2005/4 Friday Flyer April 8th


Relay For Life	2
Volunteer Awards	2
BSF	3
Highland Family Bingo Night	4
Bennett Calendar	4

Inside this issue:

Calendar

Calendario

April 11– 15: Spring Break

Vacaciones de la Primavera

May 10: PTSA Meeting

La Reunion para PTSA

May 13: Deadline for Volunteer of Year

and Golden Acorn Awards

El ultimo dia por nombramientos por premios de "Voluntario del Año" y "Golden Acorn" (voluntario de muchos años)

May 20: Spring Social

Fiesta de la Primavera

Bellevue Schools Foundation

Today's Biology

A high level science education for all students is an academic imperative for the district. Last fall, in partnership with Dr. Lee Hood's renowned Institute for Systems Biology, the district launched the first unit of a state-of-the-art, web-based biology program titled "Today's Biology."

The program is part of the required 9th grade biology course. Today's Biology incorporates recent scientific discoveries and advanced methodologies that allow students to study biology within an authentic, real world framework.

The Bellevue Schools Foundation thanks the following corporations and foundations who are helping fund Today's Biology: Amgen, The Boeing Company, Medtronic Foundation, The Stuart Foundation, Washington Mutual and Wells Fargo.

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Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon – Update

The 17th annual Bellevue Schools Foundation Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon is coming up on Thursday, June 9, 2005. It will be held at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue starting at 11:30am with guest registration and student displays, and the luncheon program from 12:00pm - 1:30pm.The program will feature elementary, middle and high school student speakers, plus Dr. Mike Riley, who will share his Superintendent's visionary perspective. Guest registration is available online, www.bsfdn.org <http://www.bsfdn.org/ , click on "Register Today".

**Karen and Clair Parker welcome Bennett parents that would like to attend the BSF Luncheon at their table. Please RSVP to parkerhome@msn.com.**

Volunteers Needed: If you are interested in volunteering for this event, both adult & high school students are needed for the week of June 3 - 10. For further information, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Mary Austin, via email: maryaustin1@aol.com or via telephone: 425.864.8004.

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National Board Certification Teachers - Update

This year, over 60 teachers in the Bellevue School District are going through the rigorous process of National Board Certification. Bellevue ranks #1 in the state in Board Certified teachers (41), and Washington State ranks 9th in the national overall. Teachers who have gone through the certification process comment that while it is very demanding, the results are well worth it. The students benefit from teachers who are focused on 'the big picture' and how they can help their students learn in more effective, engaging and thoughtful ways.

If you would like to hear from the very first Bellevue School District National Board Certified teacher, Shelly Bouse, please join us on Tuesday, April 26 at 7pm in the Boardroom at the Education Service Center (12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005). Please RSVP via email: info@bsfdn.org, or contact Meredith Brown at BSF, 425.456.4199.

For further information on any of the above, please contact: Gillian Doyle Bellevue Schools Foundation tel: 425.456.4199 email: gillian@bsfdn.org

Thank You Bennett Young Scientist Week Supporters!

Young Scientist Week was a success – we had over 350 students do their own science projects and many of their families at school enjoying science during Family Science Night. We have a lot of folks to thank for this fun week of learning! Our first thanks go to the core PTSA Science Team for the months of planning, coordinating, building & testing hands-on science activities, and basically pitching in to do everything that was needed with enthusiasm and good cheer. The team included:

Karen Dawson Karla Ostlund

Marian McDermott Tom Gordon

Kim McDermott Mary Gianopolis

Susan Steckler Karen Black

John Malley Elissa Adelson

Amy Doran Jill Wagner

Phil Allen

Thank you to our wonderful Young Scientist Week Teacher Coordinators Dave Halstead, Steve Anderson, and Sandy Eschen.

Thank you to the many fabulous volunteers and Bennett staff that inspired and helped kids to do their own science projects as well as help this week setting up, cleaning up, and leading the hands-on science activities. Family Science Night alone depended on 30 volunteers every 30 minutes from 5:30 – 7:30 (plus more for set up and clean up). What an incredible community we have! Our kids benefit so much from all you do!

Thank you Bennett Service Club for all the marvelous signs advertising the Young Scientist Week events.

Thank you Bellevue Schools Foundation for the grant to help support this week.

Thank you Bellevue Police Department Forensic Science Laboratory and Detectives from the crime scene investigation activities and CSI response vehicle tours at Family Science Night.

Thank you Debbie Stanley, Eddie Kaetz and Microsoft X-Box for the hands-on, behind-the-box computer activity.

Thank you Mars Society for the many Mars displays and activities.

Thank you Bruce McDermott and Siemens for the ultrasound hands-on activity.

Thank you Brent Fernyhough and Byrnes Specialty Gases for the cold science hands-on activity.

Thank you Jim Burrows for the mesmerizing cold science extravaganza (and frozen marshmallows!).

Thank you Dr. Bob for your 14 years of Sensational Science Shows. We will miss you!

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR "VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR" AND "GOLDEN ACORN" AWARDS

All PTSA members are encouraged to nominate two fellow members to receive the Volunteer of the Year and Golden Acorn awards.

The Bennett Volunteer of the Year Award is designed to recognize and celebrate an outstanding volunteer whose efforts truly make a difference in the lives of the children at Bennett.Our students benefit greatly from the services of special volunteers who give generously of their time and talents.

The Golden Acorn Award is given to a PTSA member who has given exemplary volunteer service to children and youth inschool community; that is, service "above and beyond" a particular job description.The Golden Acorn Award is very special and is given for continued and dedicated service.

Application forms are attached to the back of this newsletter.Deadline for nominations is May 13.The PTSA Awards committee will make the final selection, and award winners will be announced at the Spring Social on May 20

Egg Drop was a Smashing Success!

Bennett students had a smashing good time at the egg drop contest on Wednesday, March 30. The B Platoon, from Bellevue Fire Station No. 3, launched the 241 entries from their ladder truck extended to a height of 70 feet! The Bennett Chicken led the cheers for each drop - especially the spectacular splatters! Students perfected their designs from last year resulting in 171 Survivor Eggs! All contestants received prizes.

A huge thanks to:

Bellevue Fire Department for providing the ladder truck and launch team;

Smith Brothers Farms for donating eggs;

Star Rentals for donating the hydraulic lift;

CH2M HILL for donating prizes; and

Our volunteers for organizing and running this event!

RELAY FOR life

Who:Bennett Students

What: RELAY FOR LIFE, American Cancer Society

Where:Redmond High School Stadium

17272 NE 104 St, Redmond

When: May 14-15 - Saturday 12 noon to Sunday 9am

Why:To help raise money for a cure for cancer

How:Walking with the team

Help support our Bennett Relay for Life Team. Zoe Fernyhough, Allison Byrne, and Tara Ghassemikia are team captains for this youth team.

During the weeks of April 18 – April 29, we are going to be collecting monies in each classroom to support cancer research.All checks can be made payable to:American Cancer Society. The class with the largest amount of donations will win a pizza party.Look for more information and opportunities in upcoming newsletters.

SPRING PLANT SALE!

Support the Interlake High School Horticulture Program

Bedding Plants, Perennials, Fuchsia Baskets, Geraniums, Mixed Flower Containers, Tomatoes

Dates: Friday, April 29 - Friday, May 13

Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Saturdays 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Place: Interlake High School Greenhouses

16245 NE 24th Street, Bellevue, WA

Cash and checks, no credit cards.

Please bring your own box or container to carry plants home.

Come early for the best selection.

Spring Break Baseball camp at Interlake High School:

Interlake's Boys Baseball team is sponsoring a Baseball Camp during Spring Break

• When: April 11, 12, 13, 2005 For Information contact

• Time: 9:00 am—12:00pm each day Coach Pete Orgill at :

• Where: Interlake High School Baseball Field Phone: 206-890-7715

• Cost: $40.00 for three days of instruction email orgill21@juno.com

• Ages: 7-14

• How do I register? Be at the field by 8:30am on the11th to register for the camp

• Each camper will receive a packet of information on skills and drills!