The Bear Facts 2-17-17

Important News and Announcements

Auction 2017: Once Upon a Time RSVP Online

Last week you should have received your auction invitation by email. With the online registration process, we no longer send printed invitations, saving both time and money. When you respond, please be sure to let us know who you would like to sit with or the name of your Table Captain and any dietary restrictions. RSVP online.

Auction 2017: Underwrite, Sponsor, or Donate

Do you still need an idea for your auction item donation? Wine, restaurant gift certificates, shopping opportunities, casual jewelry, toys, getaways, and sports tickets are all good options. You may also choose to make a donation that directly underwrites the auction, sponsor a teacher's ticket ($125), or contribute to the Fund-A-Need for the Redmond Campus playground upgrade. Underwrite, sponsor, or donate online.

Summer is for staying active and getting outdoors! Sign up for one or more of our exciting athletics camps at Bear Creek's Summer Camp. We have 16 different sports camps for all ages! Encourage your kids to pursue their passion for sports; with over 50 camps to choose from, there is something for everyone. Register online at www.tbcs.org/summer.

Dads Breakfast with the Headmaster on March 8

Dads are invited to join Headmaster Patrick Carruth for breakfast and casual conversation with other dads on Wednesday, March 8 from 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM in the Farmhouse. Due to the staggered start times for students in different divisions, the Farmhouse will be open as early as 8:15 AM. Please RSVP.

Last Auction Planning Meeting on February 28

We'll be wrapping up the planning for "Once Upon a Time" after morning drop-off on Tuesday, February 28 in the Farmhouse. Please join us to finalize the details and help schedule a couple of work parties to get us ready for the big day. If you'd like to help transport items to the Westin on the morning of March 18, call or email Linda Sheppard at ext 338 or lsheppard@tbcs.org.

Upper School News

2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Thirteen Upper School students and 22 works of art and writing were recognized in the 2017 Washington State Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Adesuwa Agbonile, senior, received two Gold Key awards for her poetry collection and short story, and Brooke Kato, senior, received a Gold Key award for her poetry collection; additionally, Bear Creek students were recognized with six Silver Keys and 13 Honorable Mentions. Read more for all the details, a slideshow of the recognized art, and links to recognized writing.

2017 Solo and Ensemble Festival Results

Senior Tolu Sobande won in the Alto category and sophomore Sandy Shao won in the Clarinet category at the Northlake Music Region Solo and Ensemble Festival held February 11 at Lake Washington HS. Both will represent Bear Creek at the WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest in April. Sophomore Daniel Yoo is second alternate in the Cello category. Read more for a list of all the Bear Creek competitors.

Career Exploration Panel: Engineering on March 1

Upper School students are invited to attend March Madness Career Exploration Panels on Wednesday mornings from 8:10 AM - 8:50 AM in the Wesley Choir Room. On March 1, we kick off the series with a panel of five engineering professionals to discuss careers in engineering with students. Read more for panelist bios.

Spring 2018 European Humanities Trip: Deposits Due March 17

Is your student interested in traveling to Germany, Austria, and Hungary during Spring Break 2018? The trip is open to all students currently in grades 9-11 (next year's sophomores, juniors, and seniors). Read more for lots of details regarding making a deposit ($175 due by March 17 payable to Joshua Expeditions) and estimated cost.

2017-2018 Course Preferencing

Please look for an email from Registrar James Woollard about online course preferencing on February 28. Academic and College Advisors Emily Schuldt and Frances Carhart will be available in the Nagel Commons during Upper School lunch on February 28, March 1, and March 2 to answer questions about scheduling and academic balance.

Upper School Division Head Connection on February 28

Parents of seniors are invited to join Upper School Division Head Tim Fenderson for conversation on Tuesday, February 28 at 8:30 AM in the Andrea Lairson Library. We'll discuss Senior Blast and other end of the year senior class events.

Middle School News

Family Fun Center Social on March 11

Middle School students should turn in this waiver and $20 by March 6 to attend the social at Family Fun Center on Saturday, March 11. Students will meet at school at 5:45 PM and take the bus to Tukwila, returning by 10:15 PM. Go karts, bumper boats, miniature golf, laser tag, and 10 tokens included.

Early Middle School News

Leaders of the Week

Please congratulate the following students who were recognized at Chapel on February 14.

Sara B., grade 5, for Boldness
Sophia B., grade 5, for Responsibility

Grade 6 Division Head Connection on March 3

Early Middle School Division Head Jenn McDonough invites grade 6 parents for a time of fellowship and discussion about the transition to and preparation for Middle School. Join her on Friday, March 3, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, in the Farmhouse. Coffee and treats will be served; we hope you will join us.

Online Sign-ups for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on April 3 and 4. Sign up online for conference appointments beginning March 1 at 9:00 AM through March 31 at 9:00 AM. The links will be on the Parent Page. Each teacher has several openings to choose from, and openings may vary slightly by teacher. If you need to reschedule after March 31, please contact your child's teacher directly.

Lower School News

Growing in Virtue Awards

Please congratulate the following students who were recognized at Chapel on February 14:

Hala A., grade 3, for Sincerity
Joe K., grade 3, for Virtue
Tess W., grade 2, for Patience and Diligence

Online Sign-ups for Parent/Teacher Conferences

ParentNet for Grades K-4 on March 1

ParentNet invites parents of students in grades K-4 to a facilitated conversation on Wednesday, March 1 in the Farmhouse from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM for a conversation on building blocks for healthy development and other pertinent subjects suggested by attendees.

Preschool News

Parenting Topics and Tips: The 5 Love Languages

Bear Creek Preschool presents the third our in the Parenting Topics and Tips series. Don't miss The 5 Love Languages with Jenn McDonough, Early Middle School Division Head, at 8:45 AM on March 15 (RSVP online). This event is free and open to all, so you are welcome to invite your friends and family who may be interested in this topic.

Parent Partner Program on February 28 and March 1

Join other parents to support one another on the parenting journey. On Tuesday evening, February 28 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, we will recap the February conversation topics: parenting styles and dealing with kids' emotions. On Wednesday, March 1 from 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM, we will discuss empathy. All sessions meet in the Parent Lounge, and each class begins with a brief presentation followed by discussion and Q & A. Younger siblings and children not enrolled in Cubs Club are welcome to attend the Wednesday sessions. The Parent Partner Program is open to all, so please feel free to invite your friends and relatives who may be interested.

Grizzlies Athletics

Boys Basketball Results

In the final game of the 2016-2017 season, Bear Creek lost to Overlake (56-64) in an Emerald City League playoff game last Saturday, February 11. Senior Colby Cadigan scored 18 points. Junior Trevor McRae scored 16 points and made 9 rebounds. Senior Connor Pittman scored 13 points. The Grizzlies finished the season with 9-10 overall record (6-6 league).