Benjamin Franklin Day Elementary

B.F. Day
Elementary

Sun Dragons’ Dayette News: What’s Coming Up After Mid-Winter Break

Summary : Read All About It in the Dayette!

B.F. Day Newsletter Feb. 14, 2025

What’s Coming Up?

  • Feb. 17-21: Mid-Winter Break, No School
  • Feb. 25-28: Fire Drill (Time & Date Announced)
  • Feb. 27: Dragon Dens 1:15 – 2:10
  • Feb. 28: School wide Assembly 5th Grade Presenting
  • March is Women’s History Month
  • March 19: Trimester 2 ends
  • March 20: PTSA General Membership Meeting 8 p.m.
  • March 22: PTSA Spring Fling 80’s Prom (21+) 6 p.m.
  • March 28: School Wide Assembly
  • April 2: Instructional Assistant Appreciation Day
  • April 3: Science Fair 5 – 6:30 p.m.
  • April 4: Librarian Appreciation Day
  • April 7: Trimester 2 progress reports live on the Source
  • April 8: Class Picture Day
  • April 14-18: Spring Break, No School

Call for Volunteers

We’re looking for a few parent volunteers that are willing to help us in the office the week we return from mid-winter break (2/24 – 2/28). We are launching a new system with lunch bar codes and need extra hands with clerical work: writing names on index cards, laminating, cutting lamination, sorting cards. If you’re able to help, we’d love to have you! Many hands make light work. Please contact Ms. Sonja and Ms. Brenna if you’re interested in chipping in a couple of hours: smhaas@seattleschools.org; or bckamppi@seattleschools.org. Thank you!


Hello From Art

Students are all completing their pottery painting. Despite the kiln issues everyone was able to work on a 3D work of art with clay. They are painting them and will be taking them home within the next week. We got a little behind on the project with snow days, but we are getting them done and still able to focus on Black History! Students are learning about the lives of Jacob Lawrence, Alma Thomas and Basquiat to name a few. Each lesson we start with an art history lesson on the lives of these individuals and then work on a project that is influenced by the work that they did. We are also listening to music that accompanies theperiod that we are learning about while making art! It is fun and educational for all of us! Stay tuned for artwork coming home in backpacks! Yours in Art, Mrs. Hall


Welcome Lily Kennard


Instructional Assistant in Preschool (Bumblebee Classroom)

Lily Kennard

Hello! My name is Lily Kennard, and I’m thrilled to be joining the B.F. Day community. I’ve spent the past several years working with children in both my home state of Utah and my chosen home of Seattle! I am deeply passionate about Early Childhood Education and I’m excited to bring that enthusiasm and experience into the classroom.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our chihuahua, Sophie. I love traveling, reading, and exploring our local beaches and mountains.


PTSA News

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 21. 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!

Popcorn Fridays: Back again is the ever-popular popcorn fundraiser for 5th grade overnight field trip.Popcorn sales will happen after school Feb. 28, and March 7. Cash (1$/bag) and school pay will be accepted.

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”!

Thursday, March 20 | 8 p.m. (Virtual) PTSA General Assembly Meeting Join us to review the 2025–26 budget and hear from District 4 Rep. Joe Mizrahi on School Board priorities, followed by a Q&A with B.F. Day families. Mark your calendar and bring your questions!

Spring Fling Tickets on Sale Now! This annual community-building event, formerly known as Spring Giving/Arty Party, is a B.F. Day parent and staff favorite, with drinks, a live DJ, and live classroom art auction, with all proceeds benefiting the school. This event is 21+. 


Call for Lunchroom Volunteers from Ms. Brenna

Hi, families! If you are an approved volunteer – I would LOVE to have you in the lunchroom. We have a few parents who regularly rotate in throughout the week (and HUGE shout-out to them) and would love to add some additional folks! It makes a massive difference to the overall feeling and sense of community in the lunchroom. It also makes a big difference to the folks who work in the cafeteria (i.e., me and Aric, our recess supervisor, who rotate days). Please consider joining us. And please, let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your support! 


School Year 24-25

B.F. Day At A Glance Calendar

Diversity Recognition

  • Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 – October 15
  • Disability History & Awareness Month October
  • Black History Month February
  • Women’s History Month March
  • Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month May
  • LGBTQ+ Pride Month June

Trimesters & Grade Marking Deadlines

  • 9/4/24 – 12/3/24: Trimester 1
  • 12/10/24 – 12/20/24: Trimester 1 Grade Marking Deadline
    • Progress Reports Live on the Source
  • 12/4/24 – 3/19/25: Trimester 2
  • 3/26/25 – 4/7/25: Trimester 2 Grade Marking Deadline
    • Progress Reports Live on the Source
  • 3/20/25 – 6/18/25: Trimester 3
  • 6/25/25 – 7/2/25: Trimester 3 Grade Marking Deadline
    • Progress Reports Live on the Source

Assessment Calendar

  • September 16-27, 2024: DIBELS for Grades 1-2
  • September 30 – October 18, 2024: K-5 MAP Reading & Math
  • November 15, 2024: TS GOLD Deadline for Pre-K
  • November 15, 2024: WA Kids Deadline for Kindergarten
  • November – December: Advanced Learning – Highly Capable Screener; grades 1-5
  • January 15-31, 2025: DIBELS for Grades K-2
  • January 27 – March 21, 2025: WIDA
  • January 29 – February 14, 2025: K-5 MAP Reading & Math
  • February 15, 2025: TS GOLD: Deadline for Pre-K
  • March 3 – June 6, 2025: Grades 3-5 SBA
  • April 7 – June 6, 2025: 5th Grade WCAS Science
  • May 12-30, 2025: K-5 MAP Reading & Math
  • June 2 – 13, 2025: DIBELS for Grades K-2
  • June 15, 2025: TS GOLD Deadline for Pre-K

PTSA Meetings

  • October 28: Fall General Membership Meeting at 8 p.m. (was Oct. 23)
  • March 20: Mid-Year Membership Meeting (Budget)
  • May 29: Spring General Membership Meeting

PTSA Events

  • October 5: At 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. B.F. Day Parent’s Night Out at Fremont Mischief Distillery

PTSA Fundraising

  • October 18 – November 1: Fundraising Direct Drive
  • March 22: PTSA Spring Fling at Woodlawn Hall at 6 p.m.
  • April 25: Move-a-Thon

School Spirit Days

Themes TBD by student leadership

  • Trimester 1: Friday, October 4, 2024: Our theme this trimester is FUNKY FRIDAY!! Come to school dressed as your most colorful unique self. Think mismatched patterns, bright colors, and anything else that makes you feel funky and expressive! Show your school spirit with us!
  • November 15: Hobby Day: Dress like favorite hobby.
  • Trimester 2: February 14. 2025 Theme to be decided by student leadership
  • Trimester 3: June 6, 2025 Theme to be decided by student leadership

Principal & School Staff Mini-Series for Parents

  • October 17 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
    • Fall: Supporting Your Reader at Home in the Library
  • January 23 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
    • Winter: Supporting Your Mathematician at Home
  • April 24 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
    • Spring: Spring Forward Social-Emotional Learning

In Person Family Events

  • September 23-26: Music Room Open House from 2:25 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. each day.
  • September 26 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Curriculum Night
  • October 18: B.F. Day Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinic. From 3 – 7 p.m. Location within school.
  • November 14 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Family Fall Festival
  • November 23 – 27: Elementary Conferences
  • December 20: Winter Wonderland
  • April 3 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.: Science Fair
  • May 22 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Art Fest
  • June 12: Field Day
  • June 16: Village Day

Dragon Dens

Thursdays 1:15 – 2:10

  • October 24
  • November 21
  • December 19
  • January 30
  • February 27
  • March 13
  • April 24

Schoolwide Assemblies

Fridays 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.

  • September 27
  • October 18
  • November 15
  • December 13
  • January 31
  • February 28
  • March 28
  • April 25
  • May 16
  • June 13

Appreciation Days

  • October 2: Custodian Appreciation Day
  • October 27: Occupational Therapist Appreciation Day
  • November 4-8: National School Psychologist Week
  • November 11-15: World Kindness Week
  • December 2: National Special Education Day
  • February 3-7: National School Counseling Week/“Career Week”
  • April 2: Instructional Assistant Appreciation Day
  • April 4: National School Librarian Day
  • April 23: Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day
  • May 1: School Leader DayMay 2 National School Lunch Hero Day
  • May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 6: National Teacher Appreciation Day
  • May 7: School Nurse Appreciation Day
  • May 18: National Speech-Language Pathologist Appreciation Day

Picture Days

  • October 7: Fall Picture Day
  • November 4: Fall Re-Take Picture Day
  • April 8: Spring Class Picture Day

Fifth Grade Promotion

June 16 6:00 p.m. in the gym

SPS Holidays & Closure Dates

  • Oct 11: No School, Professional Development Day
  • Nov 11: No School, Veterans Day
  • Nov 25-27: No School, Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • Nov 28-29: No School, Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day
  • Dec 20: Early Dismissal
  • Dec 23-Jan3: No School, Winter Break
  • Jan 20: No School, MLK Jr Day
  • Feb 17-21: No School, Mid-Winter Break
  • April 14-18: No School, Spring Break
  • May 26: No School Memorial Day
  • June 18: Early Dismissal Last Day of School. Grade Promotion
  • June 19: If school in session, No School Juneteenth

Previous Sun Dragons’ Dayette Resources

Planned Absences

If you have planned absences before/after mid-winter break, please be sure to email the attendance line; bfday.attendance@seattleschools.org. Copy in your classroom teacher(s).


Notes from the Music Room

Summer Music opportunity for advancing fifth grade EIM students SPS Summer Music 2025 is on and the website is up! Below is important information related to this program:

  • Dates: July 7-18, M-F only
    • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    • Locations: Jane Addams MS and Aki Kurose MS
    • Cost: $300 for two weeks; $150 for one week (Scholarships are available)
  • For more information about the program, plus the registration and payment process please visit Seattle Public Schools Summer Music Program 2025

Message from Mr. Taylor, School Counselor

As B.F. Day’s school counselor, my role changes each day, depending on the needs of our community. The ability to quickly adapt to changing needs remains one of the most important skills of an effective school counselor. Most of us didn’t have a school counselor in elementary school. Therefore, some of us may not be aware of typical school counselor duties. Below you will see how I allocate my time on an average week (40 Hour Week) . Refer to the chart on the emailed DayetteHome Visits, Supervision, Lesson/Program Planning, Parent Collaboration, Data Interpretation, Classroom SEL Lessons, Small Group Counseling, Teacher Collaborations, 1:1 Counseling Sessions, Responsible Student Support

It is my honor to work with such a group of dedicated staff members who genuinely and authentically care about the children they educate daily. Lastly, I wouldn’t be able to do this important work without the ongoing support of our school community. Our community has supplemented my FTE for my 9 years at B.F. Day, allowing me to be a full-time school counselor. This support allowed us to earn national recognition for our school counselor program (RAMP) last school year, the first school counseling program in Seattle Public Schools to receive this level of recognition.

With gratitude and appreciation,
Mr. Taylor, School Counselor
206-252-6018
Jrtaylor@seattleschools.org


PTSA News

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 21. 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! *If you completed the survey last week, please answer the first question again, as that data was lost. Thank you!

Popcorn Fridays: Back again is the ever-popular popcorn fundraiser for 5th grade overnight field trip.Popcorn sales will happen after school Feb. 28, and March 7. Cash (1$/bag) and school pay will be accepted.

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”!

Spring Fling Tickets on Sale Now! This annual community-building event, formerly known as Spring Giving/Arty Party, is a B.F. Day parent and staff favorite, with drinks, a live DJ, and live classroom art auction, with all proceeds benefiting the school. This event is 21+. 

A huge thank you to everyone who donated food and funds to the FamilyWorks Food Drive last week! The B.F. Day community donated 937 lbs. of food!

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

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 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.

  1. What is MAP?
    • It’s an assessment called “Measure of Academic Progress.”
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Where can I view my child’s MAP scores?
    • On the Source.
  7. 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”!

National School Counseling & Career Week

On February 3-7 B.F. Day will celebrate National School Counseling Week! Thank you to the PTSA for their ongoing support of school counseling. B.F. Day is proud to have a full- time school counselor and is the first school in Seattle Public Schools to achieve RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) status through the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). In July of 2024, B.F. Day was one of 60 elementary schools nationally to be recognized with RAMP designation at the annual ASCA conference. B.F. Day is one of five schools in Washington state designated as a “RAMP School.” Join us in celebrating our school counselors, Mr. Taylor and Ms. Mara, on February 3-7.

At B.F. Day, we celebrate National School Counseling Week as Career Week. During Career Week, our fourth and fifth grade students will listen to guest speakers discuss their pathway to their career, obstacles they overcame, responsibilities of their career, and take questions from the students. In all, we will have 20 speakers presenting to our fourth and fifth graders. Throughout the week, students will be engaging with college and career readiness skills. This year, our kindergarten – third grade students will also participate in Career Week! Four speakers will share about their careers with our youngest students. Thank you to all of our volunteers that are supporting Career Week this year! Learn about the speakers on the B.F. Day emailed Dayette on Jan. 24 or the PDF on the B.F Day Family FB.


Math Night Resources

Thank you for the great turnout yesterday at our parent math night! These are some resources that were shared at the math night. These are valuable resources for all parents to utilize to support their mathematicians at home! Resources are available on the B.F. Day emailed Dayette on Jan. 24 or the PDF on the B.F Day Family FB.


Immigration and Customs Enforcement at School

Seattle School Board Resolution No. 2016/17-12 sets forth the District’s stance on this issue and affirms our provision of safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools for all students without regard to race, religion, national origin, or immigration status. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued guidance in October 2021 stating that, to the fullest extent possible, immigration enforcement actions should not take place at or near “protected areas” such as schools. Consistent with this current standard, SPS Superintendent Procedure 4310SP, Relations with Law Enforcement, Child Protective Agencies, and the County Health Department, clarifies that ICE enforcement actions should not occur at schools or school bus stops.

There are two limited exceptions:

1. Judicial warrants: An immigration official seeking access to a student at school must present a valid judicial warrant. Superintendent Procedure 4310SP requires the General Counsel’s office to review the judicial warrant before a school grants access to an immigration official. To the greatest extent possible, these enforcement actions should be taken in a non-public area and should be otherwise conducted to eliminate or at least minimize the chance that the enforcement action will restrain people from accessing the school.

2. Exigent circumstances: Immigration officials may also take enforcement actions at schools without a warrant if exigent (emergency) circumstances exist. Some examples of these rare circumstances include: a national security threat; an immin

Hello From the Art Studio

Art is alive at B.F. Day in 2025! The last two weeks students have explored the yearly celebration of the Lunar new year. We explored the rich cultural history of traditional celebrations and made art that is symbolic of this. Students created patterned snakes and lanterns that have turned out beautifully. We are moving into our air dry clay unit. As we still wait for the kiln issues to be sorted, students will be creating 3D works of art that while they are not as permanent as clay from the kiln, will be giving them the hand building basics!

Things coming down the line:

  • Black Excellence will be celebrated in the art room as well as a display we will be working on in the halls. This until will explore various artists throughout history and from across the globe that exemplify black excellence. We will also be throwing in some music and movement explorations in the mix!
  • 5th Grade Rights of Passage Project. This has traditionally been done with glaze on ceramic tiles. This year we will be doing personalized rock paintings that will be implemented into a mosaic that will be installed in the cafeteria. 5th graders have been looking at the rich history of mosaics. From there the brainstorming began and this was the project that we developed as a group. We are all super excited to start this project that will be happening over the next several months!

As always please feel free to stop by the art room and see what we are up to!

Yours in Art, Mrs. Hall



Library News

Librarian emoji holding book

Global Reading Challenge
In School Competition Feb. 11

Our Global Reading Challenge for 4th and 5th graders has gotten off to a great start! Over the next month we will practice trivia questions weekly in preparation for our competition on February 11. This is a highly motivated, engaged group of students! If you have a lunch break available, come help quiz teams on Thursdays! To read more about this program visit the Seattle Public Library.

Rocket. Text: Global Reading Challenge Logo

To make our practices successful we need 3-4 parent volunteers to help quiz our teams.Check out this sign up if you have the availability to participate. You will need to be a cleared volunteer to attend as you’ll be directly working with students. Thank you in advance for your support! It makes a huge difference! View the Global Reading Volunteer Sign Up

We’re growing our nonfiction collection with high-interest and well-reviewed books! If you’d like to contribute, check out the January wish list here! If you’d like to contribute check it out on Amazon

Grades K-2

Students in grades K-2 have been learning about the Caldecott medal awarded yearly for the best children’s picture book. Ask your student how it gets chosen! Students in grades 3-5 read the highly relevant nonfiction book They Hold the Line, a book exploring wildfires, how they are fought, and their effect on the environment. Ask your student what they learned about fighting wildfires!


Levy Information

Two Levies Up for Renewal

Two levies will be on the February 2025 ballot: renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) and renewal of the Building Excellence Capital Levy (BEX VI). Ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 11, 2025, or placed in a ballot dropbox before 8 p.m. on that date. Visit the SPS Website for complete information

Notes from the Music Room

Leading into Black History Month, The Rhapsody Project will be engaging in a four-week residency with fourth graders at B.F. Day to teach them about the living traditions of blues music and highlighting the ways in which Black culture is an essential part of the heritage of every American. In addition to playing and writing blues songs with students, The Rhapsody Project’s teaching artists will be encouraging each student to talk in depth with their families and community leaders about the layers of their heritage. Learn more about how to connect with The Rhapsody Project by visiting the Rhapsody Project website. And following the organization on Instagram: @therhapsodyproject


News from the Library

Librarian emoji holding book


Happy New Year! We are back to a great start in the library. We’ve spent this week reviewing procedures and library vocabulary as well as enjoying cozy winter books.

For winter quarter, students will be exploring the following:

  • PreK-1: choosing just-right books, identifying nonfiction areas of interest, all about facts, making predictions, book medals
  • 2/3: alphabetizing and shelf order, what is a call number, using Destiny Discover, types of nonfiction
  • 4/5: digital citizenship, evaluating online information, nonfiction shelf sequence, narrative nonfiction, Global Reading Challenge

We will continue talking about developing a “balanced reading diet.” There are benefits to reading all kinds of literature to grow our brains in different ways. This month’s library wish list focuses on high-interest, engaging nonfiction to help students with this goal. 

Global Reading Challenge

Rocket. Text: Global Reading Challenge Logo

Next week begins our Global Reading Challenge team practice. Students in 4th and 5th grade who have chosen to participate will be put into teams of seven to answer questions about eight different books. We will practice weekly on Thursdays during lunch/recess. Our in- school competition will take place Tuesday, February 11. Students began reading the books all the way back in November and are SO excited to get started! We love Global Reading Challenge at B.F. Day! To read more about this program visit the Seattle Public Library.

To make our practices successful we need 3-4 parent volunteers to help quiz our teams.Check out this sign up if you have the availability to participate. You will need to be a cleared volunteer to attend as you’ll be directly working with students. Thank you in advance for your support! It makes a huge difference!


Looking for Gently Used Donations

Our Special Education team is looking for gently used donations. We’re creating a small break space for K-1students and are looking for the following items… -individual trampoline with handlebar -play kitchen and pretend food – gently used toys like Hot Wheels; puppets; fidget items; etc. -comfortable seating, like a bean bag Do you have a donation pile going at home that has these items? If so, please email Dr. Zisko (nlzisko@seattleschools.org). We’d love to consider them for our student break space!


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