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Panther Update

Panther Update
Panther Update
February 13, 2023

Panther Families Panther Families

Happy Valentine's Day week. I hope that everyone is able to connect with those that they care about this week. This is not always the happiest of weeks for many. However I hope that we are all able to find some positivity to hold on to and to share with others. The psychology of positive thinking is a very real thing. By taking simple, even small, steps daily people can lower the levels of cortisol (response to stress) in your brain and increase the production of serotonin (increase in feeling happy, calmer, less anxious). The benefits of lower cortisol and normal levels of serotonin include; better mood, less anxiety, higher levels of learning, multiple physiological health benefits, and much more. Some simple steps we can take on a daily basis to improve our mindsets include; making a list and sharing three things you are grateful for each day, journaling something positive that happened in the last 24 hours, exercise, random or purposeful acts of kindness for others. Can you imagine the impact each of us can have on ourselves and those around us if we did even a couple of these acts more frequently? I hope that all of our Panther families have a great week.


As always our Panthers are hard at work both in and outside of the classroom. Our BLHS Women's Basketball Team won an extremely intense first round of the West Central Districts playoffs. This big win puts them directly into the Semi-Finals and guarantees them a birth in the State Playoffs. Well done ladies! Both the Men’s and Women's Wrestling teams did outstanding jobs at their respective Regional Tournaments this past Saturday advancing 9 to the Matt Classic State Tournament as placers or alternates. The Gymnastics took 1st place in Sub-Districts. Our Dance Team did outstanding at their competitions winning 1st place in multiple categories. Our swimmers also did amazing in their Sub-District Tournaments. See below for more detailed information about these amazing Panthers and about their next steps.


As I shared last week, this is a good time to help your students avoid the “second semester slump.” Often students work extremely hard to improve their grades for the end of first semester, then they relax a little too much for the start of second semester. This often results in students falling behind early and having to spend the rest of the semester working hard to improve their grades again. There are a number of things parents can do to help students to stay on track; check Skyward and Google Classrooms regularly, reach out to your student’s teachers as much as is needed, provide structure such as a place and time to do homework at home, and leverage the many supports like clubs advisors and coaches. They want to help. Every resource in this building is designed to help your students be successful.


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.


Counselor Appreciation Week!

BLHS World’s Greatest Counselors were celebrated all last week! Thank you for the kind & courageous things you do for Panthers.

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Sign-up & Get Cleared Now for Spring Sports

  • Spring Sports Include:

    • Softball, Baseball, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s and Women’s Track and Field.

  • Sign-Up Go to: https://sumner-wa.finalforms.com/

  • Get Cleared with Mr. Ferguson Starting Today 2/13/2023

  • Spring Sports Begin 2/27/2023.

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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.
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Boys Swim - District Results

The boys swim team concluded their season with some great swims. Everyone that swam had their season best swims and PR's. It was a very fun and energy filled weekend!!!


200 Medley relay - Sawyer Welfringer, Jeremiah Mam, Andrew Purdue, and Duncan Roush 7th place. The 200 Free relay - Andrew Purdue, Holden Brummet, Camden Nactsheim, and Lincoln Timmerman just missed finals placing 13th. The 400 Free relay - Duncan Roush, Lincoln Timmerman, Andrew Purdue, and Sawyer Welfringer had a great time drop to qualify for the finals. In finals, they 7th place for another visit to the podium.


Individually, Sawyer just missed State in the 100 back finishing 6th overall with his PR. Jeremiah Mam keeps dropping time every time he swims the 100 breaststroke. His overall finish of 9th was pretty impressive since he's only a sophomore!! Lincoln swam both the 200 free and 500 free with very good times. Andrew Purdue had a new PR in his 100 fly to finish off his senior year. Duncan swam both the 50 free and 100 free with PR's as well.


Very fun meet. I think overall we placed 9th in our very competitive District. Give the boys a shout out when you see them!!!

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BLHS Gymnastics Takes 1st Place!

History was made on Saturday when the Gymnastics team took 1st place for the first time ever in Sub-Districts and will compete again at Districts on Thursday! 9 gymnasts from Bonney Lake rocked the scene on 4 events, and qualified us as a team to the next round!


Several of our students made the podium, including:


Alana Retchless for Vault- 2nd place, Beam-9th place, & Floor- 7th place

Paige Littlefield for Bars-9th place, Floor- 10th place

Aliana Passey for Beam-10th place

Haley Ceccoli for Bars- 4th place

Maya Skidmore for Floor- 4th place


Take a moment to congratulate these awesome student athletes!

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Wrestling is Heading to State

The BHS Wrestling Team did great at districts with 5 CHAMPS & 18 making it to Regionals! Panther Boys Wrestled at Edmonds Woodman HS & Girls wrestled at Todd Beamer HS. Here are the results.


Ryan L 1, Aiden D 1, Dylan W 4, Kagen K 4, Blake M 1, Colby D 2, Peter H 6, David P 4, Thomas D 1, Pule W 6, Kyle S, Peter G, Latham 1, Aspen 2, Zoe 3, Olivia 3, Marley 3, Hattie 6, Jayden 7


They also had an excellent showing at Regionals. We had 4 Girls qualify for State and 6 Boys either qualify or are going as an alternate. Congratulations!


Here are the Results -


Girls - Latham West took 2nd, Aspyn Evanson took 3rd, Hattie Dedrick took 6th and Marley Wyand also took 6th!


Boys - Aidan Devela took 2nd, Blake Miller took 5th, Colby Ducatt took 3rd, Ryan Mount took 6th and Thomas Drenkel took 5th.

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Students Starting Registration Process

  • It’s time to start thinking about next year’s classes.
  • Students are starting the process of evaluating where they currently stand academically, finding courses that they enjoy, and picking classes for next school year.
  • Attendance is super important over the next four weeks, particularly on Mondays. Missing any of these days will make this process extra confusing.
  • We will officially be selecting classes on Monday 3/6/23.
  • 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.

Schedule for February 13th & 27th Schedule for February 13th & 27th

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BLHS Band Concert

3/16/23 7:00 PM - BLHS PAC

Our very own BLHS Band will be having a concert in our PAC. Please come out to support them March 16th, Admission is Free!

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Key Club's Valentine's Day Fundraiser

KEY Club is running their Valentines Fundraiser until February 14th. The options for what they are selling are posted below (bears are assorted colors). You can buy it for yourself or have it sent to someone else in the building. They will be delivered during 4th period on the 14th. You can purchase one of the bags during all three lunches in the commons purchase online. All proceeds go to the National Women's Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation (NWCAVE). There is also an option to donate to the cause without purchasing any bag if you access the online platform.

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BLHS Blood Drive

BLHS will be hosting another Blood Drive Friday, February 24th from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Students who are 16 and older are eligible to participate. Please see the CIC for a Parent Permission Form.

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BLHS Info Night - February 23rd

Save the Date!

BLHS is hosting a parent night for students in grades 9-11 on 2/23/23 @ 6:00pm in the PAC.


This is a good night for parents to get up to date information on;
  • College Admission Planning
  • Graduation Requirements and Pathways
  • Advance Placement
  • Career and Technical Education Classes and Pathways
  • Dual Credit
  • Pierce County Skills Center
  • Running Start
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Mr. Bonney Lake (Super Fun Event)

2/28/23 @ 7:00pm - BLHS PAC
  • Hey Panthers!! Are you a Senior and interested in being crowned the annual Mr. Bonney Lake? This is for ALL seniors so sign up! Use the link at the bottom of this email!
  • Mr. Bonney Lake sign ups!
  • We look forward to seeing all of our amazing contestants!
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Date / Time / Event / Location

  • See Clubs and Activities Meeting Schedules - In the process of being updated.

  • See Sports Schedules

  • Spring Sports Registration Starts January 30th Go to: https://sumner-wa.finalforms.com/

    • Softball, Baseball, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s and Women’s Track and Field.

    • Athletes can begin their final clearance tickets on February 13th.

  • February 13th / During School / Culinary Arts Cooking Chef Judges

  • February 16th / 7:00pm / Mr. Bonney Lake / BLHS PAC

  • February 17th-18th / Var TBA / The Mat Classic Wa State Wrestling Tournament / Tacoma Dome

  • February 23rd / 6:00PM / Parent Information Night / BLHS PAC

  • February 23rd / 7:00pm / Every School’s Choir All Grade Levels / All District Choir Festival / BLHS Gym

  • February 27th / Spring Sports Begin / Softball, Baseball, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s and Women’s Track and Field

  • February 28th / 7:00pm / Mr. Bonney Lake / BLHS PAC

  • April 21, 22, 23 / Into the Woods Musical / BLHS PAC

Consistent Information and Links Consistent Information and Links

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Inclement Weather Information

With the weather changing, I want to share the link for the Inclement Weather information from the district.

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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.

  • Senior Prowler Newsletters

  • Senior Night Information Presentations

  • Scholarship Deadlines

  • College Visits

  • FAFSA / Financial Aid

  • Cap and Gown Orders


Graduation - Save the Date!

  • 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!

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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.

Thank you all for helping to keep our Panthers safe!
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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.

    • SBLSD Mental Health & Wellness Resources Page.

    • SBLSD Suicide Prevention Page

      • 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

      • Community Resources

      • Northeast Pierce Resource Guide

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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

    • Clubs and Activities

      • See clubs, their meeting times, and advisors.

    • Panther Athletics

      • 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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Calendar | Bus Schedules | BLHS Website | Family Access

Lunch Menus | School Flyers | Volunteer

Bonney Lake High School
(253) 891-5700 | 10920 199th Ave Ct E, Bonney Lake, WA 98391
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