This Week at BLE: 3/27-3/31

Posted by SBLSD on 3/28/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Elementary conferences & early dismissal: March 28, 29
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month: Cooperation
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- NEHS Spirit Days
- Book Fair
- Save the Date: BLE Music Events in May
- Kindergarten registration
- PTA corner
This Week at BLE: 3/20-3/24

Posted by SBLSD on 3/20/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for March: Cooperation
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- BLE Growth Parade
- Kindergarten Roundup
- Kindergarten Registration
- PTA Corner
This Week at BLE: 3/13-3/16

Posted by SBLSD on 3/13/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Reminder: No school March 17, Grading Day
- Spirit Days
- March Character Trait of the Month: Cooperation
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Growth Parade: March 22
- Kindergarten Roundup: March 23
- Kindergarten Registration
- A note from the health room
- PTA Corner
Viking Family Update: March 2023

Posted by Allison Hollingsworth on 3/7/2023

In this issue:
- Principal's Message
- Spring Conferences
- Mrs. Halvorson-Tran to move to LRE in fall 2023
- Growth Parade: Mark your calendar!
- Welcome Mr. Gould
- Kindergarten registration now open
- READY! For Kindergarten Sessions
- Right at School
- Character Trait for the Month of March: Cooperation
This Week at BLE: 3/6-3/10

Posted by SBLSD on 3/6/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for March
- Attendance Update
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- BLE Clothing Drive
- Kindergarten Registration
- A Note from the Health Room
- PTA Corner

February 2023

This Week at BLE: 2/27-3/3

Posted by SBLSD on 2/28/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month
- Upcoming Dates
- Viking Pride Assembly and Spirit Day
- BLE Clothing Drive
- Kindergarten Registration
- PTA Corner
This Week at BLE: 2/21-2/24

Posted by SBLSD on 2/21/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month
- Upcoming Dates
- Save the Date: All District Choral Festival
- STEM Fair
- BLE Clothing Drive
- Kinder Registration
- PTA Corner
Viking Family Update: February 2023

Posted by SBLSD on 2/15/2023

In this issue:
- Principal's Message
- Volunteers at BLE
- Growth Parade - Mark your calendar!
- Honesty: Character Trait of the Month
- PurposeFull People
- Kindergarten registration now open
- Ready! For Kindergarten Sessions
- Coming Soon: SBLSD STEM Fair and Art Show
- Atttendance Reminder
- No school on President's Day
This Week at BLE: 2/13-2/17

Posted by SBLSD on 2/13/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Wear pink or red on Feb. 14!
- Feb. 17 is National Random Act of Kindness Day
- Character Trait of the Month for February: Honesty
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Kindergarten Registration
- Save the Date: Free Dental Day
- PTA Corner
This Week at BLE: 2/6-2/10

Posted by SBLSD on 2/6/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Lost and Found
- Character Trait of the Month for February
- Attendance Update
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- The Great BLE Book Swap
- Kindergarten Registration begins Feb. 7
- Elementary Curriculum Showcase
- Save the Date: Love and Logic Workshop Series
- PTA Corner

January 2023

This Week at BLE: 1/30-2/3

Posted by SBLSD on 1/30/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Viking Pride Assembly and Spirit Day
- The Great BLE Book Swap
- Save the Date: Elementary Curriculum Showcase (2/7)
- A note from the health room
- PTA Corner
This Week at BLE: 1/23-1/27

Posted by SBLSD on 1/23/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for January
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Attendance Matters!
- 2023-24 Waiver Reminder
- A Note from the Health Room
- PTA Corner
This Week at BLE: 1/17-1/20

Posted by SBLSD on 1/17/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for January: Perseverance
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- STEM Fair Registration Information
- The Great BLE Book Swap
- PTA Corner
This Week at BLE: 1/9-1/13

Posted by SBLSD on 1/9/2023

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month: Perseverance
- Upcoming Dates
- STEM Fair Registration Information
- Save the Date: Elementary Curriculum Showcases
- The Great BLE Book Swap
- PTA Corner
Viking Family Update: January 2023

Posted by SBLSD on 1/5/2023

In this issue:
- PurposeFull People - This Month We Honor Perseverance
- The Great BLE Book Swap
- Curriculum Showcase
- Watch our December Viking Pride Assembly!
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- 2022-23 Meal Prices
This Week at BLE: 1/2-1/6

Posted by SBLSD on 1/3/2023

In this issue:
- 2023 Happy New Year!
- School Schdule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for January
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- 2023-24 Waiver Information
- PTA information

December 2022

This Week at BLE: 12/12-12/16

Posted by SBLSD on 12/12/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for December
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Dec. 12: Viking Pride Assembly
- Dec.14: Winter Craft Night
- 2023-24 Waiver Information
- Winter Break: Dec. 19-Jan. 2
This Week at BLE: 12/5-12/9

Posted by SBLSD on 12/5/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for December: Empathy
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Dec. 12: Viking Pride Assembly
- Highly Capable Referrals
- PTA Update

November 2022

This Week at BLE: 11/28-12/2

Posted by SBLSD on 11/28/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Nov. 28 Viking Pride Assembly
- Nov. 29 School Pictures Retakes
- Highly Capable Referrals
- Please Leave Toys at Home
- The Weather is Changing Again
- PTA Update
This Week at BLE: 11/21-11/25

Posted by SBLSD on 11/21/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Thanksgiving Break: No School Nov. 23-25
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for November
- November Dates to Remember
- READY! For Kindergarten
- PTA Update
This Week at BLE: 11/14-18

Posted by SBLSD on 11/14/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Elementary Conferences
- Early Dismissal Lunch Time
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait for the Month of November: Gratitude
- November Dates to Remember
- Attendance Matters
- READY! For Kindergarten Fall Sessions
- A Note from the Health Room
- PTA Update
Viking Family Update: November 2022

Posted by SBLSD on 11/7/2022

In this issue:
- PurposeFull People: Gratitude
- Fall Parent Teacher Conferences Information
- Community Big Give
- Veterans Day at BLE
- Book Fair Coming Soon
This Week at BLE: 11/7-11/11

Posted by SBLSD on 11/7/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- If You Are Running Late
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for November
- November Dates to Remember
- Honoring Veterans Family Connection
- DSHS Mobile Community Services Office
- READY! For Kindergarten Fall Sessions
- PTA Update

October 2022

This Week at BLE: 10/31-11/4

Posted by SBLSD on 10/31/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- If you are running late
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for November
- November Dates to Remember
- BLE Dress Up Day
- DSHS Mobile Community Services Office
- READY! For Kindergarten Fall Sessions
- The weather has changed
- Lost and Found
- A Note from the Health Room
- PTA Update
- 2022-23 Meal Prices
This Week at BLE: 10/24-10/28

Posted by SBLSD on 10/24/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait for the Month of October
- October Dates to Remember
- BLE Dress Up Day
- Viking Pride Assembly
- Personal Devices
- Changing Weather
- Lost and Found
- School Picture Day
- A Note from the Health Room
- PTA Update
- 2022-23 Meal Prices
This Week at BLE: 10/17-10/21

Posted by SBLSD on 10/17/2022

In this issue:
- School schedule
- Spirit days
- Character Trait of the Month for October
- October dates to remember
- Going home this week: Student update information packets
- School picture day with Perler Photography
- A note from the health room
- PTA update
- 2022-23 meal prices
This Week at BLE: 10/10-10/14

Posted by SBLSD on 10/10/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for October
- October Dates to Remember
- School Picture Day
- PTA Update
- A Note from the Health Room
- 2022-23 Student & Family Information Guide
- 2022-23 Meal Prices
Viking Family Update: October 2022

Posted by SBLSD on 10/10/2022

In this update:
- Principal Update: Welcome to October
- BLE Dress Up Day
- Silent Dismissal Car Pick Up
- School Supplies - Still Accepting Donations
- Counseling Corner
- School Picture Day
- Breakfast and Lunch Service at BLE
- We love your dog, but...
This Week at BLE: 10/3-10/7

Posted by SBLSD on 10/3/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month for October
- PTA Update
- A Note from the Health Room
- 2022-23 Student & Family Information Guide
- Meal Prices

September 2022

This Week at BLE: 9/26-9/30

Posted by SBLSD on 9/26/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month
- PTA Update
- A Note from the Health Room
- 2022-23 Student & Family Information Guide
- Meal Prices
This Week at BLE: 9/19-9/23

Posted by SBLSD on 9/19/2022

In this issue:
- School schedule
- Spirit days
- Character Trait of the Month
- PTA update
- A note form the health room
- 2022-23 Family Technology Agreement Form
- 2022-23 Student & Family Information Guide
- 2022-23 Meal Prices
This Week at BLE: 9/12-9/16

Posted by SBLSD on 9/12/2022

In this issue:
- School Schedule
- Spirit Days
- Character Trait of the Month
- School Supply Donation
- Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
- Transportation Updates
Viking Family Update: 9/5/22

Posted by SBLSD on 9/6/2022

In this issue:
- Welcome back Vikings!
- Bonney Lake Elementary - School Hours
- Arrival and dismissal procedures
- School supplies
- Changes to school lunch procedure and prices

August 2022

2021-22

June 2022

May 2022

April 2022

Viking Family Update: April 2022

Posted by SBLSD on 4/11/2022

In this Issue:
- Principal update
- BLE Growth Parade
- Yearbook donations
- Register for kindergarten
- Purposeful People
This Week at BLE: 4/4/22

Posted by SBLSD on 4/5/2022

Important events for our Viking Family to know this week:
- Wednesday: LMS school music tour for fifth grade
- Friday: Wear Viking blue
- Future dates
- Growth parade

March 2022

This Week at BLE: 3/14/22

Posted by SBLSD on 3/14/2022

Important Events For Our Viking Family To Know This Week:
- Friday: Vision and hearing screening
- Upcoming date
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Contest to name Midtown Park
- Bonney Lake Kids Club
Viking Family Update: March 2022

Posted by SBLSD on 3/9/2022

In this Issue:
- Register for kindergarten
- Report cards coming soon
- Vision and hearing screening on March 18
- Scholastic Book Fair

February 2022

January 2022

This Week at BLE: 1/24/22

Posted by SBLSD on 1/25/2022

Important Events For Our Viking Family To Know This Week:

Monday:
- Late Start
- Progress Monitoring
Tuesday: Progress Monitoring

Wednesday: Progress Monitoring

Thursday:
- Progress Monitoring
- Emergency Drill
Friday:
- Progress Monitoring
- Wear Viking Blue!
Progress Monitoring

Our goal is to help each student succeed in their studies. This week, classes will be doing progress monitoring. If you are able, please hold appointments, late arrival or early dismissal to assist us with this process. We would greatly appreciate it.
Viking Family Update: January 2022

Posted by SBLSD on 1/7/2022

In this Issue:
- Ellie Riippi is retiring
- Welcome Mrs. Davidson
- Do you have a safety concern? Please report it!
- You're invited: Elementary Curriculum Showcase
- Practicing "courage" at BLE in January
- Bonney Lake Mayor's Food Drive thank-you message

December 2021

Viking Family Update: December 2021

Posted by SBLSD on 12/7/2021

In this issue:
- Empathy: Conversations and Experiences
- Please Help Us: Super Safe Body and Behavior
- Kelso’s Choice Wheel Helps Students Solve Small Problems
- Talking to Students about Solving Bigger Problems
- Highly Capable Referral Window is Open
- Thank You: Mayor’s Challenge Food Drive
- Congratulations 3^rd Grade Students
- December School Spirit Days
- Bonney Lake Elementary PTA

November 2021

This Week at BLE: 11/29/21

Posted by SBLSD on 11/30/2021

Important Events For Our Viking Family To Know This Week

Monday:
- Late Start
- On Mondays we wear College or Local High School Spirit Wear

Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
- On Fridays in December we have spirit days - today is Flannel Friday
- Dorian Studio Picture Retake Day

Upcoming Dates to Watch for Between now & Winter Break
- December 3: Dorian Studio Picture Retakes
- December 3: Flannel Friday Spirit Day
- December 10: Festive Friday Spirit Day
- December 17: Pajama Spirit Day
- December 20-31: No School Winter Break
Friday Spirit Days at BLE - chosen by our 5th Grade Students
- Flannel Friday: 12/3
  Wear whatever you have that is flannel
- Festive Friday: 12/10
  This can be silly sweater, anything tinsel, light up necklaces, fun holiday glasses, or anything that spreads holiday cheer
- Pajama Friday: 12/17
  PJ/Cozy day!!
December Donations - You Can Help!

Would you like to help out our health room? During the month of December please consider sending any of the following items to school with your child to donate to our health room.
- band aids- standard size is best
- new socks
- new in package boys and girls underwear (through size 14 - all sizes needed)
- feminine pads
- deodorant (travel size)
- baby wipes
- paper Dixie cups
Thanks for your support!

Lost & Found Items

We have an abundance of lost and found items. Lost and found items will be donated during winter break.
This Week at BLE: 11/15/21

Posted by SBLSD on 11/15/2021

Monday -
- Late Start
- On Mondays we wear College or Local High School Spirit Wear
- Annual Bonney Lake Mayor Food Drive Challenge begins today
Tuesday -
- Individual Classroom Scholastic Book Fair Previews
Wednesday -
- 1/2 Day, Early dismissal at 12:15 (see below for bus information)
- Afternoon Conferences
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Grab and Go Lunches Available
Thursday -
- 1/2 Day, Early dismissal at 12:15
- Afternoon & Evening Conferences
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Grab and Go Lunches Available
Friday -
- On Friday's we wear Viking or Blue Spirit Gear
- 1/2 Day, Early dismissal at 12:15
- Afternoon Conferences
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Grab and Go Lunches Available
Scholastic Book Fair Hours

During School Hours
The book fair is open during school to students when their classroom has their scheduled library visit.
During Afternoon Conferences

The book fair is open to students and a parent. We require masks and 6 foot social distancing in place while in the library and the covered area outside the library. There is a limit of 10 minutes per visit and only 1 parent per child.

During Thursday Evening Conferences

The book fair is open to students and a parent. We require masks and 6 foot social distancing in place while in the library and the covered area outside the library. There is a limit of 10 minutes per visit and only 1 parent per child.

1:00 -4:30 pm on Wednesday, November 17th

1:00 -7:00 pm on Thursday, November 18th

1:00 -4:15 pm on Friday, November 19th

1:00 -4:15 pm on Monday, November 22nd

Upcoming Dates to Watch for Between now & Winter Break

November 17, 18, 19, 23, 2021- Parent Teacher Conferences (Wed, Thurs, Frid, Tues - HALF DAYS, no PM SCHOOL) - Dismissal at 12:15pm

November 17, 18, 19 Scholastic Book Fair

November 24-26 - No School

December 20-31 - No School Winter Break

Bus Arrival Times During Conferences

Arrival times for busses during conferences will be 3 hours and 30 minutes earlier than normal.
For example:

If your bus arrives at 4:00 pm on a regular school day, it will arrive at 12:30 pm on a conference day.

Lost & Found Items

We have an abundance of lost and found items.
During conference week we will place the lost and found outside of the library, if you are missing an item please park out front and peruse lost and found or visit during your conference.

Lost and found items will be donated during winter break.
Principal Update: 11/2/21

Posted by SBLSD on 11/2/2021

Welcome to November! This time of year brings with it many fun opportunities to partner with our community. We will spend time together this month honoring our Veterans, conferencing about student progress, visiting the Scholastic Book Fair, and assisting families as we provide holiday meal support. We are thankful for each and every student and family at BLE.

This month at school we’re talking about Gratitude! The dictionary defines it as: “the quality of being thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” The definition we are using in class is:

Gratitude: choosing to notice and appreciate things in our life, things in others,

and things in the world.

Gratitude has been shown to be one of the number one ways to reduce anxiety, increase happiness, and improve relationships. Why? Because it is a matter of where we put our attention! Did you know we can only have one thought at once? Scarlett Lewis from the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement says it like this: We can’t have a grateful thought and an angry thought at the same time! So, over the course of the month, we will consistently practice putting our attention and our focus on Gratitude.

We will think about how to be grateful even for challenges. We will talk about incredible artists and writers and thinkers who know the power of Gratitude in the world. We will encourage Gratitude towards our classmates, ourselves, and (of course) our family!

Here are some conversation starters for you to use at home!
- William Arthur Ward once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” Why do you agree or disagree with his thoughts on Gratitude? What happens if you wrap a present and never give it?
- Sometimes we have days where we don’t feel very grateful. What strategies can you use on those days? Is there anything you can do to boost your mood to help you feel more Gratitude?
- Discuss your family history with your child. What are some triumphs in your family that you are grateful for? Who are the people that you’re grateful for? The places? Share those joyous details with your family. If you have pictures or other artifacts to share, that would be a great addition to the conversation!
During the month of November our staff will be thanking you for your partnership! We will be handing out physical and virtual Gratitude Cards to express our thankfulness for your support of our work. At BLE we consistently converse about the unique partnership we have with our families. We want to celebrate that partnership and celebrate you!

Please let us know how we can support you!

LeeAnn Alfano

Principal, Bonney Lake Elementary

Upcoming Events/Dates for November

November 9th - Highly Capable Screening in grade 2

November 10th - Virtual Veterans Day Assembly

November 11th - No School - Veterans Day Holiday
November 16th - Scholastic Book Fair Begins - BLE Library
November 17th - Half Day Early Release for Students - Dismissal at 12:15pm
November 17th - Paper Report Cards Sent in Student Backpacks - also in Skyward
November 18th - Half Day Early Release for Students - Dismissal at 12:15pm
November 19th - Half Day Early Release for Students - Dismissal at 12:15pm
November 22nd - Regular Monday Late Start Schedule - Dismissal at 3:45pm
November 22nd - Highly Capable Referrals Open (all grades except grade 2)
November 23rd - Half Day Early Release for Students - Dismissal at 12:15pm
November 24th - Friday, November 26th - No School

Highly Capable Screening for all 2nd Graders

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District defines highly capable students as those who demonstrate, or have the potential to demonstrate, outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as exceptional ability to reason and learn). We recognize and embrace the development of highly capable students and their use and possession of untrained, natural ability. In an effort to systematically recognize students with this aptitude we will screen all 2nd grade students the week of 11/8. Students will be screened in their regular classroom environment by their classroom teacher.

Highly Capable Referral Process Opens Soon for Students not in 2nd Grade

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District defines highly capable students as those who demonstrate, or have the potential to demonstrate, outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as exceptional ability to reason and learn). We recognize and embrace the development of highly capable students and their use and possession of untrained, natural ability. Do you know a child who performs at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with other students of the same age? If so, consider referring them for Highly Capable services.

The referral window is open from 11/22 - 12/9. Information regarding referrals as well as the referral form can be found at www.sumnersd.org/highlycapable.

Screening will take place:
- Wednesday, 1/5 - Friday, 1/21: CogAT Testing window
- Tuesday, 1/25 - Thursday, 2/3: MAP Testing in buildings for qualifying students
Coming Soon - Parent Teacher Conferences

Please Note These VERY Important Changes to Your Calendar!
During the month of November we will be hosting parent teacher conferences. There is an option to select an in person or virtual conference. In order to facilitate conferences our building schedules has changed.

Wednesday, November 17th - Half Day Early Release for Students Dismissal at 12:15pm
Thursday, November 18th - Half Day Early Release for Students Dismissal at 12:15pm
Friday, November 19th - Half Day Early Release for Students Dismissal at 12:15pm
Monday, November 22nd - Regular Monday Late Start Schedule - Dismissal at 3:45pm
Tuesday, November 23rd - Half Day Early Release for Students Dismissal at 12:15pm
Wednesday, November 24th - Friday, November 26th - No School

Grab and go school sack lunches will be available on conference half days!!!

You should hear from your student's teacher about how to schedule a conference! Here are some helpful questions that you might ask during parent/teacher conferences.
1. What are my child’s strengths and areas for growth?
2. Is my child participating in class discussions and activities?
3. How are my child’s social skills?
4. Have you noticed any unusual behaviors?
5. Is my child falling behind in any subjects? Are they on grade level?
6. What can I do at home to help support my child’s academic progress?
Sumner-Bonney Lake Native American Education Program

Do you have a Native American Student at BLE?

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Native American Education Program is excited to continue services during this new school year and support the cultural and educational needs of our Native youth.

Our goal is to increase Native student success by providing direct service support to all interested students. We want to show students the district sees and honors their indigenous culture and their future. Although Native Americans may represent just 2% of the student population, they are not invisible.
Program staff for the year will be Teresa Washington (Lummi) in the elementary schools. Miss Washington visits BLE at least once per month to meet with students during their lunch time. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or would like your student to participate.

November 12th-22nd - Mayor's Challenge BLE Food Drive

During the month of November BLE students will be collecting food for the Mayor's Challenge Food Drive. We have been assigned to collect specific canned items (with a pop top preferred). Other schools in the district are collecting other specific items to fulfill the broad need of the community. Watch for more information!

Quick Facts - Car Drop Off and Pick up at BLE

Drop Off
- The back vehicle loop is the designated area for parents who are dropping off their students.
- Loop opens at 8:45
- Average completion of Drop Off -13 minutes
- It is not allowable to drop your student off in the front parking lot of BLE in the morning
- If you are concerned with the wait at the back loop please consider changing your timing. Cars that arrive at 8:55 are typically able to pull all the way down the access road and into the loop with no delay
Pick Up
- The back vehicle loop is the designated area for parents who are picking up their students.
- All changes to dismissal method must happen prior to 3:15pm
- Silent dismissal number must be displayed in vehicle
- Loop opens at 3:45
- Average completion of pick up -15 minutes
- If you are concerned with the wait at the back loop please consider changing your timing. Cars that arrive at 3:58 are typically able to pull all the way down the access road and into the loop with no delay
**If you are sending someone new to pick up your student by car or in the office please be sure that they have ID readily available and are properly listed in Skyward to pick up your student. We can not release a student to someone that is not listed in Skyward or that we do not recognize as a parent/guardian of one of our students.

It's Holiday Time! How Can BLE Help?

Sometimes life happens and we experience hard times. The last couple of years have been especially challenging for many families! With the holidays quickly approaching, this might add additional stress. If this applies to your family situation, please know that BLE is here to help, no questions asked.

If you are in need of a Thanksgiving meal, holiday gifts for your children, weekly food bags, or anything else, please feel free to reach out to our school counselor, Kristen Lewis at 253-891-4450 or kristen_lewis@sumnersd.org.

Deadlines for Thanksgiving or holiday gift assistance are quickly approaching. If you have not already done so, please reach out ASAP.

Coats for Kids!

As chilly weather approaches, members from East Pierce Firefighters IAFF Local 3520 are ramping up the Coats for Kids (C4K) program again this year. Through this program, our local firefighters provide warm coats to students in need - free of charge! If your child is in need of a warm, winter coat, please reach out to BLE school counselor, Kristen Lewis at 253-891-4450 or kristen_lewis@sumnersd.org. Coats will be delivered some time in December, hopefully before Winter Break.

October Viking Pride Assembly
Here is a link to our October Viking Pride Assembly! Enjoy.

Bonney Lake Elementary has a wonderful partnership with our PTA! In order to stay in the loop with all that PTA has to offer please consider visiting their website and joining this organization! You can also follow our PTA on Facebook at "Bonney Lake Elementary PTA".

October 2021

This Week at BLE: 10/25/21

Posted by SBLSD on 10/25/2021

Monday -
- Late Start
- On Mondays we wear College or Local High School Spirit Wear
Tuesday -

Wednesday -

Thursday -

Friday -
- On Fridays we wear Viking or Blue Spirit Gear
Upcoming Dates to Watch for Between now and Winter Break

October 25-27, 2021 - 4th & 5th Grade SBA Testing

November 1-5, 2021 - SBA Makeups - Grades 4 and 5

November 10, 2021 - Veteran's Day Virtual Assembly

November 11, 2021 - NO SCHOOL, Veteran's Day

November 17, 18, 19, 23, 2021- Parent Teacher Conferences (Wed, Thurs, Frid, Tues - HALF DAYS, no PM SCHOOL) - Dismissal at 12:15pm

November 17, 18, 19 Scholastic Book Fair

December 20-31 - No School Winter Break

HONORING VETERANS FAMILY CONNECTION
This Friday, October 29th students will be sent home with an "Honoring A Veteran" certificate. This will give families an opportunity to honor a family member or friend that has served for our country.
Please feel free to decorate the certificate, place or draw a picture of the Veteran you would like to honor and return it to your students classroom teacher to allow an opportunity to share about their Veteran and then the certificate will be displayed in our school.

We will have a virtual Veteran's Day Assembly that will take place on November 10th at 9:00 am.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are coming soon. Families may select a virtual or in person option. Please connect with your student's teacher to schedule a conference.

Lost & Found Items

We have an abundance of lost and found items.
During conference week we will place the lost and found in the side parking lot, if you are missing an item you will be allowed to pull out of the loop and into the side lot to peruse lost and found.

For bus riders please email us with a description of the items and we will be happy to look for it.

Lost and found items will be donated during winter break.
This Week at BLE: 10/19/21

Posted by SBLSD on 10/19/2021

Monday -
- No school
Tuesday - Practice Bus Evacuation Drill 9:00am

Wednesday -

Thursday -
- 5th Grade SBA Testing
- The Great Washington Shake Out - State Wide Earthquake Drill 10:21 am
Friday -
- On Friday's we wear Viking or Blue Spirit Gear
Bus Emergency Drill

Parents/Guardians:
Today, we were performing an emergency drill which required that the front lot be closed to everyone other than employees and buses. We stopped 34 cars attempting to drop off their students in the front loop.

The back vehicle loop is the designated area for parents who are dropping off their students.

It is not allowable to drop your student off in the front parking lot of Bonney Lake Elementary in the morning. In recent days we have had 30-40 cars parked/pulling through the front lot to drop off their children and avoid the back drop off loop.
1. On several occasions our staff/substitute teachers have been unable to find a parking spot when they arrive at work. The front lot is a staff parking lot. We have over 60 employees at BLE on any given day.
2. On several recent occasions our buses could not enter or exit the front lot because they were blocked by parent vehicles. Twice a parent had parked in the bus loop.
3. 3). last week, our special transportation van was not able to access its designated spot for drop off of a student with special needs.
4. The front lot is poorly supervised and the buses block line of sight to the parking area.
If you are concerned with the wait at the back loop please consider changing your timing. Cars that arrive at 8:55 are typically able to pull all the way down the access road and into the loop with no delay. If you encounter a dangerous situation on the roads surrounding BLE please call the Bonney Lake Police Department. We partner with them and they are happy to respond and assist.

Thank you for your help in keeping our areas safe.

LeeAnn Alfano

Principal

Lost & Found Items

We have an abundance of lost and found items.
During conference week we will place the lost and found in the side parking lot, if you are missing an item you will be allowed to pull out of the loop and into the side lot to peruse lost and found.

For bus riders please email us with a description of the items and we will be happy to look for it.

Lost and found items will be donated during winter break.
This Week at BLE: 10/11/21

Posted by SBLSD on 10/11/2021

Monday -
- Late Start
- On Monday's we wear College or Local High School Spirit Wear
- 1st Day of PTA Fall Fundraiser - fliers in your students backpack
Tuesday -

Wednesday -

Thursday - Dorian Studio Individual Photo Day

Friday -
- On Friday's we wear Viking or Blue Spirit Gear
Upcoming Dates to Watch For Happening Between Now and Winter Break

Monday, October 18, 2021 - Teacher Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Thursday, October 21, 27, 2021 - 5th Grade SBA Testing

Tuesday, October 20, 26, 2021 - 4th Grade SBA testing

November 1-5, 2021 - SBA Makeups - Grades 4 and 5

November 11, 2021 - NO SCHOOL, Veteran's Day

November 17, 18, 19, 23, 2021- Parent Teacher Conferences (Wed, Thurs, Frid, Tues HALF DAY, no PM SCHOOL)

December 20-31 - No School Winter Break

Picture Day

Thursday, October 14th School Picture Day

Mark your calendars!

Bonney Lake Elementary School Picture Day will be THIS Thursday, October 14, 2021. Picture packets came home in your student's backpack last Friday.

Your order form doesn't have an access code?

That is correct the forms have no access code in the upper left corner of the form any longer. Return the picture order with your payment and they will be given to the photographer.

Unable to order pictures this week?

Not to worry you will have another opportunity after picture day.
- When pictures are sent to us from Dorian, even students that did not purchase photos on picture day will receive a "2nd Chance Card". THIS CARD will then have an access code that you can go online and purchase the photo that was taken on picture day. It will only be available for a short time.
You would like to order online and not send in the envelope?

Not to worry! Follow these instructions to order online:
1. Go to www.dorianstudio.com
2. Enter the school name: Bonney Lake Elementary, Bonney Lake WA
3. Click order
4. Click to order
5. Enter your students name and contact details
6. Click on the package you would like to order
7. Click Add to cart
8. Click Check Out
9. Enter necessary information
10. Click Next
11. Click Place Order
12. Your order will appear please write down your order reference number
13. Proceed to payment information, after completing this step you should receive an email of your order as a receipt.
If you have any questions please feel free to call the BLE main office.

PTA Corner

PTA Fundraiser Has Begun

Please reach out to Kylie Fossum, PTA President for any questions. BLEPTAPres@gmail.com
Principal Update: 10/8/21

Posted by SBLSD on 10/8/2021

Principal Update - Welcome to Fall!

Viking Friends and Families,

We did it! We have pulled the anchor and sailed successfully into the 2021-22 school year. Thank you for all of your patience and support as we have continued to navigate new challenges.

We kick off the month of October by benchmark testing your students in foundational reading skills. We use this data to provide targeted reading support for all students regardless of their skills. Here is how you can help.

1) Read to your student or have them read to you. Reading aloud with your child every single day is the single most effective way to help them become a confident reader who can both read with fluency and comprehend what they are reading. Reading to your child 20 minutes a day can make the difference between a student who struggles at school and a student who can tackle appropriate grade level standards. Reading is the building block of all learning.

Read fiction, read non fiction...but don't stop! You should read with your student 20 minutes per day regardless of his/her grade level! Even those fifth grade students need to READ!

2) Partner with your student's teacher and demonstrate that partnership in front of your child. We have remarkable teachers here at BLE. They work relentlessly to build a relationship with your student and to ensure high levels of learning. You can help by paying careful attention to what your student is learning at school and supporting that learning at home. The language you use to talk about the classroom matters. Stay positive!

3) Model a growth mindset. Often times as adults we inadventently reinforce a fixed mindset with our children. Instead of saying, "I was horrible at math too!" you could say, "I worked hard at math and I learned that I could do it!" Instead of saying, "You are so smart!" say "Wow you must have really worked hard at that!". When your child says, "I can't do that!" add the word "Yet!" Kids with a growth mindset are more likely to report a love for learning and genuine curiousity about the world.

Mindset matters for our highly capable students too! Research shows that gifted students are more likely than their peers to report a fixed mindset. If students believe they have a natural gift of intelligence they are often less likely to accept feedback and respond with resilience when faced with a challenge.

If there is one thing that distance and hybrid learning taught us, it is that we must be partners in your student's education. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns. At BLE we are committed to ensuring that ALL students reach high levels of learning.

Let's do this together!

LeeAnn Alfano

Principal, Bonney Lake Elementary

What is Growth Mindset?
Click here to watch a 2 minute video.

What Happens if I Need to Keep my Child Home Sick?

If your student’s symptoms resolve in less than 24 hours, they may return to school when they have been symptom free for 24 hours or with significant improvement.

If your student is experiencing 1 or more COVID like symptoms (see below)* for more than 24 hours, and there is no known COVID-19 exposure they may return to school when they have one of the following:
- A negative COVID test and significant symptom improvement. Proof of a negative test must be provided to the school before returning
- A note from a healthcare provider with an alternative diagnosis.
- It has been 10 days since the start of illness and symptoms are improved and fever free for 24 hours, and they remain free of any COVID exposure.
If your student was in close contact with someone with COVID or has tested positive for COVID, please contact your school immediately at (253) 891-4450 to determine when they can return.

Covid symptoms:
- *Fever (100.4 F or higher)
- Cough
- Loss of taste or smell
- Chills
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
We are happy to report that these protocols as well as our distancing, masking, and hand washing are working. We have had cases of COVID 19 show up at BLE, but no known spread at school. Thank you for your partnership!

If you have further questions, please contact our school at (253) 891-4450

Sincerely,

Connie Halvorson-Tran

Assistant Principal/COVID Supervisor

Counselor's Corner

During the weeks of October 11th and October 18th, Krsiten Lewis, BLE’s school counselor, will be visiting each classroom to present to students the district’s expectation with regard to bullying, harassment and intimidation. Our primary goal is to always make sure all students feel safe, respected, and included.

Each lesson will be developmentally appropriate so that students can understand specifically what bullying is, what it isn’t, and what students should do if they are experiencing a bullying situation.

In order for a situation to be considered “bullying”, the following components must be present:
- physical or emotional harm is caused;
- the actions are one-sided;
- the actions are ON PURPOSE
- the actions occur REPEATEDLY;
- student can’t make it stop on their own
When considering if something meets the criteria for bullying, it is also important to differentiate what bullying is NOT:
- Accidentally hurting someone’s body or feelings;
- Something that only happens once or twice;
- Mutual disagreements between friends;
- An issue without serious or lasting harm
While mean moments do occasionally occur at BLE, we work hard as a school to be both proactive and reactive in teaching appropriate behavior and expectations. Parents are such an important partner in this goal! Thank you for encouraging your child to make positive and kind choices at school.

If there is ever an incident that you feel meets the criteria of bullying or one that needs intervention by our staff, please let us know immediately. For more information regarding SBLSD’s formal policy on HiB prevention, please see Policy 3207 in the attached link. SBLSD HiB policy

School Photos Are Rapidly Approaching

Photos are scheduled with Dorian Photography Studio on Thursday, October 14, 2021. This will take place in our library.
Picture packets will be sent home with students on Friday, October 8th in your students backpack. Please watch for them. On the packet will be a link that you can use to order online if you prefer to do that. Every student is photographed regardless of whether you plan to purchase photos or not.

During student photos each classroom will have a designated time and there will be sanitizing between each grade. Students will wear a mask until their photo, remove it briefly for the photo and put it back on immediately after.

Retakes are scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2021.

PTA Information
Bonney Lake Elementary has a wonderful partnership with our PTA! In order to stay in the loop with all that PTA has to offer please consider visiting their website and joining this organization! You can also follow our PTA on Facebook at "Bonney Lake Elementary PTA".
This Friday you will get some important information in your student's weekly folder about the PTA fall catalog fundraiser. Stay Tuned!

October's Character Trait is Respect!

October is all about the trait of Respect! Respect is both a perspective and a practice; it’s about helping students to see the good in others rather than the negative. What does it mean to “see good” in people? Oftentimes this means helping children to understand who someone is, where they come from, and why they believe and act the way they do. Respect is about understanding people! Respect is also about action; how we speak to and treat one another (and ourselves) respectfully is a constant practice. Feel free to check in with your student regarding how we are practicing and celebrating respect at BLE!
This Week at BLE: 10/4/21

Posted by SBLSD on 10/4/2021

Monday -
- Late Start
- On Monday's we wear College or Local High School Spirit Wear
Tuesday -

Wednesday -

Thursday -

Friday -
- PTA's Fall Fundraiser Kickoff
- On Friday's we wear Viking or Blue Spirit Gear
Picture Day

Thursday, October 14th School Picture Day

Mark your calendars!

Bonney Lake Elementary School Picture Day will be Thursday, October 14, 2021. Watch for picture packets to be sent home in your student's backpack at the end of the week.

October Character Trait

During the month of October we will be placing a special emphasis on the character trait of Respect. Watch for ways that you see your student exhibiting respect.
Watch for more information in Principal Alfano's newsletter.

PTA Corner

PTA Fundraiser Kickoff

Please click below for a kick off video that can be viewed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-rk5kkVZrg

Please reach out to Kylie Fossum, PTA President for any questions. BLEPTAPres@gmail.com

Transportation Updates

Please be sure to notify Bonney Lake Elementary Office with any changes in afternoon transportation.
The office is able to accept and process changes until 3:00 pm. After 3:00 pm it becomes very difficult to let all dismissal participants know any changes.

Thank you for your help with this. Our desire is to keep our students safe and transported safely home.

If your student will be riding the bus home for the first time this year please call us and let us know. We want to verify the correct route and be sure that the student feels comfortable with the process.

If you are Running Late...

If you are dropping your student off on campus and it is after 9am you will need to park in the front lot and walk your student into the office. It is critical that you do not drop your child off in the back loop or front lot after 9am. There is not proper supervision on campus, attendance has already been entered, lunch counts have been submitted and all of our exterior doors lock at 9:01. Please take the time to park and walk in, thank you for your attention to this expectation.

September 2021

This Week at BLE: 9/27/21

Posted by SBLSD on 9/27/2021

Monday -
- Late Start
- On Monday's we wear College or Local High School Spirit Wear
Tuesday -
- Lockdown Safety Drill - 2:50pm - this drill takes approximately 5 minutes. Teachers preteach the expectations in developmentally appropriate language. Students know that we are practicing being safe.
Wednesday -

Thursday -

Friday -
- On Friday's we wear Viking or Blue Spirit Gear
The Weather Has Changed

The weather has changed and that means many rainy days during our Autumn weather. Please remember to send your student with proper coat and shoes.
Outdoor recess is only cancelled if there is a severe weather concern such as high winds or thunder/lightening.

Please consider writing your students name inside their coat in case it is left out at recess. This helps us return it to the correct student.

VIKING PRIDE CARD

What Happens When a Student Receives a Viking Pride Card?

It is exciting to receive a Viking Pride Card. In case you are not aware of what this is, it is a handwritten message of a special accomplishment usually written by a classroom teacher but could be from any staff member at Bonney Lake Elementary.

The card is sent to the principal or vice principal and they proceed to call the student down to receive the award. The card is then read to the student, then read aloud over the phone to a special adult in order to celebrate with the student and the parent/guardian. We add a note from the principal and give the student an inspiring token.

With permission from the family we will post the student's picture on Facebook!

We love these opportunities to make a big deal of our student's accomplishments and we love getting a chance to honor these special moments with our students in the main office.

School Supply Donation

If you have not had the opportunity to make a $20 school supply donation for your student it is not too late to do this.
As of today we have received 60% of the expected donations

We appreciate your support! If you would like to make a donation you can do so by:
1. Bring your donation it to the main office, cash or check
2. Send it in a sealed envelope with your students, please have their name on it
3. Complete the donation online with the following steps
- Log onto Sumner Bonney Lake School District www.sumnersd.org
- Hover over SCHOOLS on the top banner
- Click on GRADES 1-12
- Scroll down to Elementary Schools and click on Bonney Lake Elementary
- Click on the dollar bill icon Online Payments
- Click on the link Direct Payment link here
- Log in with your user name and password
- Click on your student that you would like to make the donation for
- Click on Shop
- Click on Items at Student School
- Click on the item you would like to pay
- Click on School Supplies
- Click on Grade
- Click on Donation
Transportation Updates

Please be sure to notify Bonney Lake Elementary Office with any changes in afternoon transportation.
The office is able to accept and process changes until 3:00 pm. After 3:00 pm it becomes very difficult to let all dismissal participants know any changes.

Thank you for your help with this. Our desire is to keep our students safe and transported safely home.

If your student will be riding the bus home for the first time this year please call us and let us know. We want to verify the correct route and be sure that the student feels comfortable with the process.

If you are Running Late....

If you are dropping your student off on campus and it is after 9am you will need to park in the front lot and walk your student into the office. It is critical that you do not drop your child off in the back loop or front lot after 9am. There is not proper supervision on campus, attendance has already been entered, lunch counts have been submitted and all of our exterior doors lock at 9:01. Please take the time to park and walk in, thank you for your attention to this expectation.
This Week at BLE: 9/20/21

Posted by SBLSD on 9/20/2021

Important Events For Our Viking Family To Know This Week

Monday -
- Late Start
- On Monday's we wear College or Local High School Spirit Wear
Tuesday -

Wednesday -

Thursday -
- PTA Ice Cream Social Meet the Principal 4:30-5:30
- PTA General Membership Meeting 5:30-6:30 PM
Friday -
- On Friday's we wear Viking or Blue Spirit Gear
- Viking Pride Assembly - Shown in Class - We will post the assembly on the BLE Facebook page for you to enjoy!
School Supply Donation

If you have not had the opportunity to make a $20 school supply donation for your student it is not too late to do this.
As of today we have received 60% of the expected donations

We appreciate your support! If you would like to make a donation you can do so by:
1. Bring your donation it to the main office, cash or check
2. Send it in a sealed envelope with your students, please have their name on it
3. Complete the donation online with the following steps
- Log onto Sumner Bonney Lake School District www.sumnersd.org
- Hover over SCHOOLS on the top banner
- Click on GRADES 1-12
- Scroll down to Elementary Schools and click on Bonney Lake Elementary
- Click on the dollar bill icon Online Payments
- Click on the link Direct Payment link here
- Log in with your user name and password
- Click on your student that you would like to make the donation for
- Click on Shop
- Click on Items at Student School
- Click on the item you would like to pay
- Click on School Supplies
- Click on Grade
- Click on Donation
Transportation Updates

Please be sure to notify Bonney Lake Elementary Office with any changes in afternoon transportation.
The office is able to accept and process changes until 3:00 pm. After 3:00 pm it becomes very difficult to let all dismissal participants know any changes.

Thank you for your help with this. Our desire is to keep our students safe and transported safely home.

Average Minutes Per Day at Car Pick Up Loop

Fast Stats - Car Pick Up

Many of you have asked for facts regarding the car pick up experience at BLE. This year we have experienced a dramatic increase in the number of families choosing to drive their child to and from school. This has led to a longer pick up line. However - our partnership has greatly improved the experience in the last 10 days.
Last week the average time for car loop dismissal was reduced by 8 minutes. We are now averaging 21 minutes from start to finish (3:45-4:06). Our goal is to get down to 15 minutes. You can help by staggering your arrival time (please don't get in line an hour early - it backs up the neighboring roads and blocks our busses), carpooling, and teaching your student how to identify your vehicle. Monday's are our busiest day in the car pick up loop.

Our current average time per vehicle is 12 seconds. We think that is pretty awesome.

If you experience aggressive driving or unsafe conditions while in the car pick up line please call the Bonney Lake Police Department. We are partnering with them to make sure the process is as safe and efficient as possible.

Fast Stats - Bus Riding at BLE

Thank you for being patient with us as we iron out the wrinkles with bus routes. Each day the experience gets a little smoother.
Did you know that each and every day we must create a student attendance roster organized by bus stop and bus route? This is a time consuming process, especially when there are many changes taking place during the day; however, many of you are settling into a routine and boy does that help us! The more consistent you are with your student's routine the faster the routes can get out of our lot!

On our best days we are getting all busses out of the lots and on the roads at about 4:02pm. Our hope is that your student who is riding the bus is starting to arrive at their stop at a consistent time each afternoon.
Principal Update: 9/2/21

Posted by SBLSD on 9/2/2021

This is an important message regarding the first day of school. We need your help! This message will be posted on FB and sent via email if you would like to share.

Our paramount duty is to keep your child safe at school - therefore we need to know how your child will get home from school on a daily basis. We know it is tempting to pick up your child via car on the first dayl; however, on our end, building a consistent routine with your student is incredibly helpful. When families change the mode of transportation at the end of day it often causes confusion and worry particularly for our younger learners.

If you haven’t already, and by 2:30 today please email your student’s teacher or call our main office to share how your student will get home from school on a daily basis. Once you pick a method we will plan to use it each and every day. That includes the first day of school.

If occasionally you need to change your child's dismissal method or arrange to pick them up early, please call the main office each time and early in the day to let us know. Teachers are not able to make dismissal changes. Ellie and Donna in the office are happy to help and want to support you. Dismissal changes must be made by 3:15. If you have not picked up your silent dismissal number you can swing by the office today or tomorrow between the hours of 9:30-3:30.

As you all know car pick up lines are notoriously slow during the first week of school. We anticipate a 30 minute wait at the end of the day. Please be patient and follow these tips...

1) Teach your child which car to look for in the afternoon. Develop a waving routine to use when you pull by the student staging area. Follow the directions of the adults in yellow vests. When students are moving cars are not!

2) Do not get out of your vehicle unless you need to assist in buckling your child into the car.

3) Teach your child how to buckle themselves into a seat on the passenger side of the vehicle.

4) If the time you are arriving isn't working. Try coming a few minutes earlier or later..

5)Please don’t block driveways and access roads while on the surface streets surrounding our school.

If your child will be riding the bus we have been told at this time that we will not be running double routes at BLE. Your student will be able to board a bus right after school.

Please use the route finder feature at the Sumner Bonney Lake School District website to locate your students' route. If you don’t have an assigned route please call our transportation office at 253 891-6400.

We appreciate your support.

August 2021

Principal Update: 8/22/21

Posted by SBLSD on 8/22/2021

Viking Friends and Families,

The time has come to welcome you to the the 21-22 school year. To say that we are excited is an understatement. We are counting down the days until we bring our students back to campus.

For those of you who are new to the Viking family please allow me to introduce myself! My name is LeeAnn Alfano, and I am the principal at Bonney Lake Elementary. When you see me on campus, my hope is that you will immediately recognize the joy on my face. I truly cherish my job!

Personally, I have experienced some drastic changes in the last several months. I am an only child and lost my mother to a lengthy battle with cancer this August. Her loss has left a hole in my life; however, my mother taught me resiliency, kindness, acceptance and commitment. I know that I will take these many lessons and apply them daily at work. Bonney Lake Elementary is a wonderfully supportive place for me. I hope that your students will always feel that same sense of comfort and safety here at school.

In another big life moment, my second daughter Ella left for college this last week. We dropped her off in Tucson, Arizona for the next step in her adventure. I beamed with pride as we were leaving the dorm room and she nodded confidently and told me, "Mom, I am more than ready for this!"

Ella's words resonate with me. My hope for each and every one of your students is that they can stand on the stage at graduation, look confidently in the direction of their future and say, "I am ready for this!" Your student's time at BLE will build the foundation for life-long learning. We take that responsiblity very seriously. We commit to open and honest communication about your student, their academic and social emotional progress and our desired next steps for their learning. Please reach out to us to partner. We are here to help.

We have chosen "Anchor's Aweigh" as our school theme for the year. The second word in the phrase is often misspelled as "Anchors Away" leading to a misunderstanding that it means "to drop the anchor". When in fact, to "weigh anchor" is to bring it aboard the vessel in preparation for departure. When shouted aloud, the phrase "anchors aweigh" indicates to all aboard the ship that the anchors are clear of the sea bottom and, therefore, the ship is officially under way.

We have certainly encountered many obstacles that weighed us down over the last two years. Those obstacles have taught us resiliency and how to adapt to change. They have pulled us closer as a community. I am thankful that our stakeholders responded with an "all hands on deck" approach. We deeply appreciate our staff as well as your commitment to positive partnerships.

Each month you will receive important communication from me via this newsletter. Please take the time to read the content and feel free to reach out to me if you have questions or ideas.

Our hope is that we can set sail into the 21-22 school year and embark on a rewarding journey toward high levels of learning for ALL of our students.

See you soon,

LeeAnn Alfano

Principal, Bonney Lake Elementary

Upcoming Events/Dates

Tuesday, August 24th - BLE Office open to the public - 9am-3pm
Friday, August 27th at 4pm - Students can view classroom teacher assignment in Skyward (New students to BLE may not have been assigned a teacher yet, stay tuned!)

Wednesday, September 1st - BLE Open House 5pm-6:30pm (Masks required when indoors)

Monday, September 7th - First Day of School Grades 1-5

Friday, September 10th - First Day of School Kindergarten

Who will be my student's teacher?
Teacher assignments will go live this Friday, 8/27 at 4pm in Skyward family access. You will get a welcome email from your student's teacher the week of August 3oth. If you are unable to login to family access feel free to call Ms. Riippi on Tuesday 8/31 after 10am for assistance at 253-891-4450.
Are you a new family at BLE? If so, you may not have an assigned teacher by Friday. Don't worry, we are carefully placing each new student and we have fabulous teachers. Be patient, we want to get it right!

Coming Soon - Kindergarten Connections Meetings - September 7th-9th

Kindergarten Connections: If you have an incoming Kindergarten student our registrar will be reaching out to you very soon to invite you to a Kindergarten Connections meeting. This meeting is to help our teachers get to know your family and your child. You will be asked some basic information about how your child learns best, how they respond to different types of situations and more. We will contact you soon!

Silent Dismissal Car Pick Up

Silent Dismissal Procedures

Silent Dismissal is a dismissal system that will be in effect when we return to school. This program will allow the school the ability to dismiss students from inside the classroom, as their parent/guardian arrives for pick up. This greatly reduces the number of students in a designated area, while increasing safety and accountability. It is a secure system and we are very excited to continue using it.

Here’s how it works:

Parents/Guardians will be provided with 'parent car tags' to be placed on the dashboard. Each tag will have a code, unique to your family, including all students within that family. When families arrive for pick up (via car or on foot), a staff member will enter the number located on your dashboard tag. Notification of pick up will then appear in your child’s classroom, letting your student(s) know they are dismissed to go to their car.

**Families that participated in Silent Dismissal last year are encouraged to pick up new tags. However, it is highly likely that your designated pick up number will remain the same.

Here are the basic procedures for silent dismissal:
1. Parent/guardian arrives in the pick up loop access road.
2. Student/Family number is entered by staff into a mobile device..
3. Server processes information & routes to classroom(s) to notify student(s).
4. Student sees name projected / teacher notifies student of dismissal
5. Student leaves the classroom for the pick up loop.
6. Student leaves in the car with the parent/guardian.
Important points to remember:
- Please have your car tag with you every day. If your child is going home with a different person or car, please make sure the other person picking up has the car tag. We plan to print four tags per family. If you need additional tags please notify Donna in the main office.
- If a car comes through the dismissal line or a parent arrives for in- person pick up without the tag, the driver will be obligated to park in the side lot and wait until dismissal has ended. At the end of dismissal, school personnel will check identification and verify Skyward permissions to manually release the student from the classroom. There will be no exceptions (even if you know your number). Students can not be picked up in the main office.
- Please understand this program was purchased with the safety of our children in mind. It is imperative we are all on the same page and adhere to these dismissal procedures. We are excited to continue to use this highly effective system!
Car Tag Pick Up for All Families

Wednesday, September 1st from 5:00-6:30pm at Back to School Night

Thursday, September 2nd from 12-4pm at BLE

Located in front of the BLE main office -

Please wear a mask & be prepared to show ID.

We can answer any additional questions at that time

Car Drop Off Begins at 8:45

Car Pick Up Begins at 3:45

COVID Safety Protocols/Update
- The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released guidance for the 2021-2022 school year. Under the updated guidance, schools must plan to provide full time in-person education for all interested students for the 2021-2022 school year with the following mitigation efforts:
- All students, school personnel, volunteers, and visitors must wear at least a cloth face covering or an acceptable alternative when indoors.
- Schools must have basic ventilation, cleaning and infection control plans updated to reflect what is currently known about COVID-19.
- In preparation for the potential of COVID-19 infections while at school, schools will have response plans in place that includes communication with staff, families, their school district, and local health jurisdiction.
- Physical distancing of at least three feet or more between students in classroom settings and at least six feet or more in most situations outside of the classroom to the degree possible is recommended.
- COVID-19 testing programs and vaccinations are not required.
Further detailed information is provided in the district newsletter and please remember that these decisions are not made or managed at the school or district level.

Transportation via Bus

Bus Routes will be ready soon:
If you are unsure of your bus stop please check our online bus stop tool located here. If the page does not load don't worry. It will be available soon.
**Due to limited staffing and route availability students will not be permitted to get a gold bus permission slip and ride the bus home with a friend or relative this year. Please contact our transportation department if you have questions!

School Supplies! $20 Donation Requested - No need to shop!

In order to provide some relief for family budgets, all elementaries in SBLSD have shifted to a supply fee donation. Please consider making your donation as soon as possible.

Instructions for Online Payment of School Supply Donation of $20 (this covers supplies for your student this year).

1) Log on to SBLSD at www.sumnersd.org (not Family Access)

2) Hover over SCHOOLS on the top banner

3) Click on grades 1-12

4) Scroll down to elementary schools and click on BLE

5) Click on the dollar bill icon "Online Payments"

6) Click on the link "Direct payment Link Here"

7) Log in with your user name and password (same as family access)

8) Click on your student that you would like to make a payment for

9) Click on "Shop"

10) Click on "Items at Student School"

11) Click on item you would like to pay

12) "School Supplies" "Grade Level" "Donation"

If you are able to contribute more than $20 to support a child in need please feel free to increase your donation. If you are unable to make the full donation you may select a lesser amount.

*** Not included - headphones or ear buds, backpack, lunchbox - if you need help with these items please let us know.

Thank you for supporting BLE! We will also accept cash payments of the supply donation during our Back to School Event!

Bonney Lake Elementary has a wonderful partnership with our PTA! In order to stay in the loop with all that PTA has to offer please consider visiting their website and joining this organization! You can also follow our PTA on Facebook at "Bonney Lake Elementary PTA".