- Early Middle School
- Middle School
Dear Parents,
Please read this joint update to find important information on what's coming up in both the Early Middle School and Middle School. This has been a busy and exciting season at Bear Creek. Students have settled into second semester, and spring is in the air. There are many wonderful and important things I would like to share with you; thank you for reading this update and planning for some great times ahead for your children!
Division Head Connection: All parents of students in grades 5-8 are invited to join me next Friday, March 29 at 8:30 a.m. in the Main Conference Room to discuss topics such as honors assemblies, field day, final exams, summer math and reading expectations.
Parenting Under Pressure: Dr. Rob McKenna will speak at Bear Creek on Tuesday, April 2 from 7:00 p.m. You'll take away tools that will help you when parenting produces those high pressure moments that test our composure and resilience. Bring your friends, this event is open to the community. Tickets ($10) may be purchased online.
Used Uniform Flash Sale: PTF is collecting used uniform items next week and will host another flash sale on Wednesday, April 10 at 8:30 a.m. in the Main Commons. See details in The Bear Facts.
Hour of Code: On Tuesday, May 6 our school is joining in on the largest learning event in history: the Hour of Code. We live in a world surrounded full of technology. And we know that whatever field our children choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly depend on understanding how technology works. Just a tiny fraction of us are learning how technology works, and only 35% of all high schools teach computer science. More than 100 million students worldwide have already tried an Hour of Code. Check out this short (1-minute) video: What Is Creativity?
By hosting an Hour of Code, Bear Creek is making a statement that we are ready to teach these foundational 21st-century skills. This is a chance to change the future of education in Redmond, WA. This is a parent/child event for students in grades K-8; seating is limited. We hope you can join us!
Middle School
Over 90 Middle School students enjoyed the social at Family Fun Center. It was a great night!
Spring Semester Parent/Teacher Conferences: You are invited and encouraged to attend spring semester Parent/Teacher Conferences on Monday, March 22. As you may remember from last fall, teachers will be located in the Upper School art gallery and Andrea Lairson Library at individual conferencing stations for brief 3-5 minute meetings. No appointments are necessary, just drop in any time between 8:00 a.m. – noon or 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please join us to discuss individual strategies for success and to hear of your child's accomplishments. Your partnership is so important and our faculty value this opportunity to speak with you directly about your student.
Upon arrival at conferences, you will receive your child's grade snapshot for all classes, and teachers will provide you with Grade Detail Reports for each of your child's classes. If you need any assistance accessing grade information on the Parent Portal, please feel free to email our school's Registrar James Woollard (registrar@tbcs.org).
Middle School Field Trips: On Friday, April 12, Middle School students will participate in off-campus field trips during the school day. Students may wear free dress.
Grade 8 students will spend the day at Carnation Farms immersed in a farm-to-table experience. They will see farming practices, talk about sustainability, and learn how to read food labels, discuss the symbiotic relationship between animals, farmers, and the land. Students should wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and working on the farm as they will be involved in farming activities. No waivers required for grade 8 students.
Grade 7 students will board the Pacific Marine Research floating classroom, Spirit of 76, and enjoy the hands-on experience of exploring the Puget Sound. They will haul in the plankton nets, spy on the invisible watery world in the microscope lab, and examine Puget Sound’s marine life. They will also learn about marine conservation and strategies for protecting the delicate ecosystem of the Puget Sound. Each grade 7 student must submit two signed waivers by April 3 to Mrs. Willard in the Middle School office.
Middle School Yearbook: For the first time, Bear Creek is publishing a dedicated Middle School yearbook, created by Mrs. Meyer’s Digital Storytelling class. Families who have not yet ordered a yearbook will receive a reminder email from Business Operations Manager Kathleen Lewis this week. Middle School yearbook orders must be placed no later than Tuesday, May 7. All yearbooks must be ordered online. There will not be any extras available for purchase later.
Upper School Parent Welcome and Orientation: Parents of rising ninth grade students (currently in grade 8), please plan to join Upper School Division Head Dr. Karen Wright for this special orientation meeting on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Andrea Lairson Library. Please RSVP online.
Middle School Spring Semester Final Exams: Please note that all Middle School students in both grades 7 and 8 will review for final exams on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, June 5, 6, and 7. Students will sit for final exams on Monday and Tuesday, June 10 and 11, with early dismissal at 11:45 a.m. both days. Students may wear casual uniform on exam days.
Early Middle School
After two weeks of science immersion, grade 5 students produced an excellent Science Fair!
Two weeks of Shakespeare immersion culminated in delightful performances of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by each grade 6 class.
Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences: By now you have signed up for a Parent/Teacher Conference appointment with your child’s teacher for either Thursday March 21 and Friday, March 22. If you need to change your appointment, please contact your child’s teacher directly. If you would like to meet with your child's math teacher, please arrange that separately by emailing him or her directly. Your partnership is so important, and our faculty value this opportunity to speak with you directly about your child! Early Middle School students will be dismissed at 11:40 a.m. on both March 21 and March 22.
Early Middle School Memory Books: Please order your Early Middle School Memory Books no later than Wednesday, April 24. Families who have not yet ordered memory books will receive an email from Business Operations Manager Kathleen Lewis this week. Second chance orders will be accepted, April 25 – May 17; however, prices will include a $10 late fee.
Middle School Parent Welcome and Orientation: Parents of rising seventh grade students (currently in grade 6), please plan to attend this special orientation meeting on Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the C.E. "Ted" Kindel Library. Please RSVP online.
Upcoming Events: Please see the website calendar for times and locations.
- March 21: Battle of the Books (4-6)
- March 30: Annual Dinner and Auction (Register)
- April 11: Donuts 'n Dads (K-6), 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. in classrooms
- April 12: Free Dress Day
- April 15-19: No School – Spring Break
- April 22: No School – Easter Monday
- April 24: Math Placement Division Head Connection (K-5)
These preteen years go by quickly, and they are full of joy, excitement, and a wide range of emotions for our students. We intentionally design the Early Middle School and Middle School programs to meet children’s needs at this developmental level. It is our desire to help students grow in faith, character, and academic skills. We are grateful for your partnership as we seek to create a school culture where truth, goodness, and beauty can flourish, and students can grow in responsibility and maturity.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me or Division Assistant Carol Willard (cwillard@tbcs.org). It is a pleasure to partner with you and your talented, wonderful children.
Take care,
Jenn McDonough
jmcdonough@tbcs.org
425-898-1720 ext. 229