BEAR MAIL

Hello Everyone,

We had an exciting first two days at BCE. It was so great to see everyone's smiling faces, friends new and old reconnecting, and the excitement of new classes, among so much more. It has been great to have our BCE Bears back on campus. Thank you to everyone who has stopped and said hi over the past two days.

As we settle into the new year, we want every student to learn and grow in a school that feels safe, respectful, and supportive, every day. So we want to start this year by being clear about something important: hate, bullying, and unkind behavior have no place at BCE. Every student and adult deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome, without exception.

We're proud of the many backgrounds, families, and identities that make up our school community, and every student here will be treated with kindness, regardless of race, ability, gender, religion, or family structure. Here's how we back that up:

• We take all reports of bullying, body shaming, or hateful actions seriously and respond according to our school policies.
• We teach kindness and respect directly, through classroom lessons and school-wide activities.
• We provide counseling and support to any student or family who needs it.

We'd also ask for your help at home. Please talk with your children about treating others with empathy and kindness. Together, we can make sure BCE is a place where every student can learn, grow, and feel proud of who they are.

Thank you for partnering with us to make BCE a great place for our kids.

See you next week-
Gerri Fippin
Principal, BCE

Join the 5th grade beginning wind band! Students can learn to play the Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, or Trombone. Contact Mr. Gonzalez to set up a time after school to come try out the different instruments.

For the first few weeks students will meet in instrument-like groups Monday or Tuesday and then regularly Tuesdays afterschool from 3pm-4:30pm as a whole group.

Please read this letter from Andrew Lucia, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, regarding changes to volunteer requirements. This applies to all returning and new volunteers.

2026–27 TB Verification Dates
Our district nurse will be available for TB verification at the District Office (325 Marion Avenue, Ben Lomond, CA 95005) on the following dates:

• Tues 8/18, 8:00–11:00 am
• Thurs 8/20, 12:30–3:30 pm
• Tues 8/25, 8:00–11:00 am
• Thurs 8/27, 12:30–3:30 pm
• Tues 9/1, 8:00–11:00 am
• Thurs 9/3, 12:30–3:30 pm
• Tues 10/6, 8:00–11:00 am
• Thurs 10/8, 12:30–3:30 pm

On August 14th we will have our Rotation Stations where all students will learn and practice our school-wide expectations in classrooms, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and throughout campus. These lessons help build the positive school culture. Ask your student about ways they practice the BCE Way- being respectful, responsible, safe, and kind!

Students who demonstrate the BCE Way earn Bear Paws, which they can save and spend at our Bear Paw Store. Our first Bear Paw Store will be held on September 11th, giving students a chance to celebrate their positive choices. If you'd like to help support our Bear Paw Store, we'd greatly appreciate your support through our Amazon Wish List. Thank you for helping us recognize and encourage our amazing BCE Bears! Big thanks to our Parents Club for helping us run the Bear Paw Store - this event doesn't happen smoothly without you!

• August 12th - First training for our returning 5th Grade Junior Coaches (student recess helpers)
• August 14th - Rotation Stations run with the help of our Junior Coaches
• August 17th-21st- Applications go out for new Junior Coaches (4th and 5th Grade)
• Sept. 2nd- Junior Coaches Training
• Sept. 11th- Our first Bear Paw Store!

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions as we begin the new school year. At BCE, our goal is for every student and every adult to feel safe, respected, and welcomed every day. Thank you for partnering with us by talking with your student about the importance of being kind and respecting others' personal space. Together, we can ensure BCE is a place where teaching, learning, and having fun remain our focus.

We’re only two days into the school year, and it’s completely normal for children to have some big feelings about being back at school! Even children who are usually confident and easygoing may feel nervous about new teachers, new routines, friendships, or saying goodbye at drop-off. Give your child space to share their worries, listen without immediately trying to fix the problem, and remind them that it takes time to get comfortable with something new. Keeping mornings and evenings predictable, getting plenty of rest, and staying calm and confident yourself can also help children feel more secure. If your child is having a tough time at drop-off, a quick, positive goodbye followed by encouragement about their ability to handle the day can be more helpful than a long goodbye.

Most children settle into their new routines as the first few days and weeks go by. You can help by noticing and celebrating their brave moments: “You were nervous this morning, but you came in and got started!” If your child is struggling, please remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone—reach out to your child’s teacher or support team so we can work together. A little reassurance, consistency, and encouragement can go a long way as children find their footing and begin to feel comfortable in their new school year.

Drop Off and Pick Up

We have had several issues the past couple of weeks at both drop off and pick up. Please know that all of us out at the cross walk are only trying to keep our students and families safe. I wanted to remind everyone to please first be Kind and Patient. Here are a few reminders about pick up and drop off

• You can drop off on either side of Laurel Street.
• You can NOT drop off coming up on Lomond street.
• You can only leave your car in designated parking spots on Laurel street.
• Make sure you are not parking in front of our neighbors drive ways
• On Lomond Street, you need to park in the right direction. Buses are not able to get through when cars are away from the side and parked in the wrong direction.
• When walking down Lomond Street please use the sidewalk. We have had a few close calls with kids and parents walking in the center of the street.

Thank you everyone for helping ensure safety of all of our students. Below is the parking map again for reference.

We will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students this year. We do ask that you complete the application on the district webpage. It is very important that ALL families complete this form, as it helps us with funding in several different areas.

If your child will be riding the bus this year and will need a bus pass, please make sure you purchase your bus pass online here. Once you log in to LinqConnect you will see "School Store" on the bottom right hand corn. Click that to buy your pass. Any questions contact the transportation department at 831-336-2223

Please also complete the following form for all students riding the bus.