Snow Day Plans
January 31, 2025: Dear B.F. Day Family, We received a communication from Seattle Public Schools that we are on inclement weather watch. This means that iPads and laptops will be sent home over the weekend in case there are possible snow day closures next week.
In case of a snow day school closure, Seattle Public Schools moves to online learning for the day. If a snow day is called on Monday, there will be a 2-hour late start. One of the main drivers for moving to online learning is minimizing the number of days that could potentially be added to the end of the school year – meaning summer vacation would begin a few days late.
The SPS Snow Alert Team will continue to monitor conditions and prepare to do a driving survey of SPS hilltop schools overnight to inform decision-making in the early morning. SPS and SEA believe that in-person instruction is the default and should always be the choice when conditions allow for safe in-person instruction. Final determinations will generally be made on the morning of instruction by 5 am.
The purpose of this note is to share how B.F. Day will navigate the details of moving learning online for a possible snow day. I also want to acknowledge that leaning into online learning will require some flexibility and grace, and we’ll continue to support each other as a school community.
Scholar Learning Devices: Classroom teachers (preschool – fifth grade) will send devices home today. When your child returns to campus for in-person learning, it’s imperative that they return their device. We need them in the classrooms during the school day.
How are snow days determined? SPS school operations will provide schools with a 48-hour warning/prep, 24-hour warning to plan for remote instruction, and a final decision on standard in person school day, two hour late start in person school day, or remote instruction day (first day of remote instruction is a two hour late start) will be made by 5:00 a.m.
What can I expect for online learning? Student daily schedules will mostly follow a typical school day schedule. Teachers will communicate the schedule in the coming days if a snow day is called. Activities will be joyful, fun, and collaborative.
Teachers will send directions to ensure students know how to access Teams and See Saw on their devices. We will do our best to ensure all devices are updated and have the latest software installed, have appropriate charging cords and a case. We hope to make this process easy for families to navigate.
Final Notes: I know that disruptions to learning and school are difficult for families. The idea of moving to online learning brings up lots of big feelings, especially for adults. I feel the same! Let’s name those big emotions for ourselves and our students. We should remind ourselves this is a temporary response to a weather emergency – not a long term, indefinite plan!
I know all our families have competing needs and priorities. As a community, B.F. Day will continue to be flexible and meet each other where we’re at. This means we trust you to make the best decision for you, your student, and your family on a snow day and in the moment. If your student finds joy in sledding down a hill and socializing with neighbors outside, please know that we also cherish childhood memories like these. We enthusiastically support our students to go outside and play. Seek out opportunities of joy for your student – they are only little once!
We will provide learning opportunities, time for collaboration, and celebration for all students. We are equally committed to ensuring no one falls behind or misses anything essential during an online learning day.We are the Family School and we’ve got this. Please be on the lookout for more detailed communication from SPS and your child’s teacher in the coming days. I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead!
Go Sun Dragons! Best, Natalie
Average Daily Attendance Rates
If your child is not sick, please do your best to get them to school on time every day. Let’s keep working toward getting our average daily attendance rates 95% and higher in each of our grade levels! Refer to chart on the emailed Dayette on Jan. 31, 2025.
Kindergarten Registration is Here!
Do you have an incoming kindergartener for the 25-26 school year? Do you know of a friend or neighbor who is planning on registering for kindergarten at B.F. Day? Kindergarten registration is open! We encourage all families to register early. Early registration allows us to plan early for the 25-26 school year and helps us get the staff that we need to support our learners! Please note that open enrollment for school choice opens on February 1. For more information on the district Enroll My Student page.
Welcome our new Instructional Assistants to Extended Resource!
Rose Templeman: I am beyond excited to be joining the B.F. Day community. I have worked with young people in a variety of settings including as a preschool and elementary-age nanny, leading students in art and writing projects in youth detention, and supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing summer campers in Minnesota. I recently moved to Seattle and spend most of my free time exploring the city, reading, thrift shopping, and crafting. I look forward to meeting all of you!
Jenni Walker: Jenni has extensive experience in education, advocacy, and family engagement. With a love for learning, she thrives on supporting students! Outside of her professional pursuits, Jenni enjoys swimming, paddle boarding, traveling, and sharing laughter with those around her. Whether exploring new destinations or embracing life’s simple joys, she approaches everything with energy, positivity, and a love for new experiences.
What is MAP testing?
The MAP mid-year test window is open, and kindergarten – fifth grade teachers have scheduled assessment dates. Please check with your child’s teacher which date they’ll be taking the MAP assessment.
The MAP assessment is not given to preschool students.
- What is MAP?
- It’s an assessment called “Measure of Academic Progress.”
- What is MAP and what does it measure?
- Unlike paper-and-pencil tests, where all students are asked the same questions and spend a fixed amount of time taking the test, MAP is a computer-adaptive test. That means every student gets a unique set of test questions based on responses to previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions get harder. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions get easier. By the end of the test, most students will have answered about half the questions correctly, as is common on adaptive tests. The purpose of MAP is to help educators understand where a student is on their academic journey, if they are growing over time, and where a student’s strength and opportunity areas are.
- MAP tracks students’ individual growth over time, wherever they are starting from and regardless of the grade they are in.
- What is a RIT score?
- When students finish their MAP Growth test, they receive a number called a RIT score for each subject they are tested in (reading and math). RIT stands for Rasch Unit, which is used to measure a student’s academic growth over the course of the student’s academic career in SPS. The score is unrelated to the age or grade of the student, but reflects the level at which the student is currently performing. This score represents a student’s achievement level at any given moment and helps measure their academic growth over time. The RIT scale is a stable scale, like feet and inches, that accurately measures student performance, regardless of age, grades, or grade level. Like marking height on a growth chart and being able to see how tall a child is at various points in time, you can also see how much they have grown between tests.
- How often will my child take MAP Growth?
- At B.F. Day, we give the MAP assessment three times per school year: beginning, middle, and end. Teachers are given a testing window. Each teacher schedules the reading and math MAP assessments at a time that works well for their classroom. Most students take around 30 minutes to complete a MAP test. However, MAP is not timed, and students may take as much time as they need to complete it.
- How is MAP similar and different from the Smarter Balanced Assessment?
- The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in grades 3-5 is designed to measure what students already know, based on what is expected at their grade level. It is used as a way to measure grade-level proficiency. MAP Growth is designed to measure student achievement in the moment and growth over time, regardless of grade level. It’s important to note that both MAP and SBA are adaptive assessments.Another difference is the timeliness of the results. Washington state often returns information in the fall after the state summative test is taken, MAP gives quick feedback to teachers, administrators, students, and families. Teachers receive immediate results wit MAP that show how each student is performing and where there might be common learning opportunities for the class. Another similarity is that MAP aligns to the same standards as the state test, so both measure similar content.
- Where can I view my child’s MAP scores?
- How can I help my child prepare for MAP assessment?
- Your child’s teacher will help with any pre-test instructions to explain the test to the students. Just like on any school day, make sure your child is well-rested and fed. Encourage them to do their best.
PTSA News
POPCORN FRIDAYS! Back again is the ever-popular popcorn fundraiser for 5th grade overnight field trip.Popcorn sales will happen after school TODAY Friday, Jan 31, as well February 7, 28, and March 7. Cash (1$/bag) and school pay will be accepted.
Book Club: We are meeting at Jellyfish brewery on Tuesday February 4 at 7pm to discuss Demon Copperhead and choose our next books! All are invited.
Virtual Bake Sale for 5th Graders! Sweeten your day AND support our amazing 5th graders NatureBridge overnight field trip!
Online Sale: 1/31/25 – 2/7/25; Pick up your baked goodies on 2/13/25 on the playground! Plus, there may be additional delicious treats available for purchase IN PERSON! Don’t miss out—order your treats online and support our 5th grade fundraiser!
PTSA 2025-2026 Budget Priorities: Budgeting for the next school year will soon be underway. The PTSA board would like to hear from B.F. Day families about their other priorities. To share your input, please complete this survey before February 21st. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughtfulness by letting us know what is important to you and your family for the 2025/2026 school year!
Welcome Laura Rose Murphy, B.F. Day’s New PTSA Neurodiversity & Disability Liaison!
We are pleased to introduce Laura Rose Murphy, who has joined the PTSA as our Neurodiversity & Disability Liaison! Laura Rose brings passion, experience, and an ever- growing understanding of what it means to support a thriving and inclusive community.
Here’s a message from Laura Rose herself: Hello! I’m Laura Rose! That’s my first name – it has two words! As a mom to a wonderfully neurodivergent kid who started at BF Day in first grade this year, I understand the uniqueness of raising and supporting a child with special needs and the challenges we often face as caregivers in advocating for our children so that they can succeed and thrive.As your Neurodiversity and Disability Liaison for our PTSA, I aim to increase awareness, understanding, and support of neurodivergence and special needs for our entire school community. My goal is to foster a safe space for families and students who participate in special education and/or are (or may be) neurodivergent, to connect, and to establish a community of support. I aim to be a resource! I don’t have all the answers, but generally have a good idea of where to start looking. Please feel free to reach me at ndliaison@bfdayptsa.org.
To do this work, I need to hear from caregivers of students who identify as or are affected by neurodivergence and/or disability. If this is you, please take a few moments to fill out the google form on the emailed Dayette, where you can opt in to be told about various resources and opportunities, connect with other families of kids with special needs, or just give me a piece of your mind!
B.F. Day Family Movie Night Fundraiser: Join us for a fun-filled evening to support the 5th Graders! Date: Feb 28, Start Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Ballard VFW – 2812 NW Market St. $10 Suggested Donation per Ticket | Concessions will be available, so bring a little cash for snacks! Important: This is not a drop-off event, so come enjoy the movie with your family and connect with others from our “Family School”!