This spring, students in grades 3-5 will be taking the online Smarter Balanced Assessment for English Language Arts and Math. 5th graders will also test in science. While Smarter Balanced Testing is only one measure of a student’s progress, as a school, we use this data as “big picture” information about our achievement measured against state standards. This academic data is published on district and state websites and informs our school improvement plan.

To learn more about the assessment, the Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program website contains test-related resources for parents and students: https://wa.portal.cambiumast.com/summative-smarter-balanced.html. You can also try out a Smarter Balanced practice or training test at home!

As you plan your family’s spring schedule, know that we will spend a majority of May for Smarter Balanced testing. Below is a draft of our testing schedule. Please try to avoid scheduling vacations or time away from school during the assessment window. If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Principal Weiland (weilandk@bsd405.org) or Mr. Saltz (saltzm@bsd405.org), our ITCL, who supports with test coordination.

The district recently announced that in 2024, all BSD websites will move to a new platform, Finalsite. The “Listen and Learn” phase of the new website project is underway. This phase offers opportunities for BSD staff, students, families and community members to continue to share their feedback on what they need and expect from BSD’s websites.

Website User Survey

Complete the Website User Survey by April 10, 2023, to share your perspectives on BSD’s district and school websites. The information gathered will help Finalsite begin the first phase of the website redesign process.

Focus Groups

Focus groups will be held on April 5, 6 and 19, 2023, to allow BSD and Finalsite to gain a deeper understanding of the wants and needs of website users. Participants will have the option to attend virtually or in person.

Express your interest in participating by completing a Focus Group Interest Survey.

• BSD Student, Family and Community Interest Survey - Complete by April 7
  

Learn more about this project and the upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Youth Eastside Services operates the Success Mentoring Program. Success Mentoring is seeking additional adult mentors — specifically male, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ mentors. Mentors must be 21 years or older, but do not need any prior experience working with youth. Training is provided by Youth Eastside Services. Interested community members are welcome to learn more about the Success Mentoring Program.

The Bellevue School District offers a school-based health center at Highland Middle School. Any district student can receive comprehensive health care at the Highland Health Center (HHC). Services include immunizations, annual physical exams, chronic disease management and mental health screening and counseling. In order to become a patient, a registration packet must be completed. Email highlandsbhc@ichs.com for more information. The Highland Health Center is funded by King County Best Starts for Kids and operated by the International Community Health Services and Youth Eastside Services.

The Bellevue Family Hub, located at Highland Middle School, invites families to attend free parent sessions in March and April. The March session will support adults on the topic of job interview skills with the help of professional employment coaches. The April session will help both parents and high school students understand financial credit and how to build a strong financial future. Both sessions are free and will be offered in English and in Spanish. Sessions are offered in partnership with Hopelink. Sign up today by visiting the Bellevue LifeSpring website.

Join Camp Kindness Counts to take part in service projects every month. Visit Camp Kindness Counts to learn more.