Dolphin Dispatch

Volume 27 - Monday, March 7th

Important Dates

March 10: Toy Maker Family Night (More Information Below)

March 11: Newport HIgh School Multi-Cultural Night (More Information Below)

March 13: Daylight Savings Time (Spring Foward)

March 17: School Board Meeting

March 17: St. Patrick's Day

March 17: Math Challenge # 11 Responses Due

March 18: Math Challenge # 12 Available

March 18: Holi

March 18: No School (Professional Development Day)



Check out our online calendar for more dates and details.

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Attention 5th Grade Families!

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to the 5th Grade Graduation Events Fund! We have raised 39% of our goal so far, but we still need your help. As a reminder, we are asking for donations by this Friday, March 11, so that the parents on the Graduation Committee can commit to the venue, food, activities and gifts for the pool party and ceremony. Please donate through the link below. Thank you!

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Build-a-Toy Family Night

Back by popular demand, please join us for the second annual Rick Hartman virtual Build-a-Toy Family Night.
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Membership & Fundraising Update

Membership Goal Status - 33%

Goal: Every NHE student is represented in PTA by at least

one important adult in their lives.


Status: Currently 33% of our students are represented. We are 1/4 of the way there!


Join Here


There is NO obligation or expectation to volunteer or attend meetings. (But we do LOVE to meet members and find fun opportunities for those that want to help!)


Membership assistance is available. We do not want funds to stand in the way of those that want to join. Please email president@nhe-pta.org to request a confidential scholarship.

Fundraiser Goal Status - 43%

Goal: $30,000 will fully fund our budget for the 2021-22 school year.


Status: We are 43% of the way to our goal.


Donate Here


And remember to ask your employers about their Corporate Match Plan. Many local employers will match the donation you make up to 100%!


Every dollar contributed to our Pass the Hat fundraiser goes directly to support the programs offered by the PTA. A donation of $100 covers our spending per student, but any amount is appreciated. Every dollar counts!


We are a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Our Tax ID number is 91-1208399.

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From Green Team

City of Bellevue Utilities is offering free, interactive Greener Living live virtual Zoom classes and demonstrations this spring. Attendees will receive a digital kit after each class.


Visit www.bellevuewa.gov/greener-living-classes for more information and to register.

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From Nurse Cori

BSD is now offering drive-thru diagnostic PCR testing for students who show symptoms of COVID-19. The details of drive-thru testing are as follows:

Who can participate?

BSD students who are currently exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.


What will be offered?

  • Diagnostic testing will be completed via a shallow nasal swab using the same Atlas Genomics PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests used throughout the district. Rapid antigen tests will not be offered.
  • Students will self-administer the nasal swab from their vehicle under the direction of a trained test observer. A student’s parent or guardian may assist by swabbing the nose using the same process instead of self-administration.
  • Insurance is not required to test.
  • Please note, drive-thru testing is by appointment only.


When will testing be offered?
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where will drive-thru testing take place?
Wilburton Instructional Services Center (WISC)
12241 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98005

Sign Up
Click the link below and follow the instructions to sign up for a drive-thru test:

Sign Up Here


Things to Bring

  • Please bring a digital copy of your order form. This will be used as confirmation of your appointment and will expedite the testing process.
  • A mask.
  • No photo ID is required.


Getting Your Results

  • You will receive a text message and email when results are available. Sign into your Test Directly account to access your report.
  • You can also view your report by entering the Order ID, DOB, and Access Key OR the 16-character QR Code provided during your test and DOB.
  • Expect results in 48-72 hours.


Please Note
Students who complete diagnostic tests MUST NOT go back to school after their test. They should wait until results are returned.

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COUNSELOR'S CORNER - MAGGIE MOSHOLDER

"Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary." - Fred Rogers


For parents and caregivers of preschool and elementary-age kids: The news right now out of Europe is scary. Sometimes, our instinct is to avoid talking to kids about tough stuff on the news because we don’t want to upset them. And perhaps we don’t know where to start.


Our job is to provide our kids with accurate, age-appropriate information, while reminding them that they are safe and they are loved.


So how do we do that?


Spend time talking about the invasion of Ukraine. Your children will understand more — contextually and empathetically — than you expected.


Here are a few things might help:


1. A map: Pulled out the globe and put your finger on Ukraine, Russia and the Black Sea. Look for other countries and talk a bit about the formation and breakup of the Soviet Union (just simple history/geography).


2. Talk about some of the reasons wars start and how this is a "war of choice," because Russia's leader wants "more." This is simply wrong, like it would be wrong for someone to break into your child's room and say, "All of this is mine."


3. Explain sanctions in simple terms and name some of the other countries imposing sanctions. Also show a picture of Russians protesting so your child doesn't conflate the actions of a tyrant with an entire country of people.


4. Talked about refugees. Show a picture of Ukrainians trying to leave. Talk about being on the lookout for ways to help.


Finally, let them know you'll keep talking about it and that they can ask me questions anytime.


(This post is from the PTA, not from Maggie)


MORE RESOURCES:

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Family Connections - Ana Lewis


The Bellevue School District is committed to providing access to nutrition and additional resources for our students and families.


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From the district

Dear BSD Families and Staff:

As a diverse learning community that values one another’s humanity, we acknowledge the escalating conflict taking place in Ukraine and the significant weight it has on our BSD families. We recognize that many in our community are impacted by these events, and as a district, we will lean into our value of compassion as we recognize your thoughts, feelings and needs at this time.

We also acknowledge that some of our BSD families may have friends and relatives currently living in Ukraine and Russia. We see you, we support you, and our thoughts are with you.

We recognize that this is a complex topic to process, especially for our youngest learners. Please consider the following resources when talking to your students about crisis and these current events:



If you are concerned about your student or feel they need additional support, please contact their teacher, counselor, MLL facilitator or school administrator.

Thank you all for being a part of our rich learning community and playing an integral role in providing safe and welcoming learning environments, especially in times of need.

Bellevue School District 405

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Newport Hight School Multicultural Night

On Friday 3/11 the Newport High School ASB Equity Representatives will be hosting our first annual Multicultural Night.


The event will run from 5pm to 8pm at Newport High School.


This year because of COVID precautions we are only inviting Newport Students and their families to the inside presentations and performances. However, we DO want to invite community members to join us for food and celebration outside that evening.


Please come and check out the food trucks celebrating a variety of cultures that will be outside NHS (on the Factoria side) from 5pm to 8pm. We’ll have 4 trucks (Po’Boy & Tings, Baitong on Wheels, Alaskan Dumpling, Tacos al Guero), Boba Tea, tables, tents and music.

PLEASE JOIN US!

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Notes from the Backpack podcast

Notes from the Backpack is a PTA podcast designed for parents, featuring real conversations with real parents, experts and educators who offer real-life advice, ideas and strategies parents can use to help their children succeed in and out of school.


Parents' Guide to College Admissions


Listen Now

Newport Heights PTA

Newport Heights PTA is a volunteer-powered association of NHE families, staff, and community supporters, who act collectively on behalf of our children.


Our mission is to make every NHE student's potential a reality by promoting partnerships between home, school and community, engaging and empowering families and supporters to advocate for all children.