The Bark August 2025 Community Edition

Dear Bulldog Families, 

It’s hard to believe that summer break is already coming to a close! I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed time together and made wonderful memories.  My family had a busy summer as we cheered on my youngest son’s fifth-grade promotion, celebrated my oldest son’s high school graduation, traveled, and even began driving lessons with my daughter. I’m also preparing for my son’s upcoming move-in at UW. Now, with those milestones behind us, I’m excited to shift my focus toward the school year ahead.

In this edition of The Bark, you’ll find updates about what’s happening at school and ways to stay connected. This year, I’ll be sharing our school newsletter through the Bennett website. You can expect our newsletter to be sent out twice a month, typically on Fridays. Since this one is coming to you on a Saturday, it’s an exception. I’ll also be sending another edition next week with more details on technical items such as drop-off and pick-up. In addition, kindergarten families can expect a separate communication earlier in the week.

If you would like to read our newsletter in another language, you can easily do so. Click the language tool in the upper right corner of the webpage and use the dropdown menu to choose from more than 115 languages. This tool works for all Bellevue School District webpages.

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter below. We’re looking forward to a fantastic school year together!

Warmly,
Jessica Strazzulla - Principal Bennett Elementary

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Contact Us 

Feel free to contact me strazzullaj@bsd405.org, our amazing Office Manager Melanie Pierson piersonm@bsd405.org with any questions you may have.

Main Office call (425)456-4800

For attendance bennettattendance@bsd405.org or call (425)456-4801

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Upcoming Dates

• 8/28- Meet the Teacher 3-4pm, Ice Cream Social  4-4:30pm
• 9/1- Labor Day 
• 9/2- First Day of School 1st-5th grade
• 9/5- First Day of School Kindergarten
• 9/8- First Day of Preschool

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Class Placements and Back to School Gatherings

Next week, families will receive an email from their child’s assigned classroom teacher on Wednesday, August 27th. While you may be able to see classroom placements ahead of time through district platforms or apps, we strongly recommend waiting until you receive the official email before sharing with your child, as enrollment is still being finalized and changes can occur.

On Thursday, August 28th, from 3:00–4:00 p.m., we invite you to join us for our Meet the Teacher event! This is an informal opportunity to visit the classroom, say a quick hello to teachers, and get a feel for the campus. You’re also welcome to drop off supplies if you’d like, though this is not required.

Following this, from 4:00–4:30 p.m., our wonderful PTSA is sponsoring an Ice Cream Social—a great way to connect with one another and kick off the school year together!

Finally, please remember that classroom assignments are not truly final until after our October enrollment count. Occasionally, changes may be necessary at that time. Once teacher assignments are shared, we are unable to make adjustments. Each year, our staff engages in a thoughtful, collaborative process to create balanced classrooms that meet the needs of all students, and we deeply appreciate your trust in this process.

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School Supply List for 2025-2026

We suggest a few basics to help your student start the year ready to learn.  2025-2026 school supplies list

Contact our front office with any questions.

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Lunch Meal Options & Pricing

Students have the choice to eat at school or bring a home-packed lunch. For those choosing school meals, here are the 2025–2026 meal prices:

Elementary (Preschool, Grades K–5)

• Milk only: $0.75

• Lunch: $4.25

How to Pay for Meals

Nutrition Services uses PayPAMS for online payments. Visit www.paypams.com to set up your account and manage meal payments.

For the full monthly menus and more details, visit the BSD Menus and Nutritional Information page.

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District News and Resources

Complete a School Meal Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals

The 2025-2026 Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit Application (CNEEB) is open. Qualification for free or reduced-price meal benefits is based on household size and income. Families, including those with students attending schools where meals are available at no cost, are encouraged to complete the CNEEB application to establish eligibility for school meal benefits.

Families must reapply every year. If your student(s) qualified for free or reduced-priced meals last year in the Bellevue School District, their prior year eligibility is extended for the first 30 school days to allow time for a new application to be completed. The final day they may use their prior year eligibility is October 14, 2025. After this date, meals will be charged at the paid meal price if eligibility for free or reduced-price meals has not been reestablished.  

It’s More Than a Meal Application

Did you know that completing an application for free or reduced-price meals can assist with more than just meals at school? Unlock benefits for your student, family and school with an approved application. Learn more about the benefits of applying.

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We are so excited for the year ahead and look forward to welcoming our Bulldog community back to campus soon. It’s going to be a wonderful year of learning, growth, and connection together!