- Upper School
Greetings from the Upper School!
We are enjoying the signs of spring and the freedom given by a reprieve from the rain. It’s been fun to see students picnicking on the lawn and indulging in impromptu wiffle ball games during lunchtime—spring in the Pacific Northwest brings out the little kid in teenagers, no doubt!
For Upper School students and faculty, the month of March is one of our busiest. From projects in Christian studies classes to reviewing content to be tested on upcoming AP Exams, March is truly rich in both new learning new content and creating student-centered learning products. Last month also gave us the opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and share our students’ talents, as we honored our senior class artists at the Senior Art Show in Kirkland and in the Upper School gallery, enjoyed Senior Blast in Leavenworth, and choir, band, and forensic students performed and participated at festivals and competitions. Lewis House also hosted a super-hyped dance contest, and one of the highlights was the faculty performance. Watch the video of some of our favorite faculty dancers, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Davison, Mrs. Riley, Mr. Schuldt, and Mr. Sorensen—you will not be disappointed!
Next week we welcome Spring Break and celebrate Easter. I pray your family experiences the joyful renewal and eternal hope made possible by Christ’s sacrifice for each of us.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
Announcements
New Dress Uniform Vendor Options Available in 2019-2020: We are excited to partner with Lands’ End School Uniforms and School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger as additional Upper School dress uniform vendors for pants beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. We want to express our thanks to our ASB leadership and student focus groups who worked diligently this past year to survey students and trial various options in an effort to provide more choices in pants for both ladies and gentlemen. We will continue our partnership with DENNIS Uniform for all other dress uniform items, including pants, skirts, polos, shirts, blazers, and logowear.
Pants from Lands’ End School Uniforms (School Number: 900033929) and School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger (School Code: BEAR01) are available for purchase online only, and DENNIS Uniform (School Code: XSB051) will continue as an online vendor. DENNIS Uniform operates a brick-and-mortar store in Tukwila and will also hold their annual on-campus sale on Wednesday, August 7 in the Marilyn R. Nagel Commons.
The School Uniform page and Family Handbook (see MyBC/Parents and MyBC/Students) will be updated to reflect this change over the next few months.
Forensics Success: During the 2018-2019 season, more than 30 students competed on the Bear Creek forensics team, participating in seven local tournaments, as well as three post-season tournaments. Team members brought home more than 50 trophies throughout the season.
- Eight Bear Creek students competed at the Puget Sound District Championship Tournament, and all eight were finalists in their events.
- Seniors Jack McDonough and Yasmin Wadhwani are Puget Sound District Champions in Duo Interpretation.
- Nine Bear Creek students qualified to compete at State in various events.
- Sophomore Christina Stepin is State Champion in Humorous Interpretation.
- Bear Creek took second place sweepstakes for the sixth consecutive year at the 3A State Speech (Individual Events) Tournament, finishing just behind Gig Harbor (which is much, much larger than Bear Creek).
- Six Bear Creek students qualified for the NSDA National Tournament which will be held in Dallas in June.
This is a tremendous achievement. Bear Creek has one of the top speech and debate programs in Washington State.
Upcoming Events
Used Uniform Flash Sale: This morning, April 10 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. in the Main Commons, come purchase gently-used Bear Creek uniforms at great prices—perfect items to help fill the need of those students who’ve had end-of-year growth spurts! All proceeds go directly back to benefit our students and will fund PTF-sponsored school events.
NHS Induction Ceremony: Mrs. Graham and Mme Bergin are preparing the new members’ induction ceremony for Bear Creek's chapter of the National Honor Society. All current members are invited, and we will also spend a portion of the evening honoring our seniors. Come celebrate with us this evening, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Nagel Commons.
Upper School Division Head Connection: Please come for coffee with us tomorrow, April 11 at 8:15 a.m. in the Andrea Lairson Library. I will share some of my reflections from my first year in the Upper School, Dr. Gephart will give an update on House activities, and we will review spring and summer opportunities planned by the Office of College and Academic Advising.
Upper School Band and Choir Concert Tours: Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Visker are traveling with our concert band and concert choir students this month, and we are so excited for them! The band is attending a concert tour in Nashville, TN from April 11-14, and the choir is touring in St. Louis, MO from April 10-13. We admire the hard work and preparation the students and faculty have dedicated to these trips, and I ask you to join me in praying for safe and fun travels for them. We can’t wait to share their reflections with you!
Freshman and Sophomore College Planning: Freshmen, sophomores, and their parents are invited to meet with Ms. Carhart on Wednesday, April 24, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., in the Performing Arts Center. She will demonstrate the robust resources in Naviance, suggest ideas for using summer vacation productively, and review the college research and application timeline so you feel confident (and calm) about the next few years.
Upper School Field Day: Here comes the House Cup! Upper School Houses will participate in fun games and challenges to acquire the last House points of the year during Field Day on Wednesday, April 24. This is the culmination event for awarding the winning House the coveted Cup. Follow @TheBearCreekSchool on Instagram for photos from this event!
Spring Tailgate: Immediately following Field Day on April 24, meet us at Marymoor Park for an afternoon of sports and food sponsored by the Grizzlies Booster Club. Grab your entire family and join us in cheering on the Grizzly soccer, baseball, and tennis teams. Ámonos! Taco Truck and Chillz Ice Cream will be at the park, so come hungry. Games begin at 3:30 p.m. Go Grizzlies!
What to Expect Senior Year: Parents of juniors are invited for coffee on Friday, April 26, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., in the Farmhouse, to hear from, and ask questions of, parents of seniors and alumni who have successfully navigated the senior year. Come receive tips and wisdom to help you and your child journey through this special time. Coffee and pastries served. Please RSVP.
Bear Creek Athletics Banquet: On Friday evening, April 26 our 2018-2019 Upper School sports teams and athletes will be recognized and honored at the annual Athletics Banquet held in the Cornerstone Theater. Get your tickets by April 19. Sponsored by the Grizzlies Booster Club.
Grade 12 Final Exams: Seniors are scheduled to sit for final exams the week of April 29 – May 3, during regular class periods. Teachers will communicate schedules with their students.
Upper School Spring Concert: On Tuesday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m., join us in the Performing Arts Center for a concert featuring our musical groups fresh from their concert tours!
Junior College Planning: Juniors and their parents are invited to meet with Ms. Carhart on Wednesday, May 1, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., in the Andrea Lairson Library. She will review important college application deadlines and help families plan ahead so they feel confident about the application process as they head into summer.
Upper School Spring Drama: Upper School drama students will present Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, May 3 and 4 at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Please bring your entire family to enjoy the show, support our talented student performers, and appreciate the work of our esteemed director, Dr. Ron Lynch. Tickets are free, but you must reserve your seat. A ticket is required for admission.
Advanced Placement Exams: Mr. Woollard will hold a pre-administration session after lunch on April 26 so AP students can complete the information sections of the AP answer sheet and student pack before the exam(s). Students sit for AP Exams during the weeks of May 6-17. All exams are administered at Bear Creek and are posted on the school calendar. On exam day, students must arrive at the exam location 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of their exams (7:45 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.). Most exams take between 3½ to 4 hours to complete, though some can take a bit longer. A student may not leave the exam room early under any circumstances without forfeiting his/her exam score. Please remember that cell phones or electronic devices (except calculators for certain exams) may not be brought into the exam room. Students are not expected to attend regular classes at Bear Creek on their AP Exam days.
Advice for the Launch: Parents of graduating seniors are invited on Tuesday, May 7, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., in the Farmhouse, to hear from, and ask questions of, other parents who have launched their children. Come receive and share wisdom about parenting your child as he or she transitions to college. Coffee and pastries served. Please RSVP.
An Evening of Honors: The immediate family (just parents and siblings) of all graduating seniors are invited to attend this special event on Friday, June 14 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Cornerstone Theater doors open at 6:30 p.m. At this memorable celebration, our seniors reflect on their years at Bear Creek, receive commendation for their many accomplishments, and express appreciation to their parents. Dessert and coffee are served. Please RSVP.
Summer Camp: Bear Creek Summer Camp has some great offerings for Upper School students including sports, crafts, science, technology, life skills, and other topics. See the complete list of camps at www.tbcs.org/summer.
Faculty Update: Each spring we enter into a season of hiring and preparing for changes in our faculty for the upcoming school year. This year we have a few Upper School faculty members transitioning to new vocational opportunities, and we are praying for them as they begin their new academic endeavors outside the Bear Creek community. These faculty members include Mme Bergin, Ms. Carhart, Mrs. Dierking, and Mrs. Probst (soon to be Dr. Probst). Additionally, Dr. Ron Lynch is retiring after his auspicious almost 20-year tenure as the drama teacher at Bear Creek. These faculty members have each contributed both in heart and abundant service to our school, and while we are excited for their future opportunities, we will miss having them as members of our faculty.
As I have witnessed in my 10 years in the Bear Creek community, the Lord is faithful in who he sends to serve at our school. Our applicant pool is impressive and extensive, and we are thankful.
April at Bear Creek: For many in our community, April may be a difficult month as we remember faculty and students who have died in the past couple years. We want you to be aware of how we are caring for students. As a life-giving way to remember our friends, we want to give our community an opportunity to write to the families and encourage them or to tell a favorite story. The Block Leadership Suite will be a space to write wishes, prayers, and remembrances to the Whitlock, Bruner, and MacKenney families on the following dates: April 9, 11, 25, and 26. This is completely optional for students. In addition our school counselor, Mrs. Slaybaugh, and entire student life staff are always available to support students as needed.
All's joy,
Karen Wright, Ph.D.
kwright@tbcs.org