The Tiger Telegram
May 1, 2026
Hello Families,
With just seven weeks left in the school year, our focus is on fostering a community of care. We continue to reinforce our schoolwide values of safety, kindness, and responsibility, helping students understand how their choices shape our school environment and impact those around them.
Building a community of care is a responsibility we all share—students, staff, and families alike. We invite you to continue this conversation at home: ask your student what being part of a caring community means to them, and how they are demonstrating these values each day. Your engagement at home reinforces the lessons we teach at school, helping us create an environment where every student feels supported, respected, and valued.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can ensure the final weeks of school are positive, meaningful, and memorable for every student.
Sincerely,
Principal Washington & Assistant Principal Stevie
MAP testing will take place throughout May. Please ensure your child gets plenty of rest, eats breakfast each morning, and arrives at school on time. We also ask that you refrain from scheduling any appointments during your child's testing days, which are listed at the bottom of the newsletter. You can also click here to learn more about the MAP, WCAS & SBA tests your child will be taking.
Districtwide Student Cellphone Procedure, Effective May 4
New High School “No Cell Bell to Bell” and K-8 “Off and Away for the Day” procedures establishes clear, grade span-appropriate expectations for students across all Seattle public schools
SEATTLE — April 29, 2026 — Seattle Public Schools (SPS) today announced a new districtwide cellphone procedure that will take effect Monday, May 4. The new guidance will apply to all students across all schools, with expectations tailored by grade span to reflect the developmental needs of students at each level.
For students in grades K–8, phones will be off and stored away for the entire school day. For high school students in grades 9–12, phones will not be accessible during instructional time, though students will have access during lunch and passing periods — an approach that supports student independence and digital citizenship while maintaining the core expectation that phones stay away during class.
Many SPS schools have already done meaningful work to limit cellphone use, and that work has shown results. The new districtwide procedure builds on those efforts by establishing a single, clear standard across every school, leaving no room for interpretation and ensuring that every student, in every building, has the same expectation.
“Cell phones have become one of the biggest barriers to focus and learning in our classrooms. It’s time for us to act decisively, in a commonsense manner. Students deserve the chance to think deeply, engage fully, and be present, and this change makes that possible for every learner in Seattle Public Schools,” said Superintendent Ben Shuldiner.
Grade Span-Specific Rules
- “Off and Away for the Day” Rule in Grades K–8: Phones are off and stored away for the full school day, with no access during instruction, passing periods, or lunch.
- “No Cell Bell to Bell” Rule in Grades 9–12: Phones are off and away during all instructional time. Students may have limited access during lunch and passing periods, supporting responsible device use and digital citizenship while keeping phones out of the classroom.
- Exceptions: Students who require access to personal devices for medical needs or as part of a documented IEP or Section 504 accommodation will continue to be supported.
Voices from Our Schools and Communities
School leaders, educators, students, and families across the district have seen firsthand the impact that phones have on the learning environment and the difference that clear expectations can make.
“One of the hardest parts of enforcing a school-based procedure is when families don’t have the same experience at the school down the street. This districtwide standard changes that. It gives school leaders a clear, unified expectation to stand behind, and it tells students and families that this is about the whole community, not just one building.” — Adrian Manriquez, Principal, Washington Middle School
“Since we instituted our school-wide away-for-the-day procedure, I no longer have to give my attention to potential distractions from students on their phones in class or in the hallways. The biggest change is that I’m no longer put in the difficult position of telling students to ignore calls and messages from their parents during class. That is a really hard place to be as an educator. Middle school is already full of distractions for adolescents, and removing cell phones has made my job immensely better. Having districtwide direction will help all schools align so that families across the district have similar experiences.” — Dennis DeBell, Teacher, Robert Eagle Staff Middle School
“When phone rules change from classroom to classroom, kids get mixed signals and teachers are left holding the bag. One clear districtwide standard takes that pressure off everyone. Students can still use their phones outside of class, but during instruction the rule is the same no matter which school you go to. We’re glad the district is moving in this direction.” — Katherine Cheng, Parent
“Before Covid, classrooms felt more collaborative and community oriented. As a senior, I’ve come to recognize how essential that environment is. Creating phone-free academic spaces would foster stronger collaboration and better prepare SPS students for future professional settings.” — Samrawit Newton, 12th-grade student, Garfield High School
Grounded in Research and Community Input
This procedure was developed after an extensive process that included a review of cellphone practices across all grade levels, an analysis of procedures from other Washington state and national districts, and direct observation at five SPS pilot schools. The district engaged students, families, educators, school leaders, and the Instructional Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) throughout.
The research is clear: when phones are away during instruction, schools see better focus, fewer disruptions, and clearer expectations for everyone. Studies show students can take up to 20 minutes to refocus after a phone-related distraction, and that the mere presence of a smartphone can lower nearby students’ test scores by approximately 6 percent; the Washington State Legislature has found that mobile devices negatively impact student outcomes. Schools that have adopted clear, consistent expectations have seen immediate culture shifts, including stronger peer relationships and fewer classroom disruptions. While the state continues to study the impact of mobile devices on student outcomes, SPS is acting on what the research already shows.
What Families Need to Know
This procedure is about supporting learning and well-being. The goal is to create learning environments where students can fully engage, academically and socially. Families who need to reach their child during the school day can always do so through the school office. District-issued devices will continue to be used for instruction as directed by teachers and are not affected by this procedure.
More information will be available on the Seattle Public Schools website.
Implementation
Beginning Monday, May 4, SPS will implement the new procedure districtwide. SPS will update Superintendent Procedure 2022SP to reflect the new guidance. Schools will receive clear communications tools to set expectations for students and families. School leaders will have flexibility in how they manage device storage while upholding the districtwide standard.
Media Contact
Bev Redmond, Chief of Staff and Public Affairs
Eric Guerci, Deputy Chief of Staff
Seattle Public Schools
SPSMedia@seattleschools.org
Spring After School Enrichment is in full swing, and students are enjoying their class selections. We’ve been able to move some students off the waitlist, but your child should continue to report to their assigned class unless the PTA notifies you of a change. If a spot becomes available in a waitlisted class, the PTA will contact you directly.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the PTA After-School Program Manager.
A few important reminders:
- If you pick up your child after they have entered the Cafeteria, please be sure to sign them out. This helps us ensure all students are accounted for.
- If you plan to pick up your child early or need to change your usual pickup procedure due to an emergency, please text Robb at 787-587-5629 to inform him of the change.
- Please make sure that you exit the gym through the same doors that you entered. We ask that you please refrain from exiting the gym to enter the playground. This area is to be used only by Launch.
- The building is closed, and no one should be entering the school for any reason.
Thank you for your cooperation and support!
As a reminder, the program will operate from April 20th to June 11th.
Field Day is June 10th! Volunteers are Needed!
Please volunteer for a day of outdoor games for our students. Volunteer opportunities:
- Set up 7:30 am – 8 am
- Session 1: K-2: 8:05 – 9:35
- Session 2: 3-5: 9:40 – 11:10
- Clean up 11:15
- 5th grade vs Staff Kickball Game: 12:15 – 1:05
Must be SPS volunteer approved. Please email Heather at hmgraves@seattleschools.org
Thank you,
Heather
🚦 Be a School Crossing Guard!
Beacon Hill International School is looking for a caring and responsible crossing guard to help keep our students safe on their way to and from school. As a school crossing guard, you’ll play a crucial role in our community by ensuring children cross the street safely and arrive at school ready to learn. Please consider applying and sharing with others!
🦺 Why become a Crossing Guard?
- Make a Difference: Your presence can help protect our kids!
- Stay Active: Enjoy some fresh air while you help others.
- Build Community: Connect with families and fellow guards.
📝 More information:
- Location: S Plum St & 14th Ave S
- Pay: $20.76/hour
- Hours: Part-time, during school arrival and dismissal
- Apply at: SPS Transportation Jobs
Contact: Stacy Roberts, sdroberts@seattleschools.org
The Beacon Hill International School PTA is dedicated to promoting the educational excellence, health, and welfare of all students and their families through advocacy, community-building, and enrichment programs. We are committed to creating leaders and lifetime learners.
BHIS PTA is creating a yearbook!
If you have any school photos on your phone from this year—classroom activities, field trips, or playground fun—please just "dump" them here:
👉https://forms.gle/ztZDnpwrK4gSoPmV6
Don’t worry about file names or size, horizontal vs. vertical, resolution or quality, checking consents (We’ll handle all of that!). Just drag, drop, and we will take care of the rest. We just want to make sure your students are represented!
Red Apple Receipts
To support our school, drop off your grocery receipts in the red bin by the front desk.
Measles cases are increasing across Washington, with 40 confirmed in the first four months of 2026 compared to 12 in all of 2025. Several recent cases have no known source, raising concerns about undetected community spread. One recent case in a King County infant was not connected to previous local cases and involved public locations in Bellevue and Northeast Seattle. For specific exposure sites, visit kingcounty.gov/measles.
Most people in our area are protected through vaccination, but infants, young children, immunocompromised individuals, and unvaccinated people are at higher risk. Measles spreads easily through the air, even before a rash appears, and can linger for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
What to Do If You May Have Been Exposed
- Check your immunity status and make sure you are up to date on measles (MMR) vaccinations.
- If you develop symptoms—high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, or a rash starting on the face and spreading—call your healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital. This helps prevent spreading measles to others.
- Limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk or who may not be immune.
- People exposed may begin to show symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure. Those who are immunocompromised may take longer.
Risks and Complications Measles can cause serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and, rarely, death. Those at highest risk include infants and children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Vaccine Information
- The MMR vaccine is safe and about 97% effective after two doses.
- Babies ages 6–11 months should get an early dose if traveling internationally or to areas with outbreaks.
- Adults and children should ensure they are up to date on MMR vaccines.
- Check your vaccine history at myirmobile.com or ask your healthcare provider.
Free or Low-Cost Vaccines Are Available Through:
- The Childhood Vaccine Program (for children under 19)
- The Adult Vaccine Program (for uninsured or underinsured adults 19 and older)
- Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) for eligible residents
For more information, including current case counts, exposure locations, and vaccine resources, visit kingcounty.gov/measles or DOH’s measles activity webpage. Stay informed by following local health agencies on social media or subscribing to news releases. Our School Based Health Center with OBCC can get vaccinations up to date. Call 206-310-6913 to make an appointment at the school clinic.
Thank you for helping keep our community healthy!
BHIS Tiger Families!
Is your child graduating this school year? Complete a sports physical for sports today!
Sports Physicals may be required by your new middle school. Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic (OBCC) operates a school-based health center at Beacon Hill International School. We are open Monday – Friday from 7am – 4:30pm. Medical providers are on site Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week.
**No more out-of-pocket expenses at Odessa Brown School-Based Health Clinic!**
As the academic year comes to a close, keeping your child healthy remains our top priority. Whether it’s catching up on immunizations, scheduling an annual wellness check, or transitioning care to Odessa Brown (Othello or Central District) for the summer, we are here to support you. We encourage you to take full advantage of our services to ensure a healthy summer season ahead.
Enrollment is required prior to care:
To enroll, please complete an enrollment packet online or contact us directly to schedule your child’s visit today.
English School Based Enrollment Packet
Chinese School Based Enrollment Packet (中文)
Spanish School Based Enrollment Packet (Español)
Contact us:
Call or text: (206) 310-6913 (Call or Text)
Email Clinic Coordinator: anthony.barreraruano@seattlechildrens.org
Anthony, Clinic Coordinator, is available Monday through Friday from 7am to 4:30pm, across from the library. On Tuesdays, Anthony can be found in the staff lounge.
Odessa Brown's Office
Odessa Brown's Clinic
For the SPS 2025-2026 Academic Calendar.
MAY
May 5 Class Picture Day
May 7 5th Grade Testing
May 8 5th grade Testing
Latin Council Meeting @ school (2:30p)
May 9 3rd & 4th grade Testing
May 12 5th-grade SBA Testing
May 14 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade SBA Testing
Black Family Council Meeting (On-line)
May 19 5th Grade SBA Testing
K-1 Field Trip
Invest In Youth Last Day
May 20 Kinder & 1st grader MAP Testing
May 21 3rd, 4th & 5th SBA Testing
May 22 Latino Academy Last Day
May 25 Memorial Day (no school)
May 26 2nd - 5th graders MAP Testing
May 27 2nd - 5th graders MAP Testing
May 28 2nd -5th graders MAP Testing
May 29 PTA & Principal Chat (8 am)
Chinese Family Council Meeting @ School (2:30p)
Upcoming Dates
June 4 Instrumental Performance (1:15p)
PTA Community Meeting at 6:00 PM
June 5 Día de los Niños Community Celebration (2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
June 10 Field Day
June 11 Last Day of After-School Enrichment
June 16 5th Grade Graduation (1:30 - 2:30)
June 17 Last Day of School 1 hour release (1:25 p.m.)