BELLEVUE BLAST

The Newsletter of

Bellevue High School PTSA

Join The PTSA!

April 30th, 2024

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AP TESTING SUPPORT!

Bellevue High School is proctoring over 2000 AP exams, and we need your support to ensure a smooth test taking experience. We are looking for volunteers to help during one of two time slots available daily: 7:15-11:30 or 11:30-4:00 from May 6th - May 17th.

Sign-up here, AP Exam Support, to volunteer as a room monitor. This role includes distributing test materials, checking ID, and monitoring the testing environment. We hope to have sign ups completed by May 1st. If your child is taking an AP exam, you are ineligible to volunteer for that specific exam.


After you sign-up, you will be contacted with additional information by Cathy

Wellington. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to Cathy directly at Wellingtonc@bds405.org.

4TH MULTI-LANGUAGE PRINCIPAL COFFEE MEETING

Topic: Summer Options for Students

When: Friday, May 3rd, 8:15 am – 9:45 am

Where: BHS Library and MS Teams (see below for the link)

 

This meeting will be the last one for the school year 2023-2024. Dr. Anderson and Ms. Hansen will talk mainly about the summer options such as BSD-provided summer school, outside BSD learning, community service opportunities, jobs, etc.

Interpreters will be available for Chinese-Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean languages.

 

Multi-Language Principal Coffee Meetings allow parents to meet the principal in person and stay updated with school and student affairs. Typically, 4 meetings are arranged during the school year, two in the fall and two in the spring. The principal will cover topics like course registration, college applications, and extracurricular activities in these meetings. Parents can also ask questions to the principal and other school staff members. Parent volunteers will provide on-site interpretation services during the sessions for some languages. Anyone who doesn't speak English or is not familiar with the US public school system is welcome to join us! 


Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 288 199 265 570

Passcode: NeiKEU


Dial-in by phone

+1 206-800-4133,,496584195# United States, Seattle

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 496 584 195#

APRIL I-CONNECT

TODAY! TODAY! TODAY!



Join us for the next I-Connect meeting that promises to be both enlightening and relatable. Our guest speaker, Bellevue High School (BHS) Assistant Principal Eric Ferguson, will share invaluable lessons he wishes he had known when his own children were in high school. All current BHS parents and caregivers are invited.


WHEN: Tuesday, April 30, 8:15-9:45 a.m.

WHERE: BHS Library


Mr. Ferguson is a 28-year Bellevue School District veteran who has dedicated his

career to supporting students, parents, and educators. As an assistant principal, he witnesses the challenges and triumphs of high school life firsthand. At our I-Connect meeting, he will step into the role of a parent to reflect on what he learned during those formative years his daughter and son attended BHS.


WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Navigating Adolescence: Mr. Ferguson will delve into the complexities of teenage emotions, friendships, and academic pressures. His insights will empower you to better understand and support your own high schoolers.
  • Balancing Academics and Well-Being: From exam stress to extracurricular commitments, finding the right balance is essential. Learn practical strategies to help your child thrive academically while maintaining their mental and physical health.
  • Communication Matters: Discover effective communication techniques that bridge the gap between parents, students, and educators. Mr. Ferguson will share anecdotes and tips for fostering open dialogue.
  • Technology and Social Media: High schoolers live in a digital age. Mr. Ferguson will discuss the impact of technology on their lives and offer guidance on responsible online behavior.
  • Preparing for College and Beyond: As our teens approach graduation, the path forward can seem daunting. Gain insights into college applications, career readiness, and life skills.

We will discuss these topics and more. Bring your own questions to join the discussion.

MAY I-CONNECT

BHS Teacher Added to Speaker Lineup


As we witness the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) unfolding through daily news reports, one thing is clear: AI is reshaping the future of education. But how exactly does it affect our students, teachers, and schools? Join us for an illuminating PTSA I-Connect evening event on “Artificial Intelligence in Education: Opportunities, Challenges and What Parents Need to Know.”


EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Thursday, May 16

Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Location: Bellevue High School (BHS) Performing Arts Center

Who’s Invited: Current BHS and Chinook Middle School Parents/Caregivers (This event is geared towards adults.)


GUEST SPEAKERS:

  • JUST ADDED! Kristina Dahl, BHS Teacher, Advanced Placement English Language and American Literature

Ms. Dahl will describe what has happened now that students have easy access to AI tools. She has lots to say about what's been going on inside her classroom.

  • Keith Onstot, Bellevue School District's Technology Integration Curriculum Developer

Mr. Onstot works to integrate new technologies into curriculum Districtwide. A former science teacher and AVID instructor at Sammamish High School, he will discuss ethical considerations and how he is helping to guide policy decisions for the future.

  • Mathew Wright, BHS Instruction Technology and Curriculum Leader

In his role at BHS, Mr. Wright supports teachers as an instructional coach. He has provided training to teachers on how they can use AI tools. He will talk about the shifting perspectives on AI and describe the ways teachers utilize AI to innovate.


WHAT PARENTS WILL LEARN: We will ask our speakers about the ethical concerns brought about by the sudden popularity of chatbots like ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot. How are teachers expected to deal with students who might use AI tools to compose their assignments? When is it acceptable for students to use AI tools? What rules has the School District made regarding the use of AI? How can parents ensure their students use AI responsibly?


WHY ATTEND?:

  • Empowerment: Equip yourself with knowledge to guide your child's digital learning journey.
  • Ask Questions: Our speakers will answer your queries during the Q&A session.
  • Networking: Connect with other parents and educators enthusiastic about education technology.

JOIN THE BELLEVUE HIGH PTSA BOARD

Join the Bellevue High PTSA Board and help support our students and staff while building community!


We are currently looking for nominees for the 2024-2025 Executive Board and Committee leads. Please fill out the form below to express interest or get more information about the positions. 


Member Planet signup form:

www.memberplanet.com/s/bellevuehighptsa/ptsaboardnominations


Here are links to the executive board and committee lead job descriptions:


Executive Board

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zQ1F2YnR-B_6XOPTv-VEQCw_bwByZs7JKkI0NzsejOs/edit?usp=sharing


Committee Chairs

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ojL3KO-BBSemKfo4h6r-YJPGGor9Th6btROiSVp_KMk/edit?usp=sharing


STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

The week of 5/20 is our BHS staff appreciation week. The following events will take place:

  • Monday, 5/20: Coffee and Doughnuts, 7AM-9AM, Staff Lunchroom
  • Tuesday 5/21: Bagels, 7AM-End of Day, Staff Lunchroom
  • Wednesday 5/22: Hot Lunch – 10AM set up. Lunch 12:45, PAC Foyer 
  • Thursday 5/23: Gift Cards, 7AM-End of Day, Staff Lunchroom
  • Friday 5/24: Salty Snacks – 7AM-End of Day, Staff Lunchroom 


PTSA is kindly asking parents and guardians to donate gift cards and salty snacks.


You or your student can bring actual gift card, bank check made payable to BHS PTSA, to school, front office deck, from now till May 22nd.


In the following weeks, up to the event, PTSA will also have signup genius links for salty snacks collection as well as for extra gift card donation.


Your generosity is greatly appreciated !!!

Thank you to everyone who came out to see The Addams Family Musical last weekend. The amazing cast, crew, and pit orchestra thanks everyone for filling the seats and supporting their production!

JOIN PTSA

It's not too late to join PTSA!

Have you been meaning to get your annual Bellevue High PTSA Membership? Would you like to access the 2023-24 school directory? All new and returning parents, guardians, students, staff, and interested community members are invited - it's not too late! Questions? Email: membership@bellevuehighptsa.com

To sign up for membership go to: http://www.bellevuehighptsa.com/wp/joinptsa/

SAVE THE DATE APR 30TH

CASE STUDY AND COLLEGE FAIR

Please save the date! Tuesday, April 30th for a joint event hosted by BHS and MIHS! All families are welcome to attend, the class of 2025 is strongly encouraged! Ask Mrs. Hansen hansenl@bsd405.org if you have any questions

ORCHESTRA BOOSTER CLUB MEETING

BHS Orchestra Booster Club Meeting: May 7th @ 7:30pm - VIRTUAL!

 

Our BHS Orchestra Boosters welcomes all orchestra parents to our next meeting on Tuesday, May 7th at 7:30pm (please note new start time). Join us from the comfort of your home, as this meeting will be virtual!

 

Please email bellevueorchestra@gmail.com with any questions and to request the zoom link. 

 

We hope you can join us to hear details about upcoming concerts, discuss fundraising projects, and meet other parents!

CHOIR BOOSTER MEETING

MONDAY MAY 13TH AT 7:00PM

All parents of choir students please join us in the music room (1405) at 7:00PM for the final Bellevue Choir Booster’s meeting of the year. Mr. Jacobsen will tell us more about the final concert, we will discuss volunteer opportunities, and vote in next year’s Choir Booster leadership. If you have questions, please email Beth Halvorsen at beth.halvorsen@gmail.com or Jeannie McGinnis at Jeanniemcginnis@msn.com. See you there!

ATTENTION SENIORS! - GO ALOHA FOR 2024

Once again, the Bellevue High School Orchestra Booster Club will be selling Leis for the graduating class of 2024.


Looking for a unique and meaningful way to celebrate your upcoming graduation? Look no further than Hawaiian leis! Wearing a beautiful Hawaiian Orchid Lei, a custom that originated in Polynesia, for graduation is…

 

  • a long-standing BHS tradition
  • the must-have accessory for our graduating students’ big day
  • a way to give back to the Bellevue High School Orchestra!


Congratulate yourself on your hard work and celebrate your accomplishments in style with Hawaiian leis.

  

The Orchid Lei will be available in three colors: PurpleWhite, and Yellow at $35.00 per Lei.  


Information regarding how to purchase will be shared via the Blast and can be found by visiting our website: https://www.bellevueorchestra.org/product-page/graduation-lei 

 

All orders must be submitted by May 20th.

PURPLE

WHITE

YELLOW

CLASS OF 2025 PARENTS

Dear Class Of 2025 Parents,

We almost have all of our volunteer lead positions except for one. Thank you to all of you who volunteered to take on these roles. The last one is for Treasurer and would love someone as soon as possible. Please contact us if you are interested and we can fill you in on the role of this position.  


Don't forget to buy your raffle tickets to help support the Class of 2025 and if you are interested in selling raffle tickets, please contact Laura Weingartner at lweingaertner@hotmail.com


Thank you,

The Class of 2025 Advisors

Stephanie Dash,  colbyd2001@aol.com

Kerrie Rose,  kerrie.rose@icloud.com

Cindy Moss  cindylmoss@me.com

CLASS OF 2024 DATES, DEADLINES

& STUDENT PERFORMERS NEEDED

Hello Class of 2024 parents! As we are entering into the final months for our seniors, there are a lot of upcoming deadlines and dates. To help you stay organized, we’ve corralled everything into one place for everything related to our seniors. This information can also be found on the CLASS OF 2024 WEB PAGE

 

More Student Performers Needed for Baccalaureate on Monday, June 10th.  

If you have a student who wants to sing, play an instrument, do a reading, read an original poem, etc. – please email kim.millen@outlook.com. Can be individual performers (senior only) or groups (mixed grades).  This is usually a highly sought-after honor to showcase a student’s talents to their friends and family as they wrap up their time at BHS.

 

Unlike the large graduation event, the Baccalaureate ceremony offers a quieter, more intimate opportunity for the graduating class and their families to pause, reflect, and celebrate. This time-honored, tradition is a non-denominational evening that provides time to come together to mark this life transition and celebrate the many talents of their fellow seniors! 



Go Class of 2024 Wolverines! Kim Millen & Leslie Feller, Class of 2024 Parent Advisors

WOLVERINE GUARD

The 2023-24 Wolverine Guard Program deadline is fast approaching!



Here are some important reminders:

 

Application is due midnight on April 30th, 2024. No late application will be accepted!

 

Time log forms should be detailed and with signed signatures from volunteer coordinators.

 

Volunteering is usually done through a non-profit organization (which has a 501C3 tax status).


The PTSA Wolverine Guard program is separate from the Bellevue School District’s volunteer hours requirement for graduation. We do not coordinate with Naviance and will only accept Wolverine Guard time logs.


Students should plan to submit early in order to avoid last-minute complications!



Please contact Lucille Tam or Michelle Pflaum (Your WG Co-Chairs) at wolverineguard@bellevuehighptsa.com with any questions that you have.


BHS BAND BOOSTER CLUB MEETING

FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH, 7:00PM

Room 1405

 

All parents of BHS Band students, please join us on the first non-holiday Monday of every month, for a chance to learn more about the Bellevue Band Boosters.

 

Mr. George and Mr. Harvey share all the ins and outs of BHS Band happenings and news about upcoming performances, special events, fundraising needs, and share how you can help volunteer and support your student and the band program! We have a lot of fun!

 

Meeting dates are April. 29, June. 10.

If you have questions, please email bellevueband@gmail.com

SPORTS

DANCE TEAM TRYOUTS

Tryout dates: May 21 and May 23, 4-7PM in the upper auxiliary Gym

Sign up is required on final forms with updated physical.

Any questions can be sent to Coach Kiara at wilsonki@bsd405.org

BELLEVUE CHEER

2024 FALL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

IMPACT TEST DATES

ImPACT Test Dates for the BHS Sports:

No registration needed, just show up – the impact test takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes.

Students will need their BSD laptops for ImPACT testing.

ImPACT Testing will begin at 2:00pm at Bellevue High School - Lower Aux/North Gym - Room 0302



June 12


Impact testing is required for Football, Soccer, Divers, Volleyball, Water Polo, Cheer, Wrestling, Basketball, Gymnastics, Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse and Pole Vaulting prior to participating.

 

Any question please contact Kelli Mayer, BHS Athletics & Activities at mayerk@bsd405.org

BELLEVUE ATHLETICS SCHEDULE APR 29th - MAY th

Monday April 29th

 

Boys Junior Varsity Baseball v. Kennedy Catholic High School @ Bellevue High School 4:30pm

 

Boys JVC Soccer at Lake Washington High School 7:00pm

 

Girls Varsity Lacrosse v. Puyallup High School @ Bellevue High School 6:00pm

Girls Junior Varsity Lacrosse v. West Seattle High School @ Bellevue High School 8:00pm

 

Tuesday April 30th

 

Girls Varsity Tennis at Lake Washington High School 4:00pm

 

Boys Junior Varsity and Varsity Soccer v. Mercer Island High School @ Bellevue High School JV 5:30pm, Varsity 8:00pm

Supervisor John Hill

Stadium Manager Minh Nguyen

Tickets Debra Andrews and Cathy Lanning

 

Girls Junior Varsity and Varsity Water Polo v. Kennedy Catholic High School @ Edgebrook Swim Club 6:00pm

 

Boys Varsity Lacrosse at Newport High School 7:00pm

 

Wednesday May 1st

 

Boys and Girls Track & Field at Newport High School with Sammamish and Interlake High School’s 2:00pm

 

Girls Varsity Golf v. Lake Washington High School @ Bellevue Golf Course 3:30pm

 

Girls Varsity Fastpitch Softball at Interlake High School 4:30pm

 

Thursday May 2nd

 

Girls Varsity Fastpitch Softball v. Roosevelt High School @ Lower Woodland Park Field 5, Seattle 4:00pm

 

Girls Junior Varsity Tennis v. Lake Washington High School @ Bellevue High School 4:00pm

 

Girls Junior Varsity and Varsity Water Polo v. Mercer Island High School @ Edgebrook Swim Club 6:00pm

 

Girls Junior Varsity and Varsity Lacrosse v. Northshore Lacrosse @ Bellevue High School JV 6:00pm, Varsity 8:00pm

 

Boys Junior Varsity and Varsity Lacrosse at Lake Washington High School JV 5:30pm, Varsity 7:30pm

 

Friday May 3rd

 

Boys Junior Varsity and Varsity Lacrosse at Bothell High School JV 6:00pm, Varsity 8:00pm

 

Saturday May 4th

 

Girls Junior Varsity Water Polo at JV League @ Edgebrook Swim Club 8:00am, 9:30am, 2:00pm

 

GO Bellevue!!!

COMMUNITY CORNER

BELLEVUE PTSA SPONSORED HEALTH &

WELLNESS EVENT

Join us for 'Balancing Act: Supporting Student Stress & Anxiety.' 


Learn more about the causes of childhood stress and anxiety, signs that may indicate the need for more support, and practical strategies for fostering resilience at home. Explore resources available within the Bellevue School District and our community to help navigate this important aspect of parenting.


Let's work together to create a supportive environment for our children's well-being. Sponsored by Bellevue PTSA Council & The BSD Mental Health Assistance Team (MHAT).


Two sessions will be offered focused towards Elementary & Secondary: 

High School & Middle School Parent Presentation Wed. May 1st, 7-8PM Bellevue High School PAC 10416 SE Wolverine Way, Bellevue, WA 98004 

Elementary School Parent Presentation Wed. May 22nd, 7-8PM Odle Middle School Commons 502 143rd Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98007 

PNW KoPA ART COMPETITION 2024

The PNW KoPA (Pacific Northwest Korean Parents Association) is hosting our first annual 2-D Art Competition and the registration is now OPEN for anyone in grades K-12. Submission is open through May 12th.

 

Art Competition details and registration link: 2024 Art Competition Flyer - PNW KoPA


Official Awards partnered by Governor Inslee, Congresswoman DelBene, Bellevue Art Commissioner Lydia Aldredge. 


Two Topics are: you can pick one topic or both!

  • Me, Us and Korea - What's your connection/impression about Korea
  • Free topic - pick any topic of your choice that is non-political



Please contact competition.pnwkopa@gmail.com with any questions.

UNICEF GAZA RELIEF PROJECT

Today, Gaza’s reality is that there are roughly 1 million children in need of aid. They continue to face hardships, with over 90% of the population facing high levels of acute food insecurity in the Gaza Strip, and water production is estimated to be only around 5% of regular production. From the lack of basic

healthcare to the lack of adequate schools, those in Gaza are in urgent need of humanitarian aid. We must act now.

 

From April 22nd to May 1st, UNICEF Club, Muslim Student Association, and the Jewish Culture Club are collaborating for the Gaza Relief fundraiser. We are excited to bring to BHS another opportunity to provide substantial humanitarian aid for those in need this year.

 

Our goal is to focus solely on humanitarian aid needed as a result of the ongoing conflict, not to make a political statement regarding its cause. We strive to remain apolitical and to make sure that this fundraiser does not leave anyone feeling alienated and targeted. Donations will be going directly to UNICEF to support their operation in Gaza, which provides children with necessary resources, like clean water, food, and medical supplies.

 

Teachers at Bellevue High School have volunteered to complete various activities in order to incentivize donations from students and promote the fundraiser. The teacher sets a goal fundraising amount and when the students reach the fundraising goal, the teacher performs an activity that was collectively chosen; activities such as completing a hair shave design, a free period, etc.

 

You can donate online using this link by selecting UNICEF Gaza Relief Project, or you can ask your student to bring cash donations directly to participating teachers. You may also bring the cash donations to Ms. Golding in room 2106. If you choose to donate online, please upload your receipt here so we can track our totals. Follow us on Instagram for updates.

IVY MATH FREE ONLINE TUTORING SESSION

IvyMath is providing all Bellevue High families with a free online math tutoring session and an in-depth parent conference to discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses and how they compare to grade level.
IvyMath will also create a custom learning plan that maps out the exact areas your child should be focusing on in math for the rest of the year and what they will need to review over the summer. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, and understand what your child needs to feel confident and stay on track in math next year.
The IvyMath tutoring session, parent conference, and learning plan are free for all Bellevue High families. Popular times fill up, so please register quickly! Signup now at: IvyMath.com/Boost

BELLEVUE CHEER LIGHT RAIL

Thank you to the Bellevue HS cheerleaders who volunteered for Sound Transit’s 2 Line Grand opening. They did a great job welcoming community riders boarding and exiting their first experience on the new light rail.

TRIANGLE POOL / TIGERSHARKS SPECIAL TEEN OFFER

Triangle Pool has a special offer this summer for teens this summer. Teens 14 and older may join the Triangle pool for a very discounted price of $25 for the entire summer when committing to join the Tigersharks Swim Team ($225 registration fee). The qualifications for joining the Tigersharks are to be able to swim a 25 yard length of the pool and tread water for 2 minutes. Everything else you will learn by being on the team. Joining the Tigersharks swim team is a great way to get ready to join the BHS Swim Team and also to strengthen your swim skills before becoming a lifeguard. Plus - the team is just plain FUN!! Practices start May 6 and run through mid-July.  Visit trianglepool.org to find out more and to register. Questions? Email swim team coordinator Deanna at tigersharks@trianglepool.org We can't wait to see you at the pool!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BELLEVUE BLAST ARTICLE DEADLINE

The deadlines for submitting Bellevue Blast articles are as follows:

  •   School news and PTSA articles – Friday 6 pm deadline
  •   Athletics and Activities articles – Sunday 6 pm deadline
PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD / QUICK LINKS

PTSA President


Jaclyn Schwartz

Krista Heys


PTSA Vice President Fundraising


Tami Agassi


PTSA Board

Committee Chairs

Visit Website

PTSA Vice Presidents Communications


Aina Eun Lee

Cristina Nitescu

Rachel Hall


PTSA Secretary


Rebekah Brown


PTSA Treasurers


Mas Jacobsen

Belinda Wong


Staff Appreciation


Julia Leskauskas


BHS Administration


Principal:

Vic Anderson

Asst. Prin: Jocelyn Alexander

Asst. Prin: Thomas Gangle

Asst. Prin: Cathy Wellington


BHS Athletics/ Activities



Director: John Hill

Asst. Dir: Kelli Mayer


BHS Main Office

425-456-7000

Our Address:
10416 Wolverine Way
Bellevue, Washington
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