Strike Update
The District and BEA continue to post updates on union negotiations. Negotiations are scheduled through Labor Day. We encourage you to seek out information, particularly those of you who are new to the district and may not be familiar with this process. There has been a lot more media coverage regarding the possibility of a strike so be sure to listen to the local news on September 1. The district website will indicate what everyone should do on September 2.
Bellevue Education Association: http://www.bellevueea.org
Bellevue School District: www.bsd405.org
24 Hour Newsline, (425) 456 - 4111 (recorded message)
Sign up for BSD E-mail Notification at: www.bsd405.org/districtnotification
If you want updates from the district via email, you should send an email to pubinfo@bsd405.org , and request to be added to the distribution.
If there is a strike, high school sports programs will continue as scheduled.
And remember: PTA has no role in the bargaining process and therefore no position on this issue. The Washington State PTA works very hard to improve education funding for teachers at the state level, and does not support disruption to the school calendar.
Schedule: School Starts September 2
Even considering this uncertainty, school is scheduled to begin on September 2 at 7:30 am.
· Freshmen should pick up a Final Course Schedule starting at 7:00 am in the Commons.
· If you have an issue with your schedule, make an appointment with your counselor but continue to attend classes according to the schedule. The counselor will call you out of class to resolve any issues.
· Turn in any forms left over from Check In day last week.
· Pay any remaining fees at the Accounting Office.
Need a Bus Pass or a Locker?
Volunteers will be outside the office at lunch during the first week of school to hand out bus passes and assign lockers.
Picture Makeup Day
Everyone needs a Picture ID card, even if you don’t pay for ASB. If you don’t have one yet, plan on staying at school on Wednesday, September 10. The photographers will be here at 12:40. If you want to buy pictures, extra envelopes are in the office.
Theatre Department
Auditions for the All-School Play ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, one of the greatest American comedies, are September 17 and 18 after school from 3:15 to 5:15 in the theatre. Performances dates are November 6 through the 8. Rehearsals are Monday through Thursday after school. An Audition Information packet will be available in front of the ASB Secretaries Office the second week of school.
School Parking Lot
It is important for all freshparents to learn about the flow in the school parking lot. The very best place for drop off and pick up is on the East side of school – the side that faces Factoria Boulevard. There is a circular drive that facilitates safe and efficient transitions for your child. If you enter the parking lot on the West side of school – the side with all the ball fields – you should enter and go right into the lot. This is especially important to do at the beginning and end of the school day as there will be two lanes of traffic approaching from the left to exit that lot. You may drive around the perimeter of that lot, up the North side of the building and into the circular drop off area.
Student News
Olympic Congratulations!Anna Mickelson Cummins won an Olympic Gold in 8-man crew! She is a 1998 Newport Grad and UW Grad!
Email Distribution
I send these periodic informational emails to the parents and guardians of freshmen students. All email addresses appear in the BCC line to protect privacy. My goal is to reach 100% of the Class of 2012 but there are still many families who do not participate. If you know of other freshman families who do not receive these emails, please ask them to contact me. If you no longer wish to receive these emails or would like me to send them to a different email address, please contact me and I will make all of those changes.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Back to School News -- August 15, 2008
Hello Freshparents!
By now you should have received the fall packet chock full of information from Newport. Don’t worry, nobody will quiz you on it but you should read every last bit of it so you and your freshman know what to expect in the next few weeks. If you haven’t received the packet, please contact the school office as soon as possible. I will do my best here to help you navigate through the documents and upcoming events. In the end, don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions.
Freshman Check In Day
Link Crew Orientation
Fall Packet
Volunteer Opportunities
Dates and Deadlines
Miscellaneous
Freshman Check In Day – August 21, 2008
Check In Day is all about the students. This will be their first official activity at the high school. The fall packet provides a schedule by last name, starting at 10:00 am and running until 11:30 am but staff won’t close up shop until the last student goes through. Most freshmen can handle Check In on their own – every station is clearly marked and there are plenty of parent volunteers to help direct traffic and clear up any confusion. I remember handing my son an envelope full of forms and checks the morning of his freshman Check In and telling him, “Don’t come out to the car until you’ve turned in everything.” He did just fine and your freshman will, too! In general, you can anticipate that this process will take about 30 minutes. You should know, though, that this day also has a big social component, with students reuniting after being apart over the summer. Many parents factor this into the process when arranging a pick-up time. Speaking of that, you should drop off and pick up your student in the parking lost closest to the football field. Any student attempting to enter the door that faces Factoria Boulevard will be asked to walk around the building.
When students enter Check In, the will be directed to each station in turn. The staggered entry is designed to minimize long lines so please respect the schedule – it is enforced! Your student may attend another grade’s Check In if necessary. Students who qualify for a Metro pass should have received information from the Transportation Department. Your student will need the appropriate form signed by the parent/guardian and student in order to pick up the pass on August 21.
Link Crew Orientation – August 22, 2008
This is a great activity to kick off freshman year. Students should report to the gym at 9:00 am; pick-up is at 1:00 pm. All freshmen are assigned to a Link Crew Leader, a Junior or Senior with great social and leadership skills and lots of enthusiasm. Link Crew Leaders will take freshmen on a school tour, answer questions, and lead ice-breaker activities. Freshmen are invited to return from 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm for a dance in the gym.
Fall Packet
I can’t stress enough how important it is for you and your student to read every document in this great resource packet. Here are some highlights …
School Fees: You may write one check made out to *Newport High School* for the following: ASB Card ($45), Activity/Sports Transportation Fee ($20), Yearbook ($55), Classroom fees (vary according to subject).
Photos: Checks for pictures should be made out to *Dorian* for pictures. Prices vary depending on package selection. An ASB card will be generated from this process.
Bellevue Schools Foundation: BSF funds many invaluable initiatives across the district every year. If you donate before October 8, you won’t be contacted during the annual phone-a-thon later that month.
Freshman Sweats: Most students who wouldn’t be caught dead in their middle school spirit wear will proudly don anything red and gold during high school. Purchasing Freshman sweats is a great way to fill out your student’s wardrobe – there will be many opportunities to wear these items. Check In Day is the best day to order sweats as they will not be offered again during the school year. The Senior Class designed the Freshman sweats and proceeds go into the Seniors’ Prom and Graduation fund. Our students will receive the proceeds from sweats sold to the Class of 2116. As Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, our kids will get the proceeds from their own sales and have more say in the designs.
PTSA Fees: You may write one check made out to *Newport PTSA* for the following: PTSA membership (comes with one free student directory) and Classroom Bucks (you may elect to contribute at Check In Day or Open House night or by mailing it to the PTSA at your convenience).
There are several other important forms in the packet that require your attention before Check In Day or at some point in the future. Please review all of them and respond as directed!
Volunteer Opportunities
One of the best ways to get connected with Newport staff and families is to get inside the school. There are some great opportunities for this in the near future. If you can help out with any of the following events, please email Tony Brocato today (abrocato1@msn.com).
Wednesday, August 20 – Junior and Senior Check In Day, 7:30 am until 1:30 pm
Thursday, August 21 – Freshman and Sophomore Check In Day, 7:30 am until 11:30 pm
Friday, August 22 – Freshman/Link Crew Dance needs chaperones! 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm
Dates and Deadlines
Turn in Fall Sports Paperwork to Athletic Office August 14, August 15, August 21, August 22 between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm OR August 25 between 7:00 am and 11:00 am.
August 19 – New Student Orientation for students entering Newport from outside of the Bellevue School District
August 25 – Fall sports start.
August 29 – New Student Orientation (repeat of August 19 session)
September 2 – Students arrive at 7:00 am to pick up final schedule in posted locations and start first day of school!
September 4 – Rally Night in the Newport Stadium at 7:00 pm.
September 10 – Picture make-up day.
September 23 – Grade-Level Parent Presentations, Open House, Classroom Bucks Fundraiser
Miscellaneous
Summer Reading Packet – If your child hasn’t started it yet, encourage them to do so today! If the reading packet has gone missing, visit the Bellevue School District website and download another copy.
Fall Sports – Go to the school website (http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/), click on Sports, and then find your child’s sport. You will find a lot of information including summer team activities, training and competition schedules, uniform order forms, etc.
Daily Bulletin – If you would like to receive an email version of the Daily Bulletin (daily announcements made at school, also posted on the Newport website), please email Janet Suppes (suppesj@bsd405.org) and ask her to add your address. These bulletins are a great information source and provide good material to start a conversation with your high school student. Example: “I read that next week is Spirit Week … do you have any ideas for Crazy Hat Day?” or “I read that Newport has a book club. Have you thought about joining?”
Modified Block Schedule – This is a big difference from the middle school experience. With this format, students attend all seven periods on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. On Wednesday, students attend their 2nd, 4th, and 6th period classes. On Thursday, they attend 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th period classes. My son caught on to this system way sooner than I did!
So, that’s the deal. Between the Fall Packet and this email, you and your Freshman should be ready to take on the world! It is a lot of information to digest but it’s all there. Thanks for your attention. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions. Enjoy the remaining few weeks of summer vacation and Good Luck!
By now you should have received the fall packet chock full of information from Newport. Don’t worry, nobody will quiz you on it but you should read every last bit of it so you and your freshman know what to expect in the next few weeks. If you haven’t received the packet, please contact the school office as soon as possible. I will do my best here to help you navigate through the documents and upcoming events. In the end, don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions.
Freshman Check In Day
Link Crew Orientation
Fall Packet
Volunteer Opportunities
Dates and Deadlines
Miscellaneous
Freshman Check In Day – August 21, 2008
Check In Day is all about the students. This will be their first official activity at the high school. The fall packet provides a schedule by last name, starting at 10:00 am and running until 11:30 am but staff won’t close up shop until the last student goes through. Most freshmen can handle Check In on their own – every station is clearly marked and there are plenty of parent volunteers to help direct traffic and clear up any confusion. I remember handing my son an envelope full of forms and checks the morning of his freshman Check In and telling him, “Don’t come out to the car until you’ve turned in everything.” He did just fine and your freshman will, too! In general, you can anticipate that this process will take about 30 minutes. You should know, though, that this day also has a big social component, with students reuniting after being apart over the summer. Many parents factor this into the process when arranging a pick-up time. Speaking of that, you should drop off and pick up your student in the parking lost closest to the football field. Any student attempting to enter the door that faces Factoria Boulevard will be asked to walk around the building.
When students enter Check In, the will be directed to each station in turn. The staggered entry is designed to minimize long lines so please respect the schedule – it is enforced! Your student may attend another grade’s Check In if necessary. Students who qualify for a Metro pass should have received information from the Transportation Department. Your student will need the appropriate form signed by the parent/guardian and student in order to pick up the pass on August 21.
Link Crew Orientation – August 22, 2008
This is a great activity to kick off freshman year. Students should report to the gym at 9:00 am; pick-up is at 1:00 pm. All freshmen are assigned to a Link Crew Leader, a Junior or Senior with great social and leadership skills and lots of enthusiasm. Link Crew Leaders will take freshmen on a school tour, answer questions, and lead ice-breaker activities. Freshmen are invited to return from 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm for a dance in the gym.
Fall Packet
I can’t stress enough how important it is for you and your student to read every document in this great resource packet. Here are some highlights …
School Fees: You may write one check made out to *Newport High School* for the following: ASB Card ($45), Activity/Sports Transportation Fee ($20), Yearbook ($55), Classroom fees (vary according to subject).
Photos: Checks for pictures should be made out to *Dorian* for pictures. Prices vary depending on package selection. An ASB card will be generated from this process.
Bellevue Schools Foundation: BSF funds many invaluable initiatives across the district every year. If you donate before October 8, you won’t be contacted during the annual phone-a-thon later that month.
Freshman Sweats: Most students who wouldn’t be caught dead in their middle school spirit wear will proudly don anything red and gold during high school. Purchasing Freshman sweats is a great way to fill out your student’s wardrobe – there will be many opportunities to wear these items. Check In Day is the best day to order sweats as they will not be offered again during the school year. The Senior Class designed the Freshman sweats and proceeds go into the Seniors’ Prom and Graduation fund. Our students will receive the proceeds from sweats sold to the Class of 2116. As Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, our kids will get the proceeds from their own sales and have more say in the designs.
PTSA Fees: You may write one check made out to *Newport PTSA* for the following: PTSA membership (comes with one free student directory) and Classroom Bucks (you may elect to contribute at Check In Day or Open House night or by mailing it to the PTSA at your convenience).
There are several other important forms in the packet that require your attention before Check In Day or at some point in the future. Please review all of them and respond as directed!
Volunteer Opportunities
One of the best ways to get connected with Newport staff and families is to get inside the school. There are some great opportunities for this in the near future. If you can help out with any of the following events, please email Tony Brocato today (abrocato1@msn.com).
Wednesday, August 20 – Junior and Senior Check In Day, 7:30 am until 1:30 pm
Thursday, August 21 – Freshman and Sophomore Check In Day, 7:30 am until 11:30 pm
Friday, August 22 – Freshman/Link Crew Dance needs chaperones! 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm
Dates and Deadlines
Turn in Fall Sports Paperwork to Athletic Office August 14, August 15, August 21, August 22 between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm OR August 25 between 7:00 am and 11:00 am.
August 19 – New Student Orientation for students entering Newport from outside of the Bellevue School District
August 25 – Fall sports start.
August 29 – New Student Orientation (repeat of August 19 session)
September 2 – Students arrive at 7:00 am to pick up final schedule in posted locations and start first day of school!
September 4 – Rally Night in the Newport Stadium at 7:00 pm.
September 10 – Picture make-up day.
September 23 – Grade-Level Parent Presentations, Open House, Classroom Bucks Fundraiser
Miscellaneous
Summer Reading Packet – If your child hasn’t started it yet, encourage them to do so today! If the reading packet has gone missing, visit the Bellevue School District website and download another copy.
Fall Sports – Go to the school website (http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/), click on Sports, and then find your child’s sport. You will find a lot of information including summer team activities, training and competition schedules, uniform order forms, etc.
Daily Bulletin – If you would like to receive an email version of the Daily Bulletin (daily announcements made at school, also posted on the Newport website), please email Janet Suppes (suppesj@bsd405.org) and ask her to add your address. These bulletins are a great information source and provide good material to start a conversation with your high school student. Example: “I read that next week is Spirit Week … do you have any ideas for Crazy Hat Day?” or “I read that Newport has a book club. Have you thought about joining?”
Modified Block Schedule – This is a big difference from the middle school experience. With this format, students attend all seven periods on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. On Wednesday, students attend their 2nd, 4th, and 6th period classes. On Thursday, they attend 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th period classes. My son caught on to this system way sooner than I did!
So, that’s the deal. Between the Fall Packet and this email, you and your Freshman should be ready to take on the world! It is a lot of information to digest but it’s all there. Thanks for your attention. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions. Enjoy the remaining few weeks of summer vacation and Good Luck!
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