April

• April 24: Celebrate Front Office Assistant Day (We love you, Ms. Sonja)
• April 26: Schoolwide Assembly at 8 a.m.
• April 30: Chat with the Principal Night 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Teams

May

May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

• May 1: School Leader Day
• May 3: Preschool Tour (Grownup Only) 9 – 10 a.m.
• May 3: National School Lunch Hero Day. Thank you Quinese!
• May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 7: National Teacher Appreciation Day
• May 8: National School Nurse Appreciation Day
• May 9: PTSA Fundraising Fun Run!
• May 10: Spirit Day: Dress Like a B.F. Day Teacher or Staff
• May 13-24: DIBELS Window for K-2
• May 16: Art Fest 5 – 7 p.m.
• May 17: Dragon Dens 1:10 – 2:10 p.m.
• May 18: National Speech-Language Pathologist Appreciation Day
• May 22: PTSA Spring General Membership Meeting at 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Google Meet
• May 22 – June 14: K-5 MAP Assessment Window
• May 27: No school: Memorial Day
• May 30: Take Your Family to School Night 5:30 – 7 p.m.

June

• Sunday, June 2: Save the Date! B.F. Day at the Mariners!
• June 13: Field Day
• June 14: Annual Spring Giving PTSA Fundraising Event
• June 18: Village Day
• June 18: 5th Grade Promotion at 6 p.m. in the gym
• June 19: No school: Juneteenth
• June 21: End of Trimester 3
• June 21: 1 hour early dismissal: Last Day of School

April 5, 2024

Dogs On Campus

During the school day (including drop off and pick up), our priority is always meeting the needs of our students. Dogs on campus during the school day present a safety concern for our students. Some of our students are afraid of dogs, and their presence on campus is causing disruption at drop off and pick up. We appreciate all families keeping pets outside the school gates during the school day.

B.F. Day Boys and Girls Club of King County

A Note from Director Kirby

Our programs are designed to provide your child with a fun, safe, inclusive, and enriching experience that will help them grow and learn after school. From exciting STEM activities to creative arts, our programs offer something for every child. To register, simply log into your MyClubHub account and follow the instructions to select the program of B.F. Day location and select our “after-school” program.

If you need any assistance with the registration process, please contact us at bfday@positiveplace.org. Thank you for choosing the B.F. Day BGC for your child’s after-school needs. We are excited to see your child grow and thrive in our programs! Contact: Kirsten (Kirby) Lillquist Licensed Program Director | Phone: (206) 718-5405 Email: bfday@positiveplace.org or klillquist@positiveplace.org

Registration will open to the public on April 15 at 7 p.m. You cannot register until this date and time.

Registration Link: If you are new and joining the program or are wanting to get on a waitlist, please follow the link to the parent portal Please make sure all information is correct when registering and that your child has a completed 2024/2025 active membership.

Parent Checklist: (Please be sure all of your information is up to date on MyClubHub) Immunization records, Photo Waiver, School location, Medications, Date of birth, Emergency contact phone/email, Correct form of payment.

Please note: If your child has an allergy or medical need that requires BGC to have medication administered for whatever reason while at BGC, please reach out to Kirby so that she can provide the adequate medical forms for physician/household to fill out. This form and medication is required to have on site to be able to administer any necessary medications to your youth.

Hours of Operation: Monday from 2-6 p.m.,Tuesday from 2-6 p.m.,Wednesday from 1- 6 p.m.,Thursday- from 2-6 p.m., and Friday from 2-6 p.m. Please note: BGC is closed when the school is closed.

Snack: A two-component snack is provided daily to every kid at arrival to after school club.

Billing: The monthly tuition for this program is $660 charged on the first day of the month (This is tentative to change to a possible increase once our billing department has reviewed state requirements for childcare for year 2024/2025). A one-time $100 annual non- refundable registration fee and an annual $50 2024/2025 membership fee is included when registering for the year.

Help Paying for childcare: As a licensed child care provider, we do accept both state and city child care subsidies! If you need help paying for your child care, please email Kirby at klillquist@positiveplace.org know so that we can help with next steps.

Instructions for State Financial Aid: If your household is not approved for State Financial Aid through any of these contacts below, then your household with be eligible for financial assistance through Boys and Girls Club. Apply for State Assistance (DCYF) or City Assistance (DEEL) first.

In order to qualify for our BGC scholarship, you will need to go through these financial aid avenues first. Follow the steps for applying for state, city, and Childcare Resources Assistance:

• State Assistance (DCYF)
• City Assistance (DEEL)
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) – Education
• Child Care Resources (private assistance)
• Best Starts for Kids

Please indicate (if available) which programs you would need assistance for when you are applying for these. For example, 2022-2023 School Year, 2023 Summer, etc.

You may also need to provide our Provider ID when applying for any of these. BF Day Boys and Girls Club Provider ID: 122521 and BF Day Boys and Girls Club SSPS ID: 971052

Notes From The Music Room

Beginning Thursday, April 18, students in grade 2 will embark on a four-week journey with one of our newest artists in residence, Srivani Jade! Srivani is an extraordinarily talented Hindustani vocalist who studies and teaches the musical traditions of Northern India. She is also currently serving as the artist in residence in the University of Washington School of Music, and is the president of Ragamala, a 501(c)(3) non-profit promoting Indian Classical Music in the Greater Seattle area since 1981. Her many accomplishments are too numerous to list here, but please check out her website to fully appreciate how fortunate our B.F. Day musicians are to work with a musician of her caliber and passion! We are looking forward to a deep, enriching, and fun experience with Srivani! Srivani will be joined again this year by two other fabulous Hindustani musicians from Ragamala, Suchitra Iyer and also Vibhuti Kawishwar. Students worked with all three of these talented women last year when they were in first grade, and we are so excited to have the opportunity to work with and learn from them again! YouTube Channel.

Call for Indian Musicians: Our artists are interested in getting to know our school community a bit better. If you or anyone in your family has experience playing or singing Hindustani music and would be interested in possibly performing with us at Art Fest on Thursday, May 16 please email Ms. Bethany bjgrantrodri@seattleschools.org

School Beautification

Thank you to our wonderful donors who provided supplies to our team. The crew of 11 4th and 5th graders has started beautifying our main floor, and it’s already made a huge difference! If you would like to contribute supplies toward this volunteer effort, look at our wish list here, or bring in similar gently used items to the office! Supply Wish List on Amazon.

News From The Library!

Books to ask your Preschool – 3rd graders about…. what’s your favorite so far? These are all nominations for the Washington State Children’s Choice Book Award!

The 4th and 5th graders enjoyed the Towner nominee Washed Ashore: Making Art From Ocean Plastic to begin our month highlighting books around environmentalism and conservation (Hello Earth Day!). We’ve become inspired to make our own sculpture with found plastic!

Thank you to our book donors toward April’s wish list featuring books about conservation, the eclipse and national library month! Richard Mackay (aka Popi, Cole’s grandfather), Nicolo’s family, Kyriaki Levanti.

April Book Wish List on Amazon.

Meet The Hamilton Principal at HIMS

Our annual Meet the Principal event is soon on the horizon. This year each event will be held in the Gymnasium at Hamilton International Middle School, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Below is the scheduled event dates for each of our feeder schools. Good news, if you’re unable to attend on the night of your scheduled school date, you are welcome to attend one of the other scheduled nights! Also open to non-feeder schools. We look forward to meeting our new Hamilton Hawks!

Tuesday, April 30, 2024: Cascade Elementary, McDonald Elementary, Green Lake Elementary, (Open to non-feeder schools)

Thursday, May 2, 2024: West Woodland Elementary, John Stanford Int’l Elem. and B.F. Day Elementary (Open to non-feeder schools)

Chat With The Principal Night April 30

Join Dr. Zisko for the second Chat with the Principal Night of the school year. The meeting is hosted on Microsoft Teams on April 30 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Dr. Zisko will provide an update on progress this year, discuss early planning for school year 2024-2025, and be available for questions from parents. Looking forward to connecting soon! Join Us on Teams.

Last Call For Lost and Found

We’re looking for a volunteer to pickup Goodwill donations on Friday, April 19. Please email Sonja; smhaas@seattleschools.org if you’re able to help.

The week after Spring Break is the last call for any items in lost and found. They’ll be donated after the 19. Please come and take a look! Our lost and found is overflowing. Thank you!

Fun Run is coming!

Save the date! Fun Run is scheduled for May 9. Fun Run is one of our spring fundraisers for PTSA. It’s an exciting event for our students! Stay tuned for more information about how to sign up to volunteer!

B.F. Day Science Fair April 4

We are excited for the upcoming Science Fair night!  Thursday, April 4 from 5 – 7 p.m. located over several areas of the school building.

What to Expect

Science Fair Night is a fun-filled evening of science at B.F. Day! It is a celebration of learning, creativity, and scientific exploration. Families and students are invited to come and experience the magic of discovery through each other’s learning. It’s not too late for students to participate in the Science Fair. If you are participating in the Science Fair, please bring your project with you on Thursday morning. Reach out to your homeroom teacher for more details.

Volunteers Needed

We are still looking for volunteers, so if you can help out in any capacity. We need volunteers to help with the set-up and tear-down of the display tables (big and foldable, somewhat heavy tables). Is someone in your family available to help? Thank you!

• Set Up: from 2:30 – 3 p.m.
• Tear Down: from 7 – 7:30 p.m.

Sign Up (by April 2) to Help Out

Speaking of Volunteering

We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful families that participate in our school! To keep everyone safe, we are tightening up our building visitor practices. If you plan to volunteer, please coordinate in advance with the office and the classroom teacher.

Next, be sure that your volunteer status is current. Volunteer status is good for 2 years. If you’re not sure if you are current, please call the office and we can look it up for you. If you need to fill out an application, visit the district Volunteer pages.

To become an approved volunteer, you must complete the application and undergo the background check. You will not be permitted to volunteer if you are not listed as an approved volunteer. There are no exceptions.

Once you know you have been cleared and you’re ready to start. You can begin volunteering in the building or chaperoning on a field trip. You must check in at the office, sign into the Visitor/Volunteer Log, and get a visitor badge.

Whether or a visitor or a volunteer, please be sure to always write your first and last name on the Visitor/Volunteer Log, time in/out, and location. All adults wear a badge on campus. Staff wear staff badges, and visitors/volunteers wear badges and/or stickers.

Sun Dragon Leadership Welcomes the School Beautification Crew!

Thirteen amazing 4th and 5th graders have volunteered for our first ever School Beautification Crew! They have several goals to accomplish this spring including sprucing up indoor and outdoor areas and adding to our signage around the school! We have put together an Amazon wish list of tools and supplies. These items can be gently used or purchased new. There will be a donation box in the office for any donated items. Thank you for supporting these students in their work!

Happy April From The Library!

In the month of March, we had 1,688 check outs! Wowza! Students in grades PK-3 have been enjoying read-alouds from the Washington State Children’s Choice Book Award nominee list.

At the end of April, B.F. Day students will vote for their favorite and we will submit our vote to the state. Here’s a list if you’d like to check them out! Ask your student about their favorite!

Students in 4th and 5th grade have continued learning about the lives of amazing, unheralded women who made groundbreaking advances paving the way for others. In the month of April, we celebrate the solar eclipse, Earth Day, and National Library Week.

This month’s Amazon Wish List brings together titles to celebrate all three! (Who knew we had zero books on eclipses in the library!).

Grownups Book Club

Our next meeting is April 16, 7:00 at Retreat in Greenlake. You have plenty of time to read this month’s book A Day in the Life of Abed Salama. Please join us!

National School Librarian Day

Shoutout to the one and only Ms. P. on national school librarian day on April 4! You rock, Ms. P! Thank you for the love and care you show our readers. We appreciate you!

Welcome Mr. Galen! Instructional Assistant

Hello! My name is Galen Mabbott and I was born and raised in Ballard, Washington. I’ve spent 18 years of my life working with kids, from four months to 18 years old.

I have a five-year-old son named Emmett and, for the last 17 years, I’ve performed as a backup singer/hype man with Eldridge Gravy and the Court Supreme, a 12-piece funk band.

2-4-6-8 Who Do We Appreciate? Instructional Assistants!

Did you know that Wednesday, April 3 is Instructional Assistant appreciation day? Join us in celebrating B.F. Day Instructional Assistants! We love and appreciate them for all the ways that make our Family School shine! Our Instructional Assistants are all around our campus every day and support our students so much. THANK YOU!

• Preschool: Mr. James, Ms. Vicki, Ms. Gina, Ms. Alem, Ms. Megan, Ms. Kayo
• Special Education: Ms. Katie, Ms. Adelle, Mr. Luke, Teacher Callen, Mr. Dennis, Ms. Mary, Mr. Galen
• Multilingual: Mr. Adam

Class Picture Day is Thursday, March 28

Yuen Lui Studio will photograph class group photos at B.F. Day Elementary.

• Students who are present at the time of their group photo will be pictured in their class group photos; students who are absent at the time of their photo will be listed as not pictured.
• There is no need to order at this time. Every student will receive one 8×10 class group print as a part of our yearbook services. We will share a link for families to order additional prints after the images are processed.
• This is also a great time for parents who volunteer frequently at the school to get an official badge made. If you’re available, you may drop in to have your picture taken for a badge. You will have to wait for breaks in between classes, but it usually it is a quick turnaround.

From Nurse Annette

On the rise is a stomach virus presenting as stomach cramping, vomiting, and low-grade fever. What to do? Follow good hand hygiene practices. Please keep your child home 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting, fever, or diarrhea. Follow the SPS “Is My Child Too Sick to Go to School?”

Thank you for keeping our community healthy!

Notes From the Music Room

Dear 5th grade Instrumental Music Families: We are excited to be offering Seattle Public Schools Summer Music Program to your students! Summer Music is a way for students to continue their music learning over summer break. Students who are entering grades 5-9 (4th grade completed) in September 2024 and have had at least one year of instrumental music instruction may participate.

Classes in Beginning and Advanced Band and String Orchestra are offered and taught by current Seattle Public Schools music teachers. Refer to the additional information below as well as visit the SPS Summer Music Program page, where you will find more information about the registration process.

Date and Time

• Date & Time: July 8-19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Monday-Friday. Students may attend for one week or two weeks.

Locations

• Aki Kurose Middle School 3928 S. Graham St., Seattle, WA 98144
• Jane Addams Middle School 11051 34th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125

Cost: 2 weeks is $200; 1 week is $100 — Scholarships are available

If your student would like to participate in Summer Music, please fill out the registration form available
on the SPS Visual & Performing Arts Summer Music webpage. We look forward to seeing your student in Summer Music!

Spring Enrichment Registration Sat, March 23 at 8 a.m.

The PTSA Enrichment Committee is excited to announce another round of after-school enrichment fun. We have many returning vendors and even a couple of new ones!

Registration instructions and the Class Enrichment Classes are on the B.F. Day PTSA Website and, on the BFDayFamily Facebook, as well as in the emails sent of the B.F. Dayette and through Room Parents.

Enrichment registration will be available online starting at 8 am on Saturday, 3/23 – Wednesday, 3/27 noon. The Spring Enrichment Session will run 4/15/24 – 6/14/24.

View Classes & Register on the B.F. Day PTSA Website

Registration Instructions & Details

A centralized registration link will be posted on the B.F. Day PTSA website. The link will take you to a form to fill out to register for classes. A separate registration form will need to be filled out for each student/class (e.g. if your student wants to take Drama & Art Club, you would need to fill out the form once for Art Club and again for Drama, or if you have two students interested in Karate, you would need to fill out the form for each child). For details, please read the Enrichment Registration FAQ on the B.F. Day PTSA Website.

Scholarships

Limited scholarships (provided by PTSA and vendors) are available to B.F. Day students. Families in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply. 

To request a full or partial scholarship, please complete the confidential financial aid application*(posted on the PTSA website) before the registration deadline. Applications will be reviewed by our school guidance counselor, Mr. Taylor, and principal, Dr. Zisko. Requesting assistance early helps the Enrichment Committee allocate scholarship funds equitably. The B.F. Day PTSA aims to support as many students who are prohibited by cost to participate in our enrichment program as possible. If there is significant need, scholarships will be limited to one class per student per quarter. 

Welcome Enrichment Coordinators!

Please welcome our new enrichment coordinators! Jenny Woods and Brandi Adams have stepped in as Enrichment Co-Chairs – thank you! Questions? Let’s talk! Email enrichment@bfdayptsa.org.

Follow updates and details on the B.F. Day PTSA Website

Applications open for SPP (Seattle Preschool Program)!

SPS Seattle Preschool Program and Head Start preschool program opened applications for the 2024-
25 school year starting on Friday, March 15. Both programs provide high-quality, evidence based preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-old students.

Please see the Preschool Locations Map for SPS preschool program locations. Families with 3- and
4-year-olds can visit the Early Learning webpage to learn more about our programs and for
information about how to apply.

Questions about preschool or support with applications

• For SPP Programs contact: preschool@seattle.gov or 206-386-1050.
• For Head Start contact: Head Start office at 206-252-0960.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Testing Window

Annually, our students in grades 3-5 participate in Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA). We use this performance data to measure the impact of our instruction and disaggregate the data into subgroups to identify trends and opportunities. We also analyze our performance comparative to other schools in the north end with similar demographics. SBA testing is a measurement of the culmination of instruction that our students have received since kindergarten, and an important measurement tool for our school.

It’s important that we have excellent attendance on testing days. Dr. Zisko and the teachers worked collaboratively to develop this testing schedule. Upper grade parents, we appreciate you marking these days down in your calendar and ensuring that your child is present for SBA testing.

B.F. Day SBA and WCAS Testing Plan

*SPS SBA Testing Window Closes: June 7
*B.F. Day SBA Testing Practice April 29 – May 10

Refer to the Chart in the emailed March 22, 2024 Dayette for the complete schedule.

B.F. Day Counseling Program Recognized!

Hello B.F. Day Community,

Earlier this week, our school counseling program at B.F. Day was Recognized for a Comprehensive American School Counseling Program (RAMP). This recognition is awarded to programs that exhibit evidence of how each student received academic, social/emotional, and career development. One of the components of the RAMP application is showing how students benefited from our school counseling program. For the application, we showed how four academic lessons in fourth grade (academic anxiety, organization, time management, and academic mindfulness) raised student scores on unit tests. In addition to raising their test scores, students also reported increased knowledge of their own academic anxieties, helpful strategies to cope with those anxious feelings, and an understanding of the intersection between organization and time. This brings to light how social-emotional learning works alongside academic confidence and achievement.

I want to say thank you for all the support and recognition. Our school community has provided me with an opportunity to be at B.F. Day full-time for the past 8 years! Without the ongoing support and funding for my position, this kind of honor would not be possible. This recognition is a celebration for all of us. Together, we’ve done great work in supporting the social-emotional wellness of our students. 

Thank you,
John Taylor
B.F. Day Elementary Counseling Overview

Meet the Hamilton Middle School Principal 

Hamilton International Middle School’s annual Meet the Principal event is soon on the horizon. This year Hamilton will host two event nights, Tuesday, April 30 and Thursday May 2, 2024, at Hamilton International Middle School, in the gym from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Notes From the Music Room

This week, we are pleased to welcome visiting artist Kimani Bishop back for a second year in a row to do a mini residency with our enthusiastic B.F. Day musicians. Kimani will be working with the same cohort of students who had the privilege to work with him last year (i.e. this year’s 5th grade cohort) to go a little deeper into the culture and repertoire of Trinidadian steelpan music. We are very excited to have the opportunity to learn from a musician and scholar of Kimani’s caliber over the next few weeks and hope to be able to share some Soca rhythms with you at this year’s Art Fest on May 16, 2024. 

Thank you so much to the B.F. Day PTSA (and to everyone in the B.F. Day community who supports the PTSA with your financial donations) for sponsoring residencies like Kimani’s. These residencies afford students unique and powerful opportunities to work with diverse musical artists of high caliber, as well as build relationships with these special individuals who invest in our students – often for multiple years in a row. We have formed successful partnerships with multiple musical artists in the broader Seattle community, and this wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the PTSA
Board and B.F. Day community. THANK YOU!

Kimani Bishop was born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago. He grew up in a musical household and was introduced to steelpan at the age of nine. Upon receiving his high school diploma, Kimani began working as a steelpan engineer at Panland, Trinidad and Tobago. There, he spent ten years learning the art of building, tuning, and manufacturing all ranges of steelpan. In 2015, Kimani pursued a bachelor’s degree in music at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine before embarking on a study abroad at Trinity College, where he eventually earned his degree. In 2021, Kimani received his master’s degree in ethnomusicology from Tufts University and is now a PhD candidate in ethnomusicology at the University of Washington, Seattle. His research interest focuses on the tense relationship between Christianity and the steelpan in Trinidad and Tobago.

News From the Library!

A huge congratulations to our Global Reading Team who placed third in the semi-finals!

We are so incredibly proud of you, not only for your hard work, but for the way you represented B.F. Day with character and poise! 

Thank you to our wish list granters! Our March Wish List is complete! ~ Dr. Zisko! Europa’s Family

We have had a fantastic time reading about amazing women during our library time together. Ask your child about the people they’ve learned about and their special accomplishments! 

Overdue notices were sent out this week. Thank you for checking all the places for these books and returning them as soon as possible. It keeps our library happy! Students in grades 2-5 are on fire with our series challenge!

PTSA Parent Happy Hour Fundraiser April 18

B.F. Day Parent’s Happy Hour 21+ 

• Date: Thursday, April 18 from 5 – 7 p.m.
  • Contact: Kevin Zelko; zelco@lakere.com 206-214-8442
• Location: Brouwers Cafe: 400 N 35th St. Lower Fremont

Amazing Belgian food and selection of beers, drinks. Kevin Zeklo Homes (Lake & Co.) will be donating $50 on behalf of every B.F. Day family that attends to the BF Day PTSA! 

Choir Performance April 1

Cornish+ Choir Performance at Cornish Playhouse Free

Join us on April 1 at 7:30 p.m. (free) at the Cornish Playhouse 201 Mercer St, for the inaugural performance of the Cornish+ Choir, let by Emilia Kister, in a multigenerational choir of over 100 Seattle community members including students from B.F. Day Elementary, Giddens and University Cooperative Schools. 

Spring Enrichment Registration Sat, March 23 at 8 a.m.

The PTSA Enrichment Committee is excited to announce another round of after-school enrichment fun. We have many returning vendors and even a couple of new ones! Registration instructions and Class Enrichment Classes are on the B.F. Day PTSA Website and, on the BFDayFamily Facebook, as well as in the emails sent of the B.F. Dayette and through Room Parents. The Spring Enrichment Session will run 4/15/24 – 6/14/24. 

View Classes & Register on the B.F. Day PTSA Website

Registration Instructions & Details

Enrichment registration will be available online starting at 8 am on Saturday, 3/23 – Wednesday, 3/27 noon.

A centralized registration link will be posted on the B.F. Day PTSA website. The link will take you to a form to fill out to register for classes. A separate registration form will need to be filled out for each student/class (e.g. if your student wants to take Drama & Art Club, you would need to fill out the form once for Art Club and again for Drama, or if you have two students interested in Karate, you would need to fill out the form for each child). For details, please read the Enrichment Registration FAQ on the B.F. Day PTSA Website.

Scholarships

Limited scholarships (provided by PTSA and vendors) are available to B.F. Day students. Families in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply. 

To request a full or partial scholarship, please complete the confidential financial aid application*(posted on the PTSA website) before the registration deadline. Applications will be reviewed by our school guidance counselor, Mr. Taylor, and principal, Dr. Zisko. Requesting assistance early helps the Enrichment Committee allocate scholarship funds equitably. The B.F. Day PTSA aims to support as many students who are prohibited by cost to participate in our enrichment program as possible. If there is significant need, scholarships will be limited to one class per student per quarter. 

Over-Enrollment and Dropping Classes

A note on over-enrollment and dropping classes: In recent quarters we have noticed an uptick in families over-enrolling their child in multiple enrichment classes and then dropping out just before or during the first week. Please don’t do this! It makes it very difficult for us and our vendors to offer scholarships when we don’t have reliable enrollment numbers. 

Some vendors generously offer a scholarship if a certain number of students are enrolled in the class. We think that number has been met, offer the scholarship, and then the numbers drop below and the vendor is taking the loss. Our vendors are small business owners and the loss of just a few enrolled students can make the difference between the class being profitable to them or not. So please, be mindful of which classes you sign up for and consider that enrollment a commitment to attend. Thank you!

Welcome Enrichment Coordinators!

Please welcome our new enrichment coordinators! Jenny Woods and Brandi Adams have stepped in as Enrichment Co-Chairs – thank you! And a huge shout out to Gayle Perez, our current coordinator, who has kept this program running for several years now. Questions? Let’s talk! Email enrichment@bfdayptsa.org.

Follow updates and complete details on the B.F. Day PTSA Website

Seattle Preschool Program Enrollment Opening Soon!

Applications for the 2024-2025 school year open on March 15! B.F. Day hosts two sections of SPP+. Our classrooms historically have wait lists. We love when Sun Dragon siblings enroll in SPP+ at B.F. Day! Interested parents are encouraged to apply when the application window opens. More information on the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) site.

Want to learn more about SPP+ at B.F. Day?
Join Dr. Zisko on a preschool tour!

• March 19: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• May 3: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Preschool tours are for grownups only. Parents will meet in the front office to begin the tour.

Preschool Enrollment Support

Application Process: To apply for preschool, students must be three or four by August 31. The application process differs depending on the program. Families may use the Early Learning website to learn more about our programs and for information about how to apply.

Enrollment in preschool programs is ongoing as space is available. For SPP programs, enrollment is facilitated by the City, and applications submitted between March 15 – April 15 receive priority enrollment for initial placements. 

Enrollment Support: In addition to the information on our website, we are happy to support families with
specific program questions and/or support with the application process.

For SPP Programs: Families may email preschool@seattle.gov or (206) 386-1050 with questions about the application. Language support is provided through these channels. For program specific support needs or questions please contact your SPS Early Learning Manger (Whitney Smith-Sanders; wnsanders@seattleschools.org – South end schools or Tisha Crumley; ticrumley@seattleschools.org – North end schools).

Check out our Career Week shout out on the SPS website!

Visit the district website to read all about the B.F. Elementary School shout out! We love our school counselors and are already planning for Career Week in the School Year 2024-2025! Refer to the Career Week Success! Ways to Continue Conversations at Home page too!

Spring Enrichment Registration is Just Around the Corner…Sat, March 23 at 8 a.m.

The PTSA Enrichment Committee is excited to announce another round of after-school enrichment fun. We have many returning vendors and even a couple of new ones! We’re firming up the calendar and will post registration instructions in next week’s (3/15) Dayette, on BFDayFamily Facebook, and through our room parents.

Registration March 23 at 8 a.m.!

Registration will take place via the link that will open on the B.F. Day PTSA website on Saturday, March 23 at 8 am. 

The Spring Enrichment Session will run 4/15/24 – 6/14/24. 

What is Enrichment?

What is “enrichment,” you ask? We bring high-quality after-school programming onsite to B.F. Day everything ranging from art to music to sports and Lego engineering. Kids get to explore new activities in a familiar space with their B.F. Day friends and caregivers get extra time in their day (and less driving!)… Win-win!

Scholarships

Limited scholarships (provided by PTSA and vendors) are available to B.F. Day students. Families in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply. 

To request a full or partial scholarship, please complete the confidential financial aid application*(posted on the PTSA website) before the registration deadline of March 27, 2024. Applications will be reviewed by our school guidance counselor, Mr. Taylor, and principal, Dr. Zisko. Requesting assistance early helps the Enrichment Committee allocate scholarship funds equitably. The B.F. Day PTSA aims to support as many students who are prohibited by cost to participate in our enrichment program as possible. If there is significant need, scholarships will be limited to one class per student per quarter. 

Welcome Enrichment Coordinators!

Please welcome our new enrichment coordinators! Jenny Woods and Brandi Adams have stepped in as Enrichment Co-Chairs – thank you! And a huge shout out to Gayle Perez, our current coordinator, who has kept this program running for several years now…

Questions? Let’s talk! Email enrichment@bfdayptsa.org.

Hello from the Art Studio!

Art is alive in the Art Studio! K-5 explored 8 different Black Artists in February and they created beautiful works of art. Last week we did intaglio printmaking on foam. All students were given a piece of foam to engrave images on. 3rd, 4th and 5th grade did this with a trace and transfer practice. All the students created amazing prints and I was really impressed with how they all turned out. This week we kicked off clay in several classes and will continue to be doing clay throughout the month. 

In addition, we started the 5th grade annual tile project! The amount of creativity and engagement happening in this room is truly incredible! 

Will update with images and posts on the BFDayFamily Facebook page as we go through the month!

Yours in Art,
Mrs. Hall

Greetings From the Library!

Our Global Reading Challenge team will compete in the semi-finals this Tuesday. They have been diligently reading and studying before the big day. Please join me in wishing them the best of luck at the competition! We’re so proud of you…. Uma, Arthur, Arlo, Simone, Cora, and Olivia!

Thank you to our wish list granters! Cam Caldwell and Laura Prudhomme, The Ichikawa Family.

In honor of Women’s History Month, March’s wish list brings in new biographies about outstanding women. View Women’s History Book Wish List on Amazon.

Overdue Books

If you receive an email listing your child’s overdue books, don’t panic! Learning to borrow and return books is part of learning how to use the library. 

We do, however, have many students with over ten books checked out. It would be great to allow other students to enjoy them. If you look high and low and can’t find a book, you can 1) pay to replace it or 2) donate a similar book to the library. If you believe the book has been returned, please send an email to jlpapineau@seattleschools.org. Sometimes books slip through the cracks and don’t get properly checked back in.

PTSA General Membership Meeting Coming Up March 20

At the end of February, B.F. Day received its budget allocation from Seattle Public Schools. It outlines FTE (teachers) and discretionary spending dollars. B.F. Day staff, under the leadership of the BLT (Building Leadership Team), vote on a preferred budget scenario. 

From there, we ask the PTSA to support the scenario, typically in funding FTE (such as the school counselor). The PTSA holds three general membership meetings per year. At the winter meeting, the PTSA will vote on the budget for next school year. 

Our winter PTSA general membership meeting is coming up! It’s on March 20 at 8:00 p.m. on Google Meet. All B.F. Day parents are encouraged and welcome to attend. Dr. Zisko will present on the school budget, as well as present the request for PTSA support. Google Meet link in the emailed Dayette.

All parents are encouraged and welcome to attend!

Trimester 2 Closing Soon

The second trimester ends on March 20, 2024. Trimester 2 progress reports will be live on the Source for parents to view on April 8, 2024.

Enrichment Co-Chair Wanted!

The PTSA is looking for an Enrichment Committee Co-Chair. Can you help our Family School? The Co-Chair will help lead the Enrichment Committee (it’s a team!) in developing after-school opportunities for our students. Please email president@bfdayptsa.org if you can help. We appreciate our parent volunteers so much!

Chat with the principal about the school budget on Monday March 4!

Dr. Zisko will host two in-person parent events to talk more about the school budget. She will share details about the allocation for school year 2024-2025, and then offer a space for parents to share their instructional priorities and hopes for B.F. Day. This is an informal meeting. Coffee and treats will be shared. After the school budget is presented, the space is intended to be a listening session where Dr. Zisko can hear more from parents about their instructional priorities.

Hope you can join us!

• Monday, March 4 8:15 – 9:15 in the library
• Monday, March 4 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in the library

If you’re unable to attend, you are always welcome to email in your feedback or reach out to Ms. Sonja; smhaas@seattleschools.org to schedule an appointment to connect with Dr. Zisko to talk more.

Spring Giving

Our annual auction, Spring Giving, will be Friday, June 14. We are now actively collecting donation items/experiences/interested business sponsors. Some of our best donations last year came from parents, and we would love to continue that creative spirit this year.

Do you have a vacation home you can donate for a few nights? Boat ride? Sports tickets? Host a creative small group gathering at your home (cooking, whiskey tasting, etc.)? We are open to all ideas! Please email social@bfdayptsa.org.

Fifth Grade Fundraising Movie Night March 23

We have a fabulously full month of 5th Grade fundraising in March as we prepare for our overnight field trip to NatureBridge to experience their hands-on environmental science program on the Olympic Peninsula. Please support our 5th Graders by partaking in the following events:

• Popcorn sales: After school popcorn sales will continue every Friday through the month of March (3/1, 3/8, 3/15. 3/22, 3/29)
• Movie Night: Join us on 3/23 at 6 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Ballard 2812 NW Market St.
  • Featured Film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
    • Tickets $10 Check out the QR code on the flyers at school.
      • Note: This is not a drop off event.
• Bake Sale: An online bake sale will be held between March 21 and 25 and will include the ability to purchase a copy of the wonderful cookbook created by our own 5th Grade – The at Home Gnome Cookbook. Bake sale item pick up will be on March 29. More details to come!

Pi Memorization Contest March 14

On Thursday, March 14 we will hold the Pi Memorization Contest!

* Whoever can memorize and recite the most digits of pi will get their name engraved on a plaque. There will be a winner from Pre-K to 2nd and 3rd to 5th.

Below are the first 350 digits of pi:

3.1415926535 8979323846 2643383279 5028841971 6939937510 5820974944
5923078164 0628620899 8628034825 3421170679 8214808651 3282306647
0938446095 5058223172 5359408128 4811174502 8410270193 8521105559
6446229489 5493038196 4428810975 6659334461 2847564823 3786783165
2712019091 4564856692 3460348610 4543266482 1339360726 0249141273
7245870066 0631558817 4881520920 9628292540 9171536436

*If you want to participate, please let your teacher know!

Library News!

Hello B.F. Day Readers!

We have many students with excess overdue books at home. Notices will be sent soon to family inboxes. Please do your best to round up these books and return them to the library for other students to enjoy!

Can’t find a book? No need to panic. They often show up. Don’t forget to look under the couch and at your after-school clubs. If you can’t find a book, you can pay the fine to replace it, or donate a book of similar interest to the library.

March is Women’s History Month which we love celebrating in the library! Our March library wish list includes biographies which will expand our collection. Take a peek and consider celebrating by donating a new book!

Thank you to more wish list angels from last month: Loriana Berman, Maia Otter-Gostnell’s Family

PTSA General Membership Meeting March 20

PTSA has three general membership meetings per school year. Our second general membership meeting is coming up! It will be held on Monday, March 20 at 8:00 p.m. on Google Meet. At this meeting, the PTSA will vote on the budget allocation for next school year. All parents are encouraged and welcome to attend!

Tips from Ms. Sonja!

• As we enter spring, there will be a lot of field trips happening. Payments for these field trips should be made through SchoolPay. SchoolPay can be found on the home page of your students Source account. Additionally, there are links and QR codes that the teachers can provide you that can help simplify the payment process. Feel free to contact the office with any questions.
• Have an incoming kindergartner or know a neighbor, friend, or relative that does? Even though Open Enrollment has closed, there’s still time to register students for the 24-25 school year. School Choice late applications will be accepted through May 31, 2024, but are not eligible for tiebreakers. Open Enrollment results will be available online April 16.

Black History Month Concludes

For the month of February, we celebrated Black History Month around the school a number of different ways.

One example of how each classroom participated is featured on the wall at our North entrance.

There were other beautiful presentations throughout the school. During our morning announcements, we shared profiles of Black leaders and heroes throughout history. At this morning’s school wide assembly, the 5th graders did an amazing presentation of the “magazines” they created.

Site Safety Plan

Student safety is always our priority. Annually, we review our site safety plan and ensure we are prepared for emergencies. Recently, the staff reviewed our off-campus evacuation/pickup plan. Our off-campus evacuation site is the B.F. Day playground (“upper uppers”). If an emergency prompted us to evacuate our building for parent pickup at the upper uppers, please know that we have a systematic plan to maintain an orderly and safe environment. Our site safety team, encompassing 7 leaders, will facilitate a safe 1:1 handoff for parents to reunify with their children.

Things for parents to know and remember…

• Stay calm and follow expectations. Our goal is a safe, documented, and orderly pickup. We have a plan, and we appreciate you following it.
• Parents will enter the upper uppers through the pedestrian gate entranceon 41st street. The line will wrap around the corner, onto Fremont Ave.
• Adults picking up students will be required to show identification. No exceptions (even if we know you). Adults will provide a signature and time of pickup on our paperwork.
• Once signed in, a staff member will get the student while the checked in parent waits in the dugout area.
• Only parents/guardians and emergency contacts will be permitted to pick up students. We will not permit friends of the family to pick up students unless they are listed on the student’s emergency contact list.
• No parents will be permitted to enter the field from any other entry point. All checking out occurs on the checkout table at the pedestrian entry on 41st. Please do not try and take your child out of line or through another exit. It’s our responsibility and ethical duty to know where each student is until they are properly signed out.

Save the Date for B.F. Day at the Mariners!

Sunday, June 2 vs the Angels, 1:10 p.m. Note: Lower-level tickets for $20. More details will be coming after mid-winter break.

Open Enrollment is in Progress

As we get closer to planning for next year’s budget, we will be closely watching our enrollment numbers. If you have an incoming kindergartener or have neighbors, friends or family that do, now is the time to submit your enrollment paperwork. The district Enroll my Student page can answer most of your enrollment questions, followed by key enrollment dates. Also, please inform the office if you know you won’t be returning to B.F. Day next year. This helps us to have a better idea of next year’s enrollment.

Enrollment Key Dates

• January 2 New registrations for 2024-25 school year began
• February 1 – February 29 Open Enrollment School Choice priority applications will be accepted (tiebreakers apply).
• March 1 – May 31 School Choice late applications will be accepted (NOT eligible for tiebreakers).
• April 16 Open Enrollment results will be available online.
• June 3 – August 31 Non-resident applications will be accepted.
• August 31 Waitlists for the 2024-25 school year will dissolve.

From Mr. D. in the Gym

We are spending some time on nutrition before mid-winter break. Third to fifth graders are learning to read and decipher food labels. If you have time to read a few together and explain core concepts (protein, carbs and fat, percentage of daily allowance, calories, etc.) please do!

Taylor’s Tidbits

Free Health Care Clinic (dental, vision and medical):

From February 15-18, Seattle Center is partnering with local organizations to provide free dental, vision and medical care at the annual Seattle/King County clinic. Seattle/King County Clinic is a volunteer-driven, free health clinic that occurs for four days each year at Seattle Center All are welcome to attend, especially for those families who may struggle to access and/or afford healthcare services. Learn more about this year’s health clinic at Seattle Center on the Seattle Center website.

LEEP Summer Enrichment Opportunity for 5th Graders

The Lakeside Educational Enrichment Program (LEEP) is a free four-week summer program designed for Seattle Public School students entering grades 6 or 9 in fall 2024. Through engaging and fun activities and classes, LEEP aims to build students’ confidence, nurture excitement about school and learning, prepare students for middle or high school academics, and connect them with new friends. The program will go from July 8-Aug. 2, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

What is LEEP?

Think of LEEP as a blend of summer camp and summer school. Through engaging and fun activities and classes, LEEP helps students build excitement around school and learning. Classes are interdisciplinary and intended to improve skills like organization, time management, and self-advocacy. 

Important 2024 dates

• Feb. 1: LEEP 2024 application available online in Ravenna
• April 1: Application deadline
• May 1: Notification date

Open House Dates

• Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. (West Seattle Library)
• Saturday, March 9 at 12:00 p.m. (Lakeside School, Kent Evans Auditorium)

Notes from the Music Room

Black History is World History, so we haven’t been waiting for February to learn about the amazing accomplishments of Black musicians at B.F. Day! But we are centering our attention school-wide this month on learning the song “We Shall Overcome” and learning about its long, rich history. All students also enjoyed a performance of the Morehouse College Men’s glee club and learned about the significance of BCUs. Fifth grade classes have been sinking their teeth into some of the more complicated history of this song and the way it has changed over time, including discussing cultural appropriation and copyright law.
I invite all our families to explore this song in more depth together. The following resources can get the conversation (or singing!) started.

• Pete Seeger’s version
• Morehouse College Choir performance
• NPR: History of “We Shall Overcome”
• NPR: Copyright dispute over “We Shall Overcome”

Musically Yours, Mis Bethany

From Nurse Annette

Parents/Guardians, I am seeing quite a bit of nose bleeds during the winter months. I thought the following information may be helpful to you.

Children’s Hospital Guide of How to Prevent Nosebleeds

• Use nasal saline spray 2 or 3 times a day to keep the nasal passages moist and rinse
  out allergens.
• Get a moisturizing ointment like Aquaphor. Apply in both nostrils twice daily for 2 weeks.
• Encourage children to avoid picking or putting anything in their nose. (Cut their nails short).
• Manage your child has allergies. Medicate or talk to your healthcare provider about treatment. Nasal passages are less likely to bleed (less irritated and inflamed) when allergies are under control.
• Wear helmets (and other protective gear) during contact sports.

Up on the rise here at B.F. Day: strep throat and ear infections. Please have your child seen by a doctor if your child complains of..

• Ear pain and/or ear drainage, tenderness behind ear.
• Bad sore throat, tenderness at neck, painfulness when swallowing, and/or rash, fever.

Prevention: Mask wearing, hand hygiene, allergy management, and staying home when sick. 

~ Nurse Annette

Library News!

Congratulations to ALL our amazing B.F. Day Global Reading Challenge teams. I was so proud of the students’ poise, teamwork, and enthusiasm. They should be so proud. 

Our winning team, “The Page Hunters,” will go on to represent B.F. Day at the semi-finals on March 12, 2024. Congratulations to team members: Arthur B., Uma J.H., Simone L., Arlo M., Olivia F., and Cora S.!

Thanks to our library wish list donors for making library wishes come true! Ksenia, Kyriaki Levanti, Europa’s Family, Mollie, Steve, Sabine, and Calvin

Our wish list for February is still active! Check it out and make some reading wishes come true!

Series Stars are Setting Reading Records!

Big applause to all our Series Stars for the month of February. Fourth and fifth graders will be invited to join the challenge after mid-winter break! Stop in and see our Series Stars Wall!

Elementary Summer Learning

Teachers are submitting referrals to SPS elementary expanded learning. The 2024 summer learning program is a referral-based full-day free program running July 8 – August 2. The program runs from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. with a STEAM focus. Students will engage in math and reading lessons from certificated teachers, followed by afternoon STEAM enrichment.

2024 Identification and Referral Process for 2024 Elementary Summer Learning

Identifying and inviting eligible K-4 students to participate in elementary summer learning is a data driven decision that requires school leaders to work with school staff to determine the students most in need of expanded learning this summer. This process involves reviewing fall and winter math and reading assessment data to determine if a student is eligible. 

2024 Eligibility: Students must meet all the eligibility criteria below to participate in this summer program.

Eligibility Criteria

• Priority Students – Students who attended summer learning in 2023 and continue to qualify based on map scores in both ELA and math falling between 41% and 60%.
• Students must be currently enrolled in grades K–4 in Seattle Public Schools as of Jan. 2.
• Students who are eligible for summer learning need to be near standard on both ELA and Math. expected ELA and math scores would fall between 41% and 60%.
• Siblings of eligible students are not automatically eligible for enrollment. Each student must meet the eligibility criteria.
• The program dates are July 8 – Aug. 2. Students must be able to attend all day and four weeks of the program.

Chat with the Principal about the School Budget! March 4

Parents, Budget season is upon us. Your input is welcome and valued as we build the budget for next school year. Please join Dr. Zisko in the library on Monday, March 4 for an informal conversation around the budget for school year 2024-2025. Coffee and pastries will be provided. 

Dr. Zisko will briefly present the budget allocation for next year and will solicit parents’ feedback on priorities for school year 2024-2025. There will two times available for parents to drop in. We will host a morning and an evening event: 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. and 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Look forward to connecting! If you’re unable to make either of these times and want to connect, please reach out to smhaas@seattleschools.org to schedule an appointment to connect with Dr. Zisko.

Chat with the Principal about the School Budget! March 4

Parents, Budget season is upon us. Your input is welcome and valued as we build the budget for next school year. Please join Dr. Zisko in the library on Monday, March 4 for an informal conversation around the budget for school year 2024-2025. Coffee and pastries will be provided. 

Dr. Zisko will briefly present the budget allocation for next year and will solicit parents’ feedback on priorities for school year 2024-2025. There will two times available for parents to drop in. We will host a morning and an evening event: 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. and 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Look forward to connecting! If you’re unable to make either of these times and want to connect, please reach out to smhaas@seattleschools.org to schedule an appointment to connect with Dr. Zisko.

Fifth Grade Fundraising

Fundraising for the 5th Grade NatureBridge Outdoor Education Trip kicks off next week with two great events. Please join us in supporting our fifth graders in raising money for this amazing program! 

Valentine’s Day Candy & Flower Sales (2/13): We will be selling Valentine’s Day Candy and Flowers outside of PCC in Fremont from approximately 2:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and at Ballard High School/Ballard Pool between 4:00 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. Come by to get some Valentine’s Day goodies for your loved ones!

Project 9 Live Recording (2/13): Fifth Grade-Father Jeremiah Oshan will be doing a live recording of his Sounders-focused podcast (Nos Audietis, find it on Spotify) at Project 9 on 2/13 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Project 9 has agreed to donate $1 per drink for our trip. Tell all your friends/neighbors/family to stop by!

Greetings from the library!

B.F. Day Readers have been busy these last few weeks!
Highlights include:

• In grades K-3 learning about the Caldecott Award, exploring nominees, and hearing this year’s winner.
• In grades 4-5 learning about credible sources when conducting research, identifying search terms for online research, and how to write bibliographies.
• In grades 2-3 the “Series Challenge” where students are inspired to read 3, 4, or 5 books in a series and earn a coveted spot on the Series Star Wall of Fame.
• In grades 4-5 the Global Reading Challenge where six B.F. Day teams have been reading and studying 8 books in preparation for a book knowledge competition.
• In all grades learning about black lives of excellence through literature.

B.F. Day’s Global Reading Challenge will take place Tuesday, February 13 from 10:00 –11:00 a.m. in the gym. Families are welcome to attend and cheer on the teams! The winner from this competition will move onto the semi-finals at the downtown Public Library!

A huge thank you to all our parent volunteers who have attended these past few weeks to help students prepare! We appreciate you! Thank you to our wish list donors! Jennifer Holeman, Melissa Hall, Europa’s Family, and Richard Mackay (Popi)

This month’s wish list is a true list of wishes from B.F. Day students! We have so many interests at B.F. Day! Take a look and make some reading wishes come true!

Nurse Annette Update

Parents and Guardians, Thank you very much for donating clothing items! That was very generous of you! We still need boys sweats, pants and socks.

Career Week was a Success!

Thank you to all our speakers for sharing their journeys with our students. Our fourth and fifth graders were so engaged throughout the week. Thank you to our families that continue to support school counseling at B.F. Day. Career Week is celebrated during national school counseling week. We’re looking forward to Career Week in school year 2024-2025, and already thinking about our upcoming panelists! 

Learn more and view slideshow from the week!

Note from our School Counselor

Hello B.F. Day Family, In creating a comprehensive school counselor program, my focus is supporting students social/emotional well-being, their academic skills and their future aspirations. This school year we are building on last year’s first ever career week at B.F. Day. Career Week activities will span from kindergarten all the way up to 5th grade. Kindergarten thru 3rd graders participated in classroom discussions and activities in the classroom that are designed to provide an opportunity for students to learn about their teacher’s career path, as well as learn more about their own strengths and interests. 

For our 4th and 5th graders, students were visited by various professionals from the community. Fourth and 5th graders saw seven speakers in all for career week. In addition to sharing aspects of their career, speakers shared moments of resiliency and perseverance that may have been required to achieve their goals. Learn more on our Counseling page too!

What are some fun ways to continue career related conversations at home?

• Share your own career path with your family
  • How did you end up in your current job? What do you like about it? What don’t you like? 
  • Did you have to receive special training (college or on-the-job training) to be good at your job? 
  • Did you always want to have that job?
• Family and friend interviews
  • Has your student learned about the careers of your own family members or friends? Have your student choose someone they know to interview about their career. 
  • Help them brainstorm questions they would like to ask during an interview.
• Help a child with an interview.
  • Your student could identify jobs that they are interested in, by talking to anyone you know in your community (a neighbor, a church member, etc.) has that job. 

Talk about an everyday object your child uses (e.g. smartphone, ice cream) and brainstorm the jobs that helped develop, manufacture, sell, distribute and/or maintain that item (All Grades)

Create a “My future” growth chart

• Each year ask your student what they want to be when they grow up or after high school.
  • Mark it on the wall in the same way you would your child’s height. 
  • You may choose to make the chart more horizontal.
• Each year, update the chart with… When I grow up, I want to be…

Friday Game Night- Play a game of Career Charades

• Have each member of your family brainstorm careers and write them on individual pieces of paper. Set a timer for 2 minutes and have each player act out the profession and see who can guess it!

Additional resources in a PDF in the emailed Dayette or check in the office: Books that explore careers and expand on workers in the community.

4th Grade Class Fundraising Support: Popcorn, Pop-Up Bake Sale & Parent’s Night Out

Thank you to our school community for supporting the 4th graders in their upcoming science camping trip through Popcorn Fridays, the Bake Sale & tonight’s Parent’s Night Out!

Today, after school, 4th graders will be selling popcorn & baked goods. We’ve got you covered with snacks!! Bring cash or use the school pay QR code. There have been several local businesses supporting this class with donations: Sea Wolf Bakery, Brownies & Bites, DOCE Donuts, Byen Bakeri

Please share the love by supporting these businesses that so generously support B.F. Day!

Reminders about reporting absences…

Do you have a planned absence coming up? Please email bfday.attendance@seattleschools.org to report an upcoming absence.

Parents Night Out

Friday, the 9th, parent night out. The location will be B.F. Day library from 6 to 9 p.m. There is a link in the original email for a Google sign-up or on the B.F. Day FB. The cost will be a donation of what you can pay, recommended $50 per family to go to the 4th grade overnight field trip.

Hello from the Art Studio!

Happy Black History Month! We started our focus on Black Artists last week and students are having so much fun. In addition to learning about various time periods of African and Black American Art Movements we are listening to music that represents the time-period that was either an inspiration of the visual artist or was a Black Musician of the time-period. 

We began exploring the work of Alma Woodsy Thomas and listened to Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, and Aretha Franklin. Students created works of art that are colorful patterned painted mosaics in the style of Thomas. We are moving into exploring the life and work of Jean Michel Basquiat. After reading the story Radiant Child , we explore his expressive style and loose form, while keeping intact the symbol of the crown, his signature motif. Basquiat was heavily influenced by Bebop jazz. As students paint, they are inspired by the movements of the artists Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker. We will continue to explore Black Artists this month and throughout the year but here are just a few things we are working on for now! 

Lastly clay units will begin soon! Please be patient with projects coming home. We only have one kiln, one art teacher and 400 students. However, all students will have something coming home over the next couple of months for sure! If you have any questions feel free to reach out or just stop by the art room anytime!
Yours in Art,
Mrs. Hall

Career Week Coming Up!

Next week we will celebrate National School Counseling Week and Career Week at B.F. Day! On Thursday, we will show our love and appreciation for Mr. Taylor and Ms. Shelly for the support they give our Sun Dragons. Please join us in celebrating our school counselors on Thursday! 

During Career Week, our fourth and fifth graders will hear from a diverse panel of speakers about pathways to and responsibilities of their career. We’re very fortunate to have an amazing group of people that are willing to share their stories with our fourth and fifth graders. Please ensure your child is on time everyday! Presentations for fourth and fifth graders begin shortly after 8:00 a.m.

Our Career Week speakers include…

• Kathleen Driscoll, Nurse at King County Jail
• Lindsey Brabank, Business Owner and Hair Stylist
• Alanna Nielson, Director at Amazon Kids & Monte Babington, Senior Manager at Amazon Kids Content
• Garret Morlan, Art Director of Brand and Marketing at Bungie Video Gaming
• Aly Teeter, Lt. Colonel at WA Air National Guard
• Dr. William Jackson, Principal at Nathan Hale High School
• Sherri Alaghehband, Vice President of Promotion and Radio Marketing at Atlantic Records
• Matthew Jedreski, Litigation Attorney with Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
• Janine Hall, Music Manager at and Artist, Room 300
• Erin Parker, Anesthesiologist at U.S. Anesthesia Partners
• Dr. Brent Jones Superintendent at Seattle Public Schools (unable to attend)
• Swanson’s Shoe Repair, Room 306
• Katy Roberts, Real Estate Agent at Compass
• Vince Delaney, Screen Writer at ACT Theatre & Seattle Children’s Theatre
• Devante Curry, EMT at Seattle Fire
• Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal

Parents can support Career Week by asking their child what they’ve learned each day or how the Career Week speaker may have inspired their child. Due to limited space and safety for our speakers, we are not able to accommodate parents in attending Career Week presentations. We intend on taking lots of pictures and sharing Career Week highlights with families. It’s an exciting week ahead for our Sun Dragons!

Black Lives Matter at School Week

Next week we will celebrate Black Lives Matter at School Week. In Seattle Schools, our theme this year is Collective Value. As educators, we are called upon more than ever to prepare children to create a world that centers on humanity and values justice. We will embark on learning that highlights significant contributions from Black Americans, and dive deeper into themes of justice and activism.

From Nurse Annette

Donations needed of socks, leggings and sweatpants of all sizes very much appreciated! The rainy season depleted our backup supply of clothes. Thank you!

Lost & Found

We have an abundance of lost & found WITHOUT names again. Out of the approximately 60+ coats that were hung, only 10 had names on them. Those 10 have been returned to their owners. Please come look and collect lost items!

Kindergarten Tours & Enrollment for School Year 24-25

We had a successful tour season! About 60 new kindergarten families toured our school. Please don’t forget that registration for all grades is open. Early registration helps us to build our budget and staffing allocations. If you know in advance that your child will not be returning to B.F. Day next school year, please email Ms. Sonja; smhaas@seattleschools.org and Mx. Madi; mmmittry@seattleschools.org in the front office so that we can plan accordingly.

New Family Resource Center at Broadview Thomson K-8 Supports All SPS Families

The Family Resource Center (FRC), a partnership between FamilyWorks and SPS, serves families at Broadview and is available to support ALL families in SPS. It supports access to essential services, enrollment in public benefits, and community connections for families experiencing challenges around housing, food, and other basic needs. 

A dedicated FamilyWorks staff will be onsite at Broadview-Thomson on:

• Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Wednesdays, 1-4:30 p.m.
• Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

B.F. Day with Seattle Sounders
Game Day is Back! March 16

Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids on March 16, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. $33/ticket – Green Zone (bleacher seats) We are holding 50 tickets. Please email Social@bfdayptsa.org to reserve your tickets
now.

Final Kindergarten Tour Coming Up…

Our remaining kindergarten tour is scheduled for January 31 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. All families welcome!

Open Enrollment for School Choice

Each student in Seattle Public Schools is assigned to a school based on where that student lives. Students may apply to attend a different school through the School Choice Process.

For school placement for next school year, the Open Enrollment and School Choice is February 1-28. On-time School Choice applications will be accepted during this window. New students must first register on the district Enrollment webpage before participating in the open enrollment. March 1 – May 31 Late applications will be accepted. Tiebreakers will not apply for late applications. April 18 Parents can access their child’s school choice results or waitlist information online through the Assignment Lookup Tool. To use the Assignment Lookup Tool, please enter your student’s ID number and birth date.

National School Counseling Week

National School Counseling Week is celebrated February 5-9. On Feb. 8 we will be showing our appreciation to our school counselor, Mr. Taylor and our counseling intern, Ms. Shelly.

During National School Counseling Week we are also celebrating Career Week! During Career Week, our fourth and fifth graders will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse panel of speakers about the pathways to their career, education acquired to achieve the career, and adversity they overcame. We also celebrate college awareness during Career Week. It’s an exciting time on campus!

Attendance

Since the return from winter break, we have seen an increase in tardies. Our average tardy rate is 37 students per day. This is a friendly reminder that learning begins at 7:55 a.m. Students enter the building at 7:50 a.m. If you are tardy, please remind your students to check in at the office so we can update the attendance and mark them as present. In the event your student is absent for the day please make sure you notify the office via phone 206-252-6010 or email bfday.attendance@seattleschools.org

After School

The after-school rush can be hectic. To mitigate this, we ask that you let the office know before 12:30 p.m. on the same day if there will be a change in plans. In particular, we need advance notice if the plan will require a yellow card to ride a bus home. We need to have yellow cards written before dismissal. You can do this by calling 206-252-6010 or emailing bfday.attendance@seattleschools.org. If your student participates in an after-school enrichment, please let them know your child will be absent as well.

Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, all of our students will be celebrating by studying significant Black leaders. At the end of the month, we will proudly display our work on a gallery wall by the north doors. Each classroom will contribute 1-2 pieces of student work to showcase. During the first full week of February, we will also celebrate Black Lives Matter at School week. Our school’s racial equity team is leading this work, and we’re excited to dig into the content with our students!

A Note from Culinary Services

Menu Decisions

Culinary Services takes menu decisions seriously and aligns them with state and federal guidelines. Our goals include providing healthy and nutritional options, offering attractive choices to reduce waste, and addressing various medical, cultural, and regional needs, tastes, and sensitivities.

We understand that dietary preferences and restrictions vary among students. We encourage families to identify students with special diets by filling out the meal accommodation form.

This information helps our kitchen managers prepare food for those with allergies, ensuring a safe and accommodating dining experience.

Your collaboration is vital in creating an inclusive and diverse food environment that meets the needs of our student population.

We recognize the importance of cultural and dietary considerations in menu planning. If you have specific concerns or suggestions related to the menu, we would be more than happy to discuss them further. Please contact William Park: wtpark@seattleschools.org.

January 19, 2024

Hip, hip, hooray – We like to play!

Our preference is to go outside for recess, pending the weather is not dangerous. Students need fresh air and opportunities for movement and play. This means that we go outside for morning, lunch, and afternoon recess when there is rain. Please dress for the weather. When it’s raining, waterproof shoes and jacket are definitely helpful. Puddles happen, and our students love to explore, build, and create. Packing a dry pair of socks, or even a backup pair of pants may be helpful on wet weather days. Nurse Annette is running low on backup sweatpants and socks.

Please give your feedback!

We appreciate all parents that completed the winter leadership survey. For those that have not yet responded, your feedback is important to us. All comments are read and considered. Thank you for taking some time to share your feedback. The deadline to reply is Monday. Please Give Feedback – Leadership Survey

New Enrichment Chair Needed Soon!

The PTSA is actively seeking a new Enrichment Chair. Our current Enrichment Chair has a fifth grader and will be leaving our school in June for the adventures of middle school. We need a new Chair to begin the hand-off so we can sustain our great enrichment programs in the fall of the 24-25 school year. Please consider volunteering to fill this very important role! There can be Co-Chairs if you want to take it on with a friend. 

Enrichment Chair Job Description:

• Leads enrichment committee in managing vendors and creating a schedule for optional after-school enrichment classes
• Communicates with vendors to set up classes and resolve any issues that arise Publishes schedule of after-school class options and communicates sign-up information
• Manages class rosters; delivers them to teachers, main office, and Boys & Girls Club
• Works with the school counselor to manage scholarship requests 

Note: The role could be easily shared between two people. The Chair has traditionally been supported by an active enrichment committee, which assists with vendor relationship management, data entry, scheduling, and other tasks.

Advanced Learning Universal Screening and Eligibility

Notification Timeline Update: (Elementary, K-8, Middle School)

On Monday, Jan. 8, the Advanced Learning (AL) department along with trained educators and other professional staff (Multidisciplinary Selection Committee) started the Universal Screening process for students in first through eighth grade. Universal Screening will be finalized by Wednesday, Jan. 31.

What is next?

• Families will have their Universal Screening results letter in their Source account on Friday, Feb. 2. An email will be sent to families of students with new eligibility decisions on Tuesday, Feb. 6

Dragon Dens Today

Today we had Dragon Dens! We read The Creature of Habit. Our Dragon Dens were all about stepping out of comfort zones to try new things. 

For our craft, we made our own “creatures of habit.” Students wrote something new or many new things they would like to try. When they were done, they decorated and personalized their creatures. There were a lot of unique and interesting creatures created today! 

Thank you to the B.F. Day PTSA for their ongoing support of Dragon Dens. Cheers to trying something new in the new calendar year! 

Jan. 12, 2024

Inclement Weather and School Devices

Determinations about school closure are made at the central office. B.F. Day will receive 48- and 24-hour notices if we are on “watch” for a potential snow day, which means we will pivot to remote learning. We will keep families updated as we receive those notices. When we are on “watch,” students will be sent home with their devices (iPads or laptops). Please keep them safely in your child’s backpack. Return them to school when your child is on campus. We use devices in our K-5 instructional program. This may mean a couple of back-to-back days of bringing devices home and returning to school. We receive the direction from central office to be “at the ready” and send the devices as the weather changes. Thanks for your patience as we navigate this winter!

*Preschool families: Student devices are not used as part of the instructional program in school. Devices can remain at home until the winter season is over. Teachers will communicate when we’re ready for them to be returned.

B.F. Day Spring Ultimate Frisbee 2024 Sign Up

B.F. Day will have two or three Ultimate Frisbee teams playing in the DiscNorthwest Elementary School Spring League. The league is for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders only. No experience necessary. Teams will be divided once we know our registrants, and all teams will be mixed gender. There will be a kickoff clinic on January 28th, and practices will begin in February, held on Fridays at the “Upper Upper” B.F. Day field directly after school. Games will be on Saturdays in March, April, and some of May at various locations in Seattle; a final tournament will likely be the third weekend in May.

Please register on the Google Doc Form included in the mailed Dayette on Jan. 12, 2024 or contact lorianaberman@gmail.com

Fourth Grade Fundraising Continues

Online Bake Sale: Distribution on Jan. 26 & Feb. 9. Preorder your bake sale items and look for them on distribution dates. In-person at Project 9 on Jan. 23

Project 9 Donation Event: Jan. 23 10% of proceeds at Project 9 will go towards 4th Grade Science Trip.

Parent’s Night Out/Kid Drop Off: Drop off your kids for a Date Night on Feb. 9 at the B.F. Day Gym from 6 – 9 p.m. $20 suggested donation

Come Follow Me into the Night:
A Poetry Reading Celebration at B.F, Day Elementary Feb. 1

Dear Parents,

Please join us in the school library on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6:00 -7:00 p.m., for a reading to celebrate second and third-grade poets from the classes of Randi Noreng, Carly Riepe and Stephanie Tetrick. For the past twelve weeks, these beautiful young writers have been writing their own poems full of delight, humor and tenderness. They would love to share their brilliance with you! An anthology of poems, Come Follow Me Into the Night, fingers crossed, will be released on this evening. Light refreshments will be offered. (Note: WITS will be doing classroom celebrations on this day as well, and any student not able to make this evening event will receive their book in class the following day.

Warmly,
Samar Abulhassan, Poetry Instructor
Writers in the Schools (WITS), Seattle Arts & Lectures

From Nurse Annette

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Lice, unfortunately, is still on an incline. Children can easily catch lice through contacts with friends at school, home and in the community. Finding lice early makes it easier to get rid of them. Doing regular head checks on your children is your best defense!

Basic Lice Facts

• Lice are not a health hazard and do not spread diseases. However, they are annoying, itchy and frustrating!
• Indications of a lice infestation include – itching of the scalp, a tickling feeling in the hair, visible live lice or nits attached to hair, sores or scratches on the head, irritability or trouble sleeping.
• Almost all cases of lice are spread through direct head-to-head contact. Lice cannot jump or fly to another person’s hair. While it is possible to spread lice while sharing hats or brushes, most lice are spread during sleepovers and bed-sharing.
• Nits (lice eggs) are tiny, oval and tan (not hatched) or white (hatched) specks that are glued to the hair shaft. Nits hatch into lice in about 1 week. Off the scalp, nits can’t survive over 1 week.
• Lice are approximately 1/16-inch (2 mm) long bugs – about the size of a sesame seed. They move quickly and are difficult to find. Adult lice can typically survive 3- 4 weeks on the scalp, but only 24-48 hours off the head. The lice feed on blood from the scalp.

How to Check for Lice/Nits

• To look for lice, have your child sit in a well-lit place such as near a window.
• Look through the hair by going through small sections at a time (a chopstick or something similar may be helpful). If you see a bug crawling in your child’s hair, it is most likely lice.
• They are most often found close to the scalp, near the ears and close to the neckline.
• Nits are attached to the hair shaft. If it comes off easily it is dandruff or lint. If it takes effort to slide the speck off, it is most likely a nit.
• A metal lice comb and a magnifying glass can also be a very effective method to check for lice (see back for detailed instructions).

If You Find Lice

• Get rid of live lice by following all instructions of the treatment method you choose.
• Please notify the school nurse and/or childcare that you have begun treatment.
• Your child can return to school after an appropriate lice treatment has begun.
• Follow-up with additional comb outs and lice checks over the next few weeks as one live louse or nit can re-infest a head.
• Please see the links below or talk to your school nurse for treatment options. You can get rid of lice with persistence and patience!

Useful links for information on lice:

• Washington State Health Resources
• CDC Resources

An Effective Way to Check for Lice and/or get rid of Nits and Lice using a metal lice comb.

1. Dampen your child’s hair and then cover with conditioner. This makes it easier to comb through the hair and slows down the live lice, making them easier to comb out.
2. Comb out the hair and section it off with clips.
3. Methodically work the lice comb through each section of hair from all angles. Comb slowly from the scalp to the end of the hair. If your child has lice or nits, you’ll see them appear on the comb.
4. Use a paper towel to wipe off the comb every few strokes. TIP: If you don’t know what you are seeing, take a picture with your phone and then zoom in.
5. Continue to comb the same section again until the nit comb comes up clean.
6. Now move to the next section. Keep going until you have combed through all sections of your child’s hair.

If you find live lice or nits:

• Check everyone in the household. Treat as needed.
• Wash all bedding and recently worn clothes. Stuffed animals etc. can go in the dryer for 20 minutes on high heat.
• Pour boiling water over brushes and combs and leave to soak 5-10 minutes. Repeat “comb outs” every 2 to 3 days for 2–3 weeks to be sure all lice and nits are gone. One missed louse or nit will start the cycle all over again.
• Environmental sprays in the house are not effective and can be harmful to young children and pets.

Registration for kindergarten is Now Open!

Incoming Kindergarten Tours at B.F. Day Elementary

• January 19: 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
• January 31: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Resource Information

Current Students in Kindergarten – Grade 5 do not need to re-enroll for the 2024-25 school year. Students will be promoted to the next grade level at B.F. Day. If you know that your family will be moving or changing schools in the 2024-25 school year, please email Ms. Sonja at smhaas@seattleschools.org. This information helps us in our preliminary budget and staffing process.

B.F. Day School Contact Information

B.F. Day Main Phone Number: 206-252-6010
Principal: Dr. Zisko; nlzisko@seattleschools.org
Office Manager: Ms. Sonja; smhaas@seattleschools.org

If your child turns 5 by August 31, it’s time to register for kindergarten. Early registration helps us make accurate staffing projections. Thank you for registering your incoming kindergartner!
Fnd all of the enrollment information on the district website.

Open Enrollment

• February 1 – February 29 Open Enrollment School Choice priority applications will be
• accepted (tiebreakers apply).
• March 1 – May 31 School Choice late applications will be accepted (NOT eligible for
• tiebreakers).
• April 16 Open Enrollment results will be available online.
• June 3 – August 31 Non-resident applications will be accepted.

January 5, 2024

From Mr. D. in the Gym

Our 3rd through 5th graders will be biking during P.E. from January 8 through the 26. This is a fantastic unit on traffic safety sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club. Students are encouraged to bring their own helmets from home, if possible. If not, we have plenty of helmets to borrow. Bikes from home are allowed, but they will need to be locked up outside the school during the day. Cascade will provide plenty of bikes, so bringing one from home isn’t required.

Cornish+ After-school Youth Choir: Space Still Available!

Does your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader love to sing? There’s still room in our Thursday after- school enrichment choir with Cornish School of the Arts on Thursdays from 2:30 – 3:30 pm.

Get ready to sing! Communal music making is a powerful tool for making friends and expressing your inner singer! Students will learn songs in different languages, American folk songs, and arrangements of current hits. This after-school program will culminate in an intergenerational performance combining all participating choirs at Cornish College of the Arts.

*Join the Family Choir for FREE on Sundays or Mondays with student registration. Code:
CornishChoirWinter Email enrichment@bfdayptsa.org to register.

Nurse Annette’s News

Hello Parents, I have noticed a slight uptick in isolated lice cases. Let’s do our part and check our children for lice to prevent an outbreak. There is no need to panic. Refer to the Lice Clinic website for some helpful information. 

Fourth Grade Fundraising

Friday Popcorn on the Playground Fundraiser!

Dear B.F. Day Families – the 4th-grade classes will be selling popcorn on Fridays after school to raise money for our overnight science field trip to the Olympic Peninsula! Popcorn will be $1 a bag! Let us help you with an after-school snack and support our 4th graders!

What’s On The Calendar?

• Jan. 9: Shelter In Place Time Unannounced
• Jan. 10-26: DIBELS window for K-2
• Jan. 12: Kindergarten School Tour from 8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
• Jan. 15: No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day 
• Jan. 19: Dragon Dens 1:10 – 2:10 p.m.
• Jan. 19: Kindergarten School Tour from 8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
• Jan. 22 – Feb. 9: K-5 MAP Window, Reading & Math
• Jan. 26: Schoolwide assembly 8:00 a.m.
• Jan. 31: Kindergarten School Tour from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• February: B.F. Day Celebrates Black History Month
• Feb. 5 – 9: National School Counseling Week/Career Week
• Feb. 7: Schoolwide Spirit Day: Dress like a career you want
• Feb. 16: Dragon Dens 1:10 – 2:10 p.m.
• Feb 19 – 23: Mid Winter Break
• Feb. 26-29: Fire Drill; Time and Date unannounced