Welcome to The Bear Facts Weekly eNews

Welcome to the first 2016-2017 issue of Bear Creek's weekly newsletter, The Bear Facts. To help you plan for each upcoming week, The Bear Facts will be delivered to your email inbox each Friday afternoon. Most news articles have additional information on our website. Click the Read More link to find more information. Be sure to review the school calendar of upcoming events posted along with every issue.

Back to School Family Picnic on September 10

Bring the whole family to the Back to School Family Picnic on Saturday, September 10, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, on Owens Field at Redmond Campus! Reconnect with friends and celebrate the beginning of the new school year. RSVP at www.tbcs.org/picnic.

Does Your Child Need an EpiPen?

If your child requires an EpiPen for emergency treatment of severe allergies. please note the school requires he/she keep two EpiPens on campus.

Join Us for Moms in Prayer

All Bear Creek moms are invited to pray for our school and our children on Friday mornings beginning September 9 from 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM in the Farmhouse.

School Lunch Accounts Accept Online Payments

Make a deposit to your family's school lunch account using your credit card or write a check. All the forms and information about school lunches can be found in the Food Services folder on the Parent Page.

Submit All the Box Tops You Saved This Summer

Have you been clipping Box Tops all summer long from the packaging of your favorite foods and household items? Write your phone number and student's name on the Box Tops and drop them in a collection jar located in one of our main offices.

Grandparent Grizzly Grams

Grizzly Grams have been mailed to grandparents offering them the opportunity to send a note to their grandchild during the first weeks of school.

Sign Up for 2016-2017 After School Programs

Registration is now open for all 2016-2017 after school programs at Bear Creek, beginning the week of September 12. Bear Creek Plus features new classes, and convenient sign-up for Flexi-Days. Register online at www.tbcs.org/plus.

Expanded Bus Service Starts September 6

Bear Creek offers round trip, morning-only, and afternoon-only bus service to and from Redmond Campus. Separate routes are available to the Bellevue/Mercer Island and Kirkland communities. Learn more and register online at www.tbcs.org/bus.

Comprehending Drop-off and Pick-up

Please be mindful of pedestrian traffic, drive slowly, and be alert. You can help reduce parking lot congestion during the first week of school by understanding the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up process. Read more to review the maps in preparation for the first day of school.

MS/US Parents 'n Pastries on August 31

Join us for our annual first day of school celebration on Wednesday, August 31 in the Nagel Commons in the Upper School building. Please park at the Main building and take the pathway to the Upper School building. Beginning at 7:30 AM, we invite you to enjoy a latte, food, and fellowship followed by the program at 8:15 AM.

Upper School Icebreaker on September 1-2

Upper School students depart for Island Lake Camp in Silverdale next Thursday morning, September 1. Students should report behind the Main Building at 7:45 AM with their luggage to check in with teachers and load the buses. Students will return to school around 2:30 PM on Friday.

Senior Class Whitewater Rafting Trip on September 9

Seniors must submit their waivers and forms to participate in the whitewater rafting trip scheduled for Friday, September 9. Please print, sign, and have your student submit all forms to Mrs. Stump in the Upper School office on the first day of school. Read more for all the links.

College Application Process for Seniors and Parents on September 10

Seniors and their parents are required to attend this informative meeting on Saturday, September 10 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Nagel Commons. Learn how Bear Creek's Office of College Advising supports the college application process.

College Planning for Juniors and Parents on September 10

Juniors and their parents are encouraged to attend this college planning kick-off session on Saturday, September 10 from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM in the Nagel Commons.

Kok Named Top Ten Winner in Celebrating Art Spring 2016

Senior Catherine Kok was recognized in July as a Top Ten winner by the spring 2016 art contest sponsored by CelebratingArt.com.

Forensics Team Results from Nationals

Five of the eight Bear Creek students competing at the NSDA National Tournaments in June finished in the top-100 in their events; three reached the top-60.

MS/US Parents 'n Pastries on August 31

Join us for our annual first day of school celebration on Wednesday, August 31 in the Nagel Commons in the Upper School building. Please park at the Main building and take the pathway to the Upper School building. Beginning at 7:30 AM, we invite you to enjoy a latte, food, and fellowship followed by the program at 8:15 AM.

Middle School Icebreaker on September 1-2

This year's event is scheduled for Thursday, September 1 and Friday, September 2. Students should arrive on campus at 8:10 AM both days. It is not an overnight event although we will be offsite for most of both days.

Middle School Sports Begin on September 6

Practices for Middle School fall sports (for grades 6-8) begin on Tuesday, September 6. It is not too late to register online for boys and girls soccer, girls volleyball, and cross country.

ParentNet for Grades 7-8 on September 14

ParentNet invites parents of students in grades 7-8 to a facilitated conversation on Wednesday, September 14. Join us in the Farmhouse from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM for a conversation on cultivating independence and problem-solving skills as well as other pertinent subjects suggested by attendees.

Back-to-School Popsicle Party on September 1

All Lower School and Early Middle School families are invited to the annual Popsicle Party on Thursday evening, September 1. Students and families can get reacquainted, welcome and meet new students and families, meet the teachers, and visit the classrooms. Students may also drop off their school supplies.

LS/EMS Parents 'n Pastries on September 6

Join us for our annual first day of school celebration on Tuesday, September 6 in the Main Commons. Beginning at 8:00 AM, we invite you to enjoy a latte, food, and fellowship followed by the program at 8:45 AM.

Summer Reading Program Concludes September 6

September 6 is the final day to earn summer Accelerated Reader points towards a free dress day on September 16. Students may begin accumulating AR points for the 2016-2017 school year on Wednesday, September 7.

Middle School Sports Begin on September 6

Practices for Middle School fall sports (for grades 6-8) begin on Tuesday, September 6. It is not too late to register online for boys and girls soccer, girls volleyball, and cross country.

Early Middle School Family Game Night on September 16

Save the Date: Friday, September 16 is the first ever Early Middle School Family Game Night! The fun begins at 6:00 p.m.

Back-to-School Popsicle Party on September 1

All Lower School and Early Middle School families are invited to the annual Popsicle Party on Thursday evening, September 1. Students and families can get reacquainted, welcome and meet new students and families, meet the teachers, and visit the classrooms. Students may also drop off their school supplies.

LS/EMS Parents 'n Pastries on September 6

Join us for our annual first day of school celebration on Tuesday, September 6 in the Main Commons. Beginning at 8:00 AM, we invite you to enjoy a latte, food, and fellowship followed by the program at 8:45 AM.

Summer Reading Program Concludes September 6

September 6 is the final day to earn summer Accelerated Reader points towards a free dress day on September 16. Students may begin accumulating AR points for the 2016-2017 school year on Wednesday, September 7.

Transitioning Your Child Back to School on September 8

Come and learn tips and tricks on how to help your child and family transition back into the school year. Whether you are new to The Bear Creek School or are a returning family, you are invited to hear V.P. for Academic Affairs Karen Blankenbeckler share information on starting the school year off right! Please join us Thursday morning, September 8 at 8:40 AM in the Kindel Library.

ParentNet for Grades 1-2 on September 13

ParentNet invites parents of students in grades 1-2 to a facilitated conversation on Tuesday, September 13. First experience part your child's day by attending Chapel from 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM, Then join other parents in the Kindel Library from 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM for a conversation on navigating the playground and other pertinent subjects suggested by attendees.

First Week of Kindergarten Special Schedule

During the first week of school, September 6-9, all kindergarten classes will be dismissed at 11:40 AM; parents should pick kindergarteners up in the small loop (see K on map).

Student/Teacher One-on-Ones

During the week of September 6, teachers will schedule a time to meet with you and your child in order to assist with the transition to a new classroom.

Preschool Back-to-School Social on September 8

All Preschool students and their families are invited to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and meet classmates on Thursday, September 10. Read more for grade-specific times.

Preschool Starts on September 12 and 13

Preschool starts on Monday, September 12 for three-day P3, P4, and P5 classes. Two-day P3 classes begin on Tuesday, September 13. The first day for P3 students will be "Practice Preschool." Parents of P3 students should attend class with their children from 8:45 AM - 10:30 AM when class will be dismissed.

Register for Cubs Club

There is still space available in most of our Cubs Club sessions. Classes are taught at Valley Campus and include Music and Movement, Sports Den, Dance Discovery, Sprout with Art, and Redwine Soccer. Cubs Club classes run from 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM. Register for Cubs Club online.

Transitioning Your Child Back to School on September 14 and 15

​Come and learn tips and tricks on how to help your child and family transition to the school environment and fall schedule. Please join us Wednesday, September 14 or Thursday, September 15 in the Little Gym. Doors open at 8:45 AM for refreshments and fellowship; program begins at 9:00 AM.

Fall Tailgate on September 21

Come out and support varsity girls soccer and JV and varsity volleyball teams! Our second annual Fall Tailgate is on Wednesday, September 21 at 4:00 PM at Owens Field, the gym, and the parking lot behind the Main Building. The Grizzlies Booster Club will be hosting a bar-b-que, so bring some ca$h! Go Grizzlies!

Join the Grizzlies Booster Club

ARE YOU READY? The Grizzlies Booster Club Board invites you to support the Bear Creek Athletics Department by becoming a member of the Grizzlies Booster Club. Join today by completing the online membership form.