Cougar Chronicle: March 2026

The month of February flies by each year, and our transition to March brings the upcoming end to winter with the promise of spring in the air.  March is one of our richest months of learning as we have multiple, consistent 5-day school weeks.  As we push into spring, we are excited for the anticipated learning and growth of all of our students! 

Uncovering Our History

Throughout February, our classes at Clyde Hill have deepened their understanding of our history through our focus on Black History Month.  Through announcements on the morning news, a variety of great texts used in classrooms, and projects about the important contributions of Black Americans, Clyde Hill students continue to deepen their knowledge.  This past week, we had the opportunity as a staff to also grow our knowledge of Ms. Stone, a kindergarten teacher at Clyde Hill Elementary in the 1959-60 school year, who was recognized by the Canadian news publication, The Daily Scrum, as one of 365 African Americans who made a positive impact on their community - our community.  

After being contacted by the Editor in Chief of The Daily Scrum asking if we had any historical information about this former Clyde Hill staff member, I shared this information request with our Bellevue School District Communications Department.  What resulted was an article in The Daily Scrum and a podcast featuring The Daily Scrum Editor in Chief Donovan Martin Sr. and former student of Ms. Stone - Don Chapman, hosted by Bellevue School District Chief Communications Officer, Janine Thorn.

You can access the article at:  https://www.thedailyscrumnews.com/black-history-365-honors-ms-stone/  and listen to the podcast at:  https://www.bsd405.org/about-us/for-our-future-world/voices-of-bellevue-podcast  I hope you will take a moment and enjoy this piece of Clyde Hill history.  

Lastly, while many of us are new to the Clyde Hill area, there are some of you who have deeper roots in this community - perhaps roots that go back to the 1950's and 1960's.  If you have additional information about Ms. Stone or have the skills and knowledge to help us find her and/or her family, please reach out to me via email at macdonalda@bsd405.org or call our main office at 425-456-5000.

 

Meet Our New Family Engagement Specialist:  Silvana Gergic

My name is Silvana Gergic, and I’ve been part of the Bellevue School District for almost seven years as an attendance specialist, secretary, and member of the family engagement team in my former school.  During that time, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many families and students,  and now I’m truly thrilled to step into this new role as your Family Liaison in our Family Connection Center.

I’d love to share a little about myself. I was born in Argentina, where I also studied psychology, and I’m bilingual in English and Spanish. I’m excited to bring that cultural perspective and connection to our school community.

Outside of work, I’m part of a small family of three here in the U.S. We love spending time together traveling, taking care of our pets, exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and enjoying books and movies  — anything that sparks curiosity and brings us closer.

I’m truly looking forward to getting to know each of you and your students, and to supporting you throughout the year. Please know that my door is always open. I’m here to help your family feel welcomed, connected, and supported.

I’m grateful to be part of this journey with you!

Silvana Gergic

 

Kids Heart Challenge

On Thursday, February 26th, K-5th grade students at Clyde Hill learned about the American Heart Association's "Kids Heart Challenge."  This program focuses on teaching students about heart health, learning about how we can help community members with "special hearts," and offers students an opportunity, if a family wishes to participate, in fundraising for the American Heart Association.  Our focus at Clyde Hill is on building our knowledge, particularly through supporting students in learning about activities that strengthen our hearts and completing part of the program known as "Finn's Challenge."  This challenge encourages families to learn hands-only CPR.  Our school is running a mini-Kids Heart Challenge as we re-engage with this program for the first time in several years and will focus on this during the first full week of March.

You can sign up as part of Clyde Hill's team using this QR Code:

 

 

 

 

 

While one step in Finn's Mission asks families if they want to make a personal gift, please do not let this be a barrier to signing up and participating.  If you need help in skipping this step, please let me know.  The learning as a family is important, and I want to make sure every family can access this program.  Look for a flyer or bookmark information page coming home with your student on Friday, February 27th.  To promote heart health, we will have parent volunteers offering some unique activities at recess this coming week!  Our goal is to have 100 students at Clyde Hill complete Finn's Mission by March 8th!

 

Advancing Our Safety Drills

This month Clyde Hill students and staff advanced the Earthquake Drill.  Advancing a drill means that we are moving beyond the basic practice of the safety drill, adding more complexity and/or applying our skills in different settings.  Having practiced the basic earthquake drill of "Drop, Cover, and Hold," in October as part of Washington State's Great Shake-Out, in this drill, classes came to the cafeteria to learn what "Drop, Cover, and Hold" looks like in this space as well as discuss what to do if they were in P.E., outside at recess, or walking in the hallway.  Our Clyde Hill students took this learning very seriously and did an outstanding job learning how to keep themselves safe in this new environment.  Students learned what not only what this would look like if they were at their tables, but they also had peers model what they would do if they were in the lunch line.  Given how well students have done with our drills this year, we will continue to advance our drills and support our staff and students in applying their skills in new situations. 

 

Bicycles and E-Bikes - Two Reminders

With our mild winter we are beginning to see students ride pedal-powered bicycles as well as E-bikes to school.  Here are a couple of brief reminders. 

• First, we are asking that families please remember to send students with a lock so that their bicycle can be secured at the school bike rack.  While we can occassionally stored a bike in the lobby of the main office when a student realized they did not have a lock, we do not have space for multiple bikes in this location. 
• Second, students are asked to walk their bikes off campus.  Riding on the sidewalks after school in the middle of dismissal creates a hazardous situation for both pedestrians and bike riders.  If your child is planning to ride their bike to school, please take a moment to review these two items with them. 

We encourage bike riding - it's a great way to get in some exercise to and from school! 

 

 

PTA Science Fair

The Clyde Hill Elementary Science Fair is coming up - Thursday March 26th!

Join us in the school cafeteria from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm on March 26th to view all the student projects and demonstrations from groups! Its a fun and educational event for all!

All students are welcome to submit a project - if you are interested in signing up please CLICK HERE.

More details to come in our weekly newsletters and on the PTA website clydehillpta.org/events/science-fair and at school.

 

Updates from the Bellevue School District

The following are announcements for elementary grade families across our school district from the central office of the Bellevue School District.

 

Share Your Feedback: Complete the District Family Survey

Your feedback is very important to us as we continuously work to improve the experience of our students and families. Beginning Monday, March 2, we will launch our annual Family Engagement Survey.

As part of our commitment to our community, we strive to foster belonging, strengthen our partnerships with families, and support student well-being and academic growth. This survey is an important opportunity for you to share what’s working and where we can improve.

Access the survey. It should only take a few minutes to complete. The survey will be open March 2 – 20.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

 

 

Community Input Survey: Supporting a Modern Hebrew Language Offering

The BSD Multilingual Department invites you to complete a community input survey as we explore the possibility of offering the Modern Hebrew language beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.

This is an opportunity to share your perspectives and help co-design the program through your input. Your voice and feedback are essential as we consider future language offerings for our students.

Please complete this brief survey by March 8. All are welcome to provide input, including parents/guardians, students, staff and community members.

For questions please reach out to multilingualinfo@bsd405.org.

Take the survey.

 

 

Family Literacy Night: Understanding Reading Skills & Assessments

Join us for an informative evening designed to help families understand early literacy skills and dyslexia.  We will share BSD practices regarding early literacy screening, what is dyslexia and how it manifests, and how to support students and partner with educators. Whether you're new to literacy assessments or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will offer practical insights and resources to help you support your student's learning.

📅 Date: March 12, 2026

🕕 Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.

📍 Topic: Understanding Early Literacy & Dyslexia

Location: WISC Rainier Room

Address: 12241 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005

 

 

World Hindi Day & Film Festival: Celebrating India’s Unity in Diversity

Join us for a vibrant celebration of India’s Unity in Diversity — an immersive experience that brings together culture, cuisine, creativity and community. Hosted by the Indian Consulate, this interactive event invites participants to explore the many languages, traditions and stories that shape India through an engaging Understanding India session, hands‑on workshops in Indian heritage arts, and a flavorful Indian food festival showcasing regional cuisines. Enjoy an Indian film festival movie that reflects the richness of Indian storytelling, and wrap up the celebration with exciting prizes. Attend to learn, taste, watch, create and celebrate the spirit of India together!

Saturday, March 21

2:30-7:30 p.m.

Interlake High School

RSVP to attend.

 

Last, but definitely not least, there are two key dates that families need to mark on their calendars.  First, Sunday, March 8th is the start of Daylight Savings Time.  This means clocks move an hour ahead.  Anticipate it will be harder for students to get to sleep on Sunday evening.  Getting outside, if possible, and getting sunshine (or at least fresh air) can help reset a student's system and help with adjusting to this time change. 

Second, Friday, March 27th is a No School Day (provided there is not a school closure before March 13th).   While we will remind families the week of, please mark this on your calendar now.  If you would like to see the entirety of this year's calendar or take a look at next year's calendar, you can access this on the Bellevue School District website at:  https://www.bsd405.org/about-us/calendar  Yearly printable calendars can be found by scrolling down the page. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and am looking forward to a fabulous month of March!

Amy MacDonald

Principal, Clyde Hill Elementary

 

Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights, Racial Discrimination, and Gender Expression or Identity Discrimination: Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or phamn@bsd405.org.

Sex-based Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment: Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, (425) 456-4010 or lowellj@bsd405.org.

Disability Discrimination: Kerince Bowen, (425) 456-4168 or bowenk@bsd405.org.

Mailing address for all three: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005. Members of the public with disabilities who have specific concerns about the effectiveness of the District’s communications to them should contact Janine Thorn, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, at 425-456-4000 or thornj@bsd405.org.