NHS Class of 2012

Class of 2012 -- Week Two Juniors

2010-09-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Parents:

This will be a short but busy week at school. As you will see below, college-related activities are starting in earnest. Encourage your student to sit in on a few college visits but don’t lose sleep if s/he opts out at this point. Just like learning to walk and talk, each student will figure out how to approach post graduation in his own time. As parents we can encourage and advise but, ultimately, our student has to be ready to investigate the options. One parent asked me to drop her from my email distribution because her son has left Newport to attend UW … as a 16-year-old. On the other end of the spectrum, my 2010 graduate visited the college he’s now attending in November of his Senior year. It’s never too early and (almost) never too late to go through the process. Inhale … exhale.

Spirit Week – September 7-10
Class Sweats
ASPEN Sponsors SAT Practice Test – September 11 – Register Today!
Grad Knight 2011 Fundraisers
ASPEN Sponsors Recycling Event
Counselors Corner – College Visits
Important Dates
Fall Activities Assembly
Do You Know These Students?
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Spirit Week
Tuesday – Twin Tuesday (dress up with a friend in same clothes)
Wednesday – “Wacky” Wednesday
Thursday – Color Wars (Juniors wear BLUE)
Friday – Red & Gold Day - Fall Activities Recognition Assembly! See schedule below.
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Class Sweats
This week ASB students will take orders for sweats during lunch on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Samples should be available.
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ASPEN Sponsors SAT Practice Test

When: Test is on Saturday, September 11 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Score giveback is on Tuesday, September 14, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Test will take place at NHS. Room assignments when student arrives.
Giveback will take place in the NHS Commons
Cost: $20 payable to ASB Accountant, make checks payable to Newport High School
Deadline: Registration Deadline is September 9

This is a great opportunity for our students to get a practice test under their belts before taking the real thing. Deadline is approaching! Students may pay the day of the test but they must sign up prior to that. Last-minute on-site sign up if space available. Students may turn in registration forms to the accountant. If students can’t make the giveback date, the tests will be in the counseling center.
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Grad Knight 2011 Fundraisers

Newport Shores Garage Sale: Saturday, September 11, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, 16 Lopez Key

Homecoming Tailgate Party: Join us for a BBQ in the courtyard before the Homecoming game vs. Redmond on October 15. Drop off reservation forms in the office no later than Wednesday, October 6. Contact Dena Fantle: fantle@comcast.net

Poinsettia and Wreath Sales: Exceptional quality poinsettia and wreaths from Squawk Mountain Nursery. Drop off order forms in the office by October 30. Contact Janice Pelo: janicepelo@comcast.net

All of the information and forms are available at www.newportptsa.org/Class2011. Please be generous with these fundraisers – our class will take on these events next year and we will hope for support from the other classes.
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ASPEN Sponsors Recycling Event
Saturday, September 11 at Newport High School from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm through local non-profit 1GreenPlanet, an organization that collects old appliances, furniture, etc. and recycles them in an eco-friendly manner for a small donation. ASPEN will accept donations. Minimum donation is $10 for small items and $20 for many items.
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Counselors CornerCollege Visitation Schedule

September
…12th The Sisters (Barnard/Bryn Mawr/Mount Holyoke/Smith/Wellesley)/Bush School 2:00
...14th Case Western University (2:30 pm)
…14th Duke University (2:30 pm)
…17th Occidental University (1st Lunch)
…20th Claremont McKenna College (1st Lunch)
…21st University of Puget Sound (1st Lunch)
…21st Princeton University (2:30 pm)
…22nd University of the Pacific (12:30 pm)
…23rd California Institute of Technology (1st Lunch)
…23rd Bates College (2nd Lunch)
…23rd University of Southern California (2:30 pm)
…24th Scripps College (1st Lunch)

October
….5th New York University (2nd Lunch)
….7th Seattle University (2:30 pm)
…12th Carnegie Mellon (2nd Lunch)
…14th Lehigh University (2nd Lunch)
…15th Westmont College (2nd Lunch, assembly schedule)
…15th Washington University at St. Louis (2:30 pm)
…18th Harvy Mudd College (both lunches)
…18th Yale University (1st Lunch)
…19th Linfield College (2:30 pm)
…21st University of Portland (2:30 pm)
…21st Arizona State (2:30 pm)
…22nd Wesleyan University (2nd Lunch)
…22nd U. of San Francisco (both lunches)

November
….4th Swarthmore College (2:30 pm)
…18th University of Oregon (2:30 pm)

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Important Dates
September 7-10 - Spirit Week
September 8 - Picture Make-Up Day 12:40 pm
September 10 – Fall Activities Assembly
September 23 – Grade-Level Presentations 6:15 pm, Open House 7:00 pm
September 29 - PTSA Meeting 7:00 pm, Library
October 8 - Professional Day, NO SCHOOL
October 13 - Super Wednesday (PSAT/PLAN)
October 15 - Homecoming BBQ
October 15 - Homecoming Game vs Redmond 7:00 pm
October 16 - Homecoming Dance 9:00 pm
November 11, 12 - Veterans Day/Professional Day, NO SCHOOL
November 12, 13, 14 - Ski Swap
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FALL ACTIVITIES RECOGNITION AND WELCOME BACK ASSEMBLY – September 10, 2010
Period 1 7:30 − 8:10 40 Min.
Period 2 8:15 − 9:00 45 Min.
Period 3 9:05 − 9:45 40 Min.
Period 4 9:50 − 10:30 40 Min.
Period 5a 10:35 − 11:15 40 Min.
1st Lunch 10:35 − 11:05 30 Min.
Period 5b 11:10 − 11:50 40 Min.
2nd Lunch 11:20 − 11:50 30 Min.
Period 6 11:55 − 12:35 40 Min.
Period 7 12:40 − 1:20 40 Min.
Welcome Back/Fall Sports Assembly
1:30
−
2:30
60 Min.
Tutorial 2:30 − 3:00 30 Min.

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Do You Know These Students?

It’s an ongoing effort to keep up with my email distribution list. Students come and go, email addresses no longer work, etc. Please take a look at these names. If your child knows any of these students from school, sports, activities, or social circles, please ask them to contact me if they want to receive my emails. As we work through this school year, I would like to reduce this list as much as possible. Next year my emails will contain a lot of important information about graduation and related activities and it would be ideal to reach as much of the class as possible. Thanks in advance for your assistance with this effort.

2010-08-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Parents:

Let’s jump into the new school year with this news ….

Principal’s Letter
Junior Sweats – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Disco Dance
Picture Retakes
Communications
Open House/Classroom Bucks
Homecoming Tailgate Party
ASPEN News
Girls Swim and Dive Team Fundraiser
Important Dates------------------------------------------------------------------------

Principal’s Letter
Please take a moment to read the attached letter from Newport Principal Heidi Fiore. All students will pick up their official schedules in the Commons when they arrive on Monday in order to be admitted to class. If there are any issues with a schedule, your student needs to attend classes as scheduled and go to the counseling center to make an appointment with their counselor. The counselor will call your student out of class to deal with the schedule problem.

Drop off all forms in the office and payments can be made with the accountant this week if your student missed the check-in days
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Junior Sweats – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Junior Class officers will accept orders for junior sweats during lunches the second week of school. The students will do the hard work but we need some parents who can come in to school to oversee the transactions. If you are available to work any of the following day/time segments, please respond directly to me or to Van Onishi at onishiv@bsd405.org or 425-456-7489.

Tuesday, September 7: 11:15-12:40 (1st lunch is 11:15-11:45 and 2nd lunch is 12:10-12:40)

Thursday, September 9: 10:45-12:55 (1st lunch is 10:45-11:15 and 2nd lunch is 12:25-12:55)

Friday, September 10: 11:15-12:40 (1st lunch is 11:15-11:45 and 2nd lunch is 12:10-12:40
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Disco Dance
The first dance of the year is Friday, September 3 from 9:00 pm to midnight, following the home football game against Interlake. Students need to buy their tickets this week.
• Tickets will be sold Tuesday, August 31 (both lunches); Wednesday, September 1 (after school); and Thursday, September 2 (both lunches and after school). No sales on Friday.
• Tickets are $5 w/o ASB and $4 with ASB.
• Guest passes for students not attending Newport - The deadline to turn in the completed form is the Wednesday, before the dance, at 3:15. No exceptions! Completed Guest Passes due Wednesday, September 1 by 3:15 - no exceptions.
• Remember, if your student does not attend school on Friday, he/she will not be admitted to the dance, even if he/she has purchased a ticket.
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Picture Retakes & Picture ID
Anyone who missed pictures on Check In Day needs to go to the Commons on Wednesday, September 8, after 12:40. This is your student’s last chance to get a photo ASB card.
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Communications
Daily Bulletin: You can receive the Daily Bulletin as a daily email. To receive the daily emails send a note to suppesj@bsd405.org

PTSA Knightline News: If you are not receiving an e-blast from Newport's PTSA, please go to http://www.newportptsa.org. Check out the "My Newport" section. Contact newportptsa@cfmm.com if you have any questions.

Class of 2012 Emails: If you know of another Class of 2012 family that does not receive my emails, please share my address and ask them to contact me so I can have the most updated email list possible.

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Open House/Classroom Bucks
This event is on Thursday, September 23. There will be class meetings at 6:15, then you get to visit your student’s teachers starting at 7:00. During the evening, we will collect money for our annual “Classroom Bucks” fundraiser, which is all given to our wonderful teachers in the form of grants. Please give generously. Virtually every sort of booster wear, booster gear, and booster food will be on display and available for purchase on Open House night. Remember your check book.
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Homecoming Tailgate Party
Join us for a BBQ in the courtyard before the Homecoming game vs. Redmond on October 15. Reservation forms can be dropped off in the office no later than Wednesday, October 6. Contact Dena Fantle fantle@comcast.net
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ASPEN News
Recycling event: Saturday, September 11 at Newport High School from 9:00-3:00 through local non-profit 1GreenPlanet, an organization that collects old appliances, furniture, etc. and recycles them in an eco-friendly manner for a small donation. Aspen will accept donations. Minimum donation is $10 for small items and $20 for many items.
Kaplan SAT Practice Test: Saturday, September 11 8:30-1:00 at Newport High School. $20 re-registered. Register by September 9.
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Newport Girls Swim & Dive Booster Club Event
California Pizza Kitchen fundraiser. Eat at CPK anytime during the weekend of Sep 10 - 12th, present our coupon when placing your order and they will donate 20% of the meals bought to our team. Coupons will be available in the office or you can contact us at nhsgirlsswive@gmail.com.
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Important Dates
August 30 - School starts
September 3 - Disco Dance
September 6 – Labor Day - No School
September 7-10 - Spirit Week
September 8 - Picture Make up Day
September 23 - Open House
September 29 - PTSA Meeting (Library)
October 8 - No School Professional Day
October 15 - Homecoming Game vs Redmond
October 16 - Homecoming Dance

2010-08-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Junior Parents:

It seems like just yesterday that I was answering a lot of questions about check-in day for our freshmen. You received your student’s 2010-2011 check-in packet within the last week and nobody has emailed me. What? No questions?! Or is it that nobody has actually opened the envelopes yet to look at the paperwork? Well, here are some highlights of what you will find.
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CHECK-IN DAY
Check-In Day for juniors is Wednesday, August 18,starting at 10:00 am. Please follow the arrival times listed in the packet.

**** More Volunteers Needed for Check-In Days ****
August 18 – 7:45 am - 10:00 am (Seniors); 9:45 am - 1:00 pm (Juniors) and August 19 – 7:45 am - 10:00 am (Sophomores), 9:45 am - 1:00 pm (Freshmen). Volunteers receive training to help make student locker assignments, distribute METRO or parking passes, hand out gym shirts (freshman only), and distribute schedules. Prefer volunteers who can work the entire shift. Please indicate what times you are available. Students are welcome as runners. Contact: Tira Villanueva tira.villanueva@verizonbusiness.com or send an email directly to me if you are able to help.

Unable to Attend
If your student can’t attend Check In, there will be volunteers at lunch during the first week to issue bus passes and assign lockers. Fees and Fines can be paid at any time after August 16 to the Accountant. September 8 will be picture makeup day where students can get an ASB/ID card. Your student can get on the parking waiting list any time after August 18 in the Main Office.

Lockers
If your student wants a locker partner, try to go through Check In together. If they can’t, have the first person tell the volunteers that there will be a partner, and to reserve that spot. The partner must register his/her name in person, by September 3, during Check In, or through the Main Office. Single lockers will be assigned partners starting September 8. You cannot sign up another person for a locker.

Fines
Your student will not be able to play fall sports, purchase ASB, or receive a parking permit if a fine is not resolved. Your student can pay the fine prior to Check-In Day between 10:00 am and noon or between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm M-F in the accountant's office or on Check-In Day.

Student Profile
Release of Information about student: for privacy reasons, many parents check N to the question “Should directory information be released as explained above?” Please read this paragraph carefully. It means that…..
• The family won’t be in the directory (unless they fill out the directory form and opt back in).
• The student’s name won’t appear on the honor roll or any other published list of student achievement.
Just wanted to help you make sure you picked the option you intended here. If you have specific questions, the Registrar, Shelby Dawes, 456-7521, would be a good person to ask.

Yearbook
If your student wants a yearbook, be sure to purchase one now – don’t wait until June.

PTSA Information
Communication has been consolidated online www.newportptsa.org. Please fill out the goldenrod form for the Parent/Student directory and Knightline e-newsletter email updates. Please join the Newport PTSA with a single membership of $15 or family membership of $20. And there are manyvolunteer opportunities with the PTSA!

Parking
Please read the policy and instructions thoroughly! Parking permits are $100. Fines must be paid prior to purchasing a parking permit. Proof of insurance and valid driver's license are required. Students and parents must read, complete, sign, and date the parking application. If your student can’t attend Check-In, parents may come in and take care of parking permits with ID and all the other student required documents at the scheduled time only. The same rules apply for parents and students.

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ASPEN Fundraiser
Newport’s ASPEN Program is proud to sponsor a recycling event at Newport High School on September 11 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
This is your opportunity to recycle for FREE* such items as computers, electronics, appliances, scrap metal, etc.
*ASPEN gladly accepts donations. Minimum suggested donations are $10 for a small amount of items or $20 for many items. All proceeds go to Lifelong AIDS Alliance and the Seattle AIDS Walk.
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Dates to Remember
August 18 – Junior Check-In Day
August 30 – First Day of School: Students pick up FINAL schedule at posted locations
September 6 – Labor Day: No School
September 8 – Picture make-up day
September 10 – Deadline for ordering Junior Sweats
September 11 – ASPEN Fundraiser
September 23 – Grade-Level Presentations/Open House/Classroom Bucks Fundraiser
October 8 – Professional Day: No School
October 15 – Homecoming Game
October 16 – Homecoming Dance
November 11 – Veterans’ Day: No School
November 12 – Professional Day: No School

2009-09-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Sophomore Parents:

Our students have successfully navigated their first week of sophomore year. To help with the second week and beyond, consider this news …

Spirit Week
Welcome Back/Fall Sports Assembly
All-School Play
Sophomore Class Sweats
Computer Passwords
Peer Tutors
Calendar
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Spirit Week

Tuesday is Pajama Day

Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday

Thursday is White-out Day

Friday is Red & Gold Day

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Welcome Back/ Fall Sports Assembly

There will be an assembly next Friday, September 11.

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All-School Play

Try-outs for the comedy, “You Can’t Take it With You,” are September 16 and 17 from 3:15 pm until 5:15 pm in the Drama Room (1207). Your student should plan to attend both days of try-outs. Try-out information is located outside the ASB Secretary’s Office. If you would like to check out a script or have any questions, see Mr. Richards.

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Sophomore Class Sweats

Students will be able to look at apparel samples and turn in order forms during both lunches next week. The Sophomore Class faculty advisor, Van Onishi, will be on hand with a class representative during first lunch. He is looking for parent volunteers to attend second lunch to assist the students. An adult must be present so please volunteer to make sure that students at second lunch have a chance to see the clothing samples. The time commitment is very brief:

Tuesday, September 8 from 12:10 pm to 12:40 pm;
Thursday, September 10 from 12:25 pm to 12:55 pm; and/or
Friday, September 11 from 11:20 am to 11:50 am.

If you can help at any or all of these lunches, please respond this weekend to me or Mr. Onishi (onishiv@bsd405.org). Thanks for your assistance!

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Computer Passwords

Students need to update their computer password by Friday, September 12. All passwords were reset over the summer. Passwords can be changed before school, during lunch, and after school in the Library.

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Peer Tutors Needed for Newport’s Peer Tutoring Program

Newport has a Peer Tutoring Program! We need more tutor volunteers – especially in the areas of science, math, and world language. Students who want to be a Peer Tutor can find applications in the counseling office. Peer Tutors are volunteers who want to help their peers and gain valuable experience in how to teach, clarify, and communicate. Peer Tutors will receive community service hours for their efforts.

Students who need extra assistance in a specific class may request a tutor by turning in a Peer Tutor Request Form, available in the counseling office. If you have any questions about the program, contact Ms. Klug at klugk@bsd405.org or 425-456-7451.

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Calendar

September 9 Picture Make-Up Day, 12:30 pm

September 11 Class Sweats Orders Due

September 12 Class of 2010 Fundraiser – Newport Shores Garage Sale, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, 23 Newport Key

September 23 PTSA Meeting, 7:00 pm, Newport High School Library

September 24 Back-to-School Night at Newport

October 16 Homecoming Football Game vs. Eastlake

October 17 Homecoming Dance

2009-08-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Sophomore Parents:

Here are several items that require prompt attention if they pertain to your student. Do not panic when you see a few SAT-related items – they simply announce some very early opportunities for any of our students who want to explore them. Opting out of these activities will in no way jeopardize your child’s eventual college application process!

Fall Sports Paperwork
Student Fines
Check-In Day Reminders
SAT Practice Test
SAT Prep Class
Sophomore Sweats
Volunteer Opportunities

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Fall Sports Paperwork

The Athletic Office is open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday August 14, Tuesday August 18, Friday August 21, and Monday August 24. Fines and fees will be paid at this time. (ASB and transportation fee of $25 if required).

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Student Fines

Please be aware that new fines may have been posted at the conclusion of the 2008-2009 school year, after all books were scanned in and teachers assessed final fines prior to summer break. Fines have been mailed home with the student packets.

Paying of fines must occur prior to clearance for sports, acquiring a parking pass, or ASB activity eligibility.
Textbooks still in your possession can be returned to the accountant and the fine for the book will be removed.
Students should be prepared to pay all fines if they wish to get a parking pass or purchase an ASB card for sports or activities. If a fine is paid for a textbook and it is later found a refund will be issued if the book is found within the same academic school year.
If your student has questions about returning a book, these questions will be addressed with the classroom teacher after school has started.
NHS takes cash and checks only. We are unable to process credit cards and debit cards at the school.
If you wish to pay online please go to https://touchbase.bsd405.org. Please read the following regarding online payments:

Parking can NOT be paid online.
ASB can only be paid if you don't have any fines.
If you do have fines, you need to pay them first and then pay for ASB.
Class fees, yearbook, and transportation fees can be paid even if you choose not to pay your fines at this time.
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Check-In Day Reminders

You must come at your scheduled time. You may NOT come before, but you may come after.
A separate check is required for a parking pass. Please make sure that you have all of the required paperwork and documentation ready. Seniors and juniors have priority here. Any eligible sophomores will be placed on a waiting list.
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ASPEN Fundraiser - Kaplan SAT Practice TestSaturday, September 12 at NHS 8:30 am to 1:00 pm

$20 registration fee

All funds raised will support the Lifelong Aids Alliance

This practice test will primarily serve juniors and seniors but there is no reason for sophomores to stay away if they are interested. This is an inexpensive, non-threatening way for our students to experience the SAT test before they take any that count.

A flyer is attached and will also be passed out on Check-In days
Checks should be payable to Newport High School/ASPEN
Registration fees will be collected during both lunches the first week of school
Registration fees will also be set-up through the online payment system https://touchbase.bsd405.org
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SAT Prep Class

Newport's Honor Society is sponsoring a fundraiser with SAT Prep Inc. A discounted 6 class course and practice test will be offered in September, February, and March. A portion of the registration fees goes to support students at Newport. See the attached flyer for registration information. Again, this is an OPTION for sophomores. The vast majority of sophomores will not take an SAT prep course or SAT test this year. They won’t even be thinking about it! But there may be some students who want to start this process and, for those, I want to share this information.

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Sophomore Sweats

Here’s the chance for our students to refresh their spirit wardrobe and support their prom and graduation at the same time. Check out the attachment for the new sophomore sweats and other apparel options.

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Volunteers Needed for Check-In Days

Volunteers are needed from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm (approx) both days – August 19 and August 20! Currently we need at least 13 more volunteers for WEDNESDAY and 21 more volunteers for THURSDAY.

We have openings at all stations or, if you have no preference, we will assign where we have the greatest need. The jobs are not complicated and training is provided. It’s a fun and easy way to interact with other parents, faculty, and students.

To sign up, send email to tira.villanueva@verizonbusiness.com today!

Start of Sophomore Year

2009-08-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings Parents:

The payoff for going in to Newport this morning to help stuff fall packets was that I got to bring home my kids’ packets. Most of you will receive your envelope within the week. I’d like to spend some time going through the contents so you’ll know what to expect and your student will be well prepared for Check-In Day on August 20.

So, starting with the first document in the envelope ….

Student Profile (white)

Review carefully and mark any changes.
Sign and turn in at Check-In Day even if there are no changes.

Schedule (white)

Review carefully and note any changes.
Your student will get another schedule at Check-In Day; it may be revised from the version you get in the envelope.
Your student will pick up the final schedule on the first day of school; it may be revised from previous versions.

Student Fine Ledger (white)

Your envelope will include this document if your student has an outstanding fine or lost book. I know this because my daughter apparently has an outstanding fine and a lost book.

You may pay fines at the Accountant’s Office prior to Check-In Day to avoid lines: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Letter from the Principal (white)

Review for anything you can note on your calendar.

Check-In Day Agenda (white, stapled)

Check-In for sophomores is Thursday, August 20 between 8:00 am and 9:15 am. Look for the alphabet sequence listed on the bottom of page one. This schedule is intended to avoid long lines and it will be enforced.
Drop off your student near the entrance facing the ball fields, not the entrance facing Factoria Boulevard.
Your student will turn in most of the forms included in the packet on Check-In Day.
Review this agenda carefully with your student so s/he knows what to expect. Most students will remember the process from last year. There will be many adult volunteers on hand to direct the students around the Commons.

Fee Payment Worksheet (orange)

This handy worksheet is a great tool to determine the fees your student must pay.
Work through this document with your student and write one check for the total amount made out to “Newport High School.”
If your student ends up adding or dropping a class with an associated fee, s/he can work with the accountant to arrange reimbursement or payment after school gets underway.

Second Letter from the Principal (white)

This letter is about the one-semester Health class that all sophomores will take this year.
Review and file or follow up as needed.

Newport High School Parking Policy 2009-2010 (white)

For the most part, our students do not yet have a driver’s license so this document does not apply.
If your student does or will soon have a driver’s license, it is unlikely that s/he will get a parking permit on campus as priority goes to juniors and seniors. Your student’s name will go on a waiting list.

Student Vehicle Registration 2009-2010 (goldenrod)

See above.

Student High School Carpool Parking Policy 2009-2010 (pink)

See above.

Student Vehicle Registration Carpool Permit 2009-2010 (pink)

See above.

Letter from Bellevue School District Nurses (white)

Review and file or follow up as needed.

High School Health & Immunization Policies (white)

Review and file or follow up as needed.

Confidential Emergency Health Information (yellow)

Fill out completely and turn in at Check-In Day.

Future by Design (blue)

I warned you last spring that I would start using the “C” word this year. That’s right …. college. This flyer announces the Bellevue School District’s annual college conference on October 7 at Interlake High School and October 8 at Newport.
It is not too early to attend this conference, preferably with your student.
If it’s anything like last year’s, the conference starts with a general session in the school auditorium and then there are three consecutive breakout sessions so you have the opportunity to attend three of the seminars listed on this flyer. You might consider having both parents and the student participate so you could hear 9 different seminars! Or, you could attend the conference at both locations.
Plan to attend this conference for the next three years.

Newport High School Attendance Policy 2009-2010 (white)

Review and file for reference.

Back-to-School Night for Parents (white)

This flyer announces the important event for parents on Thursday, September 24.
Sophomore parents will meet in a designated area from 6:15 pm to 7:00 pm to hear a presentation from a guidance counselor. Between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm you will follow your student’s schedule to meet classroom teachers.
I’ll share more information about this event as we get closer to it.

Letter from PTSA President Eric Dawes (purple)

Read and file for reference.
FYI: My contact information on the back of the letter is incorrect – please use Newport2012@comcast.net to contact me.

Newport High School Directory Changes (green)

Review and note any changes.
Your student will turn in this form at Check-In Day if there are changes.

Classroom Bucks (white)

This annual fundraising event occurs during Back-to-School Night on September 24.

Join Newport’s PTSA (yellow)

Please join! Attach a check made out to “Newport High School PTSA” and have your student turn it in at Check-In Day.

2009-2010 PTSA Parent Volunteer Form (yellow)

Fill out the form and have your student turn it in at Check-In Day.

24th Annual Newport PTSA Ski & Snowboard Swap (pink)

This flyer announces the very successful annual ski swap and explains how to volunteer to help at this huge event.

Knight Valor (blue)

This flyer describes the PTSA program that honors students who earn 100 or more hours of community service. About 20 from our class earned this recognition as freshmen – let’s see how many can earn it this spring.

Knight Valor Application (blue)

This form explains how to log and submit your hours.

Newport Tailgate Party (bright yellow)

This form announces some fundraising efforts sponsored by the Grad Knight Committee for the Class of 2010.
Please consider participating in as many of these fundraisers as possible; remember, our class will eventually benefit from similar fundraisers and we’ll want everyone to contribute.

Memorandum August 2009 (white, stapled)

This document spells out the Bellevue School District policies regarding weapons, truancy laws, and photographing students.
Review and file or follow up as needed.

2009-2010 Accident & Health Insurance Program (pamphlet)

Review and follow up as needed.

Dorian Portrait Order Form

Fill out the form and attach a check made out to “Dorian” for the amount of the package you wish to purchase.
Even if you do not want to purchase pictures, your student must have a picture taken for the picture ID card.
Picture make-up day is September 9 at 12:40 pm.

OK then. That takes care of all the documents you will find in the fall packet. As always, do not hesitate to contact me with questions after you’ve received the envelope and had a chance to review the documents! Most likely I will email you at least one more time before school starts to relay information that I receive about the first days of school. In the meantime, enjoy what’s left of summer although I’m sitting here writing this wearing a sweater so summer may be over already.

One last item … if your student hasn’t yet started the summer reading packet, it’s probably a good time for some firm reminders. I don’t know about your house but gentle reminders don’t really work around here. Good luck.

Summer News

2009-08-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Summer greetings to Sophomore Parents:

It’s me again! It seems like we just signed off at the end of freshman year and here I am reminding you that the process is about to begin again. If you’re like me, you go kicking and screaming into a new school year. Now that I have two students in high school, this is especially true because the years go by so quickly and it’s difficult to stay on top of everything. You’re about to be inundated with a lot of information from Newport. Here are a few key items that you can start marking on your calendar. Once the information packets arrive in the mail, I’ll write again to highlight the important stuff. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Main Office & Athletic Office will open August 3.
Hours: 8:00 am - 12:00 Noon
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Friday, August 14 - Fall Sports Paperwork Turn-In Date - 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Tuesday, August 18 - Fall Sports Paperwork Turn-In Date - 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Wednesday, August 19 - Back to School Check-In Day for 11th/12th Graders
Wednesday, August 19 - Varsity/JV/Soph Football Begins
Thursday, August 20 - Back to School Check-In Day for 9th/10th Graders
Thursday, August 20 - F/S Football Begins
Friday, August 21 - Fall Sports Paperwork Turn-In Date - 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Friday, August 21 - 9th Grade Link Crew Orientation Day/Freshman Dance
Monday, August 24 - Fall Sports Paperwork Turn-In Date - 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Monday, August 24 - All Other Fall Sports Begin
Monday, August 31 - First Day of School

Mark your calendars - Curriculum Night is September 24

http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/

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Sports, Band, Choir and Orchestra

* http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/sports/index.html

* www.newportband.org for information and dates for band

* www.newportchoir.org for choir

* www.newportorchestra.com for orchestra

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Daily Bulletin

If you want to receive the Daily Bulletin next year by email, please send your email address to Janet Suppes, suppesj@bsd405.org, in August. The 2008-2009 list will be deleted.

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Senior Class Fundraising

Help Raise $$$ for the 2010 Senior Grad Knight celebration when you shop at Albertson's or Safeway. This is a no-cost way for all members of the NHS community to support Senior Grad Knight year after year whether their student is a senior or not. Feel free to participate after your student has graduated as a way to help NHS students celebrate their graduation in an alcohol- and drug-free environment!

Through the Albertson's Community Partners and the Safeway eScrip program, a percentage of your purchases is donated to the Newport High School PTSA to help fund a safe, fun Grad Knight party for all Seniors. All future Senior Classes at Newport High School benefit, as well, because the program is passed on to the incoming class of Seniors at the end of the school year. If you already support another organization through Albertson's or Safeway preferred cards, you can support up to three organizations so please include Newport PTSA-Senior Party in your group.

There is no sign-up cost. The Albertson's and Safeway cards are not tied to any personal credit card and your information is not shared or sold to other companies.

If you don't have an Albertson's or Safeway card ask for one next time you shop. When you get the card number you may sign yourself up on line by going to Albertsons.com or eScrip.com. BUT the easy way is to email the information nhsgrad2010@hotmail.com and we will do it for you. If you have forgotten your preferred card numbers: 1/Albertson’s is on your shopping receipt or call 1-877-932-7948. 2/Safeway call 1-877-723-3929

Albertson's has made a change in their program and you must renew your commitment on an annual basis.

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News from the 2011 Grad Knight Committee

Beach towel sales that support 2011 Grad Knight are still available. The Committee purchased some extra towels (to get the good price break) and would like to sell those soon. PLEASE consider buying a beach towel. Contact Cindy Hastings for more information cdrhastings1@gmail.com

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Class of 2012 -- Year End Wrap Up

2009-06-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

This may be the last time I can address you as such. In 12 short days, our students will be sophomores and I suppose I’ll have to call you all by name! Our students have covered a lot of territory this year but they aren’t finished yet. Here are some news items that will see you through these last few weeks of school and get you started on thinking about the fall. Oh, and I’ll warn you right now, starting in the fall, my emails will contain the “C” word for the first time. That’s right, I will start sharing information about COLLEGE! You all have mastered Homecoming and Tolo; it’s time to move on to bigger challenges.

END OF YEAR NOTICES
LOOKING AHEAD
BSD NEWS
HOUSEKEEPINGFINALS SCHEDULE
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END OF YEAR NOTICES

Locker Clean Out
Locker cleanout day is June 10, at the end of 2nd period. All students with a locker will be required to go to their locker on June 10, clean it out, and have a staff member verify that it is clean. Students who are absent can go to the office after school on Thursday, June 11 or Friday, June 12, and a staff member will check out their locker. Students with lockers not checked out by June 12 will receive a fine of $5.
· Locker assignments are posted outside the office. There will be no allowances made for “I didn’t know I had a locker.”
· Locker cleanout is an all-school event. Unless you have an excused absence, there will be no waiving of the fine for “My teacher didn’t tell me.”

Computer Files
Student folders, including common folders, will be deleted over the summer. Students will need to back up any files they wish to save to a USB memory stick of other device by the end of this school year. Students should ask for assistance if they have any problems.

Summer School
Students should check with their counselor to get registration materials for summer school.

Yearbooks
Yearbook distribution is Wednesday, June 10, starting at 12:30 pm. Students must have a valid ID and no outstanding fines in order to receive their yearbook. Students may not pick up books for friends or siblings. Only a parent may pick up a book for a student who is not at school that day. If your student did not order a yearbook, but wants one, s/he should go to the Accountant’s Office on Thursday, June 11. Books will be sold first come-first serve for $65 each.

Final Exams
See schedule at the end of this email. Please note the start time on each day of exams.

Morning Announcement Auditions
Any 9th, 10th, or 11th grade student interested in reading morning announcements next year at Newport HS may sign up in the Main Office. Deadline for sign-up is Friday, June 12 at 3:10 pm. Tryouts will be held the week of June 15-19.

Community Service/Volunteer Opportunities
Upcoming community service opportunities for those in need of some hours: See Ms. Owen in the counseling center for more information.
* Tyee Middle School is looking for volunteers to help set up and decorate for the 8th grade party on June 19. See Ms. Jones in the ASB office
* Tillicum middle school is looking for volunteers for the 8th grade party on June 20.
* Become part of Seattle’s largest running event and Sea Fair by volunteering at the Rock N Roll Marathon. They need volunteers to pass out water, medals, t-shirts, and food to runners. June 25th – June 27.
* Bellevue School District is looking for students to volunteer during the summer school program. You can start volunteering the first day of summer school on July 6.
* The Eastside Heritage Center needs volunteers for the 2009 Strawberry Festival. Volunteer shifts are 3-4 hours long.
* Kelsey Creek is looking for summer volunteers.
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LOOKING AHEAD

Fall Sports Paperwork
Fall Sports paperwork is available now outside the ASB secretary's office. Student physicals are good for 2 years so most of our students will not need to schedule another physical until the summer after sophomore year. Turn in dates for paperwork are as follows:
Friday, August 14, 8:00-3:30
Tuesday, August 18, 8:00-3:30
Friday, August 21, 8:00-3:30
Monday, August 24, 8:00-3:30

Mark Your Calendars
Taking Car of Business Day for our students is August 19. More information will follow in the mail in August.
School starts on August 31.
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BSD NEWS

Dear Parents, Staff and Community Members,
This is to let you know that the School Board is supporting the decision made by middle and high school principals to move their librarians to the classroom next year in order to partially offset larger class sizes. (Elementary school librarians are not affected.) The funds the district has been using to reduce class sizes were the funds targeted by the Legislature in its cuts for next year. With state funding cut for 2009-10, we know that class sizes will be larger, significantly larger in some instances. The result of having librarians teach will be to open up 28 more classes to students in grades 6-12. If the district has additional funds for next school year, decisions about how to use these will be based on what the principals believe are their biggest staffing priorities. For 2009-10, each middle school library will be staffed by at least a half-time library assistant. Each high school will have a full-time or nearly full-time library assistant. The district also is working to ensure that all secondary students are taught research skills and ways to assess the quality of internet resources when doing research.
Looking ahead, if state finances continue to shrink, the question of whether to keep the seven-period day, when the state funds only five class periods, will be up for discussion next school year. The board will develop a large-scale public process to understand what our community values most, before making budget decisions for 2010-11.
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HOUSEKEEPING

Summer is short but a lot can happen … new address, new email, new cell phone number. If any of this happens during your summer, please remember to notify the Newport Registrar, Shelby Dawes. You can reach her at dawess@bsd405.org. If you want to continue receiving these emails from me, don’t forget to inform me about changed or additional email addresses.
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Class of 2012 News -- April 27, 2009

2009-04-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

It’s been a while since we visited here. The WASL schedule is behind us and we’re in the final quarter of the school year. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I told you what to expect at Back-to-School Day? June 25 will be here before we know it; here’s some information to help you through the intervening days. Please pay careful attention to the finals schedule at the end of this email; note that start times vary depending on the day.

Job Fair
Community Service Opportunities
Bellevue Schools Foundation
Cheer
Teachers Without Borders
AP Exams
Making the Move to Newport
Fines
News from Tillicum PTSA
Finals Schedule

JOB FAIR
A Summer Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, April 28, during both lunches in the Commons. The City of Bellevue Well Kept Program, Bellevue Aquatic Center, Arena Sports of Redmond, and the Garden Club will promote their summer employment opportunities. Information will also be available for the Skyhawks Sports Camps for Kids. Students should check with Mrs. Mercier in the Career Center if they have any questions.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Interested students should contact Ms. Owen in the Counseling Office about any of these volunteer opportunities:

May 2: March for Babies event sponsored by the March of Dimes
May 9: National Letter Carriers’ Food Drive
May 22-25: Folk Life Festival
June 20: 8th grade party at Tillicum Middle School
June 25: Rock N Roll Marathon during Sea Fair
July: Bellevue School District Summer School Program
University of Washington Medical Center Summer Teen Volunteer Program

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BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
The Bellevue Schools Foundation is delighted to announce that Dr. Amalia Cudeiro will introduce herself to the Bellevue community at the Spring for Schools benefit luncheon. Dr. Cudeiro was named the next Superintendent at a special School Board meeting on March 22, and comes to Bellevue with a wealth of experience that will keep Bellevue schools strong. Read her full bio here. The luncheon takes place June 4 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Maydenbauer Center.
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CHEER
Students interested in trying out for Cheer should pick up a packet inside the ASB secretary’s office and take the completed packet to the parent/student meeting on May 11 at 6:30 pm in the Commons. Tryouts will be May 18-22.
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TEACHERS WITHOUT BORDERS
The NHS Teaching Academy will hold a fund raiser to help support Teachers without Borders, a world-wide network of teachers designed to help support students across cultures and borders. Second period classrooms have containers for contributions. This is a 2nd period class competition. The winner will receive Noah’s bagels and Great Harvest cinnamon chip rolls!
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AP EXAMS
Although most of our children will not take an AP exam this year, freshparents may help out by serving as a test proctor. No prior experience required – all you have to do is sit and read and walk around the room once in awhile. If you can help out during one or more of the following time frames, please contact Janet Suppes in the main office – suppesj@bsd405.org.

Monday, May 4, 7:30 to 11:30, US Government
Tuesday, May 5, 12:30-4:30, Statistics
Wednesday, May 6, 7:30 to 11:30, Calc AB/BC
Thursday, may 7, 7;30 to 11:30, English Literature
Friday, May 8, 7:30 to 11:30, US History
Monday, May 11, 7:30 to 11:30, Biology
Monday, May 11, 12:30 to 4:30, Physics B
Tuesday, May 12, 7:30 to 11:30, Enviro Science
Wednesday, May 13, 7:30 to 11:30, English Language
Thursday, May 14, 7:30 to 11:30, World History
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MAKING THE MOVE TO NEWPORT
Parents of current 8th grade students are invited to attend the “Making the Move to Newport” presentation that many of you attended last year at this time. The event is Wednesday, May 13, at 7:00 pm at the high school. Freshparents can help in two ways – reach out to neighbors and friends with 8th graders and extend the invitation to the presentation AND think back on freshman year so far – what has surprised you? Did anything blindside you? What would you (or your student) like to have known starting the year but didn’t? Your input is critical to making the presentation as timely and helpful as possible. Please contact me with any ideas.
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FINES
Fine will be posted on the wall outside the accounting office and will be updated weekly from now until then end of school. Students must pay all fines prior to yearbook distribution. Students should check with Mrs. Pierson in the Accounting Office if they have any questions.
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NEWS FROM TILLICUM PTSA

In Tillicum PTSA email last week:

Parent Alert – Dangerous Choking Game is Present in our Community
The Choking Game ended the life of a teenage boy in Bellevue a few weeks ago. Many parents have never heard of this “game” but it has been around for years and is currently being played in our community. Here are a few facts about the activity:“The game” is essentially suffocating on purpose. By cutting off the flow of oxygen for a few seconds, individuals get a “high” as the blood floods back into the brain. A rope or belt is often used to cut off the flow of oxygen. Children who experiment with this activity are typically high achieving, well-adjust males between the ages of 9 and 16. It is called many different things such as The Good Kids Game, Blackout, the Fainting Game. It can be done in groups but is increasingly done alone, which is exceptionally dangerous because there is no one around to revive the child. Within 3 minutes without oxygen, brain damage will start to occur. Death can occur in as little as 4 minutes. The internet has made the information on how to “play” this game easily accessible to our children. There is a lot of data available for parents who wish to have more information regarding this dangerous activity. Below are several good websites to visit for more information. For now, we hope that all parents will talk with their child(ren) about the dangers of this so-called game to ensure that it never happens again. Please feel free to forward this.The DB Foundation (Dangerous Behavior in Adolescents) http://chokinggame.net/GeneralInfo.htmlGASP www.stop-the-choking-game.comKing5.news – http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_041409WAB-choking-game-KS
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CLASSES AND FINALS FOR GRADES 9, 10, and 11
(On June 22 and 23 there will be only one lunch)
On Monday, June 22 – Thursday, June 25, Newport will operate on the following adjusted schedule due to finals. June 25 is a district-wide two-hour day.
***Any student who requests to leave school before teachers have administered final exams may only take the final exam during summer vacation or no later than the first week of school.

Class of 2012 News -- March 22, 2009

2009-04-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

The freshmen may have enjoyed starting school at 10:15 am last week but I found it nerve wracking to leave for work with two sleeping teenagers in the house. Somehow it all worked out but I am happy that everyone is back on the “normal” schedule again … at least for the next few weeks. Here’s the latest news …

New Superintendent for BSD
Making the Move to Newport
PTSA Meeting
Spring for Schools Luncheon
Yearbook
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
On-Line Petition in Support of Education
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New Superintendent for BSD
At a special meeting on Sunday, March 22, the Bellevue School District Board of Directors named Dr. Amalia Cudeiro as the district's next superintendent.

Each board member spoke at the meeting. They said they had been looking for an instructional leader, a bridge builder and someone who would challenge leaders in an intelligent way and that all candidates met their criteria. They gave a special thank you to public and staff who took part in the public process. Board members reviewed the more than 600 comments and used the information in subsequent interviews with each candidate. They said that on Saturday Dr. Fink pulled his name from the pool of candidates. Mrs. Bushnell expressed the hope that staff and community will join together and move forward in support of Dr. Cudeiro.

The board said that Dr. Cudeiro "brings an exceptional and unique aspect to this job, based on her personal and inspirational story of immigrating to the US from Cuba, learning English, and eventually earning a doctorate from Harvard. She will be an inspiration to parent and students. She has a track record of building strong teams and working with teacher and administrator teams. She would like Bellevue to be the model in the US for how schools can close the achievement gap."
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Making the Move to Newport

I know, I know – your student has already moved to Newport but this is still something worth reading. Many of you attended the Making the Move to Newport presentation last spring in the Newport Commons, presented by Audrey Bennett, our PTSA leader extraordinaire. The PTSA and school administration are preparing for this year’s version of the presentation to the parents of current 8th graders. We are asking you to think back to the summer and early days of freshman year and let us know what you would’ve liked to know back then but didn’t. Did anything blindside you or your student? Did anything in particular confuse you? Is there an important deadline that you missed? Conversely, was there any part of the presentation that you would eliminate? Please email me if you have comments to contribute.
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PTSA Meeting

The next PTSA meeting convenes at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 25 in the school library. Plan to attend!
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Spring for Schools Luncheon

Spring for Schools brings together school, community and business leaders to hear from students who have benefitted from Bellevue Schools Foundation funds – and raises funds to ensure students succeed in Bellevue schools. Please consider joining your school’s table! The Spring for Schools benefit luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Meydenbauer Center from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Contact our BSF Rep Karen Tokita at atkaren@yahoo.com to attend.
www.bsfdn.org
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Yearbook

The Newport Yearbook is in desperate need of wrestling and boys basketball photos. The staff could also use more girls’ soccer photos. Please send photos ASAP to driscollk@bsd405.org.
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Staff Appreciation Luncheon

The theme for the next staff luncheon on May 1 is Spring Fling. Contact cordovafamily@comcast.net if you can contribute a salad or another dish.
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On-Line Petition in Support of Education

We are learning from legislators that they hear from healthcare advocates much more than they hear from education advocates. Although we appreciate the value of healthcare, we need to change this balance if we are to achieve our goals. We are at a critical juncture, when final decisions are being made about which bills will pass this session. Legislators, especially our Senators, need to hear from parents and PTA members again.

Please do all that you can this week to support the Washington State PTA’s efforts to pass a bill this session which will keep the momentum going towards our #1 priority issue this session, long overdue education finance reform!

Here is a link to an online petition which will be delivered to legislators. Please sign today and forward to your contact lists. http://gopetition.com/online/25946.html

Class of 2012 News -- March 12, 2009

2009-04-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:
What a strange thing to see snow on the daffodils and azaleas blooming in my yard earlier this week. I fully expect that such silliness is behind us. Suddenly there was a lot of news to report so, beware, this is a long email.

Message from Class of 2012 Leadership
Jazz Band News
Community Service Opportunities
BSD News
Peer Tutoring
Badminton
GLO-LO Dance
Newport Attire
Metro Rider Alert
WASL

Message from Class of 2012 Leadership
Dear freshman students and parents!
Congratulations on making it through the first semester – to both the students and the parents! It’s been a big year so far, and hopefully we’ve all grown some as people and as a class since September. Now that the second semester is well under way, we want everyone to get more involved in shaping Newport, and we want to end this year with a bang.
There are several ways to make this happen!
Most importantly, we want to hear your input. Talk to leadership about the changes you’d like to see at our school – your input is valuable to us. E-mail us at leadership012@gmail.com. If you’re a student, join the Facebook group “Newport Class of 2012.” We really care about hearing everyone's ideas!
Another important item is fundraising. Due to the recent economy, we understand how hard it is to raise money, and so we’re trying our best to get our class off to a good start without wasting anything. So instead of having loads of annoying fundraisers (such as carwashes and bake sales and magazine drives) we’ve decided to take a more clear-cut and efficient way to raise the funds we need by simply asking for donations. Please support your class, your prom, and your graduation by giving. All checks should be written out to Newport High School and will go towards the Class of 2012 fund (make sure to write “Class of 2012 Fund” on the memo line).
Since our overall goal this year is to raise $8,000, we need every single freshman to give at least $25 dollars for this year! Please donate! Although this may seem like much, this is how much we need to have the incredible Prom, Graduation, and other class events that you deserve. See, the upside of our simple fundraising is that you can rest assured knowing that every penny you give will reward you in the end, because no money will go towards the cost of things like soap, magazines, or the ingredients for cookies, since we won’t be using any of those materials. Every penny you give will help you a) decrease the overall price of Prom tickets and b) decrease your personal price of a Prom ticket, because those who give receive discounted tickets.
Now, wouldn’t you rather pay $15 for a ticket than, say, $80? Keep in mind, during senior year, you’ll also be paying for things such as car insurance and might very likely be saving for college, so giving now will be much easier giving later. We hope that you will take this all into consideration and that you will act as a class as well as donate towards our fund.
Thank you, class of 2012 and parents for being so spirited and generous!
~Freshman leadership
P.S. We realize that due to the economic recession, times are tough for a lot of people, so please think of others as well as yourself if you can donate more!
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Jazz Band News
Great news for Newport Jazz 1 Band. The Band auditioned and was picked to compete in the Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition in NYC in May 2009. This is an incredible honor. Only 15 bands nationwide are picked to compete. There are 3 local area schools that are part of the competition: Newport, Garfield, and Roosevelt. These bands are playing in the Hot Java Cool Jazz Concert coming up on March 27. So, if you can't make it to the Essentially Ellington in NYC, Hot Java Cool Jazz will be a great opportunity to hear these great bands. Tickets for the events below are available now.
Upcoming opportunities to hear the bands: See the band website: http://www.newportband.org/
March 21, 2009 - NHS Jazz Festival - Evening Concert
March 27, 2009 - Hot Java Cool Jazz
April 24, 2009 - Jazz Gala - Concert and Auction
May 8-10, 2009 - Essentially Ellington – NYC
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Community Service Opportunities
Cascade Land Conservancy has volunteer opportunities in March and April for students who like to get outdoors as well as for those that like to support environmental issues and open space conservation without the risk of getting muddy.

Special Olympics needs coaches to help with track events coaching adult teams with developmental disabilities prepare for this year’s Special Olympics.

Northwest Folklife Festival is looking for clubs or groups seeking a way to get out into the public’s view. This opportunity to volunteer within the Festival provides a fantastic and positive environment for the students and their friends, and can also be used as community service.

Mountain to Sounds Greenway has March 14, 21, and 28, and April 4 available to pick up some volunteer hours.

Westminster Chapel is having their Overlake Active Senior Fair on Saturday, March 14. They expect to have 500 to 700 seniors attend and are in desperate need of volunteers. This is a great opportunity to get some volunteer hours and have a good time! Jobs are easy and can be done in the am or pm. Some jobs available are blowing up balloons and putting them up and directing vendors to tables, registration table, room monitor, catering assistant (great opportunity for culinary students) and many more jobs.

Please see Ms. Owen in the Counseling Office for more information on these volunteer opportunities.

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BSD News

2008-09 School CalendarAt its March 3 meeting, the Board of Directors authorized the District to apply to the state for a waiver of the requirement to make up one of the December snow days. That waiver was granted. This means that the most recent snow closure on February 26 will not require an extension of the school year or change in graduation dates. The last day of school will remain as June 25.

Raising Successful Students: Tools and Resources to Make the Job Easier
Join us Monday, March 16, for the annual Road Show Event at Sammamish High School, 100 140th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98005.

The Road Show will consist of a keynote speech, a school district resource fair, and workshops on a variety of topics.

7:00 pm: Keynote Speech: Dr. James Mazza, Professor and Director of the School Psychology Program at the University of Washington, will deliver the keynote speech, Looking Beyond the Grade Point Average. Dr. Mazza’s speech will cover skills that impact the educational success of students in the short-term and provide lifelong benefits that lead to greater success as an adult.
7: 45 pm: Workshops*: Workshops are scheduled to start around 7:45pm.
6:30 pm – 9 pm: Resource Fair: Information booths will open at 6:30 pm and stay open until 9 pm.

*To access additional information on the Road Show, such as a listing of workshops offered, visit our homepage http://www.bsd405.org.

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Peer Tutoring
Students who need academic help should consider visiting the Peer Tutoring table in the Library every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

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Badminton
Play America’s fasting growing sport!! Tryouts start on March 16 in the Main Gym for our Girl’s Badminton Team. We’re undefeated for the last three years!

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GLO-LO Dance!

The Glo-Lo Dance is on March 20. Tickets will be for sale on March 17, 18, and 19t. Guest passes are available on-line at http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/activities2/index.htm , and must be turned in by March 18.

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Newport Attire for Sale
Dear Newport parents,

The Junior Class has decided to make a variety of Newport attire for our parents, students, and other family members. These new items are not club, sport, or grade specific, and thus are perfect for everyone!

We will be offering polo shirts, T shirts, hooded sweatshirts, crew neck sweatshirts and quarter zip sweatshirts. The Newport attire is unisex in sizing except for the Polo shirt which has men's, women's and children's sizes. These will be great to wear to any Newport event and will show your pride in your child, and in Newport. Also, you can order these for students who would like something else to wear on spirit days, or just want some more Newport clothing. So keep your eyes out for the order form in the March issue of Knightline and get in Newport style for spring!

-Junior Class officers

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Metro Rider Alert: Route 225
Beginning Monday, March 16, road construction on SE 26th Street will require a temporary detour for Route 225. If you take Route 225 please stop by the office to get more information.

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WASL
The schedule for WASL weeks is posted below. Freshmen do not take WASL tests so please note that, if your student does not attend morning tutorial or open study in the library, the school day could start as late as 10:15 am during this period.

Class of 2012 News -- February 22, 2009

2009-04-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:
Here are a few news items to get you and your student through the end of the month and into March.
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PTSA Meeting
The next PTSA meeting is Wednesday February 25 at 7:00 pm in the school library. Featured speakers will be our school resource officer Greg Mills and school district substance abuse resource officer Trevor van den Acker to discuss substance abuse awareness. The business meeting will begin at 7:30 which includes, among other things, a report from our Principal, our Treasurer, and many of our committees.
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Knight Music
We are very pleased to announce that the Newport Jazz 1 Band has been invited to perform at the Starbucks "Hot Java Cool Jazz" concert at the Paramount Theater pm March 27, 2009. This invitation is a great honor as they will perform along with four of the top high school jazz bands in the region. Your Newport Jazz Band recently competed and placed among the top four at the Clark College Jazz Festival and the Bellevue Community College Jazz Festival. “Hot Java Cool Jazz” is a great opportunity for your family to enjoy an evening of great music and incredible talent and to show your support for the band. We want to fill the theater and throw our support behind the band. Starbucks has offered a grant to the band program if more than 200 adult tickets are purchased by Newport supporters.
Ticket prices are: $18.00 – Adult, $ 11.00 – Student, $ 11.00 - Senior
There are two ways to purchase tickets:
1. Contact Coya and Norm Kirby at 425-643-8190 or email: kirbyco@comcast.net
2. Purchase the tickets online at the Paramount website: http://www.theparamount.com/artists/?artist=934
(if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it to your browser) If you do decide to purchase the tickets online, please keep a copy of the receipt and forward to Coya so that they can keep track of Newports ticket purchases for the grant offer.
March 21 - First Annual Newport Jazz Festival - Newport is hosting a jazz competition. The competition will begin around 8:00 am and will culminate with the winners concert at 6:00 pm. Newport’s Jazz 1 will also perform with a guest soloist.
March 27 - Hot Java Cool Jazz - Paramount 7:00 pm
April 24 - Newport Jazz Gala - Tickets available now. The guest soloist for the evening is Lew Soloff. See the Newport Band website for more information. http://www.newportband.org/.
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Girls’ Tennis
For students interested in trying out for Girl's tennis, there will be an information meeting at 3:05 pm on Tuesday, February 24 in Ms. Zavaglia's Room 1113. Please make sure all of your paperwork is turned in.

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Upcoming Elementary School Auctions- support your neighborhood schools!
Newport Heights Elementary- Saturday, March 21. Please contact Sondra Richards at sondrar@westseattle.com or www.nhe-pta.org/2009auction
Somerset Elementary - Saturday, March 28 from 5:30 to 11:00 at the Hyatt in downtown Bellevue. Please contact Chris Bradley at bradfamly@comcast.net.
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New Bus Passes
Students will be able to get their new bus pass on Thursday, February 26, or Friday, February 27, during both lunches in front of the main office. Students will need to turn in their old bus pass and show a student ID. Students who have lost their bus pass will need to fill out a new Metro Application which can be found on the small table in the main office. Both students and guardians need to sign the Metro Application form.

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Housekeeping
If you have a new email address, phone number, or any other new contact information, please contact the Newport Registrar, Shelby Dawes, in the main office.

Class of 2012 News -- February 16, 2009

2009-04-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

The long holiday weekend is quickly coming to an end and it’s time to focus again on a new week. I have several news items for you here – some are really new and some are reminders.

Spirit Week
School Dance
Spring Sports Packers
Follies
Computer Passwords
Class of 2012 Mailing List
PTA Focus Day
Mark Your Calendar

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Spirit Week
Since we aren’t having Mid-Winter break, Newport will be celebrating “Stay”-cation week! Each day willing students and staff will dress up for something they might be doing if they were on break.

Tuesday: “We should be sleeping in Day” or Pajama Day
Wednesday: “We should be Skiing Day” or Snow Day
Thursday: “We should be in Hawaii Day” or Luau Day
Friday: “We should be in Disneyland Day” or Disney Day

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Valentine’s Day Dance/Tolo Make-up Dance
The Valentine’s Day Dance is on February 20. Guest passes are available on the Newport website. They are due in the office by Wednesday, February 18. Tickets may be purchased this coming week.
Those who attended Tolo need to pick up a coupon for admission to the dance. If a student plans to take the same guest to this dance as s/he took to Tolo, the student will be able to get a coupon for the guest. If the student plans to take a different guest, s/he will need to get a guest pass from the website and have it turned in by February 18.

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Spring Sport Packets
Spring Sport Packets are available for pick-up outside the ASB Secretary’s office. First time gray packets (if this is the first time your student has played a sport this year) and yellow “repeat” packets (if your student played a fall or winter sport this year) are due back by February 27, 2009.

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Follies
Tryouts are coming soon – February 25-26 at 3:00 pm. Interested students should sign up for a time and pick up a packet in front of the ASB Secretary’s office. The performances are March 5-7. Any questions? See Mr. Richards or a student from the Technical Theatre class.

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Computer Passwords
Students should be reminded that it's time to change their school password. Passwords not changed by March will no longer work. Students may do this on the library or classroom computers. Instructions are posted in each room.

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Class of 2013 Mailing List
Do you have or know a student in the incoming Freshman class? Friends or neighbors bound for Newport? Make sure that we have your student's name and a parent email. Julie Rooney, NHSClass2011@gmail.com, is compiling the email list for the Class of 2013 Liaison. Please help us offer a warm welcome to all Newport students and families!

It is particularly hard for us to collect the names of students who are bound for Newport from private schools. If you have any connections with 8th graders in a private school, please encourage them to get in touch with Julie.

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WSPTA's Focus Day – February 26, 2009
There's still plenty of time to register (it's free!) for this year's Focus Day to be held February 26 at the State Capitol in Olympia. The Rally for Basic Education Funding, to be conducted on the steps of the Capitol at noon, will be an great opportunity to remind our legislators of the importance of fixing the state's antiquated funding system for K-12 education, and we really need to have as many members with us as possible. To find out more information about WSPTA's legislative agenda and Focus Day, click on the following link. http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm

To reserve a place on the Bellevue PTSA Council bus (also free!), which will leave the old K-Mart lot at 9:30 on the morning of the 26, email Connie Gerlitz at gerlitz2@comcast.net.

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Mark Your Calendar

March 10 – Spring Sports Kickoff/Parent Meeting @ 7:00 pm in the Gym
March 11-12 – Spring Play Try-Outs @ 3:00 pm
March 13 – Glo Lo Dance, 9:00 to midnight in the Gym
March 16-19 – WASL Testing Period #1
April 13-14, 20-21 – WASL Testing Period #2
April 24 – Knight Valor Volunteer Hours Due
May 19 – Knight Valor Assembly

Class of 2012 -- February 6, 2009

2009-02-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Freshparents:

With plenty of skill, determination, and luck, our kids have made it through the first half of their freshman year. It seems like just yesterday that I emailed you about August Check In days and the first day of school. So much has happened to our kids in 5 short months – adjusting to a new school, new teachers, and new schedules; meeting new students and making new friends; participating in sports, the arts, and clubs; some taking on leadership roles and others trying to find their place among the throngs; preparing for and surviving finals. With all of this experience under their belts, I’m certain they’re ready to take on another semester starting Monday morning! And speaking of Monday morning ….

February 9

* Schedules for second semester will be distributed Monday morning, starting at 7:00 am. Students will need this to be admitted to class.

* Girls’ Water Polo preseason team meeting will be at 3:10 pm in Room 1112.

February 14

Looking for a way to express your heartfelt sentiments to your child's teacher? Honor your favorite teacher with a gift to Bellevue Schools Foundation this Valentine's Day. We'll send your teacher a Valentine's card notifying him/her of your support and appreciation. Meanwhile, your gift will join with others to support great teaching across the District, helping BSF to fund programs like National Board Certification and new teacher support. It's quick, green, calorie-free and it helps Bellevue students while thanking excellent teachers!

Honor your teacher with a gift to BSF
Click here to give

February 16

* Students looking for community service hours will have an opportunity on February 16. The Mountains-to-Sound Greenway is having a volunteer service day for high school students on Presidents’ Day. There are two different locations and different time commitments available. Students should inquire in the counseling center for more information.

February 20

* The Valentine’s Dance has been rescheduled to February 20. This is an all-school non-date dance. Students who bought Tolo tickets will receive free passes to this dance. More information will follow.

March 21

* The Newport Heights Elementary PTA is holding an auction on Saturday, March 21. They are looking for at least 10 high school students to babysit elementary-age students during the auction, from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm at the latest. Student volunteers can work the entire night for a total of 5.5 community service hours or, if enough volunteers come forward, there will be 3-hour shifts. Students should contact Sondra Richards at sondrar@westseattle.com by February 10.

End of Semester/Grades
The semester ended today. Parents are advised that teachers will work on final grades through Wednesday, February 11. Please be patient as student on-line grades may change significantly while teachers complete their work. As usual, official grades will arrive at home via US Mail.

Newport PTSA 2009-2010
A Nominating Committee has been formed to fill a slate of qualified candidates for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested in being considered for one of these positions or know of another parent who wants to serve next year, please contact me ASAP via email and I will pass along any names to the Nominating Committee.

Reflections Program 2009-2010
For those students who like to really plan ahead, the National PTA has announced the theme for next year – “Beauty Is ….” The PTA will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Reflections program next year.

News -- January 28, 2009

2009-02-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

Hello Freshparents:

If you don’t have more than a few minutes, you might want to check back in when you have more time on your hands to read this email. It’s fairly lengthy but hopefully organized in a way that you can go straight to the items of most interest to you and your student. As always, don’t hesitate to ask questions, suggest topics to be covered in these emails, or share news that I can pass along.

SCHOOL NEWS
Parent Information Night
Updated School Calendar

STUDENT NEWS
Follies
Dessert Knight Invitation

SPORTS NEWS
Spring Sports Packets
Boys Soccer

PTSA NEWS
PTSA Meeting – TONIGHT!
PTSA Focus Day

GENERAL NEWS
Leftover from Hall Decs
Drop Off/Pick Up Areas
Camp Fair 2009
Special Request
Yearbook Announcement

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SCHOOL NEWS

Parent Information Night
On Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 pm, Newport’s guidance counselors will present grade-level information for parents about registration for the 2009-2010 school year.

Parents of current 8th grade students will attend an information night at Newport on Thursday, February 5 at 7:00 pm in the theater. Please pass this along to your friends and neighbors who have children attending 8th grade at Tyee, Tillicum, and private schools and who live in our attendance area.

Updated School Year Calendar
The Bellevue School District has updated the school calendar to add the snow days. See below for the new First Semester Finals Schedule for February 4, 5, and 6. Graduation will be June 22. The last day of school is now June 25.

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STUDENT NEWS

Follies
The annual talent/variety show is called Follies and you must see it at least once while you have a student at Newport. Does your student have talent? Auditions will take place in about four weeks so encourage your student to get his act ready!

Invitation
You are invited to DESSERT KNIGHT 2009: A Celebration of the Joy of Singing – Saturday, February 7, 2009, 6:30 pm in the NHS Commons

Soft lights and beautiful centerpieces will transform the Newport Commons into a Cabaret Lounge. You will be served delicious desserts and coffee while you relax and enjoy the talented singers of the Newport Choir. They will perform their favorite musical selections. Proceeds benefit the Voices of Newport Choir Booster Club, in support of the NHS Choir Program. $10 per ticket
Tickets are available through choir members, at the door, or by contacting Chris Helmholz at helmholz@comcast.net.

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SPORTS NEWS

Spring Sport Packets
Spring Sport Packets are now available for pick up. Students who have not previously played a sport at Newport should get a gray packet. Those who have already played a sport should get a yellow packet. All packets are available outside of the ASB secretary’s office in the Commons. Paperwork is due back by February 27, 2009.

Newport Boys Soccer
All players interested in trying out for Newport Boys Soccer should attend an informational meeting at 3:10 pm on Tuesday, February 3 in room 1101 (Mr. Benda's room). Practices start on March 2.

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PTSA NEWS

PTSA Meeting
Tonight! The meeting starts at 7:00 pm in the Newport library.

PTSA Focus Day
Washington State PTA is sponsoring its annual Focus Day activities Thursday, February 26.

This is the day that PTA members across the state gather in Olympia to "focus" on the child advocacy issues that were selected at Legislative Assembly. This is an unusually important year for parents to participate. Our Legislative representatives have been given the task of revamping our educational system -- primarily the way in which it is funded. It has been obvious for years that the funding amount has been inadequate (districts have to raise levy money to provide basics) but even more obvious that the funds are unfairly distributed. Combine the ever-growing needs of our underfunded educational system with the current budget crisis and one simply cannot deny the need to keep our legislators FOCUSED on our kids. Focus Day this year will take on a different form than in years past. This year, the main activity will be a massive rally on the Capital steps at noon. We need everybody possible to attend for this easy, fun, and effective advocating party.

Organize car pools -- we need at least four cars of four people from every school. Drive to Olympia, rally on the steps, drive back home. How easy can it get? Bellevue PTSA Council also has rented two busses for the day. The trip is free to Bellevue PTA members and almost free to other Council members. We will leave at about 9:30 on February 26 from the old K Mart parking lot on 148th and return there by 3 or 3:30. Reservations are required for the bus. Contact me with your name and e-mail address if you want to ride the bus. I need to have these names by the first part of February.

Connie Gerlitz (dgerlitz2@comcast.net),
Bellevue Council and Region 2, Legislative Chair

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GENERAL NEWS

Leftover from Homecoming Hall Decs
Mr. Nonis reports that a plastic basketball hoop provided by a parent for freshmen Hall Decs is still in his room. To claim it, please email Mr. Nonis at nonisj@bsd405.org.

Pick Up/Drop Off Areas
Visitors to campus before and after school have reported to us that parents aren’t using our new Pick Up and Drop Off areas.

When the building was designed, the architects went to great lengths to add spaces for parents to safely line up to pick up and drop off students that wouldn’t cross paths with anyone who was attempting to park or walk into the building. Ironically, neither one of these areas is being used much – instead, parents are using one of the parking lots…..and are in the way of people who need to use visitor parking.

Flagpole Pick Up/Drop Off Area
One of the Pick Up/Drop Off areas is on the east side of the building, and is accessed from Factoria Boulevard at the traffic light. It circles the flagpole. There’s even a covered waiting area nearby so that students don’t get wet on rainy days. Students who get out here in the mornings have easy access to the Commons, and in the afternoons students can walk directly out of the east end of the classroom wing to meet up with parents.

South Ballfields Pick Up/Drop Off Area
The other Pick Up/Drop Off area is on the south side of the building, and is accessed from Coal Creek Parkway. This is the turnaround between the baseball field and the new softball field. It’s particularly handy in the mornings for parents on their way to work who will exit the driveway & proceed west on Coal Creek Parkway. It’s also really, really large, and can hold dozens of cars. It’s the ideal place to wait to pick up a student after school.

CampFair 2009
Find the perfect summer camp or program at CampFair 2009 on Saturday, February 7, 2009, co-sponsored by St. Thomas School and ParentMap. Come meet directors and representatives from over 75 camps and programs for all ages, preschool to adult, including day and overnight camps, teen programs, specialty programs, wilderness adventure, sports, drama, art, science, music, language, academic enrichment and more. Don’t miss CampFair 2009, one of the largest camp fairs in Washington, at St. Thomas School’s new campus, 8300 N.E. 12th Street, Medina, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is free. For more information, directions to CampFair, and a listing of participating camps, visit www.sthomasschool.org or www.parentmap.com and find the perfect summer camp or program.

Special Request
Are you remodeling? Do you have a gently used electric range you no longer need? A veteran member of the Newport teaching community is in need of an electric stand-alone range. If you have one that you are no longer using, we can arrange to have it picked up at your inconvenience. Please contact Janet Suppes, janetsuppes@yahoo.com, or Matt Eisenhauer, eisenhauerm@bsd405.com.

Yearbook Announcement
The deadline for purchasing a yearbook is February 6. Students can confirm whether or not they have already purchased a year book by checking the list of sales outside of the accountant’s office.

2009-01-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Freshparents:

It seems like just yesterday the snow was the “news.” Here are several items that are real news to start off the new year.

Newport Baseball News
Knights in Vienna
Bellevue Schools Foundation News
Senior Fundraiser
Fastpitch Booster Club Fundraiser
Tolo Pictures
New School Year Calendar
Electives
PTSA News

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Newport Baseball News

Mandatory Player and Parent Meeting: Thursday, January 8 at 7:00 pm, NHS CommonsThis is a must attend event - no matter how many you have attended in the past. Typical discussions revolve around the business side of Newport Knights Baseball, how we run the program, player and parent expectations, eligibility and paperwork requirements ... and a bunch of other good stuff. Along with all the program talk, Newport Baseball booster wear is on sale while supplies last, so don't forget your checkbook.

Preseason TrainingWe will start our winter conditioning workouts in January, after the player/parent meeting. We'll let everyone know the exact days and times later, but in the interim, break out those running shoes, crack a smile and prepare to put in some leg work with us once a week. Coach Fischer will discuss in detail at the meeting.

Field Construction ProjectsThe junior varsity, freshmen and girls softball fields have been completed. The freshmen should be back home for the first time in three years. We now have one of the best, if not the best, high school baseball facility in the state! What's left? The pressbox! Hopefully, construction will be completed before the start of the season.

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Knights in Vienna

The Friends of Newport Orchestra are pleased to present Knights in Vienna, a spectacular evening of waltz and swing music, delicious desserts, and professional dance instruction.

The event will be held Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 pm in the Newport High School Commons and will feature performances by talented students from Newport High School and the Newport High School orchestra for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Dance instruction will be provided by Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Bellevue.

A silent auction will be held in addition to the traditional raffle baskets. Some fabulous items have already been donated by local businesses and students:

· Two nights at the Larkspur Landing Hotels in Bellevue
· Dinner for six at the Outback Steakhouse
· ACT theatre tickets
· Dominos Pizza for one year
· Amore gourmet chocolates
· Dinner for 2 at Mediterranean Kitchen in Bellevue
· One night at the Hilton Garden Inn at Issaquah
· Bow rehairing from David T. Stone Violins
· University Book Store $25 gift certificate
· Pasta & Co., cookbook & $25 gift certificate
· And ... a string quartet for your event!

Knights in Vienna is incredibly fun every year for students and adults; you won’t want to
miss it!

Desserts and beverages will be served. Advance tickets may be purchased at
www.newportorchestra.com through Saturday, January 10 for $25 (general admission) and $10 (student). A special table for eight next to the dance floor may be reserved in advance for
$250. Tickets will be sold at the door for $30 (general admission) and $12 (student).

Proceeds from this event will benefit the outstanding Newport High School Orchestra
Program.

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Bellevue Schools Foundation News

Your donation making an impact across the district
Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, your generosity is impacting all students throughout the district. Here’s an example of how your gift is making a difference in both mathematics and science this year…

Math Expressions: Every K-5 student is benefiting from the new Math Expressions curriculum that emphasizes math concepts, computational fluency and problem solving skills. Every student will be challenged to achieve in math with supplementary leveled instruction to support the spectrum of learners from ESL students to gifted young mathematicians.

Thanks to your support, BSF is providing $170,000 towards Math Expressions this year.

Today’s Science: All middle and high school students are benefiting from an improved science curriculum, based upon the latest scientific and learning research, and professional development for teachers. Curriculum improvements to the science courses, including Physics in 8th Grade, Biology in 9th Grade and Chemistry in 10th Grade, will prepare every student to complete a college preparatory physics/biology/chemistry sequence by Grade 10 and be ready for Advanced Placement (AP) or college-level science courses by Grade 11.
With your help, BSF is providing $150,000 towards the science curriculum advancements this year.

Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon
Mark your calendars now! The 21st Annual Bellevue Schools Foundation Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Meydenbauer Center, from 11:30am – 1:30pm. More details to follow…

Amazon.com
It’s easy to raise money for our schools while you shop at Amazon.com. Just go to the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) website home page, www.bsfdn.org and click on the Amazon link. Amazon will donate over 7% of each sale to support Bellevue schools. Remember, you must go through the BSF website link for BSF to get credit for the order.

Thanks to you, Amazon donated over $4,790 to BSF for our students in 2008!

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Senior Fundraiser

Now we are back to our typical rain do you need an umbrella? Consider ordering one from the Senior web site to help their fundraising efforts for GradKnight while showing Newport spirit!

You can even help out for free by signing up for the Albertson’s and Safeway e-script program. Visit http://www.nhsgradknight2009.myevent.com/3/events.htm

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Fastpitch Booster Club Fundraiser

Help support the Fastpitch Booster Club and show Newport spirit by purchasing a Red NEWPORT recyclable grocery bag!
(1) for $5.00 or (5) for $20.00.

Fastpitch Booster Club is also selling the RED Ear/Head warmer. And RED Knight Cinch bags. $10/ea

Contact Fastpitch Boosters, Jayme Barry, jbarry@industrialcomm.net, 425-644-6897.

Items are also available for immediate purchase and pick-up at the attendance desk with Kris Pierce.

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Tolo Pictures

Tolo pictures will be handed out on Friday, January 9, during both lunches.

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New School Year Calendar

The Bellevue School District has published a new calendar, adding the snow days to the end of the school year. First semester finals will be rescheduled, and the semester will end on February 6. The last day of school is June 25. Other changes will be announced as we learn them. Please go to the BSD website for the new calendar.

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Electives!

Has your student started to think about electives for sophomore year? Remind your student to attend the Elective Fair on January 20 and 22 in the Commons during both lunches. Teachers will be available to talk about the courses and programs they are offering in the coming year.

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PTSA News

New Action Alert Message for the Governor – Follow the link below to take action today
After the Governor released her budget proposal, we shut down our earlier education funding alert, recognizing that we needed to update our message. (Approximately 350 people responded to this first alert.) We have created a new message (linked below) and again strongly encourage all, (even those who responded to the first alert) to complete it and to forward it on to your email lists.

We want to let our elected officials know that despite these very difficult times, there is work that can be done to lay the groundwork for a better education finance structure in the future. We are also expressing specific concern about the proposed 33% cuts to levy equalization money which would adversely affect those districts that already have less ability to raise local levy dollars. Click on the following link and Respond to the Governor's Budget Proposal Today!

PTSA Meeting
January PTSA meeting will be held Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 pm in the NHS Library.

Class of 2012 News -- December 22, 2008

2009-01-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Freshparents:

You can take the girl out of the Northeast but you can’t take the Northeast out of the girl. I have amused and mystified my neighbors with all of the snow shoveling these past few days. I could hear them saying from the warmth of their living rooms, “Why doesn’t she wait and let it melt on its own?” and “Why does she even bother, it’s just going to snow again tonight.” I guess I kept hoping that, if I did my part to clean my driveway and sidewalks, the city’s plow trucks would eventually show up and clean the streets. Hope springs eternal! There is no amount of rain that could make me miss East Coast winters.

Tomorrow will be our 5th snow day to make up at school. While it seems there will never be an end to the grocery store runs to replenish milk and bread and the constantly running dryer filled with hats, gloves, and snow pants, an end will come. Our kids WILL go back to school on January 5. The end of January marks the end of the first semester – our kids will be half way through their freshman year. Yes, it goes that fast. There are a few items I’d like to place on your radar screen with more reminders to come.

Finals Schedule
Parent Information Night
Bellevue Schools Foundation
Letter from the Principal
PTSA Notices
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Finals Schedule

For the most part, this will be the first time that our freshmen will experience final exams. I still remember the look on my junior’s face when I asked him if he had a study schedule a few weeks before his first set of finals two years ago. “A study schedule? Do I NEED a study schedule?” Mercifully, he allowed me to help him set one up and he has used this tool every semester since then. Each student will differ in the amount of time leading up to finals that he will need or tolerate for studying, but having a road map is a good place to start.
Please take a close look at this test schedule. Note that school hours are a bit different on Wednesday and Friday.
2008-2009 FIRST SEMESTER FINALS SCHEDULE

PERIODS DAY DATE TIME
Tutorial Wednesday January 28 7:30 – 8:10
2 Wednesday January 28 8:15 – 10:15
Break Wednesday January 28 10:15 – 10:25
6 Wednesday January 28 10:30 – 12:30

1 Thursday January 29 7:30 – 9:30
Break Thursday January 29 9:30 – 9:35
3 Thursday January 29 9:40 – 11:40
LUNCH Thursday January 29 11:40 – 12:25
5a & 5b Thursday January 29 12:30 – 2:30
Tutorial Thursday January 29 2:30 – 3:00

4 Friday January 30 7:30-9:30
Break Friday January 30 9:30-9:35
7 Friday January 30 9:40-11:40
LUNCH Friday January 30 11:40-12:25
0 and make-ups Friday January 30 12:30-2:30
Tutorial Friday January 30 2:30-3:00

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Parent Information Night

On February 12, 2009, at 7:00 pm, Newport’s guidance counselors will present grade-level information for parents about registration for the 2009-2010 school year. That evening, we’ll be listening to the sophomore presentation and our students will register for sophomore classes shortly thereafter. I told you it was going fast!

Parents of current 8th grade students will attend an information night at Newport on February 5, 2009, at 7:00 pm in the theater. Please pass this along to your friends and neighbors who have children attending 8th grade at Tyee, Tillicum, and private schools and who live in our attendance area.
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Bellevue Schools Foundation

Looking for a meaningful way to honor a teacher this holiday season?

Thank your favorite teacher with a gift to Bellevue Schools Foundation in their honor. We'll send your teacher a holiday card notifying them of your support and appreciation. Meanwhile, your gift will join with others to support great teaching across the District!

It's quick, it's green, and it helps Bellevue students while thanking excellent teachers!

Honor your teacher with a gift to BSF
Click here to give

Simply click here to make a secure online donation on behalf of a teacher - and honor your favorite teacher while making a difference in Bellevue schools.

Teachers Matter: Why BSF Funds National Board Certification

Congratulations to the 79 Bellevue teachers who just achieved National Board Certification (NBC), a rigorous benchmark of teaching excellence! See the list of newly-certified teachers here.

Why does National Board Certification matter? Studies show that NBC teachers are more effective and their students learn more. Read about National Board Certification in Bellevue here.

With 5 years of funding from BSF, Bellevue now has 208 Board-certified teachers, more than any other district in Washington State! With extra support and mentoring funded by BSF and the district, Bellevue teachers achieve certification at a rate over twice the national average.

BSF is proud to continue supporting Bellevue teachers with a $190,000 grant to provide mentors and cover fees for 77 more teachers pursuing National Board Certification this year.

Thank you for supporting Bellevue students!

Bellevue Schools Foundation raises funds to promote and help fund the best possible learning opportunities for all students in the Bellevue School District.

Learn more about the programs BSF is funding this year here.

PO Box 40644 • Bellevue, WA 98015-4644Tel: 425.456.4199 • Fax: 425.456.4176 • Web: www.bsfdn.org • Email: info@bsfdn.org

Learn more about the programs BSF is funding this year at www.bsfdn.org. Sign up to receive BSF updates here!

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Letter from the Principal

This is a reprint of a letter from the Newport Principal to staff reminding them about the gift-giving policy established in the school district.
Newport Staff,

Every year when the holidays approach, we see grateful and thoughtful parents and community members want to find ways to express their appreciation to our teachers and other employees for their work by giving gifts to the individuals they know. Gifts that are of a nominal value or which are a token remembrance or appreciation are fine, but the acceptance of gifts of significant value or monetary benefit is not allowed. Often parents, especially if their work experience has been in the private sector, are not aware that gifts to publicly-paid employees are not permitted or appropriate.

For our employees, gifts that are beyond a nominal value raise serious questions about equity between and among schools/programs, about why some employees in some roles get gifts and others do not, about a violation of board policy that disallows gifts, and about the propriety of substantial gifts being given for public service. Therefore, the giving of expensive gifts to individuals must be strongly discouraged. When the value of a gift to a person gets beyond $25.00 it is can well be considered to be more than a token gift or expression of appreciation – but even gifts of that size are not to be encouraged.

If parents or others wish to provide more than a token of gratitude to an individual employee, they can make donations to a specific classroom (but not something that could be considered the teacher’s personal property), they can donate to a school or program, they can make a contribution to the Bellevue Schools Foundation, the PTSA, or other charity in recognition of an employee’s work, and/or they can do something for the entire school’s or program’s benefit. Sometimes vendors will want to give a school, office, or program a box of candy or fruit that can be jointly shared with everyone, and that is acceptable (assuming not something unusually expensive) and so long as no particular individual is singled out as the sole recipient or benefit.

Bethany Spinlar
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PTSA Notices

Are you concerned about education funding in our state? Here’s a way you can get involved today! It’s as easy as a few keystrokes. Important work is being done right now by our elected officials to prepare for the next legislative session. We urge you to take action today by sending an important message to the Governor and your legislators using our Legislative Action center. Follow the link below to our action center. Then scroll over and click on the title “Support Education Funding and Finance Reform”. This is the link to the alert. A preprinted message has been included. You are encouraged to add a personal story as well.

We also strongly encourage you to forward this message with the link to your member and non-member email lists (anyone who supports our message is encouraged to respond)...taking care not to include any government email addresses.

We have set a goal of sending 40,000 emails! That’s right we want 10,000 of you and your friends from every legislative district in the state to send messages to their three legislators and the Governor. The system has already been set up to generate all four, so all you need to do is add just a bit to the one prewritten message. It’s so easy! Try it yourself, then pass it on to a friend. Let’s see what kind of an impact we can make in one week. http://capwiz.com/npta2/wa/home/

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PTSA FOCUS DAY

On February 26, 2009, Washington State PTA is sponsoring its annual Focus Day activities. This is the day that PTA members across the state gather in Olympia to "focus" on the child advocacy issues that were selected at Legislative Assembly. This is an unusually important year for parents to participate. Our Legislative representatives have been given the task of revamping our educational system -- primarily the way in which it is funded. It has been obvious for years that the funding amount has been inadequate (districts have to raise levy money to provide basics) but even more obvious that the funds are unfairly distributed. Combine the ever-growing needs of our underfunded educational system with the current budget crisis and one simply cannot deny the need to keep our legislators FOCUSED on our kids. Focus Day this year will take on a different form than in years past. This year, the main activity will be a massive rally on the Capital steps at noon. We need everybody possible to attend for this easy, fun, and effective advocating party.

Organize car pools -- we need at least four cars of four people from every school. Drive to Olympia, rally on the steps, drive back home. How easy can it get? Bellevue PTSA Council also has rented two busses for the day. The trip is free to Bellevue PTA members and almost free to other Council members. We will leave at about 9:30 on February 26 from the old K Mart parking lot on 148th and return there by 3 or 3:30. Reservations are required for the bus. Contact me with your name and e-mail address if you want to ride the bus. I need to have these names by the first part of February.

Connie Gerlitz (dgerlitz2@comcast.net),
Bellevue Council and Region 2Legislative Chair
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Class of 2012 News -- December 4, 2008

2008-12-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Freshparents:

Here’s the latest news ….

Tolo Week and Dance
NHS Cookie Fest Fundraiser
The Arts

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Tolo Week and Dance

Spirit Week, December 8 – 12

The freshmen have a lot of practice now with spirit week at Newport. Here are the themes for the days leading up to the Tolo dance. Participation is optional and fun!

Monday Holiday Wear Party
Tuesday Yoga Party
Wednesday Jersey Party
Thursday Black Out Party
Friday Red and Gold

Tolo Basics

* Formal dance sponsored by the Camelot Club held in the Newport gym.
* Saturday, December 13, from 9:00 pm to midnight
* Girls generally ask the boys, using similar creativity and planning employed by the boys who asked girls to the Homecoming Dance. Boys should show the girls the courtesy of ANSWERING!
* Girls generally pay for the dance tickets, dinner, and any day activities planned by the participants.
* Boys generally pay for photos, transportation, and dessert.

Remember, the dance is the only official school-sponsored event – everything else is optional. Couples usually form groups, adding to the fun but complicating the planning process. I strongly encourage you to reach out to the other parents in the group to compare notes and help the kids come to closure with their plans.

Tolo Ticket Sales

Students may purchase tickets ($13 each) during lunch in the Commons on December 9, 10, and 11. Students who plan to attend Tolo with a non-Newport student must turn in guest pass paperwork by December 10 at 3:00 pm. Forms are available in the main office. Guests must have a ticket and an ID card to enter the dance.

Corsages and Boutonnieres

Students can show support for the Invisible Children program (fundraising to support children in Uganda) at school by purchasing a ribbon corsage or boutonniere for Tolo. Student volunteers will take orders during lunch tomorrow and Monday through Thursday next week. Pick up will be Friday, December 12. Save a flower and spend $10 for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit Invisible Children and the Class of 2010 grad party.

Chaperones

If you would like to help as a chaperone, please contact Mr. James at jamesg@bsd405.org. Chaperones will need to report for duty at 8:15 on December 13.

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NHS Cookie Fest Fundraiser

Thursday, December 11 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Dozens of varieties of cookies made by Newport's finest young chefs. Proceeds support the Newport Knives Culinary Competition Team.

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The Arts

Knights in Vienna

The Newport Orchestras are seeking talented student musicians to feature at their annual "Knights in Vienna" event to be held on January 17. If you play an instrument or sing, and have pieces you could perform that would be suitable to an evening of dancing, music, and great food, then clear your schedule for AUDITIONS! Thursday, December 11, starting after school in room 1225. Pick up audition applications in the Main Office; they're due Monday, December 8.

Winter Music Concert

All Orchestras and Choirs will perform Wednesday, December 17 at 7:30 pm in the NHS Performing Arts Center.

Laff-Machine

Students may audition to be part of the Comedy Skit group that performs at Follies. Auditions are Thursday, December 11 from 3:15 to 5:00 pm in the Drama room. Pick up audition information in front of the ASB Secretaries Office.

Class of 2012 News -- November 1, 2008

2008-11-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

Now that all the excitement and drama surrounding Homecoming week is behind us, life seems dull. I take that back …. life is never dull with teenagers in the house.

PTSA Membership
Ski Swap
BSF Phonathon
PTSA Publication
Magazines for Appel
Reminders

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PTSA Membership

The emails I send you are a service provided by Newport's PTSA. The Class Liaisons are happy to provide this service whether or not parents become members of our PTSA. We want everyone to be informed and feel welcome in our Newport community.

Besides sending these emails, our PTSA provides the newsletter, Knightline, which is mailed to your home seven times each school year. We sponsor the Knight Valor program, which encourages students to complete 100 hours of Community Service before graduation. We also give classroom grants to teachers, assist students in need, manage the annual Reflections arts program, publish a student phone directory, coordinate staff appreciation events, and work with the other schools in Bellevue to support the staff and students of Robinswood. Membership fees ensure that our volunteers receive training specific to their committee work and that our leaders are fully prepared to successfully manage a large non-profit here in the State of Washington.

Membership is also one way of quantifying Newport's parent involvement. Right now we have 912 members and about 1642 students. That's a membership rate of about 56%. Wouldn't it be great to say we have 100%? Because we know we have 100% parent involvement! Please take time now to consider joining Newport’s PTSA to support all the great services it provides. I have attached the membership form to this email. You may drop the completed membership form at the office with your check, or mail it to the Newport PTSA at the address on the form.

Thanks very much for your support of Newport's PTSA.

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Ski Swap

The annual Ski Swap at Newport is Saturday, November 8, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday, November 9, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you have something to sell, go to school on Friday, November 7, between 3:30 to 6:00. All unsold gear must be picked up Sunday evening.

Students who would like to earn some Community Service hours or to get first pick of gear should go to http://skiswap.info and sign up for whatever shifts and jobs they want. Parent volunteers are also welcome!

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BSF Phonathon

There is a dire need of volunteers for the Bellevue Schools Foundation Phonathon on Tuesday November 11 and Wednesday November 12 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. Students will receive up to 5 hours of community service (and everyone gets free pizza)! For more information, and to sign up as a volunteer, contact Karen Tokita at (425) 277-1707 or atkaren@yahoo.com . You may also sign up in the office. Volunteers who can speak more than one language are particularly valuable. Please consider helping out if you can speak a second language. Parent volunteers are also welcome!

BSF funds a variety of programs to increase rigor and support students throughout the district. This year, BSF has paid for the new K-5 math curriculum and the new science curriculum in grades 6-10. BSF also funds “Bridging the Achievement Gap” grants for students who need extra academic support in schools with high poverty and significant English language learner populations. BSF also funds National Board certification for teachers so that our students learn from highly qualified teachers. The Bellevue School District has twice as many National Board Certified teachers as the district with the next highest number. Let’s help BSF continue these remarkable programs.

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PTSA Publication

The Washington State PTA is pleased to announce that its premier parent involvement magazine, “The Child Advocate,” is now available as an online membership benefit available to all 150,000 PTA members statewide. The new online edition, which will be published electronically in smaller, monthly editions during the school year, replaces the relatively small number of printed copies previously distributed on a quarterly basis.

While the publication schedule for “The Child Advocate” has changed, the quality of the content has not; the online editions will contain the same great articles with helpful tips for parents that the magazine has been known for during the past 16 years. The online publication will be available in two formats. One has the look and feel of an electronic magazine, and can easily be read on a computer screen. In addition, the articles can be downloaded in a PDF format.

To see the latest online issue of The Child Advocate, click on this link or clip and paste it into the address bar of your browser: http://www.wastatepta.org/programs/child_advocate.htm

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Magazines for Appel

Dawn Appel, the wife of Newport Science teacher Casey Appel, was diagnosed with leukemia over a year ago. She's in bed most of the day and passes time by reading a lot of magazines. If you have any that you've finished reading, please take them to the main office at school so staff can drop them in Dawn’s magazine box. If you'd like them back just put a note on them so Casey can return them to you. Dawn will be going in for a bone marrow transplant in the near future and that might include 100 days in the hospital, so she'll definitely need plenty of magazines. Go to this link -- http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dawnappel -- to check on Dawn’s progress. Thanks for your help.

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Reminders

* Any student who still hasn’t picked up freshman sweats should go to Room 3119 after school to take care of this.

* Winter Sports Packets are due by November 7, 2008.

* The Yearbook staff is still looking for photo contributions; please contact Ms. Driscoll at driscollk@bsd405.org ASAP!

* The freshman class won “Most Creative” honors for its 2008 Homecoming Hall Decs. Thanks to all parents and students who helped with this effort.

2008-10-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

I’ve been meeting many of you out and about and when you realize who I am you say, “Oh, you’re the one who sends ALL those emails.” Previously I told you that I would send “periodic” emails but this has become a weekly event so forgive me if you think I’m over doing it. If the response I received to the Homecoming Primer is any indication, I’d say that my emails are hitting the spot for a lot of you … especially those of you with boys! So, at the risk of visiting with you too soon on the heels of the last email, here’s the latest installment of news.

Homecoming Spirit Week
PTSA General Meeting
Homecoming Ticket Sales
Photo Retakes
Yearbook
Link Crew Tailgate
PE Waiver
Winter Sports Packet
Winter Sports Kickoff Event
Student Behavior in Factoria

Homecoming Spirit Week

Your student may be interested in dressing up for Spirit Week leading up to Homecoming on Friday.

Monday: Pajama Jam
Tuesday: Neon Day
Wednesday: Color War – Freshman color is PINK
Thursday: Animal Print Day
Friday: Red and Gold Day

PTSA General Meeting

The first PTSA General Meeting of the year convenes on Monday, October 20, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Newport High School Library (second floor, above the main office). All are welcome; snacks are provided! This important meeting will determine some fundamental rules for our organization for the current year. Some discussion items: Approve the PTSA budget for the school year and adopt the Standing Rules (the Executive Committee will propose changes in (1) how excess Senior Party money is handled and (2) the structure of standing committee and ad hoc committees). We will hear from members of Link Crew about life at Newport and these students will be available to take your questions.

Homecoming Ticket Sales

Students may purchase tickets to the Homecoming Dance after school on Tuesday, October 21 and Wednesday, October 22, OR during both lunches and after school on Thursday, October 23. No tickets will be sold on Friday or at the door. I strongly advise you to encourage your student to purchase tickets on Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid the crush on Thursday. All tickets are $13. Guest passes must be turned in by 3:15 on Wednesday, October 22. No late forms will be accepted, and the office will not fax or receive faxes of these forms. The student must then present the pass received in the office to the Ticket Sale table. The guest must present a valid ticket and a school ID card at the door. Please help your student understand this process. http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/activities2/index.htm

Photo Retakes

If they haven’t done so already, please send your student to the main office to pick up pictures taken at Check In Day in August or at picture makeup day. If you don’t like these pictures, your student has another chance to going to picture retake day on October 22.

Yearbook

Yearbook needs “student life” photos, particularly Then and Now (such as a photo of your student and some preschool buddies – Then – and the same students in the same pose this year – Now), Hobbies and Talents, and Community Service. Yearbook staff will receive photos until October 23. Contact Yearbook Advisor and English teacher, Kimberly Discoll, if you want to submit photos.

Link Crew Tailgate

Link Crew is hosting a tailgate party prior to Friday’s Homecoming game. The party starts at 5:00 pm on October 24 and goes until just before the game starts. Freshmen pay $3 and it’s $4 for everyone else. The menu includes hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, salad, and drinks. Students may purchase tickets during lunch this week.

PE Waiver

One time during your student’s high school career s/he may receive a PE credit for participating in a team sport. Go to the Newport sports website http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/sports/P.E.%20Waiver%20and%20Form.pdf for all the details.

Winter Sports Packet

Winter sports packets are available outside of the ASB secretary’s office on the main floor. Students who have not participated in a fall sport should pick up a gray packet. Students who are currently in a sport should get a yellow “repeat” packet. Return the packet by November 7, 2008.

Winter Sports Kickoff Event

All athletes, parents, and coaches are invited to attend the Winter Sports Kickoff Event on Tuesday, November 25, at 7:00 pm in the Newport main gym. The guest speaker will be Anna Mickelson Cummins, Olympic gold medalist and Newport alumna. Students don’t have to be a winter sport athlete to attend this event. Everyone is welcome.

Student Behavior in Factoria

Some parent volunteers have recently visited restaurants in Factoria to ask for donated food for our Ski Swap next month. They have received some feedback they want to share with parents. The managers of a few restaurants – Red Robin, Goldberg's, Romio's specifically but there are probably others – have commented that many students who come in on Wednesday afternoons treat their servers poorly and often leave without tipping. There are even reports of students dining and dashing. This is, as you can imagine, affecting their generosity when it comes to giving us food for the Ski Swap and we have enough trouble prying donations out of local businesses as it is. This is really happening so we can’t all assume that “it’s not my kid.” Take the time to talk with your student. Kids who eat lunch in Factoria on Wednesdays should respect restaurant staff and property, pay for what they eat, and tip appropriately. We’re hopeful that, with parent support, our community restaurants will see improved behavior in the coming months.

Homecoming Primer -- October 12, 2008

2008-10-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

Two years ago, when my oldest was a freshman, he told me that he wanted to take a girl to homecoming. The mother of that girl also has a freshman this year and we moms reminisced recently about how clueless we were back then. With the help of the other class liaisons, I would like to present to you this primer on the Newport homecoming experience. Basically, this is all the information I wish I had two years ago.

Homecoming Week: October 20 to 25

During the Week
Much like the Spirit Week that led up to the Disco Dance, each day of Homecoming Week has a particular theme. These are fun themes announced in advance to the student body via morning announcements and posters in the hallway. It's not necessary to dress up, but most students and many teachers do get into the act. Keep in mind that the normal dress code still applies. Competitions and activities occur at lunchtime in the cafeteria.

Thursday, October 23
On Thursday night of homecoming week, students from each grade decorate an assigned area in the school according to the theme assigned to that class. This year the freshman theme is DINOSAURS and they will decorate the main office in a Jurassic Park scheme. Jake Nonis, the freshman class advisor, will supervise this activity. In the days leading up to this event, you may hear a lot about “hall decs” and your student may ask you to "lend" items which may or may not survive the day. Without the funds that other classes have, freshmen rely on donations from parents. On Thursday night, the students get quite warm, so parents may stop by with a case of water or some snacks. The freshman area is more chaotic than the others as this is their first time "managing" a project of this magnitude. Resist the urge to manage it for them!!

Friday, October 24
On Friday morning, the halls are judged by a team of teachers, and the winners announced at the Homecoming Assembly Friday afternoon. The Homecoming Assembly is the most spirited, goofy, fun assembly of the year. Please do not be alarmed when your student reports that many senior boys showed up in Cheer or Drill uniforms for this assembly.

Friday night is the Homecoming football game at 7:00 p.m. on the football field. A surprising number of recent grads do attend.

Saturday, October 25
The Homecoming Dance is a school-sponsored activity on Saturday evening from 9:00 pm to midnight. At this event, many freshmen will dress up according to their interpretation of the dinosaur theme.Cave men and women are also allowed as the theme is based on time periods.

The Ask:
This is traditionally considered a "date" dance, although it's perfectly acceptable to attend alone or with a group of friends. The vast majority of kids attend in a group of couples. At Homecoming, the boys generally ask the girls but almost none of them do it by picking up the phone or texting to ask for a date. The first phase consists of floating trial balloons – either the boys communicate through their friends that they are interested in asking a particular girl or the girls communicate through their friends that they are interested in a particular boy asking them. These are all back-room maneuvers that are exhausting and stressful but that result in a boy asking a girl whom he’s fairly certain will say yes. Then the boys plan a more or less elaborate method to ask the girl – a scavenger hunt, anonymous gifts left on the doorstep, balloons floating in the pool at swim team practice, the question appearing on the Factoria Cinema sign. The girls respond in kind to give their answer. Your student may invite a high-school age student from another school. I will forward the guest invitation form in another email.

Activities:
Some groups plan optional activities on Friday night or Saturday during the day. They carve pumpkins, go bowling, take a hike, bake a dessert for after the dance. This does not have to be an expensive outing, it can be as simple and casual as throwing a Frisbee or football in a park.

Pictures:
After the kids get dressed according to the theme, they often gather at one home with all their associated parents for pictures and a little parent socializing. All the parents will be there. It is perfectly OK for you to be there. If your child says otherwise, he's wrong.

Transportation:
It's great when they form groups of SIX so that the group can fit neatly into a mini-van or SUV. Parent drivers are the norm for freshman students.

Attire:
Newport's Homecoming is meant to be for everyone, so it is not formal or semi-formal. It's more of a costume ball. Students really do dress for the theme. Mixed-grade couples usually dress in the theme of the older student's class. Again, the usual dress code still applies.

Finances:
While the student and his/her date can work out any arrangement they like, there are some conventions about who buys what. Traditionally, the boys buy/arrange dinner and the dance tickets. The girls pay for pictures and dessert. No corsages/boutonnières for Homecoming.

Dinner:
Dinner before the dance can be at the home of a friend whose mom is a wonderful cook. It is relaxing, fun, cheap! Their choice of restaurant is somewhat limited by the goofy clothes they'll be wearing, so it's unlikely they'll want to go to Canlis – more like Cucina! Cucina!

Dessert:
This tradition has evolved over the years. The kids usually gather at one person's home after the dance (yes, it's after midnight now) to eat dessert and visit. So parents, plan on staying up late.

After Dessert:
Why, they go home, of course!

Final Word:
While I have written out these procedures in an orderly fashion, they generally don’t happen like this for freshmen. The larger the group, the more difficult it is to reach a consensus. This is where I went wrong two years ago. Every time I asked my son who was in the group or where they were going to dinner, his story changed. My mistake was to keep asking him – I should have gone straight to the other parents. It is acceptable to call the parents of the other students involved to find out what they know about the plans. In fact, it’s not only acceptable, it’s advisable! Two years ago I didn’t find out “for sure” what was happening until the morning of the dance when another mother called me. It was a relief to finally get some facts! This year I plan to give my daughter until October 22 to give me the facts. If there aren’t any or there aren’t enough, I will start calling the other parents. You have my permission to do the same!

Although our students will claim that “everyone goes to Homecoming,” the fact is that only about 1/3 of the student body attends. All of the components of Homecoming listed above are not requirements – you may view them as a la cart items. Contrary to the beliefs of many of our children, parents still have the final say!

Class of 2012 News Update -- October 8, 2008

2008-10-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

It’s time for another news installment ….

Band Contest
Freshmen Sweats
Town Hall Meeting
Super Wednesday
PTSA Meeting
Picture Retakes
Homecoming Week
Bellevue Parks Levy
Ski Swap
Super Wednesday Schedule

October 8-10: Band Contest

Recently our marching band entered a contest sponsored by KIRO Radio. We arranged the required tune "Catch My Disease" by Ben Lee, and recorded it for submission into this contest. If we win the contest, Seattle Seahawk's Blue Thunder Drumline will come to Newport and play for our Homecoming game! We really want to win.

We need every parent, student, co-worker, community member (virtually anyone who owns an email account and who is willing log in) to go to http://www.mynorthwest.com/ and vote. This is the KIRO website. The show that will be hosting the contest is called “Too Beautiful to Live” or TBTL. It is on from 7:00 to10:00 pm weeknights. The voting started Tuesday and continues through noon on October 10. You will be able to access the voting mechanism from their show page (just scroll down on the MyNorthwest.com homepage, on the right side there’s a picture of Luke and it links to the showpage) and from the “Events and Contests” page.

October 13: Freshmen Sweats

Freshmen sweats have arrived and will be ready for pick-up on October 13 between 2:30 and 3:30. Students have the opportunity to attend tutorial first, if necessary, and then pick up their purchases in Mechanical Room #3191.

October 14: Town Hall Meeting

Bellevue School Board and Bellevue PTSA Council invite you to a conversation with our representatives.
Rep. Ross Hunter (D-48)
Senator Rodney Tom (D-48)
Rep. Fred Jarrett (D-41)
“Let’s do something about state education funding” (A Proposal for the Basic Education Finance Joint Task Force)
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, 7pm
Sammamish High School Performing Arts Center

Washington State’s education funding system is broken. Increasing costs and declining funds to public schools continue to create chronic under funding which affects every student in Bellevue and forces the district to use levy dollars to fund basic education programs.

2008-2009 could begin the change. For more than a year, the WA Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance has been studying the education funding problems facing our state. Its report and suggestions to the legislature are due in December 2008. Finally, there will be a serious and open discussion in Olympia about what our kids need and how we can help them get it. The Task Force has been working on two monumental issues important to BSD and the State:
redefining basic public education to include all that our children need for success
developing an appropriate funding mechanism for our schools
This presentation will discuss a serious proposal to address these issues; and how we can help.

After the presentation, questions will be answered from the Board and the audience. For event information or to submit questions in advance, contact Bellevue PTSA Council President Janet Suppes janetpta@gmail.com or Legislative Chair Connie Gerlitz dgerlitz2@comcast.net.

For more info on the BEFJTF, visit http://www.leg.wa.gov/Joint/Committees/BEF/
The Washington Learns report can be found at http://www.washingtonlearns.wa.gov/
Learn more about the WA education funding crisis at http://www.fundingwaschools.org

October 15: Super Wednesday

Super Wednesday is a day filled with activity that varies by class. Sophomores take the PLAN assessment, Juniors take the PSAT, and Seniors participate in a college essay writing seminar. The Freshmen will be in the gym from 7:30 to 11:10 doing various activities. To accommodate these activities, there is a modified schedule for the entire week. This schedule appears at the bottom of this email.

October 20: PTSA Meeting

Plan to attend the PTSA general meeting at 7:00 pm in the library. Members will approve the budget and hear committee reports. The scheduled guests are Link Crew members who will describe what they do to acclimate freshmen to the high school experience. You may pick up your school directory of you didn’t get it at the Open House last month.

October 22: Picture Retakes

If you or your student were unhappy with the photos taken in August at Check In Day, your student should plan to go to school on October 22 with the picture packet and do retakes.

October 20-25: Homecoming Week

Homecoming Week is a lot like Spirit Week that preceded the Disco Dance. Each day has a theme, the students get to decorate the school, there is an assembly and varsity football game on Friday, and the Homecoming dance on Saturday. I will send an email soon that is devoted to the details surrounding this week.

November 4: Bellevue Parks Levy

Community Activists John Stokes and Karen Roper made a presentation to PTSA Board Members urging Bellevue residents to vote YES on the Bellevue Parks Levy (Proposition 1) that will be the last item on the November 4 ballot. This replaces a 20-year-old levy to maintain and improve the Bellevue Parks and Open Space System. For more information go to: www.BellevueParksYES.org.

November 8-9: Ski Swap

The Newport Snowsports Ski Swap is quickly approaching and we have many open time slots for you and your friends/family members to sign up and help us during the Ski Swap.

The event occurs Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, at Newport HS. We have time slots from Friday afternoon through Monday available!!
- Friday afternoon/evening is Swap Set Up
- Saturday and Sunday is the actual Swap event
- Sunday afternoon/evening is the Swap Take Down
- Monday reconciliation (not open to public)

This is a great way to meet other parents and friends, have your teenager earn community service credit for BSD/Knights Valor and more!

To sign up please register via the website: http://skiswap.info and click on the Volunteer tab in the left margin!

Also Volunteer Training (optional) for any new volunteers is being offered on Thursday, 10/23, from 7pm-8:30 pm at the NHS Library.

More Fall News -- September 30, 2008

2008-10-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

Last week our students experienced their first Spirit Week and school assembly and many attended their first all-school dance. They’re settling into their schedules, doing homework, and hopefully feeling less anxious about being in high school. Here’s the latest edition of fall news.

Bellevue School Board Town Hall Meeting
Student Grades
Extended Tutorial
Clubs
Sports
Food for Thought

Bellevue School Board Town Hall Meeting

The Bellevue School Board is hosting a Town Hall to learn about the proposals being made by the Basic Education Funding Task Force. The bi-partisan group has been working on what they hope to be a major piece of legislation to address education funding in this state. Come learn about what they are recommending. This could be seen as a continuation of the discussion that was begun at the School Board meeting during the teacher strike. Many parents were awakened to the issues and want to learn what they can do to resolve the issues of how schools are funded, how teacher pay is determined, and what is meant by basic education.

Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Sammamish High School
Who: Representatives from the Basic Education Funding Task Force
Host: Bellevue School Board

Student Grades

You may now access your student’s attendance record and grades by going to https://grades.bsd405.org/piv. I recommend that you go to the Newport website, click on Grades and then on Instructions to learn how to view grades. You need your student’s ID number and password to get started. If you are new to the Bellevue School District or lost your password from middle school, your student may request this information at Newport or you may go into the office to get it but you must have a photo ID. You may not get this information over the phone.

Attendance is updated hourly but grades are not. Teachers are not required to update grades more than a few times during the semester although some do frequent updates.

Extended Tutorial

Teachers hold tutorial on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Some students need additional time and attention or just a quiet place to do homework so they might consider extended tutorial. Extended tutorial convenes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm. A Math and English teacher are available at these sessions to assist students.

Clubs

Students can find enrichment outside of the classroom by participating in one of the many clubs that exist at Newport. Some clubs that have already announced their first meeting are Math Club, Astronomy Club, Snowriders Club, Key Club, Knightpagers Book Club, and Ecology Club. I highly recommend that you subscribe to the Daily Bulletin published by the front office. Just email Janet Suppes at suppesj@bsd405.org and ask her to add your name to the distribution list. This email publishes all the announcements made each morning to the students so you’ll hear the news the same day they do.

Senior Fundraiser

Those of you who attended Open House may have picked up a half-page flyer with the headline “Gradnight 2009.” This flyer lists some fundraisers for the senior class, including a poinsettia sale in November. The “order by” date is wrong on the flyer – instead of November 17, it should read ORDER BY NOVEMBER 7. Each plant is $15. You may order poinsettias or participate in any of the senior class fundraisers by visiting: http://www.nhsgradknight2009.myevent.com/. Seniors are raising money for the special events planned for them in June and they would appreciate your support. As the year goes on, you’ll hear more about fundraisers for the junior class. Please be generous in your support as our time will come to ask the younger classes to support the Class of 2012!

Sports

Freshman girls interested in the Newport Gymnastics team should attend an informational meeting after school on October 10 at 3:30 pm on the Commons.

The Girls’ Cross Country team came in second at the Nike Pre-National Meet on Saturday, September 27 in Portland OR and the Boys’ team came in fourth.

Food for Thought

Julie Rooney, the Liaison for the Class of 2011, sent me this article and I wanted to share it with you. Craig Smith gives some “free advice” on making the most of the high school experience.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/craigsmith/2008196706_smitty23.html

Coming Up Next

Homecoming Primer – everything you need to know about Homecoming Spirit Week and the Homecoming Dance.

Fall Activities

2008-09-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

I hope that you and your freshman made it through the first week of school with flying colors. As you will see with all the information below, we’re on a ride that won’t stop until the end of June.

Spirit Week
Football BBQ and Game
Disco Dance
Back-to-School Night
Student Volunteer Opportunity
Picture Make-Up Day
PTSA Meeting
District School Calendars
Housekeeping

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Spirit Week

The first Spirit Week of the year is September 22 through September 26. Each day has a theme and the students may choose to participate or not, although they might be surprised at how many students do dress up. Here are the themes for next week:

Monday – Mustache Monday (maybe use a washable marker?!)
Tuesday – Rock Star Day (or, Mustache Tuesday if your student used a Sharpie on Monday!)
Wednesday – Safety Day
Thursday – Ugly Sweater Day
Friday – Red and Gold Day (everyone can do this one!)

The Welcome Back/Fall Sports assembly is Friday, September 26.

Spirit Week culminates in ….
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Football BBQ - Class of 2009 Fundraiser

Come tailgate and help the Senior class at the same time before the Newport-Skyline football game on Friday, September 26. The menu includes: burgers (3 kinds), salad, soda, chips, and a cookie all for only $10 per ticket or $30 for 4 tickets. Dinner is served from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

The last day to purchase tickets is Tuesday, September 23. You may purchase tickets online at: http://www.nhsgradknight2009.myevent.com/ or at the GradKnight 2009 table during Open House on September 23. Beat Skyline!! The game starts at 7:00 pm.

The Newport-Skyline football game is followed by ….
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Disco Dance

The Disco Dance is on Friday, September 26, from 9:00 pm until midnight following the home football game. Many students will dress according to the disco theme but it is not a requirement for entry. There may be “dates” going to the dance but mostly students will go in groups of friends. In spite of our students’ insistence that “everyone” goes to this dance and stays until midnight, you may be confident that not all parents permit this. You will not be alone if you decline permission to this dance or arrange to pick up your student earlier than midnight. Tickets are on sale next week during lunch until Thursday, September 25. No tickets will be sold on Friday or at the door! Guest passes for non-Newport students are online at: http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/activities2/index.htm and must be turned in no later than Wednesday, September 24 at 3:15 pm. No faxes, paper passes only.

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Back-to-School Night

This event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, has several components – Grade-Level Meeting, Open House to Meet Teachers, Classroom Bucks Fundraiser, and Shopping!

Grade-Level Meeting

Parents and guardians from each class will meet in four different places around the school. Locations for these meetings will be posted in the Commons when you arrive. This meeting is scheduled for 6:15 pm until 6:55 pm and it will be conducted by one of the freshman counselors. Plan to arrive early and try to carpool with your neighbors to keep the mayhem in the parking lot to a minimum.

Open House

From 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm you will follow your child’s class schedule – 10 minutes per period and a 5-minute passing period. Wear comfortable shoes and expect to climb stairs and cover a lot of ground! I highly recommend that you find the September 2008 issue of the Knightline and turn to page 5. There you will find a schedule outline. Have your student fill it out and use this during the Open House. Volunteers will have class schedules to hand out that evening but there will be very, very long lines that may delay you from getting to the Grade-Level Meeting or your student’s classrooms. Volunteers will also have school maps to distribute. The purpose of the Open House is for parents to meet teachers, hear about course curricula and assessments, learn about classroom expectations and procedures, and receive contact information for the teachers. As you can imagine, 10 minutes is barely enough time to share this information. Open House is not the time to ask questions that relate specifically to your child; please contact the teacher after the event to schedule a meeting.

Classroom Bucks

During 2nd period of Open House, a student volunteer will visit each classroom to collect cash and checks for this PTSA fundraiser. The goal this year is $20,000 and every dollar raised will go directly into Newport classrooms in the form of teacher grants to supplement supplies and equipment to enhance curriculum. Page 7 of the September 2008 Knightline newsletter displays a form that you may return to the PTSA at a later date if necessary.

Shopping

There will be many tables set up throughout the Commons with representatives from the PTSA and various sports and clubs. You may visit these tables before, during, and after the events mentioned above. If you already joined PTSA, pick up your school directory and membership card. If you haven’t joined yet, get a membership form on page 4 of the September 2008 Knightline or at the PTSA table at Back-to-School Night. The other groups will have information to hand out or various booster items to sell – blankets, sweaters, license plate covers, water bottles, etc. – so don’t forget your checkbook!

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Student Volunteer Opportunity - Back-to-School Night

Your student may volunteer to work at Back-to-School Night from 5:45 pm to 8:45pm by signing up in the main office. Student volunteers will earn three hours of community service.

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Picture Make-Up Day

Picture make-up day is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, beginning at 12:30 pm in the Commons. Your student may pick up an order envelope in the main office. Students who should participate in this: those who missed Check In Day and will have pictures taken for the first time, those who do not yet have a picture ID. ALL students, whether or not they order pictures or participate in ASB must have a picture ID. This is not for picture re-takes. Picture re-takes will be scheduled in October and your student will return their photo packet for a re-take. More information will follow.
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PTSA Meeting

The first PTSA meeting of the year will be held on Monday, September 29 at 7:00 pm in the school library. All parents and PTSA members are welcome to attend.

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District School Calendars

The District school calendars for the current year and the next two years were approved this past Tuesday. You may download these calendars at the following sites:

2008/2009 Calendar:
http://www.bsd405.org/portals/0/aboutBSD/schoolcalendar/200809schoolcalendar.pdf

2009/2010 Calendar:
http://www.bsd405.org/portals/0/aboutBSD/schoolcalendar/200910SchoolCalendar.pdf

2010/2011 Calendar:
http://www.bsd405.org/portals/0/aboutBSD/schoolcalendar/201011SchoolCalendar.pdf

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Housekeeping

Thanks to all the parents who responded to my housekeeping email to help me clean up the mailing list. At any time during the next four years, please do not hesitate to ask me to add or delete an email address. If you know of another freshparent who does not receive my emails, please share my address and let him/her decide whether or not to contact me. Don’t forget that I post all of my emails on the class blog -- http://newport-ptsa-2012.blogspot.com/. You can get there by going to the Newport PTSA website, click on “Resources” on the left hand side and then go to Class of 2012 blog on the right side.

Thanks for reading this far!

First Day of School!

2008-09-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Good Evening Freshparents:

The official word is in – Tomorrow, September 15, is the first day of school.

Class Schedules

Freshmen may pick up their final class schedule in the Commons starting at 7:00 am tomorrow.

Schedule Changes

Counselors will be available for appointments starting the first day of school. Go to the Counseling Center and make an appointment with the secretary. Continue to attend classes on your schedule; the counselor will call you out of class to deal with the schedule problem.

Bus Pass and Lockers

Volunteers will be outside the office at lunch during the first week of school to hand out bus passes and assign lockers.

Spirit Week & Disco Dance

Spirit Week has been rescheduled for September 22 through 26 and the Disco Dance will be Friday, September 26. More information to come.

Bellevue School Board Meeting

2008-09-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

Less than an hour after I sent today’s earlier email, I was notified that the School Board meeting has been changed to tomorrow. I regret the confusion and any inconvenience it may have caused. This is the official announcement sent out by the district:

CANCELLATION of the Tuesday, September 9, 2008, Special Meeting of the Board of Directors.

Because the special meeting notice for Tuesday’s meeting did not provide that public testimony could be heard before the Board considered taking action related to the current BEA strike, and the Board was interested in hearing such testimony; the Board has cancelled this meeting to schedule a meeting where that is possible at a venue large enough to accommodate those who wish to attend.

SPECIAL MEETING of the Board of Directors – Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at Sammamish High School, Performing Arts Center, for the purpose of:

The Board hearing public testimony concerning and the Board taking action regarding collective bargaining with the Bellevue Education Association and potential legal action related to the current BEA strike; and to meet in executive session to discuss with legal counsel matters relating to agency enforcement actions and/or potential litigation.

Strike Update

2008-09-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

Based on the questions the class liaisons have fielded in the past few days, I wanted to write to clear up some concerns.

www.bsd405.org and www.bellevueea.org continue to be the recommended information sources for what’s happening with the strike.

Picture make ups, Spirit Week, Disco Dance, and any NON-sports-related activities previously scheduled for this week have been suspended. Once school starts we’ll have more information about when and if these activities will be rescheduled.

Many parents have expressed frustration with the current state of affairs and wonder what you can do to promote a resolution to the strike. I will reprint a recent letter sent by PTSA leadership:

To the Bellevue PTSA Council Members:

Teachers have decided not to vote on the offer that the Bellevue District offered today. No schedule has been set to have a vote.

Schools have been closed six days, and there is no clear end in sight. This is not good for our students or our district. It is time we sent a message to both the BEA and the School District to get this settled, and get schools open. NOW.

Please plan on attending the special School Board meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 9th, at 7:30 [pm] at the Bellevue School District Office.

This is your opportunity to come together with the community and voice your support for our students. We are not there to yell or disrupt or to confront anyone. We are one community. Join your fellow parents in the parking lot starting at 7:00. We can then proceed to the meeting when it begins. W[ear] a basic black shirt, so we can look like a group (if you want).

Please get out the word to your members through email, phone calls, pony express, whatever it takes. I'd suggest Facebook, but I haven't got a clue how it works. If your children want to join us, they can - this is the PTSA, after all.

PTA takes no position on the issues. That is for the negotiating teams. But we take a very strong position that strikes are bad for kids. They are missing valuable time. We need [to] make sure our voice is heard.

Thanks, and see you tomorrow!

Janet Suppes
Bellevue PTSA Council President
janetPTA@gmail.com
425-445-3707

Strike Update and Other News

2008-09-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Freshparents:

Teacher Strike

The strike continues: there will be no school on Friday, September 5.

Strike Resources:
BEA information is at http://www.bellevueea.org/
BSD information is at http://www.bsd405.org/

The State and National PTA both advocate for children to be back in the classroom.

Athletics

As previously reported, sports and sports-related activities (band, cheer, etc.) will continue to operate as scheduled. Competition for Newport teams starts as early as tomorrow. These are some weekend sports events:

Friday, September 5 – Varsity Football vs. Woodinville 7:00 @ Woodinville (Pop Cheney Stadium)
Saturday, September 6 – all day Varsity Volleyball King Co Jamboree @ Newport HS
Saturday, September 6 – all day JV Volleyball King Co Jamboree @ Interlake HS

You will find the schedule for all fall sports at http://www.digitalsports.com/school/id/19172/page/athletics.aspx

Spirit Ware

I have attached an order form for Freshman Class Sweats. Proceeds from the sale of this apparel go to the Senior Class for their year-end celebrations. Starting next year, the Class of 2012 will be able to influence the design of their class apparel and proceeds will come to our class. When our kids are Seniors, they will design the new Freshman sweats and reap the benefits of sales. What goes around comes around!

Another source of spirit ware is Prep Sportswear, located at http://www.prepsportswear.com. Choose the “Teams” tab and find the team store under WASHINGTON and BELLEVUE. At this site you can pick a clothing item and then personalize it by color, size, style, sport, graduation year, etc. Proceeds from sales at this site go to the Newport football team.

Volunteer Opportunity

The Bellevue Schools Foundation needs volunteers for a phonathon mailing:

Friday, September 5 between 8:30am and 3pm
Monday, September 8 between 8:30am and 3:30pm
Tuesday, September 9 between 8:30am and 5pm

Please respond to Christena Coutsoubos, Christena@bsfdn.org. Let her know who can help out and when – first come, first served. Christena needs around 10 to 15 volunteers each day – adults as well as students. If you can help for only an hour or two, she’ll take you!

Strike Update

2008-09-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

The strike continues and the District announced recently that there will be no school on Thursday, September 4.

There IS Band Practice this evening. Chuck Johnson is having email troubles and asked for our help getting the word out.

Sports activities will continue as scheduled. Please refer to http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/index.html (school and athletics calendar are in the pull-down menu).

Please visit both the District’s and the Union’s websites to find what progress has occurred and what each side says about the issues. Should you still have questions feel free to ask and I’ll try to research them for you.

· District: www.bsd405.org
· Union: www.bellevueea.org

Rather than take sides and prolong the strike, we choose to urge both sides to come to a settlement, and get our students back in class. Students are impacted by not being in class and any days missed will need to be made up.

Strike Announcement -- September 1, 2008

2008-09-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Many of you are now aware from the local news channels that the strike is on in the Bellevue School District. There will be no classes at Newport until further notice. The only activities going on at school are related to sports teams, including a parent meeting at 7:00 pm Tuesday evening in the gym. There seems to be some confusion about picking up class schedules at school tomorrow morning – this activity will occur on the first day of school, whenever that may be. Any days missed due to the strike will need to be made up.

Below are two messages:
The first is from the State PTA about its position on the strike and recommended action.
The second message is from BSD stating the facts of the negotiations (edited to facts only.)

I strongly encourage you to research what both sides are saying about the issues. You can visit http://www.bsd405.org/ for the district's side, and http://www.bellevueea.org/ for the union's side. If you have any questions, please contact me and I’ll try to research them for you.

Mary Kate Uribe
PTSA Liaison Class of 2012

From Kelly Munn, our Region 2 Legislation Chair (Kelly has good advice for us because she was active in PTA in Issaquah back when their teachers went on strike. Much of her advice was earned the hard way – through experience):

Don’t support one side over another. For the most part we know and like our teachers. For many of us, it’s instinctive to help the people that directly help our children. Don’t do it. It will prolong the strike. The more support one side gets, the more entrenched the strike will become, the longer the strike will last. The community needs to say “resolve the strike now, it’s not good for children” repeatedly, and to both sides.

The WSPTA has a position on strikes – that they are not good for children. See below. Consistently repeat this message to everyone.

If you distribute information, distribute information from both sides. Remember that this is a strike and that the information WILL BE biased on both sides, sometimes it will be out and out lies, other times it will be sins of omissions. The community does not have a seat at the bargaining table and therefore we don’t really understand what is being negotiated. Both sides will spin the information to their advantage. We will never really understand what is being negotiated.
Don’t bring donuts to the picket lines. The teachers will take it as “support” and it makes them feel supported, don’t take donuts to the admin office either – it does the same to them. We speak for kids, and strikes are not good for kids, we need a strike to end as quickly as possible.

If money is one of the problems, money is not a local issue, it’s a statewide issue. Blame the lack of state education funding. The state does not provide enough money to our communities. Bellevue is perceived as a “wealthy” district, and is wealthy in some areas, but in terms of per pupil funding Bellevue is “middle of the pack” in funding, even with its high levy lid. The state needs to adequately fund school districts and this includes adequately funding teachers. This is not a local school district problem, it’s a state wide funding problem.

Do not believe what you hear. Although leaders, the press, etc. will say that the dispute is about “money” or about “curriculum” or it’s about teachers being “valued”, that is rarely what is actually being negotiated. This is why it’s better for the community to consistently say “strikes hurt children.” We don’t really know what is going on, and the information will be biased at best from both sides.

There is a normal course for a strike to run through. There may be personal attacks on the highest levels of leadership. There may be suggestions that the budget can be balanced with the “reserve fund” (when those funds run out your school district will have to make cuts). The school district may be giving too little information which adds significantly more confusion to the community. Teachers may be concerned that they are “not valued as the professionals that they are” These are all things that are said in most teachers strikes.

Help the school community to repair itself after the strike. Thank the teachers for getting back to work, thank the administrators for making a deal. Recruit people to go to Olympia to work on more funding for schools across the state. Work together with administrators, teachers and parents towards something positive.

UNINTERRUPTED OPERATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS 18.6
Resolution, 1986
Revised, 2006
Whereas, The Washington State PTA has a purpose “To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, spiritual education”; and,

Whereas, Quality Education is a high priority issue for the Washington State PTA; and, Whereas, Washington State citizens have historically valued the reliable delivery of vital services and the orderly management of public institutions including fire and police services and public schools, and,

Whereas, The Washington State PTA also holds that a disruption to the educational system in the form of work stoppages and strikes is detrimental to the best interests of the children and
families affected by those actions, and, Whereas, The Washington State PTA believes that a disruption to the educational system in the form of work stoppages and/or strikes is often detrimental to the best interest of the children and families affected by those actions. While acknowledging that more state resources must be committed to the educational process in the State of Washington, including higher salaries for educational employees: therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Washington State PTA shall work to produce conditions with regard to the collective bargaining process which will consistently produce, in a timely manner, labor agreements negotiated and fully embraced by the direct parties thereto and which will not cause disruption to the school calendar; and be it further

Resolved, That the Washington State PTA will not support work stoppages and/or strikes which interrupt or disrupt the educational day.

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Oxrieder, Ann (C Ann)" <OxriederA@bsd405.org>
Date: September 1, 2008 6:09:20 PM PDT
To: "Janet Suppes" <janetpta@gmail.com>
Subject: strike update -- please share

Bellevue Schools are closed until further notice.

The Bellevue teachers’ union has announced a strike against the Bellevue School District starting Tuesday, September 2. Because of the strike, all District schools are closed until further notice.

. . Negotiations continue with the assistance of a mediator from the Public Employment Relations Commission. . . .

The strike and its impact will be an agenda item at the School Board’s regular meeting, Tuesday, September 2, at 4:30 PM.

This information will be updated regularly.

Will there be childcare?
Children already enrolled in the District’s childcare program may sign up for fee-supported services at their regular sites. Full-day Head Start will also be on its regular schedule. Half-day pre-school and half-day Head Start will be cancelled. Additional childcare options are available. Access News Release >

Will there be school sports?
School sports and related practices will continue on their regular schedules. Practices will occur at the same times they would occur if schools were in session. No special practices schedules will be permitted.

Will community groups be able to use District facilities and fields?Community use of District facilities and athletic fields will continue for the time being.

Ann Oxrieder
Assistant to the Superintendent
Bellevue School District
425 456-4127

Back to School News -- August 30, 2008

2008-08-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Back to School News -- August 15, 2008

2008-08-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

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!

Class of 2012 News

2008-05-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hi there all you wonderful new Newport parents!! Thanks to those of you who were able to join us for Tuesday's "Making the Move to Newport" presentation. For those of you who missed it, we'll try to keep you informed via these emails. Mary Kate Uribe is your PTSA Liaison and will be sending you class specific information.

One thing I forgot to do that I need to correct is that I forgot to thank our wonderful Hospitality Chair, Joyce Staples, for helping coordinate our refreshments. She had just returned from being out of town & got everything set up so nicely to help welcome you all to Newport. Many thanks to Joyce!!!

Audrey Bennett
PTSA Class of 2009 Liaison

The Calendar Slide had many errors in September & October; here are the corrected dates:

September
2 First Day of School
8 Spirit week begins - kids dress strangely-daily themes
12 First Home Football Game
12 Disco Dance (immediately following the game)
25 Open House/Back to School Night (for parents)

October
24 Homecoming Football Game vs. Issaquah
25 Homecoming Dance - 9 to midnight; themed costumes (not formal)
28 Study Skills Parent Presentation 7 - 8:30 p.m

Freshman Back to School Day
Thursday, August 21
Exact time will be in the fall packet

This day is for students only!

Students will purchase ASB card, get locker assignment, METRO pass, pose for school picture, pick up schedules, etc. Plan on about an hour and a half to get through this process and of course the students need time to see all of their friends!

Students with a sports practice should let their coach know their assigned time for back-to-school activities. Coaches will excuse players who talk with them in advance. Students should NOT try to come at a time other than their assigned time.

In rare cases students are accompanied by parents - usually if the student has special needs or is so new they don't know a soul. The fall packet gives you enough information to write all the checks your student will need. When in doubt, write separate checks...or volunteer, so that you can supply what they need.

If you are unable to make this date, another student can turn in your forms and money, but only a student or guardian can pick up a schedule.

There is nothing wrong with turning things in the first week of school. And everyone picks up a schedule on the first day of school - many times there are changes made between check-in and the first day, so everyone picks up a new schedule starting at 7:00 am.

Freshman Orientation & Dance
Both are on Friday, August 22. Orientation is in the morning, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00p.m. Freshmen will tour campus with their Link Crew Leaders, meet other freshmen, and participate in fun activities. The dance will be that night from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Schedule Corrections - I gave an example that could cause confusion. I said that a student who signed up for one elective but was placed in another could request a schedule correction, but that's not really true. Students are not guaranteed their first choice of electives. A valid schedule correction would be made for freshman who finds herself registered for AP Chemistry instead of Honors Freshman English (huh?) or who has only 5 classes. Those are mistakes that need to be corrected.

Schedules are given out at 7 a.m. on the first day of school. Each grade is assigned a location. You could land here from another planet that morning and figure out your location.

Makeup Registration takes place the first week of school.

Sports Paperwork
Packets will be available on June 2nd. Don't forget about the 8th Grade Parent & Student Activity Knight on Monday, June 2 in the Commons/Gym. It's just for you!!

Spirit Week
Mary Kate will send you information about the dress-up days of Spirit Week, starting September 8, as soon as she knows what they are. The students in Leadership choose wacky themes for each day of the week and even staff members dress up to fit the theme. Some past themes have included "80's Day," "Pajama Day," (remember the dress code still applies!) and "Color War" (this is where each class is assigned its own color to wear). Don't want you to be alarmed when your child tries walking out the door wearing a bathrobe (with tee shirt & shorts underneath!) and flip-flops.

Homecoming Week, which as we all know now is October 20 - 24, is also a week of fun-filled spirit days. Mary Kate will send more information about the activities of each day of the week as we get closer.

Homecoming Dance
Invitations don't *have* to be a tremendous production. It just seems that the custom of using the telephone to ask "Do you want to go to the dance with me?" has expired. Less elaborate examples: One year my daughter asked a boy to Tolo by writing the letters T - O - L - O and a ? on baseballs she had drawn on construction paper. She taped these to his locker and wrote her name on the one with the ?. After a few days he left a rose on her desk. That was fairly low key. I once heard of a boy inviting a girl to Homecoming by having the grocery bakery frost "Homecoming?" on a cookie that he then gave to her in class.

Another thing I should have mentioned is that the freshman boys who want to go to Homecoming (all fourteen of them) all ask their intended dates waaaaay too early. The rest of them are socially inept, clueless clods. Some, but not all, of them eventually catch on that the girls really, really want to go and figure out that it would be fun to form a group and go. I'm afraid the girls get the short end of the stick here. I know one who thought her life was pretty much over when she wasn't invited to Homecoming as a freshman. But she went on to go to all the other dances, including going to Prom as a Junior (with a *very* handsome date). She was elected ASB secretary, had a very nice boyfriend her entire Sr. year (still has the same one), lettered in her favorite sport, was on Link Crew, spoke at Baccalaureate, and just generally had a great time in high school. Her life would be perfect, except that her mom tells embarrassing stories about her.

Academic Focus - I meant to note here that the Bellevue School District is one of the few in the area where a student may choose to pursue AP courses. Other districts practice "gatekeeping," which means that a student must meet certain criteria to have access to the AP courses. You can read more about this in Newsweek, which prints an article by Jay Mathews each year ranking America's best high school's. This year's article (http://www.newsweek.com/id/39380) has Newport at number 31.

What this means is that students who are smart, but who don't necessarily have high grades (such as the ones with my DNA), may enroll in challenging courses in subjects that interest them. So my daughter, who loves to write, can take all the AP English she wants. And my son, who watches the History channel for fun, can take all the AP History and Social Studies classes. They remain, resolutely, B students. But they are better prepared for college than other B students. I like that.

We do well on other rankings, too. US News & World Report began ranking high schools using a more balanced set of criteria. Newport came in 44th on that list (http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/high-schools/2007/11/29/gold-medal-schools.html)

Academic Focus - Other - I also meant to comment on the other types of successful students who attend Newport. At the 2005 graduation, where over half the class had a 3.5 or above, the student-selected speaker rather sheepishly acknowledged his lack of an honor cord, signifying that he was in the other half. He then proceeded to charm us all with his speech about working with disabled children. He revealed himself to be an incredibly warm, kind, and engaging young man. He will be a wonderful husband, father, baseball coach, and citizen. He is the kind of person you hope moves in next door. I am particularly sorry I didn't tell you about him last night because his mom was with us, providing our refreshments.

This just in:
Somerset Elementary PTSA invites you to:
An evening with FBI Special Agent Cheryl Hinderer.
She will be speaking on the topic of Internet Safety
May 27, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Somerset Elementary School, 14100 Somerset Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006

Newport PTSA - Class of 2012 News

2008-05-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

30 days to go before your 8th grader moves on to Newport! Just a few reminders and dates to add to your calendars:

Making the Move To Newport
8th Grade Activity Knight
Spring Physicals
Knights Athletics Links
Newport Spirit Wear

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Making the Move to Newport
The Newport PTSA invites all parents of 8th graders bound for Newport to its informative, award-winning presentation, "Making the Move to Newport". This year's presentation will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in the Newport High School Commons. "Making the Move to Newport" covers a huge variety of information not covered in the school's presentation to 8th grade parents...more info about how Newport communicates with parents & students, what to expect on your calendar, what financial costs to expect...and much, much more. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!!

8th Grade Parent/Student Knight
Monday June 2, 2008 7:00 PM - Newport High School Main Gym

Incoming 8th Grade Parents and students are invited to learn about our school programs including Athletics, Fine Arts, Clubs, Activities and Student Government

7:00 PM - Main Gym - Large Group Presentation
15 minutes - Athletics (Gill James)
15 minutes - Fine Arts (Fine Arts Dept.)
15 minutes - Student Government and Clubs

8:00 PM - Arena Format - Main Gym and Commons

Each sport, activity or club will have a table with information promoting their program.

Spring Physicals
Knights Athletics Booster Association (KABA) sponsored event. Tuesday, June 3rd 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Get your Fall Sports Eligibility Paperwork and if needed schedule a physical (physicals are good for 2 years). Fall Sports Paperwork is due in August. Volunteer doctors and staff will be available. Appointments needed and limited availability. Contact Gill James for more information jamesg@bsd405.org

Newport Spirit Wear
Your incoming Freshman will be able to purchase Class of 2012 sweats in August when they take care of all of their Back-To-School paperwork. I encourage you to do so!

If you are looking for Newport Spirit Wear now you can get outfitted in red & gold by clicking on the Fieldhouse link from our website http://schools.bsd405.org/nhs/homepage/sports/traditions.htm

They offer sport specific or generic Newport wear.

Fieldhouse http://fhstore.com/Shopping/FHShop.aspx?AC=0&REC=&ASD=k49726&Affiliation=Washington&ParOrgName=Newport+High+School&ParOrgNumber=79

Please forward this information to any lists you might have of other parents of incoming 8th graders - sports teams, friends, neighbors, 8th grade party planning committees, and the like. I especially need your help if you are coming from a school other than Odle, International, Tyee, or Tillicum. I can advertise the presentation pretty well to those parents via their office staff & PTSA leaders, yet for all others I am at a disadvantage and really need you to help me spread the word to other families headed to Newport. If you have any changes to your email contact information or any questions, please let me know.

Julie Rooney, PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison

http://newport-ptsa-2012.blogspot.com/

Legal bits: I am bound by the same PTSA restrictions that cover our directories - no commercial, political, or ideological stuff allowed. I also put all names in the BCC line to preserve your privacy. Requests for removal cheerfully honored.

Making The Move To Newport

2008-03-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

What every eighth grade parent needs to know
about high school

What information will I get from the school?
What information will I get from the PTSA?
What dates and events should I know about?
What is a Tolo, anyway?

Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2008
7:00 p.m.
Newport High School Commons

Presentation by Audrey Bennett
Past President, Newport PTSA

Q & A with Newport Parents
and Students

This presentation is geared toward parents.