Below are links to announcements and resources that may be beneficial to the Bell community
Path Forward / Return to School
- Lake Washington School District Communications:
- LWSD Path Forward Page (latest updates and communications from the district)
- LWSD Path Forward FAQs
- LWSD videos regarding transportation, safety and attestation
- If you have questions about LWSD's Pathway Forward, you can submit them directly to the district using this form.
- Bell Elementary Communications:
- Bell’s Return to School Video Part #1
- Bell's Return to School Video Part #2
- Slideshows on Bell's safety protocols and hybrid learning model
- Bell is creating a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) for all families. Submit your questions here.
Bell's Recent School Newsletters from Mr. Story
- April 2, 2021 - Bell Elementary School Newsletter: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian
- March 19, 2021 - Bell Elementary School Newsletter: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian
In-Person Learners
- Attestation forms (in multiple languages) can be found here. These should be completed and brought to school every day.
- In person students and staff are expected to wear properly fitting face masks at all times. Exceptions are made for the following circumstances:
- Temporarily needing to lower them to eat or drink (note that students will not be allowed to eat or drink in the classroom, but rather will have designated places for eating and drinking)
- Students or staff qualify for a medical exemption, in which case alternative personal protective equipment will be identified.
- A specific task prohibits the use of a face mask (such as speech therapy), in which case alternative personal protective equipment will be identified.
- Here is a social story to read with your child to help prepare them for wearing a mask at school: https://paautism.org/resource/wearing-mask-social-story/
Students should bring an extra mask to school every day
Arrival and Pick-Up at Bell:
- The car line has gotten longer and is often blocking traffic on 112th. Here are a few things you can do to help if you are driving:
- Park on a side street and walk your student(s) to the walker attestation line next to the green tent.
- Have your students have their attestation form in hand and backpack on their back ready to hop out.
- When you arrive at the green tent by car, students can hop out of the car once you stop moving, they do not need to wait for a staff member to open the car door
- Dismissal
- Lift up your student's name card when you pull up to the green tent
- If you are walking to pick-up your student, please wait on the grass lawn next to the undercover area, soccer field, or blacktop.
Bell Library Newsletters
Mr. Marino puts together these wonderful newsletters each month for Bell families. They are filled with information and recommended readings, based on grade level. Worth the read!
- Bell Library Newsletter for March 2021
- Bell Library Newsletter for February 2021
- Bell Library Newsletter for November 2020
- Bell Library Newsletter for October 2020
- Bell Library Newsletter for September 2020
Lake Washington School District Resources
- Kindergarten Registration -If you live in Lake Washington School District (LWSD) and your child will be five years old on or before August 31, 2021, it is time to register your child for Kindergarten! Register here. Registration for all K-12 LWSD students is online.
- Free Student Meals - Free lunches and breakfasts for the entire week are available through the end of the 2020-21 school year. Meals are available for pickup at select locations and at school for in-person students when they are in school. More info
- Child Care Resources - The district is continuing to work with their community partners, YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, to provide child care for students in grades K-5 during remote learning. More info.
- Technology Support - Lake Washington School District is committed to providing 24x7 technology support for students and families during this year of remote teaching and learning. More info
Report Cards
Given the unique circumstances of remote learning, progress reports look a little different this year. Below please find links to a letter explaining this year's progress reports/grading, as well as steps to access your student's progress report card in Skyward Family Access
Talking to Your Students about Racism
To help facilitate your conversations at home, here is a link to the PBS “Kids talk about” full episode on Race and Racism. Check out our Black History Month page for more recommendations.
Additional Resources
CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is the nation's leading nonprofit organization serving people affected by ADHD.
Eastside Pathways published these videos for Spanish speaking families in the Lake Washington and Bellevue School Districts to help them access important information on the districts’ websites and to better navigate processes within each district. Video 1 Video 2
Family & Community Engagement – from the U.S. Department of Education – a framework for schools, teachers, and families to build and support family engagement
Friends of Youth providing shelter and resources to homeless teens
Lake Washington PTSA Council - Brown Bag Lunch - This series consists of short presentations and discussions on topics of interest to all community members, from noon – 1 pm on select Thursdays
Lake Washington PTSA Council - Resources & Educational Opportunities
Lake Washington PTSA Council - Special Education Group
Notes from the Backpack – Podcast from the National PTA for parents with answers questions about homework, bullying, school discipline, the transition to middle school and more.
Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) – OEO promotes equity in education by working with families and schools to remove barriers so that every student can fully participate in, and benefit from, public education in the State of Washington.
ParentMap – provides trusted, innovative, and award-winning editorial content through a variety of media to support parents in their most essential role: that of their child’s first and most important teacher.
Safe Kids Worldwide – interactive tool to keep your home safe and prevent injuries in your own home!
Washington State Family and Community Engagement Trust – a non-profit dedicated to building the capacity of schools, families and communities to work together for the education and well-being of children and youth.
Youth Eastside Services (YES) – one of the largest providers of youth and family counseling and substance abuse services in the Puget Sound.
Upcoming Events
- Monday, April 19
- Tuesday, April 20
- Wednesday, April 21
- Thursday, April 22
- Saturday, April 24
- Tuesday, April 27
- Wednesday, April 28