Dear International Families,

Over the last month, we have been blessed with so many opportunities to see and celebrate our students. Our drama performances and music concerts have provided our students the opportunity to showcase their work, effort, and creativity. The food that they connected through the Snowflake food drive provided the opportunity to think selflessly and to give to the community. Our middle school athletic program (badminton) is seeing record involvement from our students. Our French exchange—which is happening right now—provides our students to connect with students from across the globe and to learn from one another. It has been so fun to see the joy in all of these interactions.

All of the above is also reflective of the hard work on the part of our staff, and I am grateful for everyone who steps up to innovate and to provide opportunities for our students to grow and to shine.

And of course, this is all predicated on the support of our families…who are here, who are involved, who invest in these experiences to ensure that they are successful. We could not do this without your support.

Heading into this holiday season, we wish you all the best.

Respectfully,

 

Russell White

 

BSD Update: Planning for Our Future

Last week I shared that the district has made the decision to pause new construction. Some members of our community have viewed the video that discussed enrollment trends and impacts. Today, BSD has posted a new video on the district website: Planning for Our Future. This discusses not only a summary of enrollment projections and trends but also provides information about the status of the most recent bond, some initial thinking on the implications and impacts of this situation, as well as a timeline moving forward. Additionally, there are opportunities for staff, students, and the community to provide feedback. I would encourage everyone to take the time to view this video. https://bsd405.org/2022/12/planning-for-our-future/

 

Math Course Offerings Survey

We are in the process of examining the Math course offerings we offer for our upper grades as a way to ensure that we are meeting the evolving needs of our students as they prepare for their post-secondary experiences. As a small school, we are only able to offer a limited number of options, so the choice would be between two different courses. As part of the process of making the decision, we value the input of students and families of all grades as we know there are vested interests in how we prepare student for the next level of schooling. It is especially helpful to hear from our families who are involved in careers that are math-dependent to ensure that we going in the right direct. https://forms.office.com/r/UF733rh9RD

 

Choice 1: “Mathematical Models” or “Introduction to Data Science”

Either course is designed to be a stand-alone course and is typically a final course that students take as it deviates from the typical vertical progression of our other courses. Students are able to access either course after Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, or Advanced Calculus. Course descriptions are below.

 

Choice 2: “Advanced Calculus” or “AP Statistics”

We currently offer Advanced Calculus to our students who accelerate in math. This option would replace this course with AP Statistics. While this offers an area of math that may be useful for many students in their post-secondary plans, it does mean that the highest level of math we offer at the school is AP Calculus AB. Course descripts are below.

 

International Winter Market

Our ISPTSA is creating a new event to celebrate winter, winter holidays, and our international community with a European-style Winter Market. All students, staff, families, and community members are welcome. Admission is free! The event will be Monday, December 12 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at International School.

 

COVID-19 Rapid Test Distribution for Students, Staff and Families

BSD will be distributing free COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits to students, staff and their families ahead of Winter Break. COVID-19 testing allows people to take precautions in a timely manner to help prevent the virus from spreading. Tests are voluntary and will be distributed from ESC West, Room 100 at the following times:

• Monday, 12/12: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, 12/13: 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, 12/14: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
• Thursday, 12/15: 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
• Friday, 12/16: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Please email [email protected] to learn more.

 

Inclement Weather and Potential Closure Reminders

Unpredictable winter weather is already here, which may sometimes impact school schedules. BSD encourages families to take the time to revisit the district’s emergency closure schedule protocols and our emergency closure decision-making process. During instances of inclement weather or severe conditions that could result in a delayed or canceled school day, BSD will communicate any schedule changes to families through direct messages, including email, text message, phone call, social media, FlashAlert, local media and posts to bsd405.org.

Read the Inclement Weather and Potential Closure Reminders news post for more information on processes and procedures related to closures and potential impacts to families.

 

Black History Beyond February Series

The Equity and Family Engagement Team is proud to announce the next in our Black History Beyond February series with a presentation titled: “Understanding the intersectionality of the 14th Amendment and what the clauses mean for our everyday life.” ALL are welcome to join this presentation taking place on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. See flyer for more information.