The Bark Community Edition 11/07/2025

Nov 14 2025

Dear Bennett Families,

It’s hard to believe we’re already in mid-November! The past couple of weeks have been full of exciting activities that truly showcase the strength and spirit of our Bennett community. From November conferences and the Book Fair to our Literacy Night, we’ve had wonderful opportunities to connect and learn together.

One of the highlights was our Veterans Day Assembly, where we came together to honor those who have served in the military. Students sang heartfelt songs, shared pictures of family members who have served, and we were honored to welcome several veterans in person. These moments remind us of the importance of respect and gratitude; values we continue to practice at every assembly.

Our students did an amazing job following expectations during the assembly, and we are proud to announce that The Golden Bulldog award went to Ms. Suyama’s 1st Grade class! Congratulations to them!

Beyond assemblies, our Bulldogs have been working hard to demonstrate our schoolwide expectations every day. Their efforts have paid off—they’ve collected Pawsitive Paws and earned special celebrations! Today,most of our grade levels enjoyed a 20-minute dance party in a gym transformed into “Dance Party Central.” It was pure joy and energy!

Great job to all our Bulldogs for their hard work and positive choices. We look forward to many more celebrations as we continue to learn and grow together.

In partnership,

Jessica Strazzulla

Principal

Upcoming Dates

Save these dates on your calendar!

11/18 PTSA Meeting @ Bennett Elementary Library 6pm
11/21 Spirit Friday - Wear your favorite sport team gear or colors!
11/27-11/28 Thanksgiving Holiday - No School

Kindergarten Information Night: for 2026-2027

January 8, 2026 5-6pm

Student Lighthouse Leadership Team - Community Project

As we enter November, a month that reminds us of gratitude and the joy of giving the Bennett community has a wonderful opportunity to come together and make a difference. Our Student Lighthouse Leadership Team, in partnership with our PTSA, is excited to launch a community impact project supporting Hopelink’s “Lend a Hoping Hand” Food Drive!

The drive begins now and runs through November 24th, and we’d love your help in collecting items as soon as possible. This is a chance for our students to lead with heart and for all of us to share in the spirit of generosity.

Collection Boxes: Located in the school for donated items.

Most Needed Items Include:

Food: Canned meat (tuna, chicken), healthy cereal/oats, grains (pasta, rice, quinoa), soup and broths, non-dairy milk (oat, almond, soy), flour (masa, wheat), oils (vegetable, canola, olive)
Non-Food: Baby items (food pouches, wipes, diapers size 4-7), hygiene items (feminine products, toothpaste, toothbrushes), adult briefs, paper items (toilet paper, paper towels), household items (Clorox wipes, reusable bags, utensils)
Seasonal: Baking supplies, spices, nuts, sauces & seasonings, canned/dried fruit, misc. items (cornbread mix, instant coffee)

Important: All donated items must be non-perishable, unopened, and not expired.

Thank you for helping us model kindness and community for our students. Together, we can make a meaningful impact!

Bennett Elementary Family Photo Wall📸🐾

We Still Need Your Photos!
Help us make our Family Wall a true reflection of our amazing Bennett community. If you haven’t yet shared a photo, please email a digital copy to me strazzullaj@bsd405.org, (include your name and teacher) or drop off a printed photo at the office. Every family matters, and we want to celebrate YOU—let’s fill our wall with the faces that make Bennett special!

PTSA News

One more big THANK YOU to all of the Bennett families and community members who came together to make this year’s Walkathon a huge success! Congratulations to all of our top fundraisers, top lap runners, top classes which were announced to students in class today — check your student's backpack as prizes are being sent home today! We surpassed our school-wide goal of $100k and can’t wait to celebrate with everyone at the GLOW PARTY on Friday, January 23rd!

District News and Resources

Inclement Weather and Potential Closure Reminders

Winter is approaching and may bring unpredictable weather to our community. Families are encouraged to take the time to revisit the district’s emergency closure schedule protocols and learn about our emergency closure decision-making process. While some decisions are made for the whole district, conditions may vary across different communities, which may result in different decisions for some schools. We encourage families to make personal decisions based on their specific circumstances.

Read the full article to learn more about:

Receiving emergency communications
Transportation during severe weather, including snow routes
Changes to childcare options in the event of delays, closures and early dismissals
Special circumstances like power outages

Save the Date: BSD Open Houses and Information Nights

Curious about Bellevue School District’s top-ranked schools or have a student getting ready for preschool, kindergarten, middle or high school? Be sure to save the date for our upcoming open houses and information nights. BSD offers a range of learning options, including choice schools, language programs, and even an online school!

Coming Soon: Open Transfer, Choice School and Language Program Application Period

The open transfer, choice school and language program application period for the 2026-2027 school year opens on Monday, December 15, 2025, and closes on Friday, January 16, 2026. Learn more about who should apply.

New student enrollment opens for preschool and K-12 on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Bellevue Digital Discovery, BSD's online school, accepts applications year-round.

Every Day Matters!

Did you know students only attend school for less than half of the year? There are only 180 days of school each year. The rest of the year is peppered with days and weeks off to visit with family and friends.

So, please, as you make your holiday travel plans:

Use only 📅 non-school days for travel, holiday celebrations and visiting with family and friends

If traveling, make sure that your plans allow for ✈️ flight delays, ❄️inclement weather, and allow your student to rest 💤 and get back on schedule for a day or two before school starts again

Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn and connect with classmates and teachers.

Research shows that even two absences a month (whether excused or unexcused) can put a student behind in their learning.

Strive for Five! Attend 5 days a week and have fewer than 5 absences in a semester.