Panther Update
Panther Families
I hope that each of your families are doing well. Sometimes it feels like Spring Fever is setting in, despite the fact that it is icy outside. This time of year, I’m reminded that our students’ and our own resilience is not quite back to where it used to be. Students are so busy with the first rounds of assessments in classes, extra-curricular activities, their own personal lives, and everything else that comes with the anticipation for the start of Spring. The good news is that many of us are better than we were last year and we will be better than we are now next year.
Please check on your student’s Skyward grades. As I said above, the first rounds of projects and assessments are being added and it doesn’t take much to drastically affect grades for better or for worse. I have added directions for how to access “Family Access” in Skyward below. Also please continue to keep an eye on your student mental health. I have linked resources below.
I want to draw your attention to a problem that we are aware of but that we can use your help in addressing. A small number of students are creating Instagram pages where people can anonymously make statements that are disparaging about others. This was a trend with our freshmen when they were in Middle School last year and it primarily involves the same cohort of freshman students now. We are not alone in this trend. When I speak with Principals across the state, they are all experiencing similar issues.
Here is how you can help.
Please have conversations with your students about appropriate social media use.
Use every tool at your disposal to monitor your student’s social media use when they are at home.
When you see an inappropriate post of sites, please report it to the appropriate platform.
We are currently seeing Instagram as the primary platform of preference for these pages. Here are some directions for how to report inappropriate pages.
link to directions for how to report posts.
youtube video with directions for how to report posts.
Do your best to capture screenshots or pictures of inappropriate posts and share them with your grade level administrator. In particular, posts that identify the author or have particular details that are identifiable are most helpful for us to address on a school level. Please know that the scope of our school’s jurisdiction is limited but we will look into each situation that we can.
Let's keep working together to build the culture that we want for our community and for our school. Things are never perfect and we can’t ignore areas where we need to improve. However, we also cannot lose sight of the great work our students are doing. Spring Break is not far away, we will get there.
It’s Good to be a Panther!
Now's the time for Financial Aid / FAFSA - Beware of financial aid myths! (Washington Student Achievement Council)
- Do you think you can’t afford college or training? Financial aid helps many students pay for education beyond high school, and more families in Washington are now eligible. You might qualify now even if you didn’t before!
Myth #1: Financial aid only pays for four-year universities, not career or technical schools.
The facts:
Financial aid can be used for many types of full-time or part-time education or training, including career and technical schools, community colleges, some apprenticeships, and yes, universities too. There are options that get you into a career sooner or right away!
Myth #2: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for financial aid.
The facts:
Applying for financial aid is the only way to know for sure whether you qualify. For example, with the Washington College Grant, an eligible student from a family of four making up to around $107,000 per year can receive money for college or training.
Myth #3: I can’t apply for financial aid because I don’t know what I’m going to do after high school.
The facts:
You can complete a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application before applying for college or training. You can make your final choice about whether and where to go later, and you’ll know more about what you can afford.
- Applications are now available for fall 2023! Learn more and apply for financial aid on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.
Directions to log into Skyward/Family Access
- To Login: At the login screen, enter your login and password. If you do not receive a password, please call the Main Office (253)891-5700
- To Update your Information: When you login, you will be prompted to add your email address if the district does not have one on file. You may also change your password from this screen
- Student Information: All information can be accessed by clicking on the links on the left hand side of the screen
- Grade: If Family Access isn't showing your child's grades, click on the school drop down menu and choose the correct school
Robotics takes 1st @ District Event
This is our team's 1st District Event Championship since we started.Our Robotics team is currently Ranked #2 in the PNW.
Special recognition should go to
Drive team
Jacob Arreola- Driver
Lily Hoopes- Driver
Brody Ford- Human Player
Cannon Wolken- Coach
Jayden Gu- Technician
Zach Milner- Programmer
Fenet Guyassa- Programmer
Taven Farmer- Battery Management
Tate Leishman- Scouting Lead
Ryan Gates- Scouting Lead
BLHS Daffodil Princess 2023
On Saturday, March 4th, Princess Kiana was amazing at presenting her speech and answering an impromptu question in front of a large audience and judges. Although she was not crowned Queen of the Daffodil Festival, Princess Kiana will still be very busy, including the Daffodil Parade on April 1st. Please congratulate Kiana on her impressive representation of Bonney Lake High School for the festival.
Please visit the Daffodil Festival website at thedaffodilfestival.org to see other events throughout spring and summer.
BLHS Culinary Team
Big congrats to our BLHS Culinary Team for placing 1st and 2nd at the ProStart Washington State Competition!!
Our Management Team took 1st in state! Two of our teams placed 2nd as well!!
Our state champions are off to DC in May!
Students Starting Registration Process
- It’s time to start thinking about next year’s classes.
- Here is a link to our Counseling Department’s Registration Information Page. It also has a link to our current Course Catalog. Please look at the links on the left hand side.
- If you have any questions about your student please reach out to your student's counselor.
BLHS Band Concert
Our very own BLHS Band will be having a concert in our PAC. Please come out to support them March 16th, Admission is Free!
BLHS Cheer Tryouts
Spring Fling 3/25/23
Save The Date!!
Operation: Spring Fling
Saturday, March 25 in the BLHS Commons.
Spring Fling tickets on sale starting at lunch on MONDAY!!
Get your tickets early from the Bookkeepers office!
BLHS Dance/Drill Team
Interested in joining our Panthers Drill Team? Check out the flyer below for info on tryouts and an informational Zoom meeting:
Date / Time / Event / Location
See Clubs and Activities Meeting Schedules - In the process of being updated.
See Sports Schedules
- Thu. March 9th / Women’s and Men’s Track Varsity 3:30pm/ Jamboree / Sunset Stadium
- Fri, March 10th / Men’s C-Team Baseball 4:00pm/ Tahoma HS / BLHS Baseball Field
- Fri, March 10th / Men’s Varsity (7:00pm) & (JV 4:00pm) / Tahoma HS / Tahoma HS
- Sat. March 11th / Women’s Varsity Lacrosse 11:00am / Jamboree / Maple Valley MS
- Sat. March 11th / Women’s Varsity & JV Softball / BLHS Varsity & JV Jamboree / BLHS Softball Field
- Sat. March 11th / Men’s Varsity Baseball / Auburn HS / Auburn HS Baseball Diamond
- Sat. March 11th / Men’s Varsity Soccer 12:00pm / Grandview HS / BLHS Panther Field
- Mon. March 13th / Men’s Varsity Lacrosse 6:00pm / Olympia HS / BLHS Panther Field
- Mon. March 13th / Men’s C-Team Baseball / Graham-Kapowsin HS / Mountain View MS Field
- Tue. March 14th /BLHS Choir Concert 7pm/ BLHS PAC
- Tue. March 14th / Men’s JV Baseball / Lakes HS 4:00pm / Lakes HS Varsity Field
- Tue. March 14th / Men’s Varsity Baseball / Lakes HS 4:00pm / BLHS Baseball Field
- Tue. March 14th / Women’s Varsity Softball / Eastlake HS / Eastlake HS
- Tue. March 14th / Women’s JV Softball / Enumclaw HS / BLHS Softball Field
- Tue. March 14th / Women’s Varsity (8:00pm) & JV (6:00pm) Lacrosse / Bellarmine Prep / BLHS Panther Field
- Tue. March 14th / Men’s Varsity (7:00pm) & JV (5:00pm) Soccer / Bellarmine Prep HS / Bellarmine Prep HS
- Wed. March 15th / Women’s Varsity Tennis / Enumclaw HS / Enumclaw HS
- Wed. March 15h / Men’s JV Baseball 4:00pm / Lakes HS / BLHS Baseball Field
- Wed. March 15h / Men’s Varsity Baseball 4:00pm / Lakes HS / Lakes HS
- Wed. March 15th / Men’s Varsity Lacrosse 6:00pm / Peninsula HS / BLHS Panther Field
- Thu. March 16th / Women’s Varsity (8:00pm) & JV (6:00pm) Lacrosse / Tahoma & Stadium / Sunset Stadium
- Thu. March 16th / Women’s Varsity Tennis / Lakes HS / BLHS Tennis Courts
- Thu. March 16th / Women’s Varsity Softball / Olympia HS / Stevens Field
- Thu. March 16th / Men’s Varsity & JV Soccer / Lakes HS / BLHS Panther Field
- Fri. March 17th / Women’s Varsity Softball / TBD ARHS Fastpitch Inv. / Auburn Riverside HS
- Sat March 18th / Panther Robotics / BL PNW Robotics Competition / BLHS Gym & Commons
- Sat. March 18th / Men’s C-Team Baseball 10:00am & 12:00pm / Ballard HS / BLHS Baseball Field
- Sat. March 18th / Men’s Varsity Baseball 11:00am & 1:00pm / Union HS & Southridge HS / BLHS Baseball Field
- Sat. March 18th / Men’s Varsity & JV Soccer / Sumner HS
- Sat. March 18th / Women’s Varsity Softball / Battleground HS / Auburn Riverside HS
- Sat. March 18th / Women’s & Men’s Track / Orting Relays / Orting HS Stadium
- Mon. March 20th / Mandatory Cheer Tryout Meeting / BLHS Library (Get Cleared by April 11th)
- Sat. March 25th / Operation Spring Fling Dance / BLHS Commons
- Early Bird Tickets on sale 3/17-3/23
- March 30th / Pantherettes Dance & Drill Try Out Informational Zoom Meeting
- April 13th & 14th / First Round of Cheer Tryouts / BLHS (Get Cleared by April 11th)
- April 17th & 19th / Second Round of Cheer Tryouts / BLHS (Get Cleared by April 11th)
April 20, 21, 22 / Into the Woods Musical / BLHS PAC
April 26th - April 28th / Pantherettes Dance & Drill Try Outs 5pm-7pm / BLHS Gym A
FLASH/KNOW Parent Preview
Washington State law requires that every student receives HIV/AIDs prevention education in grades 5 through 12. Because this unit covers sensitive topics, Washington State law and SBLSD board policy require that parents/families are provided the opportunity to preview these lessons.
The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District (SBLSD) is hosting a curriculum night for families to preview the HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum for students enrolled in the following:
6th and 7th grade students (HIV/AIDS),
2nd semester 8th grade Skills for Life (HIV/AIDS) and
9th grade Health classes (Health content), and
Applicable 10th through 12th grade classes (HIV/AIDS).
Curriculum will be available for preview. This is an opportunity for parents and guardians to understand the health content for grades 6-12, preview teaching materials and ask questions about the resources used in the classroom.
Family Preview for Health Curriculum Spring 2023
May 3, 2023 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Central Office Board Room
1202 Wood Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
Parents/families wishing to exclude their child from the HIV/AIDS curriculum required by our state must preview this curriculum and sign the exclusion form.
Consistent Information and Links
Inclement Weather Information
With the weather changing, I want to share the link for the Inclement Weather information from the district.
Senior Information
Senior Class Meeting Information
Go to the Bonney Lake High School Hub.
Order your Cap & Gown, Custom Announcements, Class Rings, Senior Memorabilia, School Apparel.
Monday June, 12th - 4:00pm @ the Tacoma Dome
June 12th will be an early release day.
Secondary: 12:20
For those of us with kiddos in elementary
CWE, DVE, LRE, MLE, VFE: 1:10
SELC: 1:20
BLE, DEE, EHE, THE 1:45
More information to come. Stay Tuned!
Safety First
Lockdowns and Reasons for them.
Lockdowns involve the school doing exactly that, locking down or securing the building.
There are a number of reasons why our school might go into lockdown, only one of them is an active shooter situation.
In a real lockdown, our primary objective is safety. It may not be possible to coordinate getting students for pick-up due to the reason for the lock down.
The school and district will share information as soon as we are able to.The primary goal is to keep our students and staff members safe. I want each of you to know that the drill is coming and it is a good opportunity to talk with your students.
- Our Parking Lots
- Be prepared for long lines for pick-up and drop off. Traffic can be tough so please plan ahead in your transportation plans.
- Please avoid parking in parking stalls when dropping your student off in the morning. Often the parking stalls are assigned to students. When someone is in their parking space they often get confused and park in another student’s space. It quickly becomes an issue. Thank you for understanding.
- It’s Getting Dark
- As the days go by, the sun is rising later and setting earlier. This means students are walking to school when there is less visibility.
- Please drive carefully, keep your eyes out for students walking to school, remind your students to use crosswalks and to be vigilant.
- As always please remember, if you “See Something, Say Something.” This mindset has already helped to keep our school safe and has helped to get support to students in need. To report, anonymously or otherwise, you can use the district’s Report It link. Another way to report concerns is through the BLHS’s Incident Report link found in every teacher’s Google Classroom. Also, you can always call the school if you have any questions.
Thank you all for helping to keep our Panthers safe!
Counseling Services
Find links to the many services that our amazing Counselors provide.
Please keep your eyes open and take care of eachother. Below are some resources that may be helpful during this season.
Youth Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK OR 1-800-273-8255
GLBTQ hotline -1-866-4TREVOR OR 1-866-488- 7386
24 hour Crisis Line -1-866-4CRISIS OR 1-866-427-4747
BLHS Counseling Page and Resources
Get Information and Stay Connected
Bonney Lake High School Web Page : Daily Announcements, Clubs & Activities, Sports, Parking, Upcoming events, etc.
All of our previous Panther Updates are also available online
Please see the Connect with Us Page for links to the BLHS Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and Remind 101 Links.
Remind Codes
Class of 2023:
Text @blhs2023 to 81010
Class of 2024:
Text @blhs2024 to 81010
Class or 2025:
Text @blhs2025 to 81010
Class of 2026:
Text @blhs2026 to 81010
Teachers will have other information about their Google Classroom Information.
Get your Family Access Skyward Information to check grades, make payments, see student specific information, etc.
Get Students Connected
See clubs, their meeting times, and advisors.
If you and your family are up for it, let’s try to fill the stands with staff members this year.
School / Parent Communication:
Roughly 95% of our communication home is electronic.
Please make sure your email address is correct in our system (Skyward) so you receive the communications we send out!
If you need to update your contact information, please contact the BLHS Main Office at 253-891-5700 to be connected to someone who can help you.
Letters we send out will also be available on the BLHS home page.
I plan to continue sending out regular “Panther Update” emails to families. These emails will contain upcoming events and important information.
Attendance
Student attendance is a major factor in student learning and success in school.
Students who miss 10% (or more) of school are at high risk of failing courses and research shows they have a significantly decreased chance of graduating.
Please help your students by getting them to school every day!
If your student is going to miss school please contact our attendance office at 253-891-5860 within 48 hours of the absence. Late Arrivals must be cleared the same day.
Attending a medical appointment (Dr., Dentist, Orthodontist, Ect.) during school hours? Ask them to provide you with a note and your student can turn that in to clear their attendance and to check back in school
Transportation
Please see the following link for SBLSD Bus Transportation Information
Find your school and bus stop: Use this tool to find your specific bus route information.
Please have your child at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled bus arrival time.
Waivers: While a condition of waivers is that District transportation is not provided, we have made exceptions in the past if a bus is not full. This year, however, our buses will be full and we are unable to accommodate students on waivers. Families will need to provide their own transportation to and from school.
Bus passes: We are unable to allow students to ride a different bus when wanting to, for example, go home with a friend or be dropped off at a grandparent's house.
If you need assistance with the online bus stop search tool or have other transportation-related questions, please call the Transportation Department at (253) 891-6400.
Child Nutrition
Lunch / Food Service
Please see the Child Nutrition Link to see; the price of meals, the monthly menus, add money to your student’s account, and to sign-up for free and reduced lunches if needed.
Friday Backpack Program
In partnership with The Market, bags of food will be supplied to students who would like to take one home over the weekend.
Each bag contains: Two breakfast items, Two lunch items, Two dinner items (Non-perishable), drinks and snacks.
Please reach out to Ms. Rienzo to take advantage of this opportunity - andrea_rienzo@sumnersd.org OR 253-891-5731
I hope you have found this information helpful.
Take Care of eachother Panthers
In Servitude,
Anthony Clarke
Principal - Bonney Lake High School
253-891-5727