3.6.26
Successful Bond Refinancing
- The district refinanced older bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates, replacing debt that cost about 5% interest with new bonds costing about 2.93%, while still paying everything off by 2037.
- After costs, the refinancing will save the district about $1.65 million in interest, equal to $1.39 million in today’s dollars (about 11% of the refinanced amount).
- The refinancing also allows the district to pay off its School Bond Loan Fund loan one year earlier, avoiding an estimated $349,000 in additional interest.
- In total, the district is projected to save about $2 million, with no increase to the bond millage rate, and increased future bonding capacity
Elementary:
- Our all-school read-in was a wonderful way to kick off this month’s activities.
As part of our reading celebration, we’re excited to continue our “Flashlight Fridays” tradition during independent reading time! On Fridays, students will have the opportunity to enjoy reading in a fun way using flashlights.
We enjoyed a beautiful music concert on March 5th at the HS. Our students were able to showcase all of their hard work and musical talent.
The PTO will be hosting Cookies and Canvas on Thursday, March 12th at 6pm in the cafeteria. See the flyer for details.
Jr/Sr:
- We are in a #MarchGoodness bracket to earn money to go towards new cameras for our Publication and yearbook classes. Please consider voting... over and over if possible. Opens March 9th: 2026 #MarchGoodness Cool School Bracket
Sweet 16: Voting opens: March 9 at 12:00 PM, Voting closes: March 12 at 12:00 PM
Elite 8: Voting opens: March 13 at 12:00 PM, Voting closes: March 16 at 12:00 PM
Final 4: Voting opens: March 17 at 12:00 PM, Voting closes: March 19 at 12:00 PM
Championship Round: Voting opens: March 20 at 12:00 PM, Voting closes: March 22 at 11:59 PM (midnight)
Winner announced March 24!
- We started a school-wide trivia challenge. Students have to work together to come up with the answer (no technology) and be the correct caller. Winners: Mrs. Miller's 10th grade advisory!
- We held our first tour for the 5th and 6th graders. We are planning the parent orientation, so stay tuned for more information.
- Staff vs. Student Volleyball challenge: On Monday, staff challenged 7th and 8th graders to gain VICTORY. Today, the staff challenged 11th & 12th grade. The 9th & 10th grades are up next on Monday. Let's see who comes prepared to win!
- Thank you to everyone who was able to line up downtown to wish Jack Terpening good luck at the State Championships located at Ford Field. This is an amazing experience!
- We want to thank our staff who are always willing to continuously improve their teaching craft by attending professional learning. We have staff who have completed approximately 160 hours to get certified in LETRS training. Upcoming we have staff attending MACUL and MSBO conferences. We also have staff willing to go to ISD trainings to learn about AI in the classroom, differentiation and interventions, and so much more! We even had staff attend an NWEA training this past week and they are bringing back all of the new tools available to help impact instructional grouping and individualize instruction. We appreciate you!
- We want to recognize the nominations for our Unsung Hero initiative to recognize those who constantly go above and beyond for our students, staff, and district. You make a difference. Thank you for being you and impact the youth of Bellevue Community schools: Diane Simons!
Superintendent Message
As we wrap up another great week, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for the continued support that makes our schools such a place to learn and grow.
There has been a lot of learning in our classrooms, along with strong participation in activities, athletics, and district events. It’s great to see our students' hard work pay off and represent our school community so well.
Next week marks the final week of the marking period. It’s an important time for students to finish strong, complete any remaining assignments, and stay focused as we close out this grading period. Staff continue to work closely with students to help them succeed.
Thank you again to everyone who helps make our schools a great place each day. Let’s keep it going as we head into the final week of the marking period. Have a great weekend!
Standards vs Rules
"Rules are for people who can't follow directions. Standards are for people who aspire to do special things" Tim Corbin
As part of our commitment to keeping the district informed and aligned, we share a monthly DIT synopsis summarizing our meetings. In February, we conducted our district data review. As a result, we updated our implementation plan and action steps while also taking time to celebrate both big and small gains. Up next, the buildings are conducting their own data review.
If you’re interested in the update, please see the 2.18.26 DIT Synopsis.
