December 8, 2023 – NHE Family Newsletter

 

Coffee With The Principals

We will hold our Coffee With The Principals after winter break.  Look for more information to come.

 

 

BSD District News and Resources

 

Middle School Consolidation Study Update

Like many other districts across the region, the Bellevue School District is experiencing an enrollment decline that demographers expect to continue for the next several years. Because the state funds education through a per-pupil allocation, declining enrollment is resulting in budget shortfalls. Both the enrollment decline, and the financial impacts were identified last school year when the district responded by making budget cuts including the consolidation of two elementary schools. This year, the district is studying middle school enrollment with the possibility of consolidating a middle school along with other options to balance our budget.

 

To gather input from the community, forums were held at each of the five comprehensive middle schools. There were also six online forums, including in Spanish, Mandarin and Korean. A districtwide survey was conducted, and each middle school’s staff met to provide feedback. Additional outreach is ongoing as the district seeks to ensure that all voices are heard, and that those furthest from educational justice are well represented in the feedback.

 

Approximately 750 participants attended the community forums and approximately 1,300 individuals completed the survey. Summaries from each community forum as well as the complete meeting notes have been posted to the Middle School Consolidation Study Community Feedback webpage. A districtwide summary is also available. In addition, questions and answers to questions asked at the community forums have been added to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) webpage.

A district team is in the process of analyzing the feedback it has received — and continues to receive — from the community and delving into the demographic projections and budget scenarios. All options are being explored to solve for the long-term, make equitable decisions, and minimize negative impacts on students and their families.

 

There are no easy choices — these are by far some of the hardest decisions any district must make. The district heard from community members that we need to continue to provide a sense of belonging in our schools and excellent and equitable educational opportunities for all. We are fully committed to our vision to affirm and inspire each and every student to learn and thrive as creators of their future world.

A draft recommendation that will be shared with the community in January and deep community engagement will continue in February, seeking feedback on the recommendation. See the Middle School Consolidation Study Timeline to learn more.

 

 

Upcoming Information Sessions for BSD Choice Programs and Choice Schools

BSD families were sent information this week about the start of the Open Transfer, Choice Schools and Choice Programs application period for the 2024-2025 school year. Applications will open on Monday, December 11, 2023, and continue to be accepted through Friday, January 19, 2024. For families with a student currently enrolled in the BSD, who would like to remain at their current school, choice school, choice program or continue in their approved transfer feeder pattern for the 2024-2025 school year, no action is required. Learn more online.

Information sessions for some choice schools and programs start next week. Families are invited to learn more.

 

• Hindi Bilingual Program Information Night, at Ardmore Elementary School, Tuesday, December 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Puesta del Sol Elementary School Open House, Tuesday, December 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Arabic Bilingual Program Open House, at Ardmore Elementary School, Wednesday, December 13, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
• Jing Mei Kindergarten Open House, Thursday, December 14, 9:15-10:30 a.m.
• Korean Bilingual Program Information Night, at Newport Heights Elementary School, Thursday, December 14, 5:50-6:30 p.m.

 

 

Elementary Language and Literacy Adoption – Family/Guardian & Community Member Survey

The Elementary Language and Literacy Adoption Team is seeking your thoughts about the two literacy curricula we are considering for adoption. The two curricula are Benchmark Advance & Adelante and American Reading Company (ARC) Core English and Spanish.

We are eager to hear from our parents/guardians, community members and secondary school students. We believe our community can help us provide the best experience for our elementary students.

The survey will close on March 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

Elementary Language and Literacy Adoption – Family/Guardian & Community Member Survey

 

 

Mental Health Resources for the BSD Community

Online Resources The BSD website includes a Mental Health Services section, which provides mental health resources for students, staff and families. The BSD community is encouraged to explore these resources to learn more about mental health topics including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide prevention. Individuals seeking support may also reach out to school counselors and MHAT counselors. Care Solace The Bellevue School District has partnered with Care Solace to complement districtwide efforts that support the well-being of students, families and staff. Care Solace is a free and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of circumstance. Care Solace is NOT an emergency response service or mental health service provider. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

 

The Care Solace team is always available — including nights, weekends and holidays. Although school will not be in session over Winter Break, we encourage you to save these resources to easily reference them should you or a family member need help during the break or beyond. If you or a family member need mental health or substance use supports and would like to use Care Solace to find a provider:

• Call or text 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. · Visit www.caresolace.com/bsd405 and search anonymously on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email or phone.

 

In partnership,

 

Edmund and Alison