Watch for Pedestrians
We had a near miss this morning with a pedestrian almost being struck by a car.
Please check out the safety recommendations below from the NHTSA regarding pedestrian safety. This is especially important around schools where the pedestrians don't always behave in the way you expect.
8 Safety Tips for Drivers:
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
- Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
- Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
Please also remember that parking is not allowed at any time in the school fire lanes.
As Black History Month Draws to a Close
Every year Black History Month sparks a renewed debate about the use of a single month to celebrate the history and accomplishments of African Americans.
The truth is that African American history is American history. We challenge you to keep expanding your knowledge of the rich culture and amazing contributions of these individuals.
Here is a place to start. Find out what you know so you can start to learn about what you don't:
Brain Teaser: The Arts - Test what you know about African American arts.
Brain Teaser: History - Test what you know about African American history & cultural issues
Sugar Rainbow Density
Watch video HERE.
Get a colorful lesson in food science with our Sugar Rainbow Density Science Experiment, where density differences are revealed in a colorful stack of sugar-water samples.
The Sugar Rainbow is a creative and engaging way to see how liquids of different densities stack on top each other. (Hint: There’s an additional lesson about adhesion and cohesion in the mix for you, too.) A simple combination of some everyday table sugar and vibrant colored water leads to an awesome science experience about density. Ready for it? Let’s go!
Experiment instructions available HERE.
Membership Goal Status - 33%
Goal: Every NHE student is represented in PTA by at least
one important adult in their lives.Status: Currently 33% of our students are represented. We are 1/4 of the way there!
There is NO obligation or expectation to volunteer or attend meetings. (But we do LOVE to meet members and find fun opportunities for those that want to help!)
Membership assistance is available. We do not want funds to stand in the way of those that want to join. Please email president@nhe-pta.org to request a confidential scholarship.
Fundraiser Goal Status - 43%
Status: We are 43% of the way to our goal.
And remember to ask your employers about their Corporate Match Plan. Many local employers will match the donation you make up to 100%!
Every dollar contributed to our Pass the Hat fundraiser goes directly to support the programs offered by the PTA. A donation of $100 covers our spending per student, but any amount is appreciated. Every dollar counts!
We are a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Our Tax ID number is 91-1208399.
From Green Team
Want to know what happens to your recyclables?
Watch this 5 minute video by Waste Management, you'll learn the basic methods used by companies sorting out commingled (or "single stream") recycled materials. https://www.wmnorthwest.com/cascaderecycling/
You help when you leave your recyclables unbagged, and have them empty, clean, and dry.
To know what to recycle in Bellevue, visit https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/utilities/manage-your-utility-services/solid-waste/recycle-right
From Nurse Cori
BSD is now offering drive-thru diagnostic PCR testing for students who show symptoms of COVID-19. The details of drive-thru testing are as follows:
Who can participate?
BSD students who are currently exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
What will be offered?
- Diagnostic testing will be completed via a shallow nasal swab using the same Atlas Genomics PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests used throughout the district. Rapid antigen tests will not be offered.
- Students will self-administer the nasal swab from their vehicle under the direction of a trained test observer. A student’s parent or guardian may assist by swabbing the nose using the same process instead of self-administration.
- Insurance is not required to test.
- Please note, drive-thru testing is by appointment only.
When will testing be offered?
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where will drive-thru testing take place?
Wilburton Instructional Services Center (WISC)
12241 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98005
Sign Up
Click the link below and follow the instructions to sign up for a drive-thru test:
Sign Up Here
Things to Bring
- Please bring a digital copy of your order form. This will be used as confirmation of your appointment and will expedite the testing process.
- A mask.
- No photo ID is required.
Getting Your Results
- You will receive a text message and email when results are available. Sign into your Test Directly account to access your report.
- You can also view your report by entering the Order ID, DOB, and Access Key OR the 16-character QR Code provided during your test and DOB.
- Expect results in 48-72 hours.
Please Note
Students who complete diagnostic tests MUST NOT go back to school after their test. They should wait until results are returned.
COUNSELOR'S CORNER - MAGGIE MOSHOLDER
"Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary." - Fred Rogers
For parents and caregivers of preschool and elementary-age kids: The news right now out of Europe is scary. Sometimes, our instinct is to avoid talking to kids about tough stuff on the news because we don’t want to upset them. And perhaps we don’t know where to start.
Our job is to provide our kids with accurate, age-appropriate information, while reminding them that they are safe and they are loved.
So how do we do that?
Spend time talking about the invasion of Ukraine. Your children will understand more — contextually and empathetically — than you expected.
Here are a few things might help:
1. A map: Pulled out the globe and put your finger on Ukraine, Russia and the Black Sea. Look for other countries and talk a bit about the formation and breakup of the Soviet Union (just simple history/geography).
2. Talk about some of the reasons wars start and how this is a "war of choice," because Russia's leader wants "more." This is simply wrong, like it would be wrong for someone to break into your child's room and say, "All of this is mine."
3. Explain sanctions in simple terms and name some of the other countries imposing sanctions. Also show a picture of Russians protesting so your child doesn't conflate the actions of a tyrant with an entire country of people.
4. Talked about refugees. Show a picture of Ukrainians trying to leave. Talk about being on the lookout for ways to help.
Finally, let them know you'll keep talking about it and that they can ask me questions anytime.
(This post is from the PTA, not from Maggie)
Family Connections - Ana Lewis
Please be sure to complete the Free & Reduced Priced Meals application including Part 5, “Sharing Information”. This is necessary to qualify for our community partner programs such as: Clothes 4 Kids, Operation School Bell, Safeway Food Vouchers, Jubilee Elves and other programs and resources. Participating families in this program are also considered for expanded P-EBT benefits.
After you have completed the Free & Reduced Priced Meals application, please complete the Family Connections Welcome Form (ONLY IF YOUR FAMILY IS NEW or YOUR FAMILY DID NOT COMPLETE THIS FORM LAST YEAR) and mark the programs of interest…Safeway Food Vouchers is one of them.
If you have questions, please contact Ana Lewis, Family Engagement, at lewisa@bsd405.org or at 425-456-5513.
From the district
Hello BSD Families,
When students and staff return from mid-winter break on February 28, the following restrictions, put in place in January to keep schools open, will be lifted:
- Our campuses will reopen to visitors.
- Large group meetings will resume in person.
- Student field trips, assemblies, and other extracurricular activities will be allowed.
- Outdoor masking will become optional on March 7
Our school district and community have pulled together strongly this school year, and we are emerging together after a challenging time for our district, state, and country. We will continue to strive to strike the right balance between adhering to all relevant laws, being guided by our local health authorities, and being sensitive and responsive to the needs of our community. I am proud to have the honor of serving you in this time and will do my best to ensure that we navigate what we hope will be the last major turn in the pandemic well.
Respectfully,
Dr. Art Jarvis
Interim Superintendent
Bellevue School District 405
Notes from the Backpack podcast
Helping Kids Understand Money
Newport Heights PTA
Newport Heights PTA is a volunteer-powered association of NHE families, staff, and community supporters, who act collectively on behalf of our children.
Our mission is to make every NHE student's potential a reality by promoting partnerships between home, school and community, engaging and empowering families and supporters to advocate for all children.
Email: communications@nhe-pta.org
Website: https://nhe-pta.org
Location: 5225 119th Avenue Southeast, Bellevue, WA, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewportHeightsPTA/
