JOIN PTSA

It's not too late to join PTSA!

Have you been meaning to get your annual Bellevue High PTSA Membership? Would you like to access the 2023-24 school directory? All new and returning parents, guardians, students, staff, and interested community members are invited - it's not too late! Questions? Email: membership@bellevuehighptsa.com. 

To sign up for membership go to: http://www.bellevuehighptsa.com/wp/joinptsa/

LINK CREW COOKIES AND CRAM -

COOKIE DONATIONS NEEDED!

Do you have a Freshman? Or a student who used to be a Freshman? Then you know how overwhelming the first ever high school finals can be! Luckily our Link Crew is coming to the rescue, partnering with our National Honor Society students to host a "Cookies and Cram" study session for all BHS 9th graders on January 17th in the Library. 

Please sign up to donate a dozen or two of cookies to help make the event a success! You can bring them to the school office anytime on Monday, January 15th or Tuesday, January 16th, or in the morning on Wednesday the 17th. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084DABA92EA3FE3-47068163-link#/

PTSA NOMINATING COMMITTEE

It is almost the end of 2023, and we can't believe how quickly time is flying by - so quickly that we are already thinking about next year's PTSA Board and are looking to put our NOMINATING COMMITTEE together. 

The Nominating Committee serves a critical role by identifying and nominating individuals to serve on the 2024-2025 PTSA Executive Board and Board of Directors. The success of the PTSA in supporting our school and community relies on the passion, dedication, and diversity of our volunteers, and the Nominating Committee helps find the right people for the right job!  

We are looking for individuals who are friendly, inquisitive, and like getting together for coffee or tea and meeting new people. If this sounds like you, or if you would like more information about the committee, please fill out the short form found here and we will reach out to connect!

Have a great week!

FORMER SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR

TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AT I-CONNECT

Former School Board Director to Answer Questions at I-Connect

When former Bellevue School Board Vice President Joyce Shui announced her resignation on January 4, midway through her four-year term, some constituents were surprised, and some questioned her reasons. Join us for the next I-Connect meeting to hear from Ms. Shui herself. She will join us on Tuesday, January 30, 8:15-9:45 a.m. in the library. All Bellevue High School (BHS) parents and caregivers are invited.

We will ask Ms. Shui to give us her candid thoughts on these issues and more: What are the greatest challenges facing the School District? What obstacles did she face as the School Board member representing District 3 (in which BHS is located)? Does she have any regrets? What are the issues to which BHS parents need to pay more attention? What advice would she give to someone thinking of becoming a School Board member?

I-Connect is a community engagement program sponsored by the BHS PTSA.

I-CONNECT DOCUMENTARY SCREENING

The ever-growing pressures of the college application process will be in the spotlight at a PTSA I-Connect film screening of “Try Harder!” on Tuesday, February 6. The evening event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Bellevue High School (BHS) Performing Arts Center. A panel discussion immediately follows. This special event is for both BHS parents and students.

“Try Harder!” (running time: 85 minutes) is a compelling documentary that follows five high-achieving students at a majority Asian-American public high school in San Francisco, as they strive to get into the elite universities of their dreams. Watching these students go through hope and heartbreak will surely spark conversations between you and your own child.

Variety called “Try Harder!” both “endearing and alarming.” The New York Times said following the college application process in this film “has all the energy of a high-stakes poker game and a reality competition show combined.”

Guest speakers:

Yvonne Chiu, Assistant Admissions Director, University of Washington (UW)

Ms. Chiu, who oversees freshman recruitment, is currently in the midst of reviewing applications submitted to UW for Fall 2024. As the parent of a high school senior herself, she offers unique insights from both sides of the admissions office door.

Timothy Gager, School Counselor, Bellevue High School

A significant part of Mr. Gager’s job is counseling BHS students about their college application plans and writing recommendation letters on their behalf. He will fill us in on the pressures students face trying to get into their dream schools.

Benjamin Liu, Alumni Interviewer for Princeton University; Founder and CEO, Devblock Technologies

A product of the Bellevue School District, Mr. Liu was admitted to Princeton University as a non-legacy applicant. He now interviews local seniors who apply to Princeton. Having experienced what he calls a “quintessential ‘tiger’ upbringing,” Mr. Liu will share his perspectives on trying to strike the right balance when parenting his own children.

I-Connect is a community engagement program sponsored by the BHS PTSA.

YEARBOOK PURCHASING AND SUBMISSIONS

Senior Photo and Quote Submission – 2/2/24 deadline: Between now and February2, email bhsbeacon@bsd405.org with subject line as “Senior Portrait, Quote + your students first and last name”. No late submissions will be accepted.

BELLEVUE HIGH YOU BELONG WINTER CONCERT

WOLVERINE GUARD

Wolverine Guard (WG) is a Bellevue High PTSA sponsored award that recognizes students who perform 100+ hours of community service in the 12-month period from May 1st to April 30th of each school year. Each student who reports 100 or more approved hours will earn the Wolverine Guard Community Service Award. During the last school year, WG had 98 Bellevue High students earn a Wolverine Guard certificate for the 2022-2023 school year!

• ALL BHS students from 9-12 grades are eligible for WG should they meet the requirements.
• Students who earn WG in at least two of their four years at BHS will qualify for a WG Blue/Gold Honor Cord at graduation; students with 4 years of service at BHS will be awarded the WG Distinction Community Service Award.
• Submissions must include WG application, and time log forms. Time logs should include detailed hours and with signed (non-digital) signatures from volunteer coordinators.
• Volunteering is done through a non-profit organization (usually a 501c3 organization).
• The PTSA WG program is separate from the Bellevue School District volunteer hours requirement for graduation. We DO NOT coordinate with Naviance and will only accept Wolverine Guard time logs.

Application is due midnight on April 30th, 2024. No late application will be accepted!

Review guidelines and WG application and time logs at PTSA Wolverine Guard page: https://www.bellevuehighptsa.com/wp/wolverine-guard/. 

Any questions, please reach out to Lucille Tam and Michelle Pflaum at wolverineguard@bellevuehighptsa.com.

Next Booster Meeting

The next Theater Booster Club Meeting will be Tuesday, January 16th at 7 PM in the Black Box. All parents of theater students are invited. Join the theater director and booster club officers in discussing what is on the horizon for the theater department.

Spring Musical Auditions

Spring musical auditions for The Addams Family start Tuesday, January 16th and continue through Thursday, January 18th. Contact Mr. Kline for more details!

Black Box Shows - January 18th and 19th at 7 PM in the PAC

Join us for the next Black Box shows - student written, directed, and acted! Admission is FREE!

BHS BAND BOOSTER CLUB MEETING

FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH, 7:00PM

Room 1405

All parents of BHS Band students, please join us on the first non-holiday Monday of every month, for a chance to learn more about the Bellevue Band Boosters.

Mr. George and Mr. Harvey share all the ins and outs of BHS Band happenings and news about upcoming performances, special events, fundraising needs, and share how you can help volunteer and support your student and the band program! We have a lot of fun!

Meeting dates are Feb. 5, March. 11, April. 1, April. 29, June. 10.

If you have questions, please email bellevueband@gmail.com

SPORTS

SPRING SPORTS AT BHS

Registration for Spring Sports at BHS is now open (registration will close on 2/25, to be added to the roster after that date please contact Kelli Mayer mayerk@bsd405.org

FinalForms is out athletic and activities database for our BHS students.  The parent and student forms need to be complete every year prior to participating in sports or activities. Our BSD 2-page sports physical is good for 2 years from the date of physical and valid impact testing is good for 2 years. WIAA allows one sport per season.

To Participate in a Sport at BHS:

1. Register for Athletics or Clubs at BHS FinalForms (https://bellevue-wa.finalforms.com/)

•  A student may be on only one interscholastic sport roster per season
• Parent/Guardian and Student questions need to be complete every year
• If you attend International, Bellevue Virtual Academy or Big Picture, please contact Kelli at mayerk@bsd405.org.

2. Please attend ImPACT Testing (if required)

• Athletes for most high school sports must have a current concussion baseline ImPACT test completed to participate (valid for 24 months) require ImPACT testing.
• Sports that do not require ImPACT testing are: Cross Country, Badminton, Drill Team, Swim Only, Tennis, Golf, and Track & Field (except Pole Vault requires the ImPACT test)

3. A 2-page BSD sports physical will need to be on file with the school Athletics and Activities department, email a copy to Kelli at mayerk@bsd405.org.

• BSD Sports physicals are kept on file for 2 years – please be sure we will have valid BSD sports physical on file for your athletes for the whole sports season.
• Coaches and athletic trainer should not accept or receive a sport physical.

Practices are mandatory. If a team has a tryout, it will be scheduled for the first days of practice.

To find contact information for our all of our coaches please visit our school website – https://bsd405.org/bhs/wolverines/athletics/

BHS WOLVERING GYMNASTICS TEAM

Congratulations to the Wolverine Gymnastics Team! They placed 3^rd at last week’s meet with an overall team score of 148.05. Here are the top finishers:

Vault:            Morgan Heintz (3^rd)

Bars:             Anna Livingston (7^th)

Beam:           Lily Ulrich (4^th) and Talia West (9^th)

Floor:            Talia West (5^th) and Morgan Heintz (7^th)

All Around:    Talia West (7^th)

Join us to celebrate our seniors (Ocean, Gracie, Anna & Lily) at our last home meet on Thursday, January 18^th at 7pm in the BHS gym.

BOYS SOCCER

Boys Soccer Players: Captains practices are starting! Captains practices are optional, but a great way to get to know other soccer players at BHS Please read on for details about this and other important information.

The next booster club meeting is Thursday, February 8, 7:00 PM, Stephanie Ault Justus home, 1615 Killarney Way. All are welcome 

Captain’s practices – Mondays 5:30, at the stadium, starting Monday, January 15 

Weight room - TBA 

Game schedule – the game schedule has been posted at:  https://www.kingcoathletics.com/team/?schoolid=86&sportid=9#tab 

Upcoming meetings 

February 1, 5:00PM, BHS library – parents and players welcome – come meet Coach Mitch 

February 15, 5:00PM, BHS library – players come and learn about the tryout process 

March 5, 7:00 PM, BHS library – required parent meeting after tryouts 

To be ready for Tryouts, which are February 26-28: 

Make sure FinalForms is updated (boys soccer checked, waivers signed) 

Make sure your physical is up to date and on Final Forms 

Make sure your ImPACT test is up to date 

Fill out this survey:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdfF_7BdpQi4CLW6KCbwFdCTeu4TlJ36qG716dJk6vRWGd1A/viewform?fbzx=-9017075833685839619&pli=1 

We are looking forward to a GREAT season!!

IMPACT TEST DATES

ImPACT Test Dates for the BHS 2023/24 Sports Seasons:

No registration needed, just show up – the impact test takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes.

Students will need their BSD laptops for ImPACT testing.

ImPACT Testing will begin at 2:00pm at Bellevue High School – Lower Aux/North Gym – Room 0302

January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, March 6, 13, 20, 27. April 3, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and June 5, 12, 19, 2024

Impact testing is required for Football, Soccer, Divers, Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse prior to participating.

Any question please contact Kelli Mayer, BHS Athletics & Activities at mayerk@bsd405.org



The Wolverine Way. It’s Worth the Climb…. We hold high standards.

We embrace the challenge together and support one another along the way.

DIVE INTO EXCITEMENT

WITH THE GIRLS WATER POLO TEAM!

Calling All Aspiring Athletes!

Are you ready to make a splash? The Girls Water Polo Team is looking for new members to join our squad. Whether you're an experienced player or new to the sport, we welcome you to be a part of our team.

Mark Your Calendars!

Student & Parent Informational Meeting

• Date: Tuesday, January 23
• Time and location: 6pm in the BHS Library

Practices are set to begin at the end of February. It's the perfect opportunity to develop your skills, build teamwork, and have a ton of fun.

Sign Up Today! https://bellevue-wa.finalforms.com/

Team Apparel Now Available! Visit https://bellevue-water-polo-2024.itemorder.com/shop/sale/ to purchase your gear today.

BELLEVUE ATHLETICS SCHEDULE JAN 15^TH TO JAN 20^TH

Monday January 15^th

Boys Varsity Basketball at Renton High School MLK, Jr. Tournament v. Renton High School 7:00pm

Supervisor John Hill

Girls Junior Varsity and Varsity Basketball at Holy Names Academy JV 3:00pm, Varsity 5:00pm

Supervisor John Hill

Tuesday January 16^th

Boys JVC, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Basketball v. Lake Washington High School @ Bellevue High School JVC 4:00pm, JV 5:40pm, Varsity 7:15pm

Supervisor John Hill

Gym Manager Minh Nguyen

Tickets Debra Andrews & Cathy Lanning

Table Crew Will Linser, Dave Sherbrooke, Jim Butcher, Ben Puariea

Wednesday January 17^th

Girls Junior Varsity and Varsity Basketball v. Lake Washington High School @ Bellevue High School JV 5:40pm, Varsity 7:15pm

Supervisor John Hill

Gym Manager Minh Nguyen

Tickets Debra Andrews & Cathy Lanning

Table Crew Will Linser, Dave Sherbrooke, Jim Butcher, Ben Puariea

Thursday January 18^th

Boys Swim & Dive v. Issaquah High School @ Boehm Pool, Issaquah 4:00pm

Wrestling at Liberty High School with Juanita High School & Mercer Island High School 6:00pm

Gymnastics v. Newport High School, Issaquah High School, Skyline High School, & Mercer Island High School @ Bellevue High School 7:00pm

Supervisor John Hill

Gym Manager Minh Nguyen

Scoreboard and Set Up/Take Down Jerry Iseman

Tickets Debra Andrews

Friday January 19^th

Girls and Boys Junior Varsity & Varsity Basketball v. Juanita High School @ Bellevue High School JVG 3:30pm, JVB 5:00pm, Varsity Girls 6:30pm, Varsity Boys 8:00pm

Supervisor John Hill

Gym Manager Minh Nguyen

Tickets Debra Andrews & Cathy Lanning

Table Crew Will Linser, Dave Sherbrooke, Jim Butcher, Ben Puariea

Saturday January 20^th

Cheer at Tahoma High School Last Chance Qualifier Invitational

Boys Junior Varsity, Varsity, and JVC Basketball v. North Creek High School (JV & V), and v. Juanita High School (JVC) @ Bellevue High School

Junior Varsity 12:00pm, Varsity 1:30pm, JVC 3:00pm

Supervisor TBD

Gym Manager Minh Nguyen

Tickets Debra Andrews & Cathy Lanning

Table Crew Dave Sherbrooke, Jim Butcher, Ben Puariea



GO Bellevue!!!

COMMUNITY CORNER

CHERRY CREST SPELLING BEE NEEDS HS VOLUNTEERS!

Cherry Crest Elementary is hosting our annual Spelling Bees and need your help!

We're on a mission to make history at this year's Spelling Bee, and we need enthusiastic volunteers like you to be part of the magic. Join us in creating an unforgettable experience, celebrating language, and spelling our way to success. 

We are looking for high school volunteers who are interested in being the pronouncers. 

Sign-up at https://www.marapod.com/events/cloll9khg000aky084nmbgu1r

What: Cherry Crest Elementary Spelling Bee Finals

When: Wednesday, February 7 at 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Where: Cherry Crest Elementary

12400 NE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98005

**Volunteer hours available, please arrive by 5:45pm

If school is canceled due to snow day, event will be rescheduled for Wed. Feb 14.

Please contact Abhishek Sinha <sinha10@gmail.com> if you have any questions

SCHOOL BOARD NOMINATION / APPLICATION

Nominations and Applications Now Being Accepted for Open Bellevue School Board Post



The Bellevue School District is seeking to fill an open spot on the School Board for Director, District 3, due to the recent resignation of Director Joyce Shui. Nominations and applications are now being accepted. Nominees and applicants must be registered voters who reside within the boundaries of District 3, which includes West Bellevue, Wilburton, Woodridge, plus portions of Downtown Bellevue, Lake Hills and Crossroads. The remaining School Board members will vote to appoint the person who will fill the vacancy. More information can be found here, including details on application procedures, time commitment and compensation. 

BELLEVUE BLAST ARTICLE DEADLINE

The deadlines for submitting Bellevue Blast articles are as follows:

•   School news and PTSA articles – Friday 6 pm deadline
•   Athletics and Activities articles – Sunday 6 pm deadline