This summer, BHS speech therapist Rijl Barber attempted to be the first woman and only second person to swim around Bainbridge Island. Read the article in the Kitsap Sun!

(Photo courtesy of the Kitsap Sun).

(Sharing this letter that was included in the 9/7 BSD Family Update newsletter).

Now that we’ve returned to school, we want to send out some important reminders as we all work together to reduce the transmission of infectious respiratory illnesses including flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

As noted in our Back-to-School Guide, we encourage frequent handwashing and good respiratory etiquette, along with regular cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting practices, to prevent the spreading of germs. Respiratory etiquette means practicing healthy habits, including:

• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

• Throwing used tissues in the trash.

• Coughing and sneezing into your elbow, not your hands, when you don’t have a tissue.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.

Finally, anyone experiencing symptoms, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, (or other symptoms of COVID) should stay home and consider testing for COVID-19.

Not sure if it is a cold, influenza (the flu), COVID or allergies? This information from the National Institutes of Health may be helpful. However, if your child is sick - even with mild symptoms - please keep your child home from school and notify your child’s school that your student is ill.

Thank you for your support!

• New teachers should create a public-facing Google site and submit the URL so it can be linked to the appropriate school website.
• Teachers who have changed schools should update their site and submit the URL (using the link below) so we can link the updated site to the correct school's web site.
  
• All other teachers should take a moment to review/update their Google sites for the year (no need to submit anything).
  

Questions? Please contact teaching&Learning@bremertonschools.org.

POLICY NEWS:

There were no policy or procedure updates at this meeting.

The Board welcomed its two new Student Representatives to the Board, Dillon Lovestedt and Nora Ramstad. They will be sworn in at the upcoming September 21st Board meeting.

The Board adopted Resolution 2023/2024-22 proclaiming September as Attendance Awareness month in the District.

To view any of these documents, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/wabrsd/Board.nsf/Public#.

Compiled by Ioanna Cossack

Dr. Crawford took his Oath of Office administered by ESD Superintendent Aaron Leavell at the Olympic Education Services District, and attended his first official BSD Board meeting on July 13th.

Welcome to our two new student representatives: Nora Ramstad, a BHS junior, and Dillon Lovestedt, BHS senior.

POLICY NEWS - what you missed over the summer!

• Updated Procedure 2161P; Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students
• Updated Policy 3416; Medication at School
• Updated Policy 4120; School-Support Organizations
• Updated Procedure 4120P; School-Support Organizations
• Updated Policy 6114; Gifts
• Updated Procedure 6114P; Gifts
• Updated 6114F and 6114F1 Acceptance of Donation forms
• Updated Policy 3230; Searches of Students and Student Privacy
• Updated Procedure 3530P; Fundraising Activities Involving Students

For more information, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/wabrsd/Board.

Join us in-person or online! BremertonSchools.org/SchoolBoard

Bremerton Schools and Alumni Foundation Grant Program

Guidelines and Grant Application

2023-2024 School Year

What is the Grant Program?

This grant program funds projects and materials that enhance the education of Bremerton public school students. There is $10,000 available for 2023-2024 classroom grants. In the past, the Foundation Board limited grants to $500 per application. This year the Board will consider all applications as long as the amount does not exceed the $10,000 that is available. Think big (OK Bigger) and think collective.

Who can submit a Grant Request?

A grant may be submitted by any Bremerton Public Schools’ Educator.

When are Grant Applications due and awarded?

Grant applications are due by Sunday, Oct. 15th, 2023. Late grants cannot be accepted. Grants will be announced by Nov.15th, 2023 by e-mail and letter. The grant money will be disbursed through the end of the school year. Any unused balance will be returned to the Bremerton Schools and Alumni Foundation.

How are the Grants awarded?

The Bremerton Schools and Alumni Foundation Board appoints a committee to bring recommendations back to the Foundation Board.

Grant criteria:

The grants are based on merit, with priority given to projects or materials that:

• Are consistent with the educational goals of the Bremerton School District
• Stimulate student learning
• Enhance and expand student achievement

Grant restrictions:

The grants do not fund:

• Staff salaries
• School events and materials which the school district is required to provide by law

Follow up: Grant recipients are required to submit a report (one page or less), describing the use of the money and the results of the project. Due by the end of the school year 2024.

The requests are due on Sunday, Oct. 15th, 2023.

There is administrative concern that principals do not have a chance to review the grant requests to determine if the money requested aligns with the district goals. To answer this concern, the Foundation asks that the form be sent by the principal with the principal’s electronic signature. Please give your principal adequate time to review the building grants before the deadline.

As you know, we have a number of positions open in the District, and we also need substitutes. Flyers/graphics can be downloaded here.

My name is Aleesha Bishop and I am representing your local Chuck E Cheese. We understand the importance of supporting local schools but wanted to share this great opportunity with our school foundations. By partnering with us, you can attend a highly rewarding and enjoyable event that not only raises funds for your district, but also appreciates the hard work of your dedicated teachers and administrators - it's also free to book with us!

1. Generous Giveback: When you host an event with us, Chuck E. Cheese is committed to giving back a remarkable 20% of the total sales generated during the event to your foundation. This can make a significant impact on funding various programs and initiatives.

2. Special Perk for Educators: We value the incredible work of teachers and administrators, and as a token of appreciation, we offer a complimentary meal to all attending educators during the event. (individual pizza and beverage OR all you can eat salad plate and beverage)

This gesture is our way of expressing gratitude for their dedication to shaping the future of our community. Teachers and Administrators will be asked to bring school ID and can be redeemed at our cashier's counter.

Our team at Chuck E Cheese will ensure the event's success by providing necessary materials to help promote your event. We firmly believe that this spirit night is a win-win opportunity for your foundation, fostering a stronger community bond while making a positive impact on education. After sharing the event with your school community's using promotional materials we provide, we take care of the rest of the work for you - there is no organization or 'host' needing to be present.

Aleesha Bishop

Field Marketing Specialist • 360.440.1481 • aleesha.bishop@cecentertainment.com

Youth sports needs help from community members ages 16 and older. Earn money and be part of giving back to the community while giving kids an opportunity to learn life lessons and create memories that will last a lifetime. Visit peninsulaofficials.com for more information.

Background photo: First day of school for kindergarten students was Tuesday, September 5!

Email: communications@bremertonschools.org

Website: www.BremertonSchools.org
Phone: 360-473-1000
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

The Bremerton School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination Garth Steedman at Garth.Steedman@BremertonSchools.org or 360.473.1031 or the Section 504 Coordinator, Mark Mayfield at 360.473.4702. Mailing address: 134 Marion Avenue North, Bremerton, WA 98312.