The Weekly Sun Dragons’ Dayette

Notes From the Music Room

Attention Kindergarten – Grade 3 parents: Come celebrate the conclusion of our Indian Music Residency next week (May 30-June 2).

Our K-3 music classes have had the privilege to learn about Hindustani vocal music from some of the best musicians in the greater Seattle area over the past three weeks (see photos and brief bios of our artists in residence below). Our generous artists are inviting parents of kindergarten – 3rd graders to come for a little “informance” during their child’s music class next week. We would love to share what we’ve learned with you and give you a peek into learning Hindustani vocal music!

Tuesday, May 30

• 11:50 – 12:25 Steel, Grade 1
• 12:33 – 1:05 Davis, Grade 2
• 1:10 – 1:45 Mathan, Kinder
• 1:50 – 2:25 Sawyer, Grade 3

Wednesday, May 31

• 11:50 – 12:25 Hanna, Grade 1
• 12:33 – 1:05 Noreng, Grade 2

Friday, June 2

• 1:10 – 1:45 Smith, Kinder
• 1:50 – 2:25 Berlin, Grade 3

We respectfully request that you arrive early enough to check in at the office and then wait outside the music room until your child’s class is inside and ready to show you what they know.

Apologies to Ms. Ferrel, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Elizabeth, Ms. Riepe & Ms. Tetrick’s (Hill) classes who will miss this opportunity due to the Monday holiday and other schoolwide scheduling conflicts. We hope to build a continuing relationship with these artists so that we can offer these rich opportunities next year and beyond.

Meet our Indian Music Artists in Residence

Srivani Jade

Indian Classical Vocalist, composer, and educator, Srivani Jade is a captivating performer, and storyteller of the tradition she represents. Her singing is a celebration of her life and journey. Her spirited performances are intelligent, uplifting, and transport you to a place of joy and peace. Srivani serves as Visiting Artist with the University of Washington School of Music’s Ethnomusicology program.

She also serves as the President of Ragamala, a 501(c)(3) non-profit promoting Indian Classical Music in the Greater Seattle area since 1981. At her teaching studio Gayaki, she hosts recitals and workshops, where students interact, perform, and learn from visiting musicians. She has received a Washington State Arts Commission Fellowship Award for her role in promoting Indian classical music and building a community around it.

Vibhuti Kavishwar

Vibhuti Kavishwar is a well-established versatile Hindustani/Light music Vocalist in the greater Seattle area. Vibhuti sings an eclectic repertoire of light classical music, Bollywood music, Ghazals, Bhajans, Thumri-Dadra, and chaiti. She was introduced to music at the early age of five by her father Pandit Lakshman Duttatraya Chausalkar.

She continued learning Khayal from Dr.Sharad Gadre (2008-2010) in the Gwalior style and in the Kirana style with Smt. Srivani Jade since 2012. As a solo artist, Vibhuti has given performances in Khayal, Bollywood music, Ghazals, Bhajans, and Natya sangeet in cities across the US, Canada, and India.

Samapda Bhalerao

Samapda Bhalerao is a musician trained in North Indian Classical music. She was born and brought up in India and has settled in the Seattle area (East Side) for the past 30 years. She is a Sitar player and a vocalist. She started learning Sitar as well as vocal music with her mother at an early age, followed by various well-known musicians in India as well as the US.

She has performed at various venues in the Pacific Northwest region, such as the Northwest Folklife Festival, EMP, Museum of History and Industry, Seattle Art Museum, SAAM, Bellevue City Hall, Bainbridge Art Museum etc. She has also performed for Seattle Maharashtra Mandal many times and BMM Chicago (solo), BMM Philadelphia (orchestra). She is the founder of the Pacific School of Indian Music where she teaches Indian Classical Music to children and adults. She also serves on the board of Ragamala Seattle, a non-profit organization for promoting Indian Classical Music.

Deepashri Joglekar

Deepashri Joglekar is a well-known harmonium player & a teacher in the Seattle area. She started her musical journey in Mumbai (India) during early school years. Thereafter, she continued her harmonium lessons under the able guidance of Shri Anil Kerkar. As a harmonium accompanist, she is admired for her versatility in a wide range of music, Indian Classical, Semi-Classical as well as Light music.

Amongst her achievements, her performance as a harmonium accompanist was well applauded at BMM convention in Detroit in 2017 and in Atlantic city in 2022. She also sings in semi-classical vocal concerts & has presented short Harmonium solos as well, whenever an opportunity presented itself. Currently she is taking lessons from Smt. Parineeta Marathe and Pt Pramod Marathe.

Last Call for Lost and Found!

Lost and found is overflowing! Items are hanging on the railings in front of school over the weekend. Last call to claim lost items! We will donate after the weekend.

Spring Giving (formerly known as the “Arty Party”) is Coming Up

Support B.F. Day and check out the auction items! There are sports tickets, experiences, special classroom art projects, and products to buy. There are still tickets available for purchase to attend on June 2. Come to OmCulture and join the fun! We look forward to seeing you there! Learn more.

Meet our New Office Staff

Hi everyone! My name is Madi Mittry and I am going to be starting at B.F. Day next year as the new attendance specialist. Before perusing my career in education, I worked in the banking industry for four years and prior to that was the manager of a retail store in our local mall. I started at Concord Elementary in December of 2022.

I recently moved to Seattle in July of last year and I have loved it ever since. I have a passion for traveling and listening to music. My favorite artist is Twenty-One Pilots and my favorite place to travel is Disneyland! I love cracking jokes and being in the presence of wonderful company. I cannot wait to get to know you all in a few short months. I hope you all have a fantastic long weekend!

Enrollment Projections for Next School Year

Our enrollment is looking strong for the 2023-2024 school year. Below are the current numbers:

Enrollment for 2023 – 2024

• Kinder: 69
• First: 60
• Second: 61
• Third: 63
• Fourth: 85
• Fifth: 51
• Total (excluding Pre-K) = 391 With Pre-K = 426

Current 22-23 student counts (including Pre-K): 393

Sections Next Year:
-.5 Assistant Principal

• 2 SPP+
• 3 Kinder
• 3 First Grade
• 2 Second Grade
• 2/3 Combo Class
• 2 Third Grade
• 3 Fourth Grade
• 2 Fifth Grade

Notes:
-1 Homeroom Teacher

• K-3 26 students: 1 teacher
• 4-5 28 students: 1 teacher

Please contact Ms. Sonja if you have definitive plans that your child will attend another school next year. Also, kindergarten registration is open! Early registration helps with our planning.

From the Nurse

Thank you for the wonderful gifts, cookies, candy, and cards on Nurse’s Day. I appreciated them so much and feel the love here at B.F. Day.

Thank you also for donations of apple juice, snacks, and clothing! Donations of juice and protein/breakfast bars are still welcome. ~ Nurse Annette

Village Day 2023

We are excited to share this year’s theme: “It’s a Blast From the Past at the 2023 B.F. Day Village.” On June 23, B.F. Day will once again transform into the B.F. Day Village. Each classroom will sell creative, handmade products or be an important service business. Our annual poster contest is underway, and voting will take place in early June. We hope you can share the afternoon with us.

The B.F. Day Sun Dragon Fun Run is TODAY!

By the time you read this, the B.F. Day 2023 Fun Run will be in the books! No doubt the sun was shining, and the kids all had a ball. Thank you so much to all the teachers, staff, and volunteers who made it happen. Thank you to the students for running/skipping/dancing so hard for their school! We’ll share results and photos on Facebook.

Fundraising Follow up & Collecting Pledges

1. There’s still time to ask for sponsors, and now kids can share how many laps they ran, and how hard they tried!

2. If you registered and collected pledges through mybooster.com, the number of laps that your child completed will be entered, and everyone who pledged will automatically receive follow up emails and their credit card will be charged. (And you can still sign up – just go to mybooster.com – it only takes a minute. Then you can share a link to sponsor your child with family and friends via email or social media.)

3. Place all cash and check donations in your child’s Fun Run envelope and return it to school by May 26. You can also donate using a credit card through the B.F. Day PTSA PayPal account.
There is a raffle drawing for students who return their envelopes (with or without donations) or register at mybooster.com by May 26. If they do both, they get entered twice! The class that has the highest percentage of participation will win a cupcake party!

Personal Electronic Devices on Campus

Please have your child(ren) keep their powered down smart devices in their backpacks during the school day. This is especially important during testing season. Thank you!

Personal technology device considerations for smart phones, smart watches, step counters, etc.:

1. Students bring devices to school at their own risk.
2. Devices that are capable of calling, taking photos, texting, and playing games/music (phones and smart watches) are not permitted to be used on school grounds during supervised before school line up from 7:35-7:50 a.m., and during school hours from 7:55 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.
3. Once students step onto school property during the above times, devices must be turned off and kept in their backpacks.
4. Staff will store devices in the office if students use them during the school day on school property, and the student is responsible to retrieve them at the end of the day.
5. If students need to contact parents, they must first check in with their teacher and may be permitted to go to the office to contact their family for emergency purposes only or forgotten items from home.
6. Fitbits/pedometers are approved as long as they don’t have calling, texting, etc. capabilities.
7. Devices that are capable of calling, taking photos, texting, and playing games/music (phones and smart watches) may be permitted if included in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Join the PTSA Executive Board!

Calling all B.F. Day Parents! We need you!

Thank you for all of the generous contributions you’ve made to support our school community!

With your help, we’ve provided quality enrichment activities for our children, funded next year’s kindergarten Jump Start program, ensured the continued support of our outstanding school counselor for another year, and funded the support teachers who facilitate small reading groups for our K-5 children! Now, we are asking for your help as we fill our open board positions for the next school year.

The PTSA Board is made up entirely of volunteers whose children attend B.F. Day. Caregiver participation is crucial in ensuring that our children and community continue to thrive. We can’t do this without your support. Can you join the board?

There are a range of open positions, so you can choose the one that works best with the time that you have to give. You may also consider joining with a friend and sharing one role. We invite you to attend the virtual General Assembly meeting on May 22nd at 8:00 p.m. Join us at the online meeting. For more information, contact Jane at president@bfdayptsa.org.

Open Positions:

• Treasurer
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Enrichment Chair
• Enrichment Committee Member
• Neighborhood outreach / Parent Ed Chair
• Special Ed Chair
• Equity Chair
• Library Chair
• Legislative / Advocacy Chair
• Fundraising Chair
• Technology Chair
• Communication Co-Chair (E-newsletter) 

We appreciate our families so much! Thank you for your continued support for our Family School. Our strong school-PTSA partnership makes our school shine!

Lost & Found Overflowing! 

Please come inside and take a look at our lost and found! There are plenty of items, and there’s a good chance your missing hoodie is there! We will donate unclaimed items in the beginning of June. Thank you! 

Open Invitation to Hamilton MS Concerts 

Greetings Hamilton International MS Feeder families: All are invited to attend the final concerts of the year. Come celebrate the accomplishments of our young musicians! 

Concerts are accompanied by Friends of Music at Hamilton Int’l Bake Sale! 

Dates and locations – note that Orchestra generally performs off-site: 

• June 1, Jazz Night, 7-8:30, Hamilton Commons Groups: Jr. Jazz Band/Vocal Jazz/Jazz Band 
• June 8, Choir Night, 6:30-8:30, Hamilton Commons Groups: Intermediate Choir/Concert Choir/Vocal Jazz 
• June 15, Band Night, 7-8:30, Hamilton Gym Groups: Premier Band/Intermediate Band/Concert Band/Jazz Band
• June 20, Orchestra Night, 7-8:30pm, Ballard High School Groups: Intro Orchestra/Premier Orchestra/Concert Orchestra

Prospective parents are also invited to attend FOMAHI’s final meeting on June 13th at 7:00 p.m., in the Hamilton library. FOMAHI (Friends of Music at Hamilton International) is a parent-run group that guarantees that every student can pursue their musical interests and fully participate in every activity. We support the music program through keeping parents up to date, organizing volunteers, facilitating music festival trips, providing coaches, scholarships, supplies – and more!

For information please visit the FOMAI website or email us at fomahihelp@gmail.com

Greetings Families, 

Here is the Dayette for this week: May 12, 2023. Cheers, Natalie 

We love B.F. Day families!

Thank you for the amazing outpouring of love during teacher appreciation week! Our students are amazing, and we love being their teachers.

FUN RUN: One week to go!

The B.F. Day Fun Run is one week away, on Friday, May 19! The Fun Run is our PTSA’s second-largest fundraiser, and helps the PTSA support our students, teachers, and staff. We hope everyone will consider taking part in the day!

With one week to go, what can you do?

1. Help your student find sponsors!

This year, students can collect pledges via mybooster.com. It’s fast and easy to register – just go to the My Booster site and and select B.F. Day Elementary, find your student’s teacher and add your student. Then you can share the link to pledge with family and friends over email or via social media. It’s an easy way to make an online ask and collect the donations directly!

Your student can also ask for sponsors in person or over the phone! Donations are still accepted via cash or check collected in the big Fun Run envelope that went home last Friday, or via the B.F. Day PTSA Paypal account.

So far, Ms. Kelsey’s Preschool Class has the most students registered on mybooster. Way to go! Let’s see if they can keep the lead!!

So far, we have pledges coming from 7 different US states – can B.F .Day get to all 50 before next Friday? We’ll keep you posted!

2. Volunteer!

We’ve had lots of people sign up (thank you!) but still need more volunteers on the day of the run: people to cheer on our mighty runners, track kids as they loop the course, and count up kids’ tally marks. If you aren’t available to come on the day in person, you can still help! We also need donations of popsicles, tables, bags of ice, and various other items to help make the Fun Run a success.

You can volunteer by signing up on our Sign Up Genius or just come to cheer for the runners. Email bfdayfunrun@gmail.com with any questions! Go Sun Dragons!!!

Hello from the Art Studio!

Thank you, incredible B.F. Day family, for the art submissions coming in for Art Fest! I have well over a hundred works of art and I am looking forward to what else students bring in. I will be taking student artwork to hang until the morning of Thursday May 25, which is the day of our Art Fest!!

Art Fest will occur that night from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.! We have an incredible night in store for you with art and performances from the entire school. It is going to be an exciting way to come together and celebrate the arts at our school! Please reach out if you would like to assist in hanging art with me on the day of the event, because I could certainly use a few extra hands.

Other than preparing for the Art Fest, we are working on many art projects and continuing with our curriculum. We just got off of a week of perspective and color mixing to create dessert scapes and terrariums. We will be working on the color wheel and getting into color theory in addition to doing one more end of year clay project! Learn more.

As always, thank you for supporting the arts! ~Mrs. Hall

Library News

A huge thank you for all the love during Teacher Appreciation Week! I feel so lucky to work in such a supportive community- of both me in my work, and our students in all aspects of their learning. Together, we create magic for our kids.

Overdue Notices…Oh My!

Overdue notices were sent via email this Tuesday. The message is auto-generated through our library system, and in some cases, it may include books you believe have been returned (even years ago), or even books you’ve paid fines on! It will take me a bit of time to get it all sorted out, but such is the life of a new librarian at the helm. Thanks in advance for your patience!

If your child has a ton of books checked out, please don’t panic! Because our library schedule has been very wonky this year, checkout policies have been more lenient…which often leads to more checked out books.

Check under beds, on shelves, at after-school care locations, etc. If all searches end up in dead ends, here are a few ways to handle the situation:

1. Pay for a replacement of the book in SchoolPay on the Source.
2. Buy a replacement of the book and send it into the library with a note attached with your child’s name and that it is intended as a replacement.
3. Bring in another book of equal value and/or interest to contribute to the library.
4. Email Mrs.P. about the situation, particularly if it involves fines from years ago. These books may have been officially discarded from the library anyway.

Each classroom will have a designated library return bin which will be collected daily to help make the process easy-peasy. Thanks again for your help! We will continue to check out books until mid-June, but now is a great time to round up forgotten ones.

Free Book Fridays!

Weather permitting, carts of free books will be wheeled out on the upper playground after school on Fridays for the next few weeks. These are discarded library books as well as discarded books from Mrs. P’s classroom collection. Think ahead to summer and grab some great selections!

May Nonfiction Wish List…the Dewey 900s!

A huge thank you to all who have donated off this month’s wish list. The books are stunning! It’s hard to unpack these boxes without taking a seat and reading! How lucky are we?!

Our May wish list can be accessed on our Amazon wishlist.

Parent/Teacher Book Club

June’s selection is Every Summer After by Carley Fortune.

The meetup will occur Thursday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Retreat 6900 East Green Lake Way N, Seattle, WA 98115.

Mark your calendars and start reading!

SPS Elementary Summer Learning

Students who were referred, found eligible, and completed a registration form by April 7, were assigned to an Elementary Summer Learning site. Families received confirmation of their student’s summer school assignment in April. The Elementary Summer Learning program is full and is not accepting new referred students or registration forms.

Spring Giving Event!

Spring Giving (Formerly known as “Arty Party”) is back on Friday June 2 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Om Culture. Tickets are $30. This is a 21+ event. Tickets and more info can be found at on the PTSA Spring Giving website and still available for purchase! Learn more about the event.

Welcome, Incoming Kindergarten Families!

Do you know a Sun Dragon that will be entering kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year? Mark your calendars Kindergarten Families!

• August 12: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. kinder play date at B.F. Day
• August 23 – 25: Jump Start to kindergarten 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• September 3: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. kinder play date at B.F. Day
• September 11: first day of school for preschool and kindergarten

Preschool Popsicle Play Date!

Every year we welcome our incoming SPP+ (preschool) students with a preschool popsicle play date. This year, our 2023-2024 preschoolers will gather on August 31 from 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. on the B.F. Day playground for play date fun!

The B.F. Day Annual Fun Run! Sponsors are waiting to be found!

Today, your student will bring home a large envelope to gather sponsors for our annual Sun Dragon Fun Run. The Fun Run is one of the PTSA’s largest fundraisers, but just as important, it’s an opportunity for the whole school community to rally together for a day of FUN (and running…or sauntering or skipping or…). We hope everyone will consider taking part in the day! When: Friday, May 19, all day 

How it Works

Students find sponsors for their Fun Run who pledge either a flat amount or per lap. On May 19, each grade level runs for a total of 40 minutes around a course on the fields above the school (approx 0.10 mile in length), and their laps are counted (students average 20-30 laps), tallied, and given to them on a tally card. Students collect checks and cash in the envelope from their sponsors, or via their mybooster.com page. Students celebrate their hard work at school with prizes and fun!

Finding sponsors can be intimidating, but it is also a great way to give people an opportunity to help the school in a very concrete way and a way for students to be able to be included in the effort to support their school. Help your student approach sponsors by writing a script together, practicing, and starting with someone friendly and familiar.

This year, students also have the choice to set up a page on mybooster.com to ask online for donations via a video or note. To get started, parent/guardians should: Go to mybooster.com. Select B.F. Day Elementary and create an account. Find your child’s classroom(s) and add their names. You will receive a link that you can email to family and friends and share on personal email. Your child can track their pledges on their page and add a personal message to their supporters. Please note that cash and check payments are still accepted and should be turned in in the official envelope by May 26, 2023. (Checks should be made payable to B.F. Day PTSA.)

Fun Run Help Needed!

We will need volunteers on the day of the run: people to cheer on our mighty runners, track kids as they loop the course, count kids’ tally marks, and provide supplies like coolers and popsicles.

You can volunteer by signing up or just come to cheer for the runners. Sign Up Genius for Volunteers.

Schedule for the Day

• 7:15 – 8:00 Set up
• 8:05 – 8:50 First grade (Arrive 8:05; Run 8:10)
• 8:55 – 9:40 Third grade (Arrive 8:55; Run 9:00)
• 9:45 – 10:30 Pre-K (Arrive 9:45; Run 9:50)
• 10:30 – 11:20- Break/Lunch
• 11:20 – 12:05 Second grade (Arrive 11:20; Run 11:25)
• 12:20 – 1:05 kindergarten (Arrive 12:20; Run 12:25)
• 1:30 – 2:15 4th/5th grades (Arrive 1:15; Run 1:20)
• 2:15 Clean up

Please email bfdayfunrun@gmail.com if you have any questions! Thank you in advance for helping to make this year’s Run super Fun!

PTSA Advocacy Update

The Washington State Legislature finished its 105-day session on April 23. This year, WA passed some important bills impacting education, including increasing funding for special education and increasing gun safety. You can find details about what did or did not pass on the WA PTSA priority areas on this 2023 Legislative Scorecard.

Field Day is Coming! Call Out for Volunteers!

Field Day is on Tuesday, June 13. Mr. Delaney needs volunteers to help run the events! The session times will be:

• 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. for Pre-K and K
• 9:10 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. for 4th and 5th grade
• 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. for 2nd grade 
• 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. for 1st and 3rd grade

Please email Mr. Delaney if you are available to volunteer and let him know which sessions you’d like to attend: vldelaney@seattleschools.org.

As a reminder, all volunteers need to complete SPS volunteer onboarding a background check. It’s advised to complete this at least two weeks prior to volunteering. Once completed, the volunteer clearance is good for two years. Learn more on our Volunteer page. Thank you!

Notes from the Music Room

Beginning Monday, May 8, students in grades K-3 will embark on a four-week journey with our newest artist 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 have the opportunity to work with a musician of her caliber and passion! We are looking forward to a deep, enriching, and fun experience with Srivani!

Library News

B.F. Day Readers! It’s time to start rounding up your stacks of B.F. Day library books. While we will continue to circulate books for the next eight weeks, we need your help in returning overdue books, so we don’t end up with an overwhelming amount of returns come June. How can you tell if it’s a B.F. Day book? Here’s a few hints:

1. B.F. Day barcode
2. B.F. Day stamp

FYI Seattle Public Library has their own stamp/barcode system which includes a magnetic sensor attached to the inside back cover.

This month’s Dewey wish list will feature books in the 900s. This includes books on history and geography. This section was heavily weeded in the summer, as many of B.F. Day’s titles were out of date or depicted history in a non-inclusive way. Hurray for new publications helping us to embrace diverse voices and authors who are mixing graphics and text to create engaging work. Check Out Our Wishlist on Amazon.

Emailing Our Attendance Line

Thank you for sending an email to bfday.attendance@seattleschools.org when your child is absent from school! We will have substitutes working the attendance desk for the remainder of the school year. It’s very helpful when you include your child’s first name, last name, grade level, and teacher when emailing in an absence. Friendly reminder to copy in your child’s teacher to the email as well. Thank you!

Save the date for Spring Giving!

Spring Giving (Formerly known as “Arty Party”) is back! It will be held on Friday, June 2 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Om Culture. Tickets are $30 and limited due to capacity. This is a 21+ event. Tickets and more info can be found on our Spring Giving website.

The Spring Giving fundraising auction is fueled by you!

We are seeking contributions of experiences, services or items for the auction. If you have a vacation rental you could offer a getaway to, any special talents or services you could offer, season tickets to any events that you’re willing to share or a relationship with a local business that might like to make a donation, that would be wonderful! You can list your item using our Betterworld site or contact anniegkbarker@gmail.com to discuss your donation.

Donation queries please contact: Annie Barker anniegkbarker@gmail.com

Volunteering or any event questions please contact: Sherry Alaghehband Sherryalaghehband@gmail.com

Spring giving is a staff favorite event! Aside from being a great fundraiser, Spring Giving is a fun community builder!

National Teacher Appreciation Week

Join us in celebrating B.F. Day teachers
for National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12)!

Many thanks to Sea Wolf Bakery, Los Agaves Mexican Restaurant and Catering, and Juniper Flowers for donating appreciation gifts for our teachers next week!

Welcome Baby Taylor!

Hello B.F. Day Community,

My wife and I welcomed the newest member of the Taylor family on April 7th. Ben was born weighing 8 pounds 14.5 ounces. He’s doing great, and we are very grateful for all the love and support from the B.F. Day community. 

I look forward to returning from paternity leave on June 5!

-Mr. Taylor

Want Some B.F. Day Swag?

Check out our School Store!

School Spirit Day May 5!
Dress Like a Teacher or Staff

Select a photo to enlarge

From the Nurse’s Office

The nurse’s office needs donations of: 

• socks
• size 7 and 8 pants, sweatpants, and leggings (girls and boys)
• Healthy snacks and juice: ideas are Veggie Straws, Made Good granola bars & apple juice.

Thank you so much for considering a donation! – Nurse Annette 

Join us in celebrating school nurse appreciation day on May 10!

Hip, hip, hooray! Let’s play!

Seattle Parks and Recreation has let us know that they anticipate the B.F. Day playfield and playground (aka the “upper uppers”) to reopen at the end of May!

Hello from the Art Studio!

Thank you for participating in our community art garden for Take Your Family to School Night! It was wonderful to connect with families and friends. Walking into my room this morning was heightened by the beautiful display we put together last night!

A few classroom updates: clay is still being fired and being sent home daily, students who were absent will have time to make up work, fifth grade tiles are coming out beautifully, our focus on lessons are on springtime and we will be continuing to focus on various art principles of design and art elements within each lesson.

Art Fest 2023 is just around the corner. Please join us for a celebration of the arts on Thursday May 25 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Students can continue to submit works of art to me or the office to be put on display for the art walk portion of the night. Performances will be from instrumental music, music with Ms. Bethany, & various after- school arts groups!

Join the B.F. Day PTSA Executive Board

Our PTSA is AMAZING! Planning for the 2023-2024 school year is underway. Please consider joining the Executive Board team. We’re very proud that our PTSA Board represents a diverse group of parents, and we encourage all to consider joining the team! The PTSA annually contributes about $190,000 yearly to B.F. Day. Its work positively impacts every child that attends B.F. Day. PTSA has a BIG impact and represents our strong parent-school partnership.

Here are the open positions for 2023-2024:

• Vice President
  • Provide support and direction to other board members.
  • Assist president in meeting all PTSA deadlines.
  • Perform president duties if he/she is unable to serve
• Volunteer Coordinator
  • Collecting volunteer info at the beginning of the year via a paper form and an online form.
  • Setting up a sign-up genius for family dinners, teacher appreciation week and fun run.
  • Circulating a Google sheet for the school directory at the beginning of the year.
• Enrichment Chair (2 or more people
  • Lead enrichment committee in creating a schedule for optional after school enrichment classes.
  • Communicate with vendors to set-up classes and communicate any issues that arise.
  • Publish schedule of after school class options as well as sign-up information.
  • Deliver class rosters to teachers, front office, and Boys & Girls Club
  • Keep track of scholarship requests and scholarship budget.
• Room Parent Chair
  • Recruit Room Parents for all classrooms
  • Assist room parents in obtaining class lists & teacher favorites
  • Share important PTSA news with Room Parents
• Neighborhood Outreach/Paren Ed Chair
  • Share parent education resources within the B.F. Day Community
• Special Education Chair
  • Serve as a liaison with the Seattle Special Education PTSA, and report back to the B.F. Day PTSA
  • Engage the B.F. Day Community in awareness and advocacy around inclusion and special education
• Equity Chair
  • Make sure an equity lens is considered in the PTSA’s work
  • Find opportunities for engagement with the B.F. Day Community on equity issues
• Library Chair
  • Recruit volunteers to work in library
  • Assist librarian in communicating to the larger school community
  • Work with the librarian in planning and staffing the book fairs
  • Liaison between the librarian and the PTSA (budget concerns, communication, volunteer needs, etc)
• Legislative/Advocacy Chair
  • Advocate for important legislation and engage the school community in advocacy
  • Stay up to date with PTSA advocacy efforts at the state and local level
  • Keep board apprised of important legislative updates
• Fundraising Chair
  • Provide support and direction for the auction, fun run and direct drive.
  • Work with the treasurer to track donations.
  • Provide regular status updates to the board.
• Building Leadership Team Chair
  • Each school has a BLT, whose primary function is to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision- making process which affects academic achievement. The BLT is composed of school leaders, staff members, and parents/guardians
  • The BLT chair attends BLT meetings, and brings that perspective into the PTSA work
• Technology Chair
  • The technology chair role is primarily the maintenance and regular updating of the B.F. Day PTSA website. This includes:
  • Updating event calendar, volunteer opportunities, and wish list as seen in the Dayette
  • Updating other pieces of the site as needed/requested from PTSA, such as for major fundraising events like direct drive or the fun run
  • Collaborating with communications committee to make sure information gets out as needed and the right information is featured on the homepage
• Communication Co-Chair (e-newsletter)
  • Solicit board/community for newsletter content
  • Compile, format, and send newsletters in Mailchimp
  • Coordinate with communications co- chair (Facebook group focused) as needed

If you are interested in volunteering for the 2023-2024 school year, please email president@bfdayptsa.org. Our final PTSA general membership meeting of the school year is on May 22 at 8:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Save the date!

Fun Run is almost here!

We love Fun Run! We’ll be on the upper uppers on May 19 for one of our favorite fundraisers of the year. Here’s the schedule:

• 8:05 – 8:50 – 1st grade
• 8:55 – 9:40 – 3rd grade
• 9:45 – 10:30 – preschool
• 11:20 – 12:05 – 2nd grade
• 12:20 – 1:05 – Kinder
• 1:30 – 2:15 – 4th/5th grade

Parents are always welcome to attend! To sign up as a volunteer, please reach out to president@bfdayptsa.org.

Village Day and Sunglasses Day Dates Changed

To spread out the fun until the end of the school year, we’ve changed the dates of Village Day and Sunglasses Spirit Day.

Village Day will be held on June 23 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Sunglasses Spirit Day will be on the last day of school, June 30.

As a reminder, our Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony is on Wed, June 28 at 6:00 p.m. in the gym.

End of Year Send Off

Preschool-fifth grade students will gather on the blacktop at 1:00 p.m. on the last day of school, June 30. We will have our whole school sendoff ceremony. Parents are welcome to attend in the audience area. The last day of school ends one hour early. Students will be dismissed at 1:25 p.m.

We love B.F. Day teachers!

At B.F. Day, we historically celebrate teacher appreciation week the first week of May. This year, teacher appreciation week is nationally recognized as May 8-12. Join us for two awesome weeks of loving our teachers (May 1-12)! B.F. Day teachers are committed to our mission of every child being seen, heard, and valued within an inclusive school climate. They are an incredibly talented and committed group of professionals. Our teachers make our school shine! Thank you, B.F. Day teachers, for being the best!

Don’t forget!

May 5: Dress like a B.F. Day teacher or staff member! and May 11: Parent workshop in the library 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the library please RSVP on our Parenting and Power of Connection form.

SBA Testing

The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) is given to third – fifth grade students at the end of each school year. SBA measures student progress and understanding to the Common Core State Standards. At B.F. Day, we use the data generated from SBA to determine instructional strengths and needs, and we reflect on our data comparative to district trends and local comparable schools. While the SBA is only one measure of student achievement, it is important for us that students try their best. Families will receive score reports on their child’s performance.

Students will take two tests in both English language arts (ELA) and math. One assessment is the computer adapted test (CAT). The other assessment is the performance task (PT). The CAT is about 20 questions and is adaptive. Questions will get harder or easier depending on how the student responds. The PT is a constructed response, and students provide a written answer.

Coordinating SBA testing can be tricky! Please log these dates and times in your family calendar. We really appreciate it when there is strong attendance on testing dates. It allows for the makeup week to run much smoother and is less disruptive to the campus.

Here are the testing dates and times:

• Monday, May 15: Grade 3 Math CAT 8:10 – 9:40 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 16: Grade 3: Math CAT 8:10 – 9:10 a.m. and Grade 4: ELA CAT 8:10 – 9:05 a.m. (Break for PCP) 9:55 – 10:35 a.m. and Grade 5: ELA CAT 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 17: Grade 3: Math PT 8:10 – 9:40 a.m.
• Thursday, May 18: Grade 3: Math PT 8:10 – 9:40 a.m. and Grade 4: ELA PT 8:10 – 9:05 a.m. (Break for PCP) 9:55 – 10:35 a.m and Grade 5: ELA PT 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
• Monday, May 22: Grade 4: Math CAT 8:10 – 9:05 a.m. (Break for PCP)9:55 – 10:35 a.m. and Grade 5: Math CAT 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 23: Grade 3: ELA CAT 8:10 – 9:40 a.m. and Grade 4: Math PT 8:10 – 9:05 a.m. (Break for PCP) 9:55 – 10:35 a.m. and Grade 5: Math PT 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 24: Grade 3: ELA CAT 8:10 – 9:40 a.m.
• Thursday, May 25: Grade 3: ELA PT 8:10 – 9:40 a.m. and Grade 5: Science 9:15 – 11:00 a.m.
• Friday, May 26: Grade 3: ELA PT 8:10 – 9:40 a.m.
• May 30 – June 2: Grades 3 – 5: Make up testing.

Third – fifth grade teachers will be reaching out to parents through classroom newsletters. Our students are offered a snack before testing so their brain is well fueled. We very much appreciate donations of fruit and healthy snacks. Classroom teachers will facilitate the snack collection and distribution. Please email your child’s teacher if you’re able to donate. Thank you, in advance, for supporting our learners on testing dates! Our B.F. Day students are smart and talented, and we’re excited for them to show what they know on the SBA.

Parenting and the Power of Connection RSVP for our Parent Education Night! 

May 11 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Library

Do you ever feel overwhelmed as a parent? You may feel stretched thin at work and at home. You might struggle with feeling guilty when you “lose it” with your kids (and we all “lose it” sometimes), or maybe you just want to have more fun and less conflict in your family life.

If you’re a parent who wants to:

• Parent in a respectful way that builds trust and cooperation
• Help your child listen to you without endless negotiations
• Gain confidence in your parenting
• Bring more laughter and joy into your family instead of arguments. Please join us for a presentation by Seattle Marriage and Family Therapist and parent coach Kirsten Jensen where she will share simple but effective tools to build connection and cooperation into your family life.

Please RSVP to our PTSA Form. This is event is coordinated and sponsored by the B.F. Day PTSA.

Volunteering on Campus

We’re in field trip season! If you plan to chaperone or volunteer for spring events, please remember that all volunteers must complete the SPS volunteer paperwork and background check. It’s advised to complete this at least two weeks prior to volunteering. Once completed, the volunteer clearance is good for two years. Learn more on our Volunteer page.

Art Fest 2023! 

When: Thursday May 25, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Where: B.F. Day Hallways and Gymnasium
What: Art Fest is a celebration of multimedia arts with hundreds of student art works on display in addition to music, dance and drama performances! 

Thursday, May 25 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. B.F. Day will celebrate the arts for an evening of visual and performing arts at BF Day! 

Please send student artwork in for the art walk portion of the night. Students can turn in work that they have done in class, at home, at camp, etc. This work will be hung and on display for the art walk portion of the night. 

Please drop off artwork in the art room or in the front office. Work will promptly be returned. 

Art Club will also be submitting work that they do in their after-school programs! 

Performances will be from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Performances will be from Ms. Bethany’s class, B.F. Day Instrumental Music, Drama Club and various performing arts classes that take place throughout the year. 

If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact:  jmpierce@seattleschools.org. Thank you for supporting the arts at B.F. Day!

April Dragon Den

Thank you SO much to everyone who donated supplies for Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary! On April 20, students had their Dragon Den where they hopefully got to learn about acts of service, RHAS as an organization, and write letters to local friends/family members asking them to consider supporting RHAS by making a donation. It was great seeing students getting involved in their community in a meaningful way. These letters should have made their way home in order to be given to whoever they are addressed to. Our hope was that students would pick somebody they know in the area so that postage and envelopes weren’t needed. If you would like to continue to be involved with RHAS, keep up to date on their social media! Visit the Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary for more information. 

Library News

Thank you for all the generous donations toward our April Wishlist! 

It will be up for one more week and you can access via our list on Amazon.

Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day at Our Bring Your Family to School Night!

We cannot wait to see you for Bring Your Family to School Night on April 27!Please make sure to stop by the library where we will be celebrating Poem in Your Pocket Day! Poem in Your Pocket Day was initiated in April 2002 by the Office of the Mayor, in partnership with the New York City Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education, as part of the city’s National Poetry Month celebration. The Academy of American Poets, which launched National Poetry Month in 1996, took Poem in Your Pocket Day to all fifty United States in 2008, encouraging individuals across the country to join in and channel their inner bard.

Teacher/Parent Book Club Meets Again!

This month we are reading Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. 

Our meeting will take place May 4 @ Retreat (6900 East Greenlake Way N) at 7:00 p.m. to talk about all things reading and books! 

Please join us!

Fifth Grade Promotion Date Change!

Save the new date! Given that Hamilton MS promotion ceremony on 6/29, our fifth grade promotion has been rescheduled to June 28 at 6:00 p.m. It will be held in the gym. More details will come from fifth grade teachers. It’s B.F. Day tradition that fourth grade parents help set up the event so that fifth grade parents can enjoy the day.

Save the date for fifth grade promotion! It will be held on Thursday, June 29 at 6:00 p.m. B.F. Day tradition is that fourth grade parents support with setup so that fifth grade parents can enjoy the day.

Planning for 2023-2024 School Year

We are actively planning for the 2023-2024 school year! Monitoring our enrollment numbers is an important part of the planning process. We appreciate families letting us know early if they have plans other than B.F. Day next year. 

Please email smhaas@seattleschools.org as soon as you have confirmed plans that your child will be enrolled in a different school next year. This information is incredibly helpful as we assign classrooms for the upcoming school year.

As you are no doubt aware, class placement is a perennial topic of discussion among parents. Families often request specific teachers for their children based on personal experience or perceptions currently circulating among their acquaintances. As you can imagine, honoring all of these requests would be impossible, and difficult to balance classes.

We approach the class assignment process with great care to ensure each child is well- matched with a skilled and a caring teacher, and that each class is balanced in terms of overall size, gender, diversity, special needs and other factors. To ensure that each class is appropriately balanced, class placement is a staff decision, based on a holistic understanding of each student, including a review of the student’s academic data. We carefully place all students so that the academic needs of every child are met next year. We value parent input about each child’s personality, learning styles, and needs. If there is updated information about your child that is pertinent to their success next year, such as a recent trauma, change in family structure, or a newly identified disability, please reach out nlzisko@seattleschools.org.

Thank you for your trust in our process and your ongoing support for the amazing teachers that we are so lucky to have at B.F. Day.

Registration is open!

Do you have an incoming kindergartener? Do you have a friend or neighbor that is enrolling their child at B.F. Day next year? We appreciate you sharing that message that early registration is important! Our early numbers drive staffing allocations.

As a reminder, if your child is currently enrolled in one of our SPP+ classrooms and you are continuing in Seattle Public Schools in the fall, you need to enroll your child for kindergarten. Students currently enrolled in kindergarten – fifth grade will automatically matriculate to the next grade level. No further registration is needed. Thank you for registering early! Visit the district Enrollment page.

Save the Date for Art Fest! 

When: Thursday May 25, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Where: B.F. Day Hallways and Gymnasium
What: Art Fest is a celebration of multimedia arts with hundreds of student art works on display in addition to music, dance and drama performances! *More information is coming after Spring Break. Stay tuned!

Parent Night at B.F. Day May 11

Parenting and the Power of Connection Join us for a parent education night brought to you by the one and only B.F. Day PTSA!

• When?
  • Thursday, May 11 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Where?
  • B.F. Day Library
• What?
  • Do you ever feel overwhelmed as a parent? You may feel stretched thin at work and at home. You might struggle with feeling guilty when you “lose it” with your kids (and we all “lose it” sometimes), or maybe you just want to have more fun and less conflict in your family life.

If you’re a parent who wants to:

• Parent in a respectful way that builds trust and cooperation
• Help your child listen to you without endless negotiations
• Gain confidence in your parenting
• Bring more laughter and joy into your family instead of arguments 

Please join us for a presentation by Seattle Marriage and Family Therapist and parent coach Kirsten Jensen where she will share simple but effective tools to build connection and cooperation into your family life.

Take Your Parent(s) to School Night April 27

Take your parent(s) to school night is on Thursday, April 27, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Come walk the hallways and classrooms to see your child’s work on display and chat with our staff. Let your child be the tour guide!

LGBTQ+ Family Gathering 

The SPS Health Education Office is offering a dinner and gathering for all LGBTQ+ families in our district on Saturday, May 6, from 4-7 p.m. at Meany Middle School. 

This event celebrates LGBTQ+ parents, guardians, and students, as well as LGBTQ+/gender-expansive kids in SPS and their parents and guardians. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. All Seattle Public Schools families and staff are welcome to attend. Expect food, connection, activities for kids, and opportunities to learn about community resources for families! 

Questions? Email: lgbtq@seattleschools.org

LGBTQ+ families can join our mailing list and visit the district LGBTQ+ Family site for more information.

Most Spirited Staff!

Congratulations to Ms. Shannon in the resource room for being our most spirited staff member for superhero day! 

Our next spirit day is May 5, the last day of teacher appreciation week. On May 5, come to school dressed as a B.F. Day teacher or staff member!

Library News

Thank you to all of the March wish list donors! We had some very happy sports and games fans, as well as animal afficionados with new books about all their favorite pets!

This month’s wish list will focus on the Dewey 800s. What lives here? Poetry, drama, and jokes! April just happens to be National Poetry Month, so this is the perfect time to grow our poetry collection. Poetry is often overlooked in the school library, but it can be a fun way for pre-readers to play with language and older readers to grapple with deep topics in a simpler way. Check out our list on Amazon.

Fun Run is Scheduled!

It’s official! The date for Fun Run this year is May 19. Fun Run is a fundraiser for our amazing PTSA. It’s an eventful day on campus with lots of school spirit! Parents are always welcome to join us for the Fun Run. Are you willing to volunteer for Fun Run? Reach out to president@bfdayptsa.org.

Volunteer with PTSA

The Spring Giving event is scheduled for Friday, June 2. We’re still looking for donations! Email Annie at anniegkbarker@gmail.com if you have a donation! 

To purchase a ticket to Spring Giving, visit our Spring Giving PTSA website.

Next school year, we’ll need more enrichment coordinators. Reach out to president@bfdayptsa.org if you’re able to volunteer. Anyone that actively volunteers for enrichment committee gets priority sign up!

The final PTSA general membership meeting of the school year is May 22 at 8:00 p.m. All parents are encouraged and welcome to attend. The meeting will be held virtually.

Attendance Notes

Thank you for doing your best to be in line at 7:50 a.m. We’re working to reduce chronic absenteeism and tardiness! For the past two weeks, we’ve averaged about 23 tardies per day.

Please note that during Dragon Dens our staff is working hard to facilitate Dens and maintain student safety. It’s a whole school effort. When students are picked up early during Dragon Dens, it becomes difficult to run Dens. Thanks for doing your best to schedule appointments outside of Dragon Den time.

Ms. Elise has officially transitioned to her new position at Seattle University. If your child is going to be absent, please email bfday.attendance@seattleschools.org

Fifth Grade Promotion

Save the date for fifth grade promotion! It will be held on Thursday, June 29 at 6:00 p.m. B.F. Day tradition is that fourth grade parents support with setup so that fifth grade parents can enjoy the day.

Monday is Class Picture Day

Yuen Lui Studio is photographing B.F. Day classes on Monday, April 3! Learn more about picture day. Ordering: There is nothing you need to do right now. If you purchased portraits in the fall, one 8×10 print of the class group photo is included with that order. Once the class group images are finalized, we will send a link and an online code to access the photos for anyone who wishes to order additional prints and/or only the class group photo. Pictured/Not Pictured: Students who are present for their classroom group photo will be pictured in the photo; students who are absent will be listed as not-pictured.

Playing After School

We love to see so many families enjoying B.F. Day playgrounds after school. As a reminder, we are not responsible for supervising children after school. Thank you for maintaining active supervision during after school play time. Please take caution when permitting children to play on the sloped hillside between the school and B.F. Day playground. Staff have discovered dangerous items in that area. If there is an injury or peer conflict on the hillside, it is difficult for adults to access the fenced area in a timely manner. Thank you for our collective work in maintaining safety for our children.

Science Fair is coming!

It’s almost here! The science fair will take place THIS Thursday night, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. We are still looking for volunteers, so if you can help out in any capacity, please email Ms. Elise right away ecdibble@seattleschools.org!!

Tables will be arriving around noon on April 6, and we would LOVE adult support in unloading and moving those right after school, from 2:30 – 3 p.m. for anyone who is available at pick-up.

The timeline of the event will be as follows:

• 5:15 – 5:30 p.m. Check-in and Set-up time. Please arrive with enough time for your student to find their spot and set up their project.
• 5:30 – 6 p.m. Gallery walk to view all of the projects!
• 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Presentation time- students should be at their boards presenting to fill out their sticker charts.
• 6:30 – 6:45 p.m. Prize time!
• 6:45 – 7 p.m. Clean-up. We ask that projects be taken home if possible and that space be cleaned before students leave.

If your child is attending the Science Fair, we ask that you plan to observe the schedule so every student has the best experience possible!

We will be selling popcorn to fundraise for end-of-year events for a suggested donation of $1. Allergen-free Skinny Pop will be available. Thank you!

Chat with the Principals Night

Please join us on Tuesday, April 4 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. for our spring Chat with the Principals night. During Chat with the Principals night, you’ll learn about updates for the next school year, get a sense of schoolwide data trends, and ask questions to our Principals. We look forward to chatting with you then!

National School Librarian Day

National School Librarian Day is Tuesday, April 4. Please join us in celebrating the incredible work of our treasured librarian, Ms. P! She works countless hours in the library and has done an amazing job transforming the space. Thank you, Ms. P., for sharing your love of literature and being our school librarian!

Baby Taylor is almost here!

Mr. Taylor and his wife are expecting their second child very soon. Mr. Taylor will be on paternity leave April 3 – June 2. During his leave, our guest counselor, Luanne Mills, will be supporting students and staff.

Here is a brief introduction for our Guest Counselor Luanne Mills:

Ms. Mills was raised in Lynden, Washington. She graduated from University of Washington and married a Roosevelt/UW grad. They raised 2 kids and now have 3 grandkids, 2 grand cats, and 1 grand dog.

Ms. Mills enjoys biking and indoor rowing. She rowed on the water with Martha’s Moms for a couple of years. Ms. Mills earned a spot on the USA Indoor Rowing team 6 times, competing in Birmingham, Copenhagen, Paris, Dresden, Amsterdam, and London.

With the exception of 3 years living in England, Ms. Mills has lived her adult life in Seattle where she taught until she retired. She can be reached at: limills@seattleschools.org. 

Welcome to the Sun Dragon family, Ms. Mills! We wish the Taylor family well and can’t wait to meet their newest addition.

School Lunch Balances

Many of you have received a notice from Culinary Services that your student has a lunch balance that needs to be paid! This is something that has recently come back into use after the peak of the pandemic, so we’re learning alongside you and are happy to help!

We use the site PayPAMS. You can find this on the school website in a link about Lunch Updates or google search it. If you do not have an account yet, you will need your student’s ID number to create one. You can find your student’s ID number on the Source app or you can email the Kitchen Manager, Miss Abby ampatterson1@seattleschools.org.

If you believe your student has not gotten lunch but they have a balance anyway, please let us know right away. We’ve discovered that a few students have accidentally memorized the wrong PINs, and there have been some incorrect charges. We’ve been able to pay close attention to and correct the mistakes that have been brought to our attention, but we do need to be aware in order to find those!

Finally, we do have Free and Reduced Lunch Applications in the office. If at any time your family is experiencing food insecurity or would just like to utilize the available resources, we can send those home upon request.

Library News

I feel so fortunate to work at a school committed to supporting the voracious reading appetites of its students! Thank you to all who donated books off our latest wish list! You’ve made some super happy readers! Amazon with the 700s wish list if you’d like to take a peek.

Students in grades K-3 have been enjoying titles off the Washington State Children’s Choice Book Award nomination list. At the end of May, they will get the chance to vote for their favorite book, and in June the winner will be announced! 

Here’s a few we’ve read so far if you’d like to ask your student their opinion. To see the full nominee list, view the Washington Library Association (WLA) website.

4th and 5th Graders will get the opportunity to read and vote on books nominated for the Washington’s Sasquatch Award. The full list of books nominated for the Washington’s Sasquatch Award can be seen on the WLA website.

The Towner Award will be voted on by 2nd – 5th graders. This is an award recognizing Washington State’s favorite nonfiction title. View the book list on the WLA website.

A Note From the Nurse’s Office

Thank you to those who generously donated leggings/sweats and underwear. We are now in need of size 7 leggings/pants. ~ Nurse Annette

Enrollment Now Open for Family Connectors University

Family Connectors University is now enrolling for the fall term! All SPS families are invited to join North Seattle College’s Family Connectors University (FCU), a family- focused online course designed to help parents and caregivers support their child’s learning and growth.

FCU topics can include:

• Helping your child with learning
• Social Emotional Learning ideas for home
• Becoming a supportive partner at your school
• Helping your child with ‘big emotions’
• Supporting your child with reading and math

Talking to kids about race, racism, and antiracist actions Take this course in real-time or attend offline at a time that works for you. The class takes place online via Zoom for 10 weeks beginning Tuesday, April 18 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Parents can participate synchronously or asynchronously, as sessions will be recorded. The course is facilitated by NSC Parent Education Instructor Lea Evans and SPS Family Partnerships Coordinator Asosa Sailiai, and special guest speakers. 

Check out the Family Connectors University video and course details on the North Seattle Cooperative Preschools website. 

View the FCU Spring 2023 Flier too for more information. Please join us for a quick orientation on Tuesday, April 4, 6-6:30 p.m. Join the FCU Spring 2023 Orientation Zoom meeting.

We’ll answer your questions, give you details on how to sign up through North Seattle College, and tell you how to apply for a need-based scholarship. If you can’t make it live, let me know. The orientation will be recorded. We look forward to meeting you soon!

The cost for the 2-unit class is $39.42 and some scholarships are available.

Contact: Asosa Sailiai, family partnerships coordinator, amsailiai@seattleschools.org to enroll or find out more information.

Update From the Dragon Den Committee
Schoolwide Service Project and Supply Drive

B.F. Day Elementary is partnering with Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary for a service project for the April Dragon Den. This month, students will be learning about acts of service in their community! During Dragon Dens, we will be writing letters to family and friends asking them to consider supporting RHAS with monetary donations.

If you would like to further support RHAS, please donate the following items by April 20th to B.F. Day:

• Dog food
• Cat food
• Cat litter
• Cleaning supplies (Clorox wipes, Windex, etc.) 
• Other dog/cat products

Hello from the Music Room!

Over the past two months, our Kindergarten through 3rd grade students have been busy learning about jazz and the blues. We spent some time examining the artistry of Big Mama Thornton and were inspired by her (and the intermittent spring weather) to write our own blues song – called the “Seattle Baseball Blues.” Ask your child to share the verse their class wrote with you – we had a lot of fun creating, singing, and recording our original work (though we are also looking forward to baseball season in Seattle commencing!) . Third grade students are also learning to play the base line to the 12 bar blues to accompany themselves as they sing their original work!

Our 4th and 5th grade students wrapped up their units of study with their visiting artists in residents this month. Fourth graders learned about Trinidadian culture through studying the Steel Drums with Kimani Bishop, and 5th graders learned about Kenyan culture through studying drumming with Ken Nsimbi. Here are some of the takeaways from our BF Day musicians, in their own words:

Steelpan Residency quotes from 4th graders:

• “My favorite memory of our time with you is when we first met you and you played and amazing song on your steel drum.” Elissar
• “Something I learned from you is how to make a steel pan” Miles
• “I will never forget when I did the steel pans for the first time.” Leela
• “...as you play the steel pan it fills me with happiness!” Alia
• “Thank you for coming to B.F. Day and teaching us a new instrument and being so kind.” Mabel
• “A very good memory is when we played “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and I still remember the notes.” Jahnya
• “I will never forget you. Thank you for letting me use your steel pan.” Tycho
• “I did not know what a steel pan was until you came and taught us.” Julie
• “I loved learning a new instrument with a very nice sound.” Arlo

Drumming Residency quotes from 5th graders:

• “My favorite memory of our time with you is you teaching us to play as one.” Keller
• “I like how you taught us different words from a different language like Umoja and Ubuntu.” Eleanor
• “Something I learned is how to time my rhythm.” Alexandria
• “I will never forget Umoja and what it means to me and my classmates.” Leah 
• “I will never forget your sense of humor and guiding words to us.” Sophia 
• “Something I learned is working together sounds better.” Winslow 
• “Something I learned from you is how to tune the drums.” Gadiel
• “You taught us all many things but the thing that stood out for me was to respect everyone no matter what.” Laurie
• “Thank you for sharing your drums with us. It was really fun.” Sabrina

This Weeks Dayette

Here is the Dayette for this week!  Lots of useful information including details on the Spring Enrichment classes and the upcoming Spring Giving Event

You’ll also read that this has been my final full week as Natalie’s replacement.  She will return on Tuesday.  BF Day will always have a special place in my heart, and I’ve been fortunate to be able to return to help out for these 3 months. After Tuesday morning, I’ll see you next at the Spring Giving Event! ~ Principal Jaskot

40 years and 2 months

This Monday, March 27, marks my last full day as replacement Principal at B.F. Day. It also marks the milestone of 40 years and 2 months in education. It is hard to believe that much time has passed, and I am grateful to BF Day for the wonderful final years of my career.

Natalie Zisko will officially return from leave on Tuesday, and I will be here for part of the morning to make sure she is fully up to speed on all that has occurred in her absence. Since we’ve talked on a regular basis, my final orientation won’t take too long!

Both Natalie and Jerid will support things from now on, but our community can count on me to respond to any questions that may arise. Many thanks for all your support these past 3 months. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to come back to a role I know and love so much. My best wishes for continued success for the final months of this school year.

Thank you!
Stan

Goodbye from Ms. Elise

B.F. Day Family, I am both thrilled and deeply sad to announce that I will be taking another job after Spring Break. I will be leaving to join the Graduate Admissions team at Seattle University, which is an extraordinary opportunity and one that I am very excited for. My last day will be April 6, the day of the science fair.

It has been such an honor to get to know you and your kiddos. I’m so grateful for your warm welcome and your sustained kindness. I’ve been showered with smiles, great jokes, and some fantastic art every day by your students and they have inspired me from day one.

I hope to still be around occasionally in a volunteer capacity. My position, as of now, will be filled by a substitute. My Dragon Den will be covered by Ms. Mary and Mr. Luke, and I know they will be well cared for.

All my best, Ms. Elise

Art Room Update

Hello BF Day Family! Wonderful things have been happening in the art room. The walls are covered in some of the new projects that we have been working on. Students have covered a month of black history in February learning about artists such as Basquiat, Alma Woodsy Thomas, Faith Ringgold and Brianna McCarthy to name a few. During women’s history month we have covered artists like Jen Stark, Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keefe. There have been a variety of other artists and loads of principles of design and art elements that students have explored as well. I have put up new art displays on the main hall to share some of the incredible products that have been created in the art room thus far!

I wanted to update you on two big things happening. 

First is the Grade 5 tile project that has begun! This is a giant endeavor that has traditionally been an outside installation. Due to weather erosion and wear and tear that has occurred on some of the previous outside installations, the tiles will be installed inside for this, as well as the previous year’s art tiles. Grade 5 students voted on the theme of Space this year and they are working really hard to get their ideas fleshed out currently. From here we will be getting their ideas transferred onto the tiles, glazed and fired within the next few weeks. I will be installing these after hours on a few occasions and my intent is to have them all installed and ready for viewing at the 2023 B.F. Day Art Fest! 

This brings me to the second big update: ART FEST! This is happening once again and will be held on Thursday May 25 from 5 – 7 p.m. Stay tuned for more information!

This is a bit lengthy update for now. Thanks for reading and thank you for supporting the arts at BF Day!

Yours in Art, Mrs. Hall, the teacher formally known as Ms. Pierce

PTSA Spring Giving Event

The “Spring Giving” (also known as the “Arty Party”) is back! It will take place on Friday June 2 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Om Culture. Tickets are $30 and limited due to capacity. This is a 21+ event. Tickets and more info can be found at our Spring Giving website.

The auction is fueled by you! Contributions of Experiences, Services or items for the auction are greatly appreciated. Please Contact: Annie Barker anniegkbarker@gmail.com

Please Contact: Sherry Alghehband Sherryalaghehband@gmail.com to help and volunteering for the event or any event questions at all.

Spring Enrichment Registration

Wed, March 29 at 12 p.m. – April 5

B.F. Day PTSA is excited to announce the Spring after school enrichment schedule. We have many returning vendors and even a couple of new ones! The spring session will run 4/17 – 6/23.

View the class titles and weekly schedule on the emailed B.F. Dayette on March 24 or on the B.F. Day Family Facebook site. A listing of the full class descriptions will be posted on the PTSA Website shortly.

A centralized registration link will be posted on the PTSA Website Spring Enrichment site at noon on March 29. The centralized link posted on the PTSA Website will take you to a Coda 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 2 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 PTSA Website.

Most vendors offer some form of financial assistance and the PTSA also has a scholarship fund. To request financial assistance, please email Mr.Taylor; jrtaylor@seattleschools.org and also the enrichment@bfdayptsa.org, and check the financial assistance box on the Registration Form.

Like what you see? Want even more offerings? Join us! The Enrichment Committee could use extra hands to keep this program afloat. (And did we mention priority registration??)… Contact enrichment@bfdayptsa.org for details.

“Eight is Late” Arrive to School at 7:50 a.m.

As we mentioned last week, we are hoping to have students arrive to school on time each morning.

Please plan to arrive at school at 7:50 a.m. Most students are already in their classrooms by 7:55 a.m. and considered late at 8:00 a.m. We appreciate your help in getting your child to school on time for a relaxed, positive start to the school day. Thank you!

Preschool Applications Open School Year 23-24

SPS Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) and Head Start Preschool Program are accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year starting on March 15. Both programs provide high-quality, evidence based preschool programs for 3 and 4 year-old students.

Please refer to the Preschool Locations Map* for SPS Preschool Programs offered near your school. Families with 3 and 4 year olds can be referred to the Early Learning webpage to learn more and apply. *Changes to preschool classroom locations for 2023-24, pending School Board approval in Spring 2023.

Seattle Preschool Program (SPP)

In collaboration with the City of Seattle, the SPP Program offers high-quality, affordable preschool to all of Seattle’s 3 and 4 year-old children. Applications submitted between March 15 – April 12 receive priority enrollment for initial placements. Contact Preschool@seattle.gov with questions about the SPP Program or application process.

Head Start Preschool Program

Head Start is a FREE, federally funded child development program for eligible children and their families. The Head Start programs in Seattle Public schools offer preschool curriculum, family services and education, and transportation. Contact Casey Drobnick, Head Start enrollment
supervisor, cadrobnick@seattleschools.org with questions about the Head Start program or application process.

Preschool brochures and flyers can be found on the Early Learning webpage. Please contact earlylearning@seattleschools.org for any general preschool questions or support needs.

Reminder! Get ready for Spring Enrichment

B.F. Day PTSA is pleased to announce that another round of after school enrichment fun is just around the corner. Registration will be held Wed, March 29 beginning at 12:00 p.m. through April 5 on the PTSA Website. The spring session will run 4/17 – 6/23. 

Science Fair Volunteers Needed

We are looking for volunteers to help with setting up/tearing down, and help during the event with managing snack and prize distribution. We will have a popcorn booth that will be free, but we will be accepting donations to the PTSA ($1 suggested) to support end-of-year events! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Miss Elise in the office: ecdibble@seattleschools.org and make sure you register to volunteer as soon as possible on the Online Volunteer Form.

Nurse Annette Donations Needed

Donations needed: 4 – 7 T Leggings/sweats and 4 – 5 T underwear. These sizes would be greatly appreciated. We do not need other sizes. Thank you for your generosity! ~ Nurse Annette

Greetings, BF Day Family,

Here is this week’s edition of our Dayette! There is a lot of useful information, so we hope you enjoy it.

“Eight is Late”

Our B.F. Day staff members are expressing some concern about the number of students arriving to school late. This has been noticed since the return from mid-winter break and it has increased after the time change.

Please plan to arrive at school at 7:50 a.m. Most students are already in their classrooms by 7:55 a.m. and considered late at 8:00 a.m. We appreciate your help in getting your child to school on time for a relaxed, positive start to the school day. Thank you!

Preschool Applications open March 15 for the 2023-24 school year

SPS Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) and Head Start Preschool Program are accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year starting on Wednesday, March 15. Both programs provide high-quality, evidence based preschool programs for 3 and 4 year-old students.

Please refer to the Preschool Locations Map* for SPS Preschool Programs offered near your school. Families with 3 and 4 year olds can be referred to the Early Learning webpage to learn more and apply. *Changes to preschool classroom locations for 2023-24, pending School Board approval in Spring 2023.

Seattle Preschool Program (SPP)

In collaboration with the City of Seattle, the SPP Program offers high-quality, affordable preschool to all of Seattle’s 3 and 4 year-old children. Applications submitted between March 15 – April 12 receive priority enrollment for initial placements. Contact Preschool@seattle.gov with questions about the SPP Program or application process.

Head Start Preschool Program

Head Start is a FREE, federally funded child development program for eligible children and their families. The Head Start programs in Seattle Public schools offer preschool curriculum, family services and education, and transportation. Contact Casey Drobnick, Head Start enrollment
supervisor, cadrobnick@seattleschools.org with questions about the Head Start program or application process.

Preschool brochures and flyers can be found on the Early Learning webpage. Please contact earlylearning@seattleschools.org for any general preschool questions or support needs.

Get ready for Spring Enrichment

B.F. Day PTSA is pleased to announce that another round of afterschool enrichment fun is just around the corner. Registration will be held Wednesday, March 29 through Wednesday, April 5; sign-up instructions will be included in next week’s Dayette.

The spring session will run 4/17 – 6/23. We’re firming up the schedule and are excited to announce a few new vendors… Stay tuned!

Science Fair Updates

We have just three weeks left before the B.F. Day Science Fair! We know there have been some challenges with sign-ups, check in with the office if you need a form, print from the tab below and email ecdibble@seattleschools.org if you have any questions. You can also print them out from the Dayette and bring to the office. The last day you may register for the science fair is next Friday, March 24. No further registrations will be accepted past that date.

We also are looking for volunteers to help with setting up/tearing down, and help during the event with managing snack and prize distribution. We will have a popcorn booth that will be free, but we will be accepting donations to the PTSA ($1 suggested) to support end-of-year events!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Miss Elise in the office: ecdibble@seattleschools.org and make sure you register to volunteer as soon as possible on the Online Volunteer Form.

Fun Run Planning Team March 23

Be a part of the Fun Run Planning Team!

• Meeting: Thursday, March 23 at Fremont Brewing at 7 p.m.

The B.F. Day Fun Run is a spring-time whole school event that promotes community, inclusion, and FUN while also raising important funds for important programs at the school.

We are looking for fresh ideas and helping hands to help plan and organize this year’s run. Whether you have time to contribute your ideas at one meeting or want to be involved from beginning to end, come and be a part of the fun! You need not have experienced the Fun Run to be a part of the planning team! It’s a great way to meet other parents at the school. The Planning Team will be meeting for the first time on Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at Fremont Brewing. Hope to see you there!

PTSA Event – Mariner’s Game April 2 | SOLD OUT!

The B.F. Day at the Mariners event is now SOLD OUT! As of March 15 I’ve had requests for 212 tickets!

Library News

Congratulations to our Global Reading Challenge Team!

The Blazing Books did an amazing job representing B.F. Day at the semi-finals! We are so proud of you Ari K., Aiden K., Lincoln Z., Eli B., Nasrudin K., and Kieran M. Way to represent!

3rd Grade Biography Challenge!

The third graders have been working hard at the Little People Big Dreams reading challenge. Thanks to our amazing PTSA, we’ve been able to bring this amazing group of new biographies to the library, challenging each 3rd grader to read 20! Biographies are often overlooked as a genre, and this new collection inspires us to learn more about great lives of excellence!

Get those overdue books in!

It’s time to check your bookshelves for B.F. Day library books. The Source keeps an updated list of books checked out to each student. When you return books, it allows other students to enjoy them in a timely way. Thanks for working with your classroom teacher to know your library day. Books can also be returned any day before or after school!

This month’s wishlist

Thank you so much for all the wonderful donations in February. Students have been thrilled with the new selections!

This month’s list spans 700-799. What lives here?

• Arts
• Architecture
• Drawing, painting, and graphic art
• Music
• Sports, games, and entertainment B.F. Day students have been desperate for more books on their favorite sports, as well as more how-to books related to drawing and origami. They also (of course) love games! 

B.F. Day Book Wishlist

View our BF Day book wishlist for more information and ideas.

B.F. Day Parent/Teacher Book Club

Join us for our next meeting Thursday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Retreat by Greenlake, 6900 E. Greenlake Way N.

We’ll be discussing Deacon King Kong, by James McBride.

Nurse Annette Donations Needed

Donations needed: 4 – 7 T Leggings/sweats and 4 – 5 T underwear. These sizes would be greatly appreciated. We do not need other sizes. Thank you for your generosity! ~ Nurse Annette

K-5 Science Night Planning Sheet

If you plan to participate in science night by completing a project, please fill out the information below. Please return this form to your classroom teacher or drop off in the office.

• Name:
• Teacher/Grade:
• For Science Night I will:
• Purpose:
• Hypothesis:
• Materials Needed:
• Steps I will follow to do my experiment:

Virtual Math Night! March 16

Virtual Math Night is coming up on Thursday, March 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Join us on Teams for a special STEM challenge, to hear the Pi Contest winners, and lots of fun! After our whole group, there will be break-out rooms for kindergarten through second grade and a break-out room for grades 3-5 to learn a new math game. Each student will receive a math night tool kit early next week. See you there!

Fun Run Planning Team March 23

Be a part of the Fun Run Planning Team!

• Meeting: Thursday, March 23 at Fremont Brewing at 7 p.m.

The B.F. Day Fun Run is a spring-time whole school event that promotes community, inclusion, and FUN while also raising important funds for important programs at the school.

We are looking for fresh ideas and helping hands to help plan and organize this year’s run. Whether you have time to contribute your ideas at one meeting or want to be involved from beginning to end, come and be a part of the fun! You need not have experienced the Fun Run to be a part of the planning team! It’s a great way to meet other parents at the school. The Planning Team will be meeting for the first time on Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at Fremont Brewing. Hope to see you there!

Let Me Run Club Needs a Coach for Spring Season!

Let Me Run is looking for a coach for the BF Day team this spring! Let Me Run is a running program for boys in grades 4 and 5 that combines exercise with fun activities and lessons to help boys learn teamwork, build relationship skills and amplify their self- esteem. Our team of boys who participated in Let Me Run in the fall had a wonderful experience! The club meets at school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:25pm – 3:45pm in April and May ending with a 5k on June 3. There are training sessions for coaches in March. To find out more visit the Let Me Run website.

PTSA event – Mariner’s Game April 2

Join BF Day at the Mariners! Opening Weekend! Sunday, April 2 at 1:10pm vs the Cleveland Guardians. Get tickets by March 27!

Main Level Tickets for $20!

To order: Please email gaylecperez@gmail.com with the number of tickets for your party or return the order form attached in the School Messenger. This special offer is for all students and their families. If you would like to sit with another family, please place one order for the entire group. Orders are filled on a first come first serve basis and are based on availability. Order Now! Tickets will be Digital and will require the MLB BallPark App.

Payment: Payment can be made via cash, check, or PayPal. Please make checks payable to BF Day PTSA. Paying via PayPal for Mariner’s, April 2nd tickets. (If using PayPal, please cover the service fee). Return payment to the PTSA mailbox outside the office. Deadline to Order Tickets is March 27. Questions: gaylecperez@gmail.com

Virtual Family Math Night March 16

Please Join us online for a Virtual Math Night!

This year’s Math Night can be enjoyed at home with the whole family!

Thursday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Virtual Math Night

• Celebrate the winners of the annual B.F. Day Pi Contest
• Hear about ways that math is used in our community
  • How can you practice math at home?
  • Ways math is used: grocery store scales, construction areas, cooking recipes, music & more!
• Trap the Troll STEM Challenge
  • Can you design a trap for the Fremont Troll?
• PK-2 and Gr 3-5 math game breakout rooms

Pi Memorization Contest March 14

Below are the first 350 digits of pi.

On Tuesday 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. 

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

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

Happy 100th day of school! 

The links today will take you to this week’s edition of the Dayette and to an order form for a PTSA sponsored event to see the Mariner’s Play on Opening Weekend, April 2! Hope you can make it!

Our best for a relaxing weekend!

Let Me Run Club Needs a Coach for Spring Season!

Let Me Run is looking for a coach for the BF Day team this spring! Let Me Run is a running program for boys in grades 4 and 5 that combines exercise with fun activities and lessons to help boys learn teamwork, build relationship skills and amplify their self- esteem. Our team of boys who participated in Let Me Run in the fall had a wonderful experience! The club meets at school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:25pm – 3:45pm in April and May ending with a 5k on June 3. There are training sessions for coaches in March. 

To find out more visit the Let Me Run website.

PTSA event – Mariner’s Game

Join BF Day at the Mariners! Opening Weekend! Sunday, April 2nd at 1:10pm vs the Cleveland Guardians.

Main Level Tickets for $20!

To order: Please email gaylecperez@gmail.com with the number of tickets for your party or return the order form attached in the School Messenger. This special offer is for all students and their families. If you would like to sit with another family, please place one order for the entire group. Orders are filled on a first come first serve basis and are based on availability. Order Now! Tickets will be Digital and will require the MLB BallPark App.

Payment: Payment can be made via cash, check, or PayPal. Please make checks payable to BF Day PTSA. Pay via PayPal for the April 2n Mariner’s game. (If using PayPal, please cover the service fee). Return payment to the PTSA mailbox outside the office. 

Deadline to Order is 3/27/2023 Questions: gaylecperez@gmail.com

New Playground Supervisor 

Elif Gümrük Mokran

Hello B.F. Day Community!

I was born and raised in Turkey, and since graduating high school moved around the world to a few different places including California, Sweden and the UK. We finally moved to Seattle in November, and my daughter started kindergarten here in B.F. Day. I love being outdoors, traveling, and music. 

I’m actually a graphic designer by training, but enjoy being around kids and helping them grow so here I am! I’ve come to quickly love the B.F. Day Community and hope to be a part of it for the years to come.

Parent/Teacher Book Club

Time to start reading for the next parent/teacher book club meeting! 

This month’s book is Deacon King Kong by James McBride. 

We will meet March 23 at 7 p.m. at the Retreat Cafe near Greenlake. 

Career Week Recap!

BF Day Community,

This week we had our first ever career week! We welcomed in professionals from our school community to speak to our 5th graders about their career path and what their job responsibilities are. We were able to have some fantastic speakers. The kids enjoyed the opportunity to better understand how one’s career path is not linear, and how everyone’s path to where they are currently is different and unique.

In addition to having our professional speakers visit on Tuesday and Thursday, I invited a representative from Seattle Promise. Seattle Promise is the program by the city of Seattle that allows graduates of SPS high schools to attend a city community college two for free. We hope to build on the momentum of this year’s career week and provide more opportunities for our students to experience.

Thank you again for all our speakers!

Your School Counselor, Mr. Taylor

Kathleen Driscoll (Nurse for KC Jail) –Garrett Morlan (Creative Designer at Bungie) – LT Col Aly Teeter (Washington National Guard Public Affairs Officer) – Dr. Will Jackson (Nathan Hale Principal) – Jeremy Sterling (NOAA Scientist) – Jon Corwin (Seattle SFD) – Samantha Bills (Veterinarian Nurse)

Virtual Family Math Night Information

Please Join us online for a Virtual Math Night!

This year’s Math Night can be enjoyed at home with the whole family!

Thursday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. Watch for a link coming soon in the Dayette!

Virtual Math Night

• Celebrate the winners of the annual B.F. Day Pi Contest
• Hear about ways that math is used in our community
  • How can you practice math at home?
  • Ways math is used: grocery store scales, construction areas, cooking recipes, music & more!
• Trap the Troll STEM Challenge
  • Can you design a trap for the Fremont Troll?
• PK-2 and Gr 3-5 math game breakout rooms

Pi Memorization Contest

Below are the first 350 digits of pi.

On Tuesday 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. 

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

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

Have a fun break.  Go Eagles! 

Greetings from the Library!

Global Reading Challenge

A huge congratulations to our 4th and 5th grade Global Reading Challenge Participants! We had an amazing competition, and I couldn’t be more proud of our B.F. Day Readers! Our winning team, “Blazing Books,” (Aiden K., Ari K., Lincoln Z., Elias B., Nasrudin K.) will represent B.F. Day at the semi-finals on March 14. Way to go readers!

All the participants will take part in a pizza party on Tuesday, Feb 28 at 11:10!

The Results Are In

The winner of our first-ever B.F. Day Caldecott (“The Sunny”) goes to…. Knight Owl! 

We LOVED this book!

The Caldecott committee actually awarded this book a Caldecott Honor, so it will now be published with a silver medal!

The actual Caldecott winner this year is B.F. Day’s runner-up…Hot Dog. We all agree the illustrations are amazing…we certainly felt as hot as the dog!

This Month’s Library Wishlist

This month’s Adopt-a-Dewey wish list features books between 600-699. What lives here? Books about “Useful Science.” 

Topics like…

• How things work or are made
• Health and medicines
• Airplanes and Space Travel -Cookbooks
• Pets and How to Care for Them -Farming and Farm Animals

February Wishlist

Visit the Amazon February Wish List for a detailed list of books.

Parent/Teacher Book Club

Time to start reading for the next parent/teacher book club meeting! 

This month’s book is Deacon King Kong by James McBride. 

We will meet March 23 at 7 p.m. at the Retreat Cafe near Greenlake. 

WSPTSA State Legislative Priorities 23-24

The 2023 state legislative session is underway, and your legislators are considering a number of policies to improve education and school safety. 

The Washington State PTSA (WSPTSA) has identified these top 5 legislative priorities for this year:

Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2023 – 2024

1. Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
2. Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding
3. Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
4. Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
5. Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities

There are many easy actions we as the community can take that can make a difference, and the WSPTSA has made it easy to find these opportunities. All you have to do is sign up for these action alerts and you will get notified when your input is needed. Visit the WSPTSA website for links to each of the top Legislative Priorities for 23-24.

Virtual Family Math Night Information

Please Join us online for a Virtual Math Night!

This year’s Math Night can be enjoyed at home with the whole family!

Thursday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. Watch for a link coming soon in the Dayette!

Virtual Math Night

• Celebrate the winners of the annual B.F. Day Pi Contest
• Hear about ways that math is used in our community
  • How can you practice math at home?
  • Ways math is used: grocery store scales, construction areas, cooking recipes, music & more!
• Trap the Troll STEM Challenge
  • Can you design a trap for the Fremont Troll?
• PK-2 and Gr 3-5 math game breakout rooms

Pi Memorization Contest

Below are the first 350 digits of pi.

On Tuesday 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. 

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

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

B.F. Day Is Still Hiring a Recess Supervisor

While we have just filled one of our playground supervisor positions, B.F. Day is still looking to hire 1 more recess supervisor to join our team for the remainder of the school year. Shifts are M – F, 10:15 a.m. -1 2:40 p.m. and Pay is $18.69 hourly. If interested, please contact: Principal Jaskot 206-252-6010 scjaskot@seattleschools.org or Dr. M 206-252-6018 jsmorisco@seattleschools.org

Science Fair

Hi BF Day Sun Dragons! We are excited to be back in person for Science Fair night! Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 6 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

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. Researching an interesting topic and creating a project is its own reward. Families and students are invited to come and experience the magic of discovery through each other’s learning.

Who can participate:

• K-3rd graders are welcome to create science fair projects at home and present their projects during science fair night.
• 4th and 5th graders will be spending the month of March developing their science fair projects in class and are strongly encouraged to present their projects at the science fair!
• All BF Day students and families are encouraged to come to the science fair and support their fellow scientists!

What to look for: Before midwinter break, your student’s homeroom teacher will be sending a packet of information home with them. 

We are also looking for volunteers to help with this fun-packed night! Please email Elise Dibble at ecdibble@seattleschools.org if you are interested.

Food Drive Update

BF Day families donated a total of 1500 lbs of food. That is A LOT! Our families should be really proud!

Classrooms that earned a “Super” Dragon Scale with greater than 70% participation include:

• K – Ms. Mathan in 101
• K – Ms. Smith in 103
• 1 – Ms. Anderson in 100
• 1 – Ms. Hanna in 105
• 2 – Ms. Noreng in 302
• 3 – Ms. Tetrick (Hill in 307)
• 3 – Ms. Berlin in 309
• 3 – Ms. Sawyer in 310
• 4 – Ms. Hogue in 306
• 4 – Mr. Richardson in 311

A “Super” Dragon Scale is worth 25 regular scales and will be used toward their classroom incentives!

From Mr. Taylor, School Counselor

Dear BF Day Community,

This week is National School Counselor’s Week. I have received amazing gifts and cards for students and families. I want to say thank you. Thank you for your continued support of my role here at BF Day. The school counselor role is one that is multi-faceted and unique. Duties may include, but not limited too; individual student planning, small groups on friendship/anxiety/emotional regulation/family separation collaborating with community resources to support families, advocating for students and families, responding to daily concerns from students/staff and families and lastly, being an advocate for our students and their needs.

It truly takes a village to raise and support a child. I am happy and lucky to be able to play my part. Thank you again, and I look forward to continuing my career at BF Day for years to come.

Your School Counselor, Mr. Taylor

Virtual Family Math Night Information

Please Join us online for a Virtual Math Night!

This year’s Math Night can be enjoyed at home with the whole family!

Thursday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. Watch for a link coming soon in the Dayette!

Virtual Math Night

• Celebrate the winners of the annual B.F. Day Pi Contest
• Hear about ways that math is used in our community
  • How can you practice math at home?
  • Ways math is used: grocery store scales, construction areas, cooking recipes, music & more!
• Trap the Troll STEM Challenge
  • Can you design a trap for the Fremont Troll?
• PK-2 and Gr 3-5 math game breakout rooms

Pi Memorization Contest

Below are the first 350 digits of pi.

On Tuesday 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. 

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

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

Enroll at Seattle Public Schools for 2023-24

Will your child be 5 by August 31? Is your family new to Seattle? Then it’s time to enroll for school!

By registering early, students gain access to important resources and the opportunity to apply for schools other than their assigned attendance school during Open Enrollment Feb. 1 – 28.

Registration opened January 3 New Student Registration begins Jan. 3 for the 2023-24 school year. All new student registration is completed online.

Register New Students

Items you will need to register new students

• Parent or guardian photo ID
• Child’s passport or birth certificate
• Two (2) proofs of home address dated within past eight (8) weeks
• Child’s immunization (shots) record

Open Enrollment and School Choice

By registering early, families and students have access to lots of benefits. One benefit is families can participate in Open Enrollment and the School Choice Process. 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. Open Enrollment and School Choice begins on February 1. Read more about Open Enrollment and School Choice.

School Calendar for the School Year 23-24

Next year’s school year calendar has been approved, and key dates are now posted to the district website.

• The first day of school for Grades 1-12:
  • Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
• The first day of school for Preschool and kindergarten:
  • Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 
• Key Dates:
  • September 6 
    • First day of school for 1st – 12th grade students
  • Sept. 6 is not an early release Wednesday.
    • Early release will occur every Wednesday except for the first week of school.
• September 11 First day of school for preschool and kindergarten students
• October 13 State In-service Day (no school for students)
• November 10 Veterans Day Observed (no school)
• November 20-22 Elementary conference days (no school for elementary and K-8 students; varies by school)
• November 23-24 Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day (no school) 
• December 15 1-hour early dismissal
• December 18 – January 1, 2024 Winter break (no school)
• January 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school)
• February 19-23 Mid-winter break, including Presidents Day (no school) 
• April 8-12 Spring break (no school)
• May 27 Memorial Day (no school)
• June 19 Juneteenth (no school)
• June 21 Last day of school (1-hour early dismissal).

Potential emergency closure makeup days are June 24 – 26.

To view upcoming school year dates, please visit the online district calendar.

Science Fair

Hi BF Day Sun Dragons! We are excited to be back in person for Science Fair night! Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 6 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

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. Researching an interesting topic and creating a project is its own reward. Families and students are invited to come and experience the magic of discovery through each other’s learning.

Who can participate:

• K-3rd graders are welcome to create science fair projects at home and present their projects during science fair night.
• 4th and 5th graders will be spending the month of March developing their science fair projects in class and are strongly encouraged to present their projects at the science fair!
• All BF Day students and families are encouraged to come to the science fair and support their fellow scientists!

What to look for: Before midwinter break, your student’s homeroom teacher will be sending a packet of information home with them. 

We are also looking for volunteers to help with this fun-packed night! Please email Elise Dibble at ecdibble@seattleschools.org if you are interested.

Food Drive Update

BF Day families donated a total of 1500 lbs of food. That is A LOT! Our families should be really proud! We will share out the classroom participation numbers next week to see which rooms earned a Super Dragon Scale!

From the Library

Hello B.F. Day Readers! We have been VERY busy in the library these past few weeks!

Seven teams of 4th and 5th graders are working hard to prepare for B.F. Day’s Global Reading Competition set to take place on February 14 at 9:45 a.m. in the gym.

Parents/family members are welcome to attend! A special thanks goes out to all the parents who have volunteered as “quizzers” over the past weeks to prepare students for the competition. We are all so proud of our readers!

Classes have been participating in a “Mock Caldecott” competition in the library to determine B.F. Day’s favorite picture book from this year. Students are rating the books by assessing the artwork’s quality, how well it matches the story, and its effect on the reader.

Today’s favorite quote, “Mrs. P, those pictures made me feel like I was in the book!” (kindergartener)

Finally, 5th graders have been learning about finding reliable sources online as well as how to narrow an online search for information. We have some very talented 5th grade researchers!

Enroll at Seattle Public Schools for 2023-24

Will your child be 5 by August 31? Is your family new to Seattle? Then it’s time to enroll for school!

By registering early, students gain access to important resources and the opportunity to apply for schools other than their assigned attendance school during Open Enrollment Feb. 1 – 28.

Registration opened January 3 New Student Registration begins Jan. 3 for the 2023-24 school year. All registration is completed online.

Register New Students

Items you will need to register new students

• Parent or guardian photo ID
• Child’s passport or birth certificate
• Two (2) proofs of home address dated within past eight (8) weeks
• Child’s immunization (shots) record

Open Enrollment and School Choice

By registering early, families and students have access to lots of benefits. One benefit is families can participate in Open Enrollment and the School Choice Process. 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. Open Enrollment and School Choice begins on February 1. Read more about Open Enrollment and School Choice.

B.F. Day Is Still Hiring Recess Supervisors

B.F. Day is looking to hire new recess supervisors to join our team for the remainder of the school year. Shifts are M-F, 10:15-12:40 and Pay is $18.69 hourly. If interested, please contact: Principal Jaskot 206-252-6015 scjaskot@seattleschools.org or Dr. M 206-252-6018 jsmorisco@seattleschools.org

Last Call for Lost and Found!

Has your child has ever worn a jacket, gloves, or hat to school? Does your child have a plastic water bottle that you’re now realizing you haven’t seen in a while? Do you pack your child lunches or snacks in cool lunch boxes or plastic Tupperware? If you answered, “Yes!” to any of these questions, please take a minute when you drop off or pick up your students to check out our stash. Our coat rack is overflowing, and we have full boxes of other accessory items that we would love to return to their rightful owners! Our 4th and 5th graders are going to apply for new school jobs next week and we would love for our next lost and found crew members to start off with a clean slate, so we plan to donate unclaimed items at the beginning of February. Thank you!

Playground Gates

Please note that the playground gates are locked between 8:05 and 8:10 daily. This includes the gate leading to the steps to Fremont Ave N. We do this to secure the area for the pre-school program that uses the play ground at 8:15. We apologize for any inconvenience!

From the Library

Greetings B.F. Day Readers! A huge thank you to everyone who fulfilled this month’s nonfiction wish list! We’ve been enjoying some truly beautiful new books.

There are over 40 4th and 5th graders participating in this year’s Global Reading Challenge! We will be meeting every Tuesday at lunch to discuss the 8 books until B.F. Day’s final competition on February 14.

We are in need of some extra adults to help quiz teams for practice. Please check out the Signup Genius information and see if there’s a day you can stop by! Don’t worry, questions will be provided for you.

Supporting Dyslexic Learner Event Jan 30

Implementing the Science of Reading: Supporting Dyslexic Learners in the General Education classroom

You’ve identified that your student has dyslexia or a suspected learning disability, but now what? How can you help your student to thrive in an environment built for typical learners? Join us to hear how your student can be supported in the general education classroom. Our presenter, Staci Bain, Ed.D. will discuss approaches to learning, suggest accommodations, and explore helpful tools that will provide support for dyslexic students so they can be successful in any educational setting. This presentation is intended for parents and caregivers, but all are welcome! Register at Eventbrite for this event on Jan 30 at 7 p.m.

Notes from the Music Room

I am pleased to announce that we have a second visiting artist beginning a residency at BF Day in February! Ken Nsimbi is returning to BF Day for the second year in a row to work with our 5th grade musicians. Last year, he introduced us to the spirit of “ubuntu” (togetherness) and we are looking forward to making more music together with him in the coming month. ~ Musically yours, Miss Bethany

Artist in Residence Ken Nsimbi

Born and raised in Nairobi, Ken’s experience as a first-generation immigrant is his driving force to advocating for populations whose voices have been muted by society. He is committed to promoting equality for all and the fair redistribution of power and status to marginalized populations.

Drums have been an intrinsic part of Ken’s life for decades and for countless generations before him, an ancient instrument used to celebrate all the aspects of life. Teaching African drumming is his way of inciting passion, inspiration, self-expression and healing in drummers on just about every continent on the planet. He is a member and one of the founders of International Praise Band, an international group that blends elements of Latin and African rhythm, soul, gospel and contemporary Worship music.

In Solidarity! Ken Nsimbi

Enroll at Seattle Public Schools for 2023-24

Will your child be 5 by August 31? Is your family new to Seattle? Then it’s time to enroll for school!

By registering early, students gain access to important resources and the opportunity to apply for schools other than their assigned attendance school during Open Enrollment Feb. 1 – 28.

Registration opened January 3 New Student Registration begins Jan. 3 for the 2023-24 school year. All registration is completed online.

Register New Students

Items you will need to register new students

• Parent or guardian photo ID
• Child’s passport or birth certificate
• Two (2) proofs of home address dated within past eight (8) weeks
• Child’s immunization (shots) record

Open Enrollment and School Choice

By registering early, families and students have access to lots of benefits. One benefit is families can participate in Open Enrollment and the School Choice Process. 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. Open Enrollment and School Choice begins on February 1. Read more about Open Enrollment and School Choice.

B.F. Day Is Still Hiring Recess Supervisors

B.F. Day is looking to hire new recess supervisors to join our team for the remainder of the school year. Shifts are M-F, 10:15-12:40 and Pay is $18.69 hourly. If interested, please contact: Principal Jaskot 206-252-6015 scjaskot@seattleschools.org or Dr. M 206-252-6018 jsmorisco@seattleschools.org

Culinary Services Job Fair

Culinary Services is hosting job fair during the Admissions Fair on Saturday, Jan. 28. at the John Stanford Center. Hiring: Secondary managers, Elementary managers, Assistant managers, Lunchroom assistants (cooks, servers/cashiers), Lunchroom substitutes

Benefits include medical, dental, vision; retirement, life and AD&D insurance; long-term disability insurance, medical FSA and DCAP. Applications can be completed on site.

Admissions Fair at JSCEE Sat Jan 28

The SPS Admissions Fair is Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the John Stanford Center.

School and district representatives will be available to meet with families and answer questions about schools, programs, Open Enrollment, and the School Choice process. Families can also register their children for the 2023-24 school year.

Azure Family Concerts: All Behaviors Welcome Feb 4!

Join us for our Sensory-Friendly Programs, an opportunity for adults and families to experience the museum with lowered volume and light levels. Sensory-Friendly Programs welcome anyone who can benefit from a low-sensory museum environment. Learn more.

Join Seattle Chamber Music Society for a FREE, fun, and engaging concert for children and young adults on the autism spectrum or with similar disabilities, and their families or care-givers. As many with autism (or related challenges) do not attend traditional music performances due to stimming, vocalizations or physical movements, Azure concerts offer a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for families to gather and enjoy music together. This event is ‘Shush-Proof’! Look forward to an instrument petting zoo after the performance!

Date/Time: Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. Location: SCMS Center for Chamber Music (601 Union Street, Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98101)

Visit the Seattle Chamber Music Society site for more details and to join the waitlist.

Lost and Found is Overflowing!

Has your child has ever worn a jacket, gloves, or hat to school? Does your child have a plastic water bottle that you’re now realizing you haven’t seen in a while? Do you pack your child lunches or snacks in cool lunch boxes or plastic Tupperware? If you answered, “Yes!” to any of these questions, please take a minute when you drop off or pick up your students to check out our stash. Our coat rack is overflowing, and we have full boxes of other accessory items that we would love to return to their rightful owners! Our 4th and 5th graders are going to apply for new school jobs next week and we would love for our next lost and found crew members to start off with a clean slate, so we will plan to donate unclaimed items at the beginning of February, in two weeks. Thank you!

Playground Gates

Please note that the playground gates are locked between 8:05 and 8:10 daily. This includes the gate leading to the steps to Fremont Ave N.

We do this to secure the area for the pre-school program that uses the play ground at 8:15.

We apologize for any inconvenience!

From Nurse Annette

Hi Parents, We are seeing an uptick in illnesses after break. Please keep your child home when sick to prevent the spread of infection. Review the guidance of when to keep your child home. Thank you.

From the Library

Greetings B.F. Day Readers! A huge thank you to everyone who fulfilled this month’s nonfiction wish list! We’ve been enjoying some truly beautiful new books.

There are over 40 4th and 5th graders participating in this year’s Global Reading Challenge! We will be meeting every Tuesday at lunch to discuss the 8 books until B.F. Day’s final competition on February 14. 

We are in need of some extra adults to help quiz teams for practice. Please check out the Signup Genius information and see if there’s a day you can stop by! Don’t worry, questions will be provided for you.

Artist in Residence

I am pleased to announce the first artist in residence at BF Day for this school year is Kimani Bishop! Kimani will begin a six-week residency with our fourth grade musicians on January 27. Fourth graders will not only learn how to play steel pans, but also learn about how they are constructed and their importance in Trinidadian culture. The timing of this residency will also coincide with the Carnival celebration in Trinidad, so we will get to learn about Panorama and Fantastic Friday as it is being celebrated in Trinidad.

We are so fortunate and excited to be working with a steel drum player of Kimani’s caliber!

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 the 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 completing his doctoral studies 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.

Food Drive

Thanks for the wonderful response to our food drive, which concludes today. If you have items to drop off, we can still accept them through Monday morning! Any classroom that meets our goal of 70% participation will receive a Super Dragon Scale worth 25 Dragon Scales! Participation means bringing at least one food item next week to donate.

The most needed items are:

• Soups and Chili
• Pasta and Rice
• Canned Tuna, Chicken and Salmon
• Shelf-Stable Regular and Alternative Milks
• Canned Vegetables, Fruit and Beans
• Dried Fruit
• Oatmeal
• Single-Serving and Full Box Cereals
• Top Ramen and Mac & Cheese
• Juices and Water
• Sauces, Condiments and Spices
• Peanut Butter and Jelly
• Nuts
• Dry Beans
• Coffee and Tea

Enroll at Seattle Public Schools for 2023-24

Will your child be 5 by August 31? Is your family new to Seattle? Then it’s time to enroll for school!

By registering early, students gain access to important resources and the opportunity to apply for schools other than their assigned attendance school during Open Enrollment Feb. 1 – 28.

Registration opened January 3

New Student Registration begins Jan. 3 for the 2023-24 school year. All registration is completed online.

Register New Students

Items you will need to register new students

• Parent or guardian photo ID
• Child’s passport or birth certificate
• Two (2) proofs of home address dated within past eight (8) weeks
• Child’s immunization (shots) record

Open Enrollment and School Choice

By registering early, families and students have access to lots of benefits. One benefit is families can participate in Open Enrollment and the School Choice Process. 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. Open Enrollment and School Choice begins on February 1. Read more about Open Enrollment and School Choice.

Azure Family Concerts: All Behaviors Welcome!

Join us for our Sensory-Friendly Programs, an opportunity for adults and families to experience the museum with lowered volume and light levels. Sensory-Friendly Programs welcome anyone who can benefit from a low-sensory museum environment. Learn more about the sensory friendly Azure Family Concerts.

Join Seattle Chamber Music Society for a FREE, fun, and engaging concert for children and young adults on the autism spectrum or with similar disabilities, and their families or care-givers. As many with autism (or related challenges) do not attend traditional music performances due to stimming, vocalizations or physical movements, Azure concerts offer a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for families to gather and enjoy music together. This event is ‘Shush-Proof’! Look forward to an instrument petting zoo after the performance!

Date/Time: Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. Location: SCMS Center for Chamber Music (601 Union Street, Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98101)

Visit the Seattle Chamber Music Society site for more details and to join the waitlist. 

Free Dental, Vision, and Medical Services

Seattle/King County Clinic brings together healthcare organizations, civic agencies, non-profits, private businesses and volunteers from across the State of Washington to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center. The four-day volunteer-driven clinic provides free dental, vision and medical care to anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare.

The next Seattle/King County Clinic will be held April 27 – 30, 2023 and will offer dental, vision and medical care. For more information about the Seattle/King County Clinic visit the Patient site and the Volunteer page. 

Math Night

Our Math Night Committee is busy preparing for the upcoming Math Night on Thursday, March 16. This will be a remote event, with a STEM theme. Our annual Pi Memorization Contest will take place on Pi Day, March 14 (3.14). Winners from the K- 2 and 3-5 entrants will be announced at the Math Night. Parents with careers using math in interesting ways are invited to join in the presentation, so that our BF Day community can learn about all the different ways math can apply in our lives. The Math Night Committee will be reaching out shortly.

Hello Families!

Our newest Sun Dragon!

On January 7 at 11:52 p.m. we welcomed our daughter, Eva Zisko, to the world. 

She is our perfect ray of sunshine and completes our family. 

We are all healthy and enjoying this special bonding time. 

Thank you, B.F. Day family, for all of the love and support. 

We look forward to raising Eva as a B.F. Day Sun Dragon! ~ Dr Zisko.

First Trimester Progress Reports

The end of the first trimester was Monday, December 12. Elementary progress reports are now available for families to view on the Source. We will print progress reports if there are individual parent requests. If you are seeking a paper copy of your child’s progress report, please email the front office: smhaas@seattleschools.org; ecdibble@seattleschools.org. View the district Source page for helpful information for families navigating the Source

Food Drive

At BF Day we are Caring, Engaged and Responsible. Next week the PTSA will be running a food drive to support Ballard Food Bank because we Care about our community! Ballard Food Bank services 6,200+ people every month and the demand is rising as the cost of food and other basic necessities increase (read more on the article on Crosscut). If you would like to participate, please send non-perishable food items to school with your child by Friday, 20 January.

Any classroom that meets our goal of 70% participation will receive a SUPER DRAGON SCALE worth 25 Dragon Scales! Participation means bringing at least one food item next week to donate.

The most needed items are:

• Soups and Chili
• Pasta and Rice
• Canned Tuna, Chicken and Salmon
• Shelf-Stable Regular and Alternative Milks
• Canned Vegetables, Fruit and Beans
• Dried Fruit
• Oatmeal
• Single-Serving and Full Box Cereals
• Top Ramen and Mac & Cheese
• Juices and Water
• Sauces, Condiments and Spices
• Peanut Butter and Jelly
• Nuts
• Dry Beans
• Coffee and Tea

From Nurse Annette

We are seeing an uptick in illnesses after break. Please keep your child home when sick to prevent the spread of infection. Review the district guidance for when to keep your child home. Thank you.

COVID Vaccine Clinics Info for this Weekend!

• Broadview Thompson K-8 | 13052 Greenwood Ave N, 98133
  • Date: January 11, 2023 Time: 7:30-9:00 am
  • Medical Provider: Docere Center
  • Vaccines offered: COVID dose 1, 2 for 6 mos. and above, Bivalent booster 
• Luther Memorial Lutheran Church | 13047 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
  • Date: January 11, 2023 Time: 9:15-11:30
  • Medical Provider: Docere Center
  • Vaccines offered: COVID dose 1, 2 for 6 mos. and above, Bivalent booster 
• Lake City Collective Center | 13525 32nd Ave NE, 98125
  • Date: January 15, 2023 Time: 9:00 am-12pm
  • Medical Provider: Docere Center
  • Vaccines offered: COVID dose 1, 2 for 6 mos. and above, Bivalent booster.

Enroll at Seattle Public Schools for 2023-24

Will your child be 5 by August 31? Is your family new to Seattle? Then it’s time to enroll for school!

By registering early, students gain access to important resources and the opportunity to apply for schools other than their assigned attendance school during Open Enrollment Feb. 1 – 28.

Registration opened January 3

New Student Registration begins Jan. 3 for the 2023-24 school year. All registration is completed online.

Register New Students

Items you will need to register new students

• Parent or guardian photo ID
• Child’s passport or birth certificate
• Two (2) proofs of home address dated within past eight (8) weeks
• Child’s immunization (shots) record

Open Enrollment and School Choice

By registering early, families and students have access to lots of benefits. One benefit is families can participate in Open Enrollment and the School Choice Process. 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. Open Enrollment and School Choice begins on February 1. Read more about Open Enrollment and School Choice.

From our Music Teacher, Bethany Grant-Rodriguez

MoPOP Museum of Pop Culture | Jan 19, 2023

Join us for our Sensory-Friendly Programs, an opportunity for adults and families to experience the museum with lowered volume and light levels. Sensory-Friendly Programs welcome anyone who can benefit from a low-sensory museum environment. Learn more.

Azure Family Concerts: All Behaviors Welcome!

Join Seattle Chamber Music Society for a FREE, fun, and engaging concert for children and young adults on the autism spectrum or with similar disabilities, and their families or care-givers. As many with autism (or related challenges) do not attend traditional music performances due to stimming, vocalizations or physical movements, Azure concerts offer a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for families to gather and enjoy music together. This event is ‘Shush-Proof’! Look forward to an instrument petting zoo after the performance!

Date/Time: Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. Location: SCMS Center for Chamber Music (601 Union Street, Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98101)

Visit the Seattle Chamber Music Society site for more details and to join the waitlist. 

Free Dental, Vision, and Medical Services

Seattle/King County Clinic brings together healthcare organizations, civic agencies, non-profits, private businesses and volunteers from across the State of Washington to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center. The four-day volunteer-driven clinic provides free dental, vision and medical care to anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare.

The next Seattle/King County Clinic will be held April 27 – 30, 2023 and will offer dental, vision and medical care. For more information about the Seattle/King County Clinic visit the Patient site and the Volunteer page. 

From the Library

Greetings B.F. Day Readers! A huge thank you to everyone who fulfilled this month’s nonfiction wish list! We’ve been enjoying some truly beautiful new books.

There are over 40 4th and 5th graders participating in this year’s Global Reading Challenge! We will be meeting every Tuesday at lunch to discuss the 8 books until B.F. Day’s final competition on February 14. We are in need of some extra adults to help quiz teams for practice. Please check out the Signup Genius below and see if there’s a day you can stop by! Don’t worry, questions will be provided for you. Sign Up to help with the Global Reading Launch.

Science Fair Date Change

We are moving our Science Fair from February to Thursday, April 6! This will give our teachers time to better prepare students in creating the highest quality projects and presentations. Details from the committee will be coming soon! 

Math Night

Our Math Night Committee is busy preparing for the upcoming Math Night on Thursday, March 16. This will be a remote event, with a STEM theme. Our annual Pi Memorization Contest will take place on Pi Day, March 14 (3.14). Winners from the K- 2 and 3-5 entrants will be announced at the Math Night.

Parents with careers using math in interesting ways are invited to join in the presentation, so that our BF Day community can learn about all the different ways math can apply in our lives. The Math Night Committee will be reaching out shortly.

Playground Gates

Please note that the playground gates are locked between 8:05 and 8:10 daily. This includes the gate leading to the steps to Fremont Ave N. We do this to secure the area for the pre-school program that uses the playground at 8:15 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience!

Enrichment Classes

After-School Enrichment Classes start next week! All classes except Cooking will begin next week. Cooking will begin on January 19th. Any questions, please email enrichment@bfdayptsa.org

Cafeteria Expectations

We are reviewing student expectations when in the cafeteria. Mr. Jaskot will be present during all lunches to ensure we have as safe and pleasant a lunch experience for students, as possible. 

As an FYI, here are a few of the areas of focus for next week:

• Staying seated while eating
• One trip to the refuse/recycle bins
• Using a Level 1-2 voice
• Sitting with a maximum of 3 students per bench Memorize your PIN

New Staff Room at B.F. Day

Big shout out to our amazing parent volunteers!

Over winter break, we had some amazing parent volunteers help us to revamp our old, outdated staff lounge! We transformed an underutilized space into a new gathering place for teachers and staff. 

Big shoutout to the B.F. Day PTSA, and the dedicated parent volunteers that pioneered the vision. 

Extra thanks to Michaela Dupkanic, Saul Rico, and Katie Lawson! Check out Michaela’s work, “My NW Nest,” on social media!

First Trimester Progress Reports

The end of the first trimester was Monday, December 12. Elementary progress reports will be available for families to view on the Source by January 10. We will print progress reports if there are individual parent requests. If you are seeking a paper copy of your child’s progress report, please email the front office: smhaas@seattleschools.org; ecdibble@seattleschools.org.

Here is a helpful link for families navigating the Source: Information for families about the Source

From Nurse Annette

Need School-Required Vaccines? Most vaccines offered at the Free Vaccine Clinics this Weekend!

Nathan Hale HS at 10750 30 Ave NE, Seattle WA 98125 Date: Sat Jan 7, 2023 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Medical Provider: Kaiser Permanente. Vaccines Offered: Tdap/Td/Dtap, IPV, MMR, Var, Hep B, Hep A, MCV, HPV, flu, Covid Pfizer Bivalent Booster 5-11, 12+ Clinic open to all SPS students (ages 5-19) regardless of immigration status. Students must be accompanied by family member. Please bring immunization records with you

Enroll at Seattle Public Schools for 2023-24

Will your child be 5 by August 31? Is your family new to Seattle? Then it’s time to enroll for school!

By registering early, students gain access to important resources and the opportunity to apply for schools other than their assigned attendance school during Open Enrollment Feb. 1 – 28.

Registration opened January 3

New Student Registration begins Jan. 3 for the 2023-24 school year. All new student registration is completed online.

Register New Students

Items you will need to register new students

• Parent or guardian photo ID
• Child’s passport or birth certificate
• Two (2) proofs of home address dated within past eight (8) weeks
• Child’s immunization (shots) record

Open Enrollment and School Choice

By registering early, families and students have access to lots of benefits. One benefit is families can participate in Open Enrollment and the School Choice Process. 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. Open Enrollment and School Choice begins on February 1. Read more about Open Enrollment and School Choice.

Ultimate Frisbee

It’s time for Spring season Ultimate Frisbee sign ups! B.F. Day will have two Ultimate Frisbee teams playing in the Disc Northwest Elementary School Spring League. Most likely one team will be 3rd graders, and one team 4th and 5th graders. Teams will be mixed gender. Practices will begin in February and will likely be on Fridays at the Upper Upper 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 be May 20.  To sign up, please fill out the Online Form in the emailed January 6 Dayette. Sign up closes: January 14 at 5 p.m. Please let me know if you have any questions – lorianaberman@gmail.com

Replacement Principal

Just a reminder, Stan Jaskot is back at BF Day until Spring Break. His email address is scjaskot@seattleschools.org

Note from Mr. Taylor

A special thank you for all your generosity with holiday gift cards and presents. We received over 70 presents and almost $700! The generosity from the BF Day Community is truly appreciated. This is a clear example of our family school supporting each other and we are so grateful.

From Mrs. Papineau

Happy New Year B.F. Day Readers! Presenting our January Nonfiction Wishlist….Dewey 500-600

Thanks to all the families who have so generously gifted books to our library this year. The month of January is devoted to the 500’s. What lives here?

Books on… 

• Astronomy 
• Earth Science 
• Plants
• The Animal Kingdom

B.F. Day Readers love this part of the library! Our wish list includes mostly newly- published books featured on many recent top children’s “must-have” nonfiction lists. Take a peek!

Parent Book Club

Parents…join us for the next B.F. Day parent/teacher book club! We had a great first meeting and can’t wait for more readers to join! 

We’re meeting February 2nd, 7:00 p.m. at Retreat (near Greenlake) 6900 E. Greenlake Way. 

We’re reading: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin