SBLSD News

• Parent-teacher fall conferences; early dismissals
• Three students selected for national honor choirs
• BLHS drama club performance: Nov. 19-22
• Reminder: No school Nov. 11 for Veterans Day
• Highly Capable referral window opens Nov. 6
• Recognizing Native American Heritage Month
• Parent Curriculum Preview Night: Dec. 3
• November menus
• School board: Study session highlights; upcoming meeting

Elementary fall parent-teacher conferences are taking place Nov. 18-20 and 24. On these days, elementary schools release students according to their early dismissal schedule, which varies by school. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Elementary early dismissal for Nov. 18-20 and 24

• 11:25 am: Crestwood, Daffodil Valley, Liberty Ridge, Maple Lawn, Victor Falls

• 11:35 am: Sumner Early Learning Center

• 12:10 pm: Bonney Lake, Donald Eismann, Emerald Hills, Tehaleh Heights

On these early dismissal days, afternoon bus stop drop-off times will be 3 hours and 35 minutes earlier than when students are currently dropped off. Elementary schools are using ParentSquare for conference signups. Schools will communicate details directly with families.

Middle and high school fall parent-teacher conferences are taking place on one day — Nov. 10. However, there will still be early dismissal on both Nov. 10 and 24. Only breakfast will be served.

Early dismissal at all middle and high schools is at 10:25 am. On early dismissal days, afternoon bus stop drop-off times will be 3 hours and 35 minutes earlier than when students are currently dropped off. There will be no transportation to the Pierce County Skills Center on Nov. 10 and 24.

Congratulations to three Sumner-Bonney Lake School District students selected to perform in the 2027 American Choral Directors Association national honor choirs!

Mountain View Middle School eighth grader Gianna I. was selected for the National Middle School Honor Choir, while Sumner High School seniors Alana P. and Aireus L. were selected for the National Treble Choir.

The students earned their spots through a competitive audition process and will join talented young singers from across the country at the association's national conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in March. They'll participate in several days of intensive rehearsals before performing March 10.

Congratulations to these talented student musicians on this outstanding achievement!

Mark your calendars for this month’s Bonney Lake High School Drama Club performance of “8 Minutes Left” (High School Edition), by e.b.lee.

When: Nov. 19-21 at 7 pm; Nov. 21-22 at 2 pm

Where: BLHS Performing Arts Center

Tickets: $8 students, seniors and military; $12 adults

Cash sales at the door; credit card via GoFan.

The story: The world is coming to an end at exactly 4:44 pm today, and no one has had any time to prepare. “8 Minutes Left” follows the residents of Charlesville, NJ as they navigate their final moments on this Earth – from a couple with a bunker in their backyard who can’t quite figure out how to get in, to two elderly frenemies who fight over their favorite park bench, to a mother observing her children on a playground as she wonders what their lives would have become, this thoughtful and keenly observed play manages to find the intimate humor of humans in crisis.

All schools and district offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day.

Many of our schools are hosting Veterans Day assemblies to honor those who have served and are currently serving. Check ParentSquare or your school’s newsletters for information on how to participate.

Does your child perform at significantly advanced academic levels compared to others? Consider referring them for the district's Highly Capable Program. SBLSD’s Highly Capable (HiCap) Program provides services, curriculum and activities that extend learning beyond the curriculum provided in schools and is designed so that all students of outstanding levels of aptitude may develop their abilities.

What: HiCap referral dates

When: The window to refer opens at 6 am on Friday, Nov. 6 and closes at 5 pm on Friday, Dec. 4.

Who: Students in kindergarten and grades 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 or any students in grades 2 and 5 who were absent for the universal screener this fall.

Who can refer a student: Parents, guardians, teachers, or community members

We are looking for students who:

• Learn new concepts quickly

• Think outside the box

• Are innately curious

• Make connections across content areas

• Have a drive to learn and share new information

How:

• Refer online at sumnersd.org/hicapreferrals.
  Find directions to submit online.

• Submit a paper packet: You can also request a paper referral packet in either English, Spanish, Russian, or Ukrainian from your student’s school office. After completing the paper referral, please turn it back into your school office.

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American communities, while recognizing the strength, resilience, and promise of future generations.

In the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, our promise is to know, value, and support every student. This month, we are especially proud to celebrate our Native students, their identities, their stories, and the communities that shape who they are.

Keep an eye out for our next SBLSD Culture Series coming toward the end of November that will feature a special video honoring our Native students and communities, celebrating the pride they carry, the wisdom of their ancestors, and the promise they bring to future generations.

Did you know our district has a Native American Education Program? Students with Native American heritage have the opportunity to meet monthly to learn about Native culture, meet other students and cultural experts who have Native heritage, and more.

Martha Sherman, one of our program coordinators, recently worked with students at Mountain View Middle School on a project inspired by the Three Sisters story using beads and art materials. Through corn, beans, and squash, students explored the importance of cooperation, balance, and interconnectedness. Just as the Three Sisters thrive together, we are reminded that our unique strengths make our community stronger when we support one another.

Washington state law requires that every student receive Comprehensive Sexual Health education, including HIV/AIDs prevention education, in grades 6 through 12. Because this unit covers sensitive topics, Washington state law and SBLSD board policy require that parents and guardians are provided the opportunity to preview these lessons and excuse their student from these lessons if they wish.

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District is hosting a curriculum night for families to preview the Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS prevention teaching materials and ask questions about the resources used in the classroom.

Parent Preview Night

Thursday, Dec. 3
4:30-6 pm
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Administration Building, Board Room
1202 Wood Ave (in Sumner)

This preview night is for families of students enrolled in the following:

Middle School:

• 7th Grade Skills for Life

Bonney Lake High School:

• 9th Grade Health

• 10th Grade Civics

• 12th Grade Contemporary World

Sumner High School:

• 9th Grade Health

• 12th Grade Contemporary World

The information below outlines how a parent or guardian may preview materials and, if they choose, request an excusal for their student in accordance with state law.

• Human Growth and Development (Puberty):
  In accordance with RCW 28A.300.475, a parent or guardian may excuse their student from human growth and development instruction upon written request to the building principal and/or classroom teacher. Previewing instructional materials is not required to request an excusal.

• HIV/AIDS Prevention Education:
  Under RCW 28A.230.070, state law requires that parents or guardians attend one of the district’s information sessions in order to request that their student be excused from AIDS prevention education. Following attendance at an information session, a written opt-out request may be submitted to the building principal and/or the student’s classroom teacher.

If you are unable to attend the preview event and you wish to view the resources, please contact Instructional Services at (253) 891-6065 to schedule a viewing appointment.

See what’s for breakfast and lunch in November:

• Elementary menu

• Middle school menu

• High school menu

• Interactive menu (translate the menu and view the ingredients, allergens and nutrition facts for individual menu items)

Agendas are posted the day prior to the meeting date on our website.

Study session highlights: Nov. 4

• Presentation: Elementary Servant Leadership Program

Board meeting: Nov. 18

• Virtual Meeting Link (Passcode: 562836)

• In-person/virtual public comment: Link to register will be posted Nov. 12.

• Submit comments online (School board reviews online submissions by noon the day prior to board meetings. These are not read aloud at the meeting, but are included in meeting minutes.)

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