Big Picture School Newsletter
August 17, 2023
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Upcoming Events
Aug 22: 6th grade Student Orientation 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Aug 22: 7th-8th grade NEW to BP Student Orientation 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Aug 22: NEW to BP HS Student Orientation 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Aug 22: 6th grade and New to BP other grades Parent/Guardian Info Session 11:30 am-12:00pm
Aug 23: Taking Care of Business Day 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sept 5: 1st Day of School
Stay on top of events and activities and plan for important dates by reviewing the district calendar. Previous and current printable calendars, including the 2023-24 Family Calendar, are also available online.
Principal's Corner
Greetings from Big Picture School,
The 2023-2024 school year is fast approaching. Hopefully, you had a restful break and were able to spend quality time with family and friends. Big Picture staff members have been busy developing curriculum, receiving training, and preparing for the welcoming of our students into our school community. We are excited to launch Year 13 of Bellevue Big Picture School and eager to begin building strong relationships with new students and families. Students are at the center of all that we do here at BP and we take our work with them very seriously. We truly value our partnerships with families and believe that by working together we can prepare all students for their post-secondary aspirations.
In an effort to facilitate a smooth transition to school, we’re providing students and families with as much information as possible. Please take time to share with your student the information included in this letter. Hopefully, it will help your child experience a successful transition to school. We’re looking forward to working with you and your child. Please encourage and facilitate your student’s participation in the New Student Orientation and Taking Care of Business Day activities, as they will assist your student in experiencing a smooth transition. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have further questions. Enjoy the rest of the summer!
With Gratitude,
Bethany Spinler, Principal
Matt Stokes, Assistant Principal
School Event Information
Big Picture NEW Student Orientation
Our 6th Grade and NEW 7th/8th grade Student Orientation will be on Tuesday, August 22, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM . This is for all 6th grade students and those 7th and 8th grade students who have not been enrolled at BP in past years.
All NEW to BP High School students (not 9th graders who attended BP in 8th grade) will work with high school staff on Tuesday, August 22 from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM.
During these orientations, students will receive a copy of their schedules, tour the campus and their classrooms, meet some teacher advisors, participate in team building activities, learn about project-based learning and receive an overview of expectations for the school year. This is a time for students and staff to connect so parents/guardians are encouraged to drop-off their children and return in a few hours for pick-up.
Students should bring a water bottle with them. We will greet students in the main courtyard and then divide them into smaller groups.
6th grade and New to BP Parent/Guardian Info Session
On Tuesday, August 22nd, at 11:30 AM, all 6th grade parents/guardians and any new to BP parents/guardians are invited for a short meeting in the cafeteria prior to picking up their students from orientation. NEW parents will receive school and PTSA information. This is a great opportunity to meet BP parents and to get last minute questions answered. This information will be emailed to all parents for those unable to attend.
Taking Care of Business Day
From 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 23rd, parents or students may drop off completed and signed paperwork from the summer email/online. Please remember that students will not be allowed to come to school on Sept 5 until we have the required immunization paperwork and/or other health related paperwork if your child has a life-threatening condition. We will also hand out ORCA cards, collect school fees, and take yearbook photos. All students can pick up a copy of their class schedule.
As another option for families who cannot attend, fees can be paid online, most forms can be returned with students on the 1st day of school, schedules will be available digitally on ParentVue/StudentVue and ORCA cards can be picked up at the start of school, too. There will be a make-up day for yearbook photos later this Fall..
Please see the back-to-school email and the check-in day agenda for more specific information. Below are the recommended times for each grade level to arrive to minimize congestion on campus. If you can't make it during your scheduled time, please come as close to that time as you are able to. Check the email and our school website for all required forms. If you can’t make it, please bring all paperwork the first day of school and complete other items online.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM 6th grade
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 7th grade
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 8th and 9th grade (laptop distribution for 9th grade)
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Lunch Break for Staff
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM 10th, 11th and 12th grades
Student Pictures
Student pictures will be taken by Lifetouch on August 23rd. Go to the LIFETOUCH website and enter the Big Picture Picture Day Code: EVT7QB8FX. Even if you choose not to purchase a picture package, all students must have their photos taken for our ID cards as they are required for all students. A picture make-up/retake day will be later in the Fall.
Unable to Attend Orientation and Taking Care of Business Day
If you and/or your child are unable to attend New Student Orientation, please let us know. We would like to set up a time prior to the first day of school to show your student around campus and explain the schedule. Other forms and fees may be taken care of the first day/week of school, if needed. There will be a second opportunity in late Sept/early October for students to get their pictures taken.
First Day of School
The first day of school is often filled with excitement and a little anxiety, as students may be fearful of the unknown. Knowing this, a brief description of the Sept 5th first day of school follows. Students may access StudentVue for their class schedule. If a student is unable to access their schedule online, they may pick up a paper copy of their schedule on the 1st Day in the courtyard before school at 7:45 AM. Some revisions may have occurred since the Taking Care of Business Day.
Students will report to their first period classes at 8:00 AM for high school and 8:10 AM for middle school. High school students are dismissed at 3:00 though may stay until 3:30 for tutorial. Middle school students will have a staggered dismissal initially to reduce congestion. All MS students taking a yellow bus home will be dismissed first at 3:00. MS students being picked up via car will be dismissed at 3:05. Those MS students staying for tutorial will be dismissed at 3:40. There will be NO activities after 3:40 PM the first two weeks.
School Schedule Information
School Schedule
High School
8:00-3:00 M,T,Th, F (Tutorial 3:00-3:30)
8:00-1:00 Wed
Middle School
8:10-3:05 M,T,Th, F (Tutorial 3:05-3:40)
8:10-1:40 –Wed
Student Class Schedules
Students can pick up a copy of their course schedules at Taking Care of Business Day. Students may also view their schedules online in ParentVue/StudentVue. Please be aware that any schedule shown in Synergy or any other application for the 2023-24 school year is considered a DRAFT schedule until the first day of school when schedules are finalized. Schedules may shift over the next few weeks as new enrollments are processed and class sizes are balanced. Any potential schedule corrections (we cannot accommodate schedule changes unless there are mistakes) need to follow our regular process. Schedule corrections are prioritized for seniors who may need a course required for graduation, students who completed/didn't complete summer school credit recovery and are in the wrong level of a required class, etc.
After School
After proceeding through their day, HS students and MS yellow bus riders are dismissed at 3:00 PM. MS students being picked up by car will be dismissed by 3:05. Students may report to one or more of their classes for tutorial from 3:00-3:30 PM (high school) or 3:10 - 3:40 PM (middle school). Teachers are in their classrooms for tutorial ready and available to help individuals and/or small groups or teachers may also assign students to attend tutorial for getting extra help, making up missed assignments, etc.
Students not attending tutorial are to depart for home. Clubs and after school activities, Club Jubilee, soccer, etc. begin after tutorial M,T,TH, and F. After school activities will not begin the 1st two weeks of school. We will announce later in September when each after school activity will begin.
School Information
LUNCH
Students may bring or purchase lunch at school and have choices from the hot entrée of the day, pizza, caesar salad, hummus plates, etc. Milk and assorted beverages as well as a variety of snack options will also be available for purchase. Menus can be found here: BSD lunch menus. Students will enter their code (student ID number) to pay for their meal. Checks or cash will be accepted for lunch or students can have money in their online account to purchase lunch. Lunch is 30 minutes in length. High School students are free to leave campus for lunch, if desired. There will be a combination of cafeteria and outside seating options available for students.
Set up payment for student meal purchases. Nutrition Services uses PayPAMS for online payments for school meals. Families may also pay for meals by check or cash at their student's school. Full-price lunch is $4.00 this year. You can load money into your student’s paypam account and get additional information here. The application for school meal benefits (free and reduced priced meals) is tentatively scheduled to be available during the week of August 21. Please click here to access the form when available. Please note that families must apply for meal benefits each year to receive benefits.
In addition, by completing the school meal benefit application to qualify for free or reduced priced meals and clicking the fee waiver box, students will also be able to gain access to:
✓ Fee Waivers or discounts* offered by the district;
✓ Community resources such as Operation School Bell, Backpack Meals and Shoes that Fit;
*The Fee Waiver Program offers waived fees for IB & AP tests, extracurricular activities such as ASB dues, event registrations, field trips, performances, social events/dances, transportation fees, athletic fees and discounted summer school tuition.
Supplies
If you haven’t already done so, gather your school supplies for the upcoming year. The supply list is located on our website. If you need assistance getting school supplies, please contact the main office.
Internships and Learning Through Interests (LtI)
High school students and parents - As you think about internships for fall, here is the information you need to know. New students will participate in a more detailed orientation and returning students will review information and learn about changes the first weeks of school. Internship startup paperwork won't start until the last week of August, but you can send the information to Tony (bit.ly/StartInternship) earlier if you have confirmed with a Mentor during the summer. The first possible internship day can be September 14th if the paperwork is complete.
Other things to consider this summer:
· Explore areas of interest– read about it, journal, visit a job site, ask questions
· Make a list of places in the Puget Sound area that involve this interest area– businesses, non-profits, schools, etc.
· Write out everyone you know in your network and their career area– relatives, friends of parents, parents’ co-workers, etc.
· Connect with someone in your interest area.
Technology
6th grade students and new to BSD MS students will be issued laptops during the 1st or 2nd week of school. 9th graders who didn't attend Taking Care of Business Days and other new high school students will receive laptops the first day of school. Students will need to ensure the laptop is charged prior to coming to school each day. Teachers use One Note and Teams as a learning management system to post assignments, homework calendars, and to communicate with students and parents. Students should back up their work on a USB drive and their One Drive. StudentVue/ParentVue is the official grade site for the district and has grade and attendance records. Students also have Office 365 accounts for school email and document storage. The student/parent laptop handbook is located on our website with more details.
If students have any issues with their laptops or are unable to log in, they may visit our tech specialist, Lucy Sassaman, in the counseling and tech office.
Transportation
All students will be able to ride transit for free by showing one of the following:
· Tapping their ORCA card when you board and exit
· Showing their current high school or middle school student ID card
· If they don’t have either, they can still ride for free.
An approved Washington State measure will allow youth ages 18 and under to ride public transit for free come September.
ORCA cards will be available for students at Taking Care of Business Day. You may also stop by once school starts to get an Orca card in the main office.
Many of our students take the metro to school each day. Information on bus routes can be found online at the King County Metro site. Additional information from BSD transportation department for High School and Choice Schools can be found here.
High School students who would like to drive to campus should complete a parking application and return to Beth Orr, BP office manager. These forms are available on our website and at school.
BP Club Proposal Process
As a small school, our list of active clubs can change each year based on student interest. For students interested in forming or renewing a club: after the first day of school, follow the instructions on the club application form (available in the main office) to determine a staff advisor and meeting times, and to gather student interest. Turn in the completed application to the ASB advisor (Suzanne Reeve) and follow the approval process in the application instructions. NOTE: ASB-sponsored clubs must be initiated by students.
As ASB approval is completed and clubs begin to meet, club meeting times and advisors will be posted to the “Panthers” section of the school website. Unless otherwise noted, approved clubs are open to all students.
Action Required
Annual Online Student Verification & Attendance Policy Agreement (action required for all families)
Update student information through the online student verification process beginning August 23, 2023. Parents and guardians are required to verify their student’s information annually. Synergy ParentVUE provides families the ability to view the student assignments, grades and attendance. When logging on to update student information in August, a prompt will remind you to acknowledge the yearly attendance agreement.
Health updates are included in this data update. Even if nothing has changed for your student, you will need to complete this process to verify that all information is accurate. You will not be able to access other features of ParentVUE (including checking your student’s grades) until this verification process has been completed.
Update your emergency contacts. More information on emergency contacts and emergency school release can be found on the student reunification process webpage. The BSD Safety and Security Department seeks to establish a culture that provides a safe learning environment through preparedness and awareness.
Current BSD Families: Make sure to update your email address and the language you prefer to receive messages. This will ensure you are kept up to date throughout the year about district news and events.
FinalForms (action required for all families)
All families are required to register their student once each year in Final Forms, but this will significantly reduce paperwork and redundancy of forms to be filled out throughout the year.
Registration for High School Fall sports is open. Check your attendance area high school’s Athletics site for details. Students who attend one of the Bellevue School District “choice” schools will maintain athletic eligibility at the comprehensive high school serving the neighborhood in which they reside (attendance area). Students attending Big Picture School who do not reside in the Bellevue School District are eligible to compete for Sammamish High School. Use Final Forms to register students for high school athletics and activities. Students need to purchase an annual ASB membership, provide an up-to-date physical(for HS Sports), and pay or waive fees to participate.
Registration for middle school sports and activities for the 2023-2024 school year will open on September 1, 2023. For BP Middle School, Jubilee Reach will be offering a variety of seasonal sports at all BSD middle schools, throughout the 23-24 school year. All sports may not be available depending on sign-ups and available volunteer coaches. A variety of clubs will also be available. Sign-ups for Fall sports will open on September 1st, but you can start the registration process now. BSD partners with FinalForms, an online forms and data management service for online registration. FinalForms allows you to complete & sign athletic/activity participation forms for your students. The platform saves data from season-to-season & year-to-year, meaning that you never need to enter the same information twice. FinalForms also pre-populates information whenever possible for each of your students, saving you time. If you already have an account confirmed with FinalForms, you and your student can log in and update forms now, and you can begin registering for sports and activities when they open on September 1, 2023. Families with existing accounts should look for the blue registration button to access 2023-2024 forms. If you have never logged in to FinalForms, please check here for additional info.To register on FinalForms visit the Sports & Activities page at: https://bsd405.org/departments/athletics-activities/middle-school-athletics-activities/ . For more information about Athletics in Middle School for the 2023-2024 school year, click here: https://bsd405.org/departments/athletics-activities/middle-school-athletics-activities/
How can I sign my child up on FinalForms?
- You should have received an account confirmation email from FinalForms with instructions on how to establish an account. To see a screenshot of this message visit https://bsd405.org/2018/10/information-about-finalforms/.
Complete Health Forms- Action as needed
Review the district’s Required Health Forms webpage to ensure a healthy start to the school year. If your student has a life-threatening health condition, they must have medication and healthcare orders at the school on the first day or they will be sent home. Please visit the district’s Individual Health Plan webpage to learn more. All students must have immunizations up to date to be able to attend classes. Please return the immunization forms before the first day of school. Immunization info.
Did you know that BSD has a School-Based Health Center on the Highland Middle School campus? Learn more about the Highland Health Center, which offers comprehensive healthcare to all BSD students. Access frequently asked questions about the health center.
Want your student to start school on time this year? Make an appointment now to complete:
- Vaccinations– Sign up for MyIR(My Immunization Record) to see if your student needs any school required immunizations.
- Individual Health Plans(IHP) for asthma, diabetes, life-threatening allergies, seizures and other life-threatening conditions (complete yearly)
- Medication authorization paperwork for medicine taken at school (complete yearly)
In partnership with state and local partners, BSD will hold health fairs on Wednesday, August 30 and Thursday, August 31. The health fairs will offer immunization clinics to students in preparation for the start of the 2023-2024 school year, as well as information about community agencies, overdose awareness(watch a video shared by Superintendent Aramaki in July about this topic.), internet safety and resources from physical and mental health providers. The fairs are free and open to the public. Immunization appointments are required. Please note, COVID and flu vaccines are not currently available.
BSD nurses, athletics and activities, and technology departments will be on-hand to support families, answer questions and provide resources. Partner organizations will also be in attendance, including: Washington State Department of Health, Youth Eastside Services, International Community Health Services, and Safeway Pharmacies.
Fees and Financial Assistance- Optional Action Needed
We continue with the reduction in fees for classes in order to ensure that all classes are accessible for every student. However, some optional fees may apply for your student. The easiest way to pay class/school fees is online at https://wa-bellevue.intouchreceipting.com/. Fees for families that may be paid will include:
- Yearbook order (optional—see below for more information)
- ASB membership (optional but strongly encouraged—these funds provide the basis for all clubs and social activities at the school for students. All students who participate in a club or school activity MUST have an ASB card.)
- Parking passes (see below for more information
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
BSD students in need of financial assistance should consider completing the Free-Reduced Price Lunch Application as this provides students access to the Fee Waiver Program. The Fee Waiver Program offers waived fees for AP tests, extracurricular activities such as ASB dues, event registrations, field trips, performances, social events/dances, transportation fees, athletic fees and discounted summer school tuition. Students may also work with our Office Manager, Beth Orr, for access to funds from the Invest Ed Fund. This information is kept confidential.
Make a Payment Through TouchBase
To streamline the student fees and fines payment process, TouchBase, BSD’s online payment site, introduced Family Accounts on August 1, 2023. The new Family Account Username feature allows families to access their students' fees and fines through a single login, simplifying payment procedures with the ability to pay all charges in a single transaction.
To start using your Family Account:
- Go to TouchBaseat https://wa-bellevue.intouchreceipting.com/signin
- Click the Set Passwordbutton.
- Enter the Email Addressyou have registered with your school for notifications and ParentVue.
- Click Search.
- Then check your email inbox for additional instructions.
Student ID Logins are still available for use on TouchBase, but it is highly encouraged to use your Family Account and create your own unique password for security reasons.
If you’re new to the Bellevue School District and TouchBase, visit our Getting Started Guide.
For questions or concerns, please contact posalerts@bsd405.org
Yearbook- Optional
2023-24 Yearbooks will be available for purchase Aug 22 – Sept 6. Books cost $30. You can purchase your yearbook online here https://wa-bellevue.intouchreceipting.com/ .
ASB- Optional
ASB cards are available for the low price of $7.50 for the school year. ASB membership gives students access to participate in ASB clubs and supports school wide events such as assemblies, socials and retreats. You can purchase your ASB card online here https://wa-bellevue.intouchreceipting.com/ If your family qualifies for a fee waiver, this ASB fee can be waived. Thank you for your support!
Misc. School Information
Attendance and Pre-arranged Absence Process
For absences other than illness, health condition, family emergencies, dental or medical appointments, religious or cultural observances, please submit a prearranged absence form to the main office at least 3 days before absence. The form is available in the main office and on the BP website.
Right Place. Right Time. Ready to Learn! Make school attendance a habit rather than a choice!
One of the most important things your children can do to achieve academic success is also one of the most basic: going to school every day. In fact, research has shown that it usually takes students 3 days to catch up with school work for every day they've missed. By making your child's school attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in supporting your child's school success, and setting a good example. Remember every day counts!
Please review the BSD attendance policy here. More attendance info is available here.
Big Picture PTSA
The PTSA supports our students, staff and families in many amazing ways from classroom enhancement grants and support for school socials/activities to coordinating volunteers, family educational events and staff appreciation to name a few. You can also purchase school spirit wear. We deeply value our partnership with the PTSA and encourage everyone to check out their website to learn more.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are numerous volunteer opportunities available at Big Picture. The BP Volunteer Interest Form is linked here. Please complete the form indicating your area of interest, if you have a desire to volunteer this year.
Leadership Opportunities:
PTSA Committees– reflections, legislative, staff appreciation, newsletter/website, volunteer coordinator, nominating committee chair, etc.
Office Support Opportunities:
Office Volunteer, Library, Lunch Activity Supervision
School Program Support Opportunities:
Middle School College and Career Exploration– career and college guest speakers, information inter views, job shadows
Project-based Learning– guest speakers connecting academics to real-world work, project contributors partnering with teachers
High School Internship Program– career guest speakers, mock interviews, resume writing, informational interviews, host a job shadow or intern
Classroom volunteers/tutors– classroom, 1:1 student support, tutorial support
Club Jubilee Sports and Activities Volunteer– afterschool support for the middle school club Jubilee program
Parent Volunteers and Background Checks
District Announcements and Information
Welcome Back + Block Party with Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF)
BSD Families,
We welcome you to the 2023—2024 school year at kick-off events in the coming weeks. We have been eagerly awaiting your return!
Bellevue Schools Foundation is thrilled to announce its support for the upcoming year: over $900,000!
We invite you to join us in celebrating the 2023—2024 School Year with a gift in honor of your students, the entire school community, and BSF’s programming by clicking here. Our Block Party on October 14 at Bellevue Downtown Park will also offer us all a chance to gather and support the blocks of funding provided by BSF. Stay tuned for more information or contact info@bsfdn.org.
If you are interested in getting more involved with BSF, and/or becoming a BSF Ambassador, please contact Michael@bsfdn.org. Not sure exactly what BSF is, or what we do? Check out our video here!
Official Notices and Office of the Education Obuds Info
Official Notices and Students Rights and Responsibilities
Please review the Official Notices from the Bellevue School District on the website. These include non-discrimination, FERPA, sexual harassment, truancy law, weapons policy, etc. This information is available here.
Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) is an independent state agency that helps to reduce educational opportunity gaps by supporting families, students, educators, and other stakeholders in communities across WA in understanding the K-12 school system and resolving concerns collaboratively. OEO services are free and confidential. Anyone can contact OEO with a question or concern about school. OEO listens, shares information and referrals, and works informally with families, communities, and schools to address concerns so that every student can fully participate and thrive in our state’s public schools. OEO provides support in multiple languages and has telephone interpretation available. To get help or learn more about what OEO does, please visit our website: https://www.oeo.wa.gov/en; email oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov, or call: 1-866-297-2597 (interpretation available).
Questions? Contact Info.
Bethany Spinler, Principal
Matt Stokes, Assistant Principal
Carol Anne Yamamoto, Registrar
Kelley Hoang, Attendance
Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.
The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights, Racial Discrimination, and Gender Expression or Identity Discrimination:
Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or phamn@bsd405.org
Sex-based Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment: Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, (425) 456-4010 or lowellj@bsd405.org
Disability Discrimination: Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Heather Edlund, (425) 456-4156 or edlundh@bsd405.org
Mailing address for all three: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.