Sharing Our Stories
Hear from our learning community who share their thoughts on leading, learning and playing at Bennett Elementary School.
![Jessica Strazzulla, Principal]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707849483/bsd405org/tadn6zexquvy5nkpa7qg/jessica-strazzula.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707849483/bsd405org/tadn6zexquvy5nkpa7qg/jessica-strazzula.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1707849483/bsd405org/tadn6zexquvy5nkpa7qg/jessica-strazzula.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1707849483/bsd405org/tadn6zexquvy5nkpa7qg/jessica-strazzula.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1707849483/bsd405org/tadn6zexquvy5nkpa7qg/jessica-strazzula.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1707849483/bsd405org/tadn6zexquvy5nkpa7qg/jessica-strazzula.jpg","width":2200}])
Jessica Strazzulla, Principal
Our Bennett community is truly special — a welcoming and supportive environment where uniqueness is celebrated. Our dedicated staff brings passion, genuine care and expertise to enrich the educational journey, while our amazing and caring students are thought leaders poised to offer so much to the world Together, we create a nurturing space that goes beyond academics, fostering growth, empathy, and a sense of belonging for all. Serving as Bennett’s principal is an honor and privilege.
![Daveen Cordell, 1st Grade Teacher]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707849792/bsd405org/rftmk29wkosptcdju3b4/daveen-cordell.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707849792/bsd405org/rftmk29wkosptcdju3b4/daveen-cordell.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1707849792/bsd405org/rftmk29wkosptcdju3b4/daveen-cordell.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1707849792/bsd405org/rftmk29wkosptcdju3b4/daveen-cordell.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1707849792/bsd405org/rftmk29wkosptcdju3b4/daveen-cordell.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1707849792/bsd405org/rftmk29wkosptcdju3b4/daveen-cordell.jpg","width":2200}])
Daveen Cordell, 1st Grade Teacher
It is my 24th year teaching in the Bellevue School District, my 22nd at Bennett! I love being a teacher at Bennett Elementary. Bennett is a fantastic school, with a great staff, and amazing students and parents! The staff at Bennett strive to work together for every student focusing on researched-based methods, data and racial equity. As a teacher, I want to help every student feel a sense of belonging, success, and making their best get better. I am proud to be a Bennett Bulldog!
![Iraa First Day at Bennett]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709184326/bsd405org/wvpxv4xngpzxrj4tg7uz/iraa-first-day-bennett_cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709184326/bsd405org/wvpxv4xngpzxrj4tg7uz/iraa-first-day-bennett_cropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1709184326/bsd405org/wvpxv4xngpzxrj4tg7uz/iraa-first-day-bennett_cropped.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1709184326/bsd405org/wvpxv4xngpzxrj4tg7uz/iraa-first-day-bennett_cropped.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1709184326/bsd405org/wvpxv4xngpzxrj4tg7uz/iraa-first-day-bennett_cropped.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1709184326/bsd405org/wvpxv4xngpzxrj4tg7uz/iraa-first-day-bennett_cropped.jpg","width":2200}])
Garima Dhoundiyal, 2nd Grade Parent
Best school and the most fantastic teachers who are so invested in the growth and development of kids. My daughter’s learning graph has accelerated so much. We are beyond satisfied. Thank you, Bennett Elementary School.
![Deepa Patten]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707241129/bsd405org/q3aiyr2bzif96lcsuuza/deepa-patten.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707241129/bsd405org/q3aiyr2bzif96lcsuuza/deepa-patten.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1707241129/bsd405org/q3aiyr2bzif96lcsuuza/deepa-patten.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1707241129/bsd405org/q3aiyr2bzif96lcsuuza/deepa-patten.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1707241129/bsd405org/q3aiyr2bzif96lcsuuza/deepa-patten.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1707241129/bsd405org/q3aiyr2bzif96lcsuuza/deepa-patten.jpg","width":1843}])
Deepa Patten, BSD Parent and Bellevue Schools Foundation Trustee
Watching Kindergarteners use basic programming skills to move robots is an experience that you can only get in the Bellevue School District. The high-quality educational opportunities that our students have access to is only possible through the support of the community. The Bellevue Schools Foundation has been the key community partner to fund educational innovation in a way you can't find anywhere else in the state, so our students learn the skills to be 21st century thinkers starting in preschool.
See 2023-2024 BSF investments at Bennett Elementary School and districtwide.
![Student sitting at a desk at Bennett Elementary]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707849483/bsd405org/e1ywv8fiurk2faxwid0d/rachit-shah.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707849483/bsd405org/e1ywv8fiurk2faxwid0d/rachit-shah.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1707849483/bsd405org/e1ywv8fiurk2faxwid0d/rachit-shah.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1707849483/bsd405org/e1ywv8fiurk2faxwid0d/rachit-shah.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1707849483/bsd405org/e1ywv8fiurk2faxwid0d/rachit-shah.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1707849483/bsd405org/e1ywv8fiurk2faxwid0d/rachit-shah.jpg","width":2200}])
Rachit Shah, 3rd Grade Student
Ms. Strazulla’s staff and teachers have put in a lot of efforts in creating a safe and happy environment at school for the kids. It is great to see fun activities like market day, STEM nights, field trips, and music recitals run at the school. The leadership program is an excellent program promoting a sense of responsibility and confidence at a young age. We appreciate all your efforts.
![Student in the co-pilot seat of a small plane]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707849483/bsd405org/tbkax0qg08lgxuqcbzrt/parker-kleweno.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707849483/bsd405org/tbkax0qg08lgxuqcbzrt/parker-kleweno.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1707849483/bsd405org/tbkax0qg08lgxuqcbzrt/parker-kleweno.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1707849483/bsd405org/tbkax0qg08lgxuqcbzrt/parker-kleweno.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1707849483/bsd405org/tbkax0qg08lgxuqcbzrt/parker-kleweno.jpg","width":1512}])
Parker Kleweno, 5th Grade Student
I love the programs at Bennett. Chess club, Spanish class and music are my favorites!!!