital Social Media Marketing Specialist


Gail - Communications department headshot

Gail Nelson
Senior Secretary


For questions about district communications
communityrelations@bsd405.org



Vision

To use communications strategies, tools, public information, and storytelling to inspire each and every student and family to learn and thrive as creators of their future world.


Mission

The mission of the Bellevue School District Communications Department is to share factual and timely messages that serve all community members with accessible information through a transparent and dynamic communications process across all BSD media channels.

We strive to communicate the lived experiences of our learning community through stories that reflect and value one another’s humanity and. provides courageous support to affirm and inspire a sense of belonging.


Values

As a values-driven Communications Department, we strive to embody our shared purpose each and every day, in every interaction, between and among our school community. To that end, we’ve identified the following values to guide our work in the way we prioritize our energies and efforts, how we make decisions, and ultimately how we serve our students and each other:

  • Service – We strive to deliver communications to the platforms our community members use.
  • Integrity – We aim to provide transparent and accessible communication methods with our community members. We encourage proactive and transparent communication with our community members. We strive to use inclusive practices in our communications methods and delivery.
  • Excellence – We aim to produce content aligned with regional and national standards of school communication and engagement practices.
  • Compassion – We are mindful of and respond to the thoughts and feelings of others and are kind, authentic, and self-aware in our interactions.
  • Respect – We welcome diverse ideas and contributions, assume each other’s best intentions, and honor each other’s strengths and traditions.
  • Collaboration – We seek to build regular thought partnerships related to our communications methods, messages, and technologies to sustain continuous improvement cycles.

Our Mission, Vision and Values were developed from the Bellevue School District’s Strategic Plan


Who Should I Contact?

For school information and questions to your students’ educators, contact: Elementary | Middle | High SchoolChoice Schools | Online School | Transitions Program | Preschool

Media Inquiries

Contact: Janine Thorn, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, (425) 520-6965 or ThornJ@bsd405.org

Press Releases Flyer Approval Process

Stay Connected with us!

E-Newsletter

The BSD News & Events e-newsletter is emailed to BSD families and staff on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The newsletter is a compilation of the news and information shared on the  bsd405.org homepage and on the District News webpage.


Other ways to stay connected

Stay up-to-date on news and information from across the district. Explore the stories below to learn more about school, student and staff accomplishments, district updates, resources for families, upcoming events, and more.



Calculator, coin and paper with money symbol graphic on blue background

School Funding 101 – Understanding Our Money Sources

Learn more about the district’s sources of money and how we can spend them. In school districts, we have multiple buckets of funds where our money is accounted for. Each of these funds has designated uses and we as a district are limited in how we can transfer money between these funds based on state law. Read More

Collage of photos including representatives from BSD community partners and students participating in activities hosted by community partners.

BSD Celebrates A Season of Giving and Gratitude

Over the past several months, many members of our community have sought out ways to support Bellevue School District students, staff and families. We invite all those interested to take part in the season of giving by learning more about how they can support our community partners. Whether through the giving of time, treasure or talent, we are grateful to all those who enrich and uplift our school district.Read More

Image: bottle of medication. Text: November 15 Fentanyl Information Night Event.

Bellevue School District (BSD) To Host Fentanyl Information and Opioid Awareness Night

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 6:00 pm, at Sammamish High School, experts from local, state, and federal organizations will provide a comprehensive look at the dangers of fentanyl and opioids in our community and include thought-provoking presentations, extensive questions and answers, and parents sharing how opioids have impacted them personally.Read More


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.