Mack Memo

Mack Memo ~ Parent Newsletter

2/22/21

Mrs. Kimmel

Reading Specialist

Dear Families,

My name is Mrs. Kimmel and I am the Reading Specialist here at Mack Elementary. This week I get to share with you some wonderful and heartfelt learning experience I've had with my students this year. Reading is about....

Stories. We read them. We write them. We live them. In Reading Resource, we talk a lot about stories – characters, plot, setting, organization, expression. What a beautiful way to think of our life as well, an exciting story with the Lord as the author. How will we look differently at those around us because the Lord is orchestrating these stories?

More recently, students identified those around BCS that are also part of God’s story but may not get a lot of frequent recognition. We had so much fun making and delivering Valentines thanking people for their part in our school.

Among others, students chose the nighttime custodian staff that they never get to meet and our mailman whom one student chose because “they pick up and deliver valentines, but probably never get a valentine in the mail for themselves,” and Mr. Wilken who faithfully fixes just about anything around our campus.

In addition to studying how to break apart words to be

the best readers we can be, we talk about how we are part of the story that the Lord is writing in this world and at BCS. We ask the question “Who else is part of God’s story and how can we as students join them in doing real work in the real world?”

In the fall, students looked beyond themselves and wrote encouraging letters to soldiers through Operation Smile. They thanked them for their military service and recognized that they are an important part of God’s story.

What fun we have had in reading resource, not only reading, writing, and practicing with stories, but also looking beyond. We strive to use our skills to see and bless those who are part of God’s story around us.

How grateful I am to learn along with your students. They inspire me to look beyond the "every day" to see God’s greater story.

Reminders & Announcements

Feb.

Tomorrow

Early Release Day-12:55 pm, No PM Preschool

Chipotle Fundraiser - Today from 4-8pm

Ways to Make Your Purchase Count:

Show the cashier a paper or digital flyer prior to paying (flyers being sent home later this week).

Don't have flyer? Just mention the fundraiser (Mack Elementary) to the cashier prior to paying.

Order online and pickup by using the Promo Code ZM84XY4 on the Chipotle app or website.

**Please note that fundraiser online ordering is only valid through pickup during your fundraiser’s scheduled date, time, and assigned restaurant. Ordering delivery for fundraisers is not permitted.

Share the Promo Code with friends, family, supporters.

BCS 2021 Auction

We are less than ONE month away!

We hope you'll make plans to check out our online bidding starting Mar. 15 and register for the FREE event Mar. 20.

Livestream Event:

March 20

6:30pm: Tune-in and view auction items

7pm: Livestream event begins

This year's theme is "Together in Spirit," and features a live stream program straight to your home, including a silent and live auction with Auctioneer Fred Northrup, Jr, and Asst. Principal and event Emcee Mike Olson.

We will have delicious food and wine packages available for pickup in advance of the event, and an opportunity to "Raise the Paddle" in support of Bellevue Christian's Fine and Performing Arts programs!

Another way to pitch in: Help us procure items for Auction!

Popular Items:

Sporting goods & tickets

Custom artwork

Golf lessons/getaways

Ski or beach vacation packages

WA staycation packages

Unique family experiences

Fine dining gift certificates

You can help the BCS 2021 Auction be a success by donating items for procurement via the link below Thank you!

Donate an Item or Service

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Would your company be interested in sponsorship?

Learn more HERE or contact danielle.mercier@bellevuechristian.org.

Elementary News

Attendance

Regular attendance during the school year is vitally important. Attendance is much more than a logistical footnote in the official school log. It's a matter of not only receiving a high-caliber education but also contributing to the learning experience, which is done in community.

We believe education is not merely a process of information transfer. It is a formational experience that allows all involved to participate, contribute, and benefit.

Sometimes it's a formal lesson, other times a side conversation with a teacher. There are also accountability and relational dynamics that can only take place in-person. When these elements are combined, the student is part of a holistic and relational school experience that just can't be replicated in another format.

However, if your child will be absent, please email your child's teacher, cc: mackoffice@bellevuechristian.org and include the reason for the absence.

You may also call the front office at (425) 485-1824. If your child will miss 2 days or more in a row (due to something other than illness), we ask that you complete a Planned Absence Form two weeks prior to the absence. Thank you.

100th Day of School

Thank you to those who have already contributed toward 100th Day Food Drive. There is one more week and we'd love to support Maltby Food Bank with items they are most in need of. Please see the list below for suggested items.

any gluten free, sugar free, low sodium type products

Jelly/Jam of any type

protein bars & drinks

granola bars

beef stew

any type of canned tomatoes

any type of nuts

any type of soup

Donations should be dropped off to your child's classroom. The contest will end March 1 and the Kindergartners will present the items collected to Maltby Food Bank after Chapel.

Iowa Testing (Grades 3-6)

Please refer to Jennifer Smith's today's email for more information. As a reminder, we ask that you do not schedule appointments for your student on these days (March 1-4). Student arriving late will be required to sit out for the duration of the test and will be scheduled for a make up the following week. if you still have questions, please email Jennifer Smith at jsmith3@bellevuechristian.org.

Growing Up Godly (Grades 4-6)

"Growing Up Godly " is BCS's sex education program that is taught once a year to elementary students in grades 4-6. Boys and girls are separated by grade level and gender and taught by their classroom teacher as well as a few male teachers within BCS. This year, it is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10. Please email devon.woodard@bellevuechristian.org with any questions.

Watch this week's Chapel

‌

Chapel

This week's chapel with Rev. Daniel Rogers is available via the link to the left.

Preschool Highlights

Community building, one of the practices emphasized in our “Teaching for Transformation” framework, has been a big focus in Mrs. Wasson’s and Mrs. Wasson’s classes lately, as this month several preschool parents who are community helpers have come to school to do presentations. Meanwhile, the dramatic play space in both classrooms is now full of costumes and props for the kids to use in role playing community helpers jobs, including police, fire, and medical personnel.

In every preschool class the children get to practice being community builders whenever they help each other do things, such as cooperative learning activities and cleaning up the classroom after free play time.

These veterinarians in training are practicing being community helpers.

Playing with and in the snow, including in the classroom, where Mrs. Underhill’s class made art with snow and tissue paper!

These boys from Mrs. Kaskes’ class are building community by helping each other pick up blocks.

Preschool dad, Officer Sabourin, spoke to two morning Pre-K classes about police work.

Can you help?

Do you have costumes, clothes, and shoes that are not being used anymore? The preschool teachers are looking for costumes like police, firefighter, doctor, vet, nurses, etc. (community helpers) for their dramatic play area. Clothes would be like small ties, boys dress jacket. Shoes such as ballet shoes, tap shoes, etc. are appreciated, but, please no character costumes.

Save money where you regularly shop!

Our Scrip program is liquidating its inventory of gift cards!

Scrip is a simple way to pay for your family’s everyday purchases. You can use Scrip gift cards in place of cash, checks, and credit cards at your favorite stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc.

Discounts for remaining Scrip cards have been increased to 10-25% off!

Check out our remaining inventory to see what great deals you can pick up today.

Act fast, as this final inventory will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing scrip@bellevuechristian.org.

View Inventory Here

Parents In Prayer

We consider it a great honor to lift one another in prayer, and we are thankful that we have a group of parents that love to pray.

If you would like to join them or send a prayer request to them, please feel free to reach out to Paige Huffaker or Carrie Jenkins at BCSMackPIP@gmail.com.

They also meet via Zoom on Mondays at 9:15am.

Meeting ID: 409 868 9122 and Passcode: Nq8Sdb