Education Connections events bring our community together to explore timely and impactful topics that resonate with us all. These gatherings foster meaningful dialogue among educators, parents, and community members, addressing key issues and initiatives that matter to the Bellevue Schools Foundation and our broader community. Join us to connect, learn, and engage!
2024 - 2025
Parent Ed Talks - Powered by ParentMap, Oct 2024 - June 2025
Bellevue Schools Foundation and Bellevue PTSA Council are excited to partner with ParentMap to offer our school community FREE access to the ParentEd Talks webinar series ($120 value). With 12 renowned speakers, we’ll cover building resilience, navigating screen time, mental health, fostering independence, and more essential topics.
See the full lineup and register for the entire series now for free!
Use discount code: BELLSCHFDN
Each speaker shares their perspective on a complex topic. We offer each talk as a starting point for a community conversation, and the opinions expressed by the speakers do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Bellevue School District, the Bellevue Schools Foundation, or the Bellevue PTSA Council, including all associated volunteers and staff.
For more information, click here.
Dr. Aramaki Book Club - November 2024
Bellevue School District families and Superintendent Dr. Kelly Aramaki had an engaging discussion on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt on Nov 12, 2024. Explored crucial issues surrounding adolescent mental health and the impact of our “phone-based” childhoods.
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention - October 2024
Bellevue School District families, our BSD Mental Health and Counseling Services Team, and the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KSARC) had an informative presentation on sexual assualt prevention, awareness, and available resources on October 22, 2024.
Resources for Families
BSD Mental Health Resources for Students and Families
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center – families who have concerns may reach out by calling 1-888-99VOICE to discuss any general questions
he told me not to tell - KCSARC - details regarding safety conversations and other information.
Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center
HATC Disability & Sexual Assault Info Sheet (washington.edu)
Care Solace for students, staff, and families to be connected 24/7 to mental health support
Committee for Children, publishers of Second Step - Child Protection Unit (CPU): visit https://www.earlyopenoften.org/ and explore resources in English and Spanish to help you talk about the challenging topic.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Event - December 2024
An informative seminar for parents on Dec 3, 2024 at Interlake High School! Bellevue School District Mental Health Team, PEPS and their Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT) program designed and presented a seminar to empower parents to support their children.
Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Talk - Febrauary 2025
Details coming soon
Computer Science Grant Celebration - March 2025
Details coming soon
Mental Health and Wellbeing Event - April 2025
Details coming soon
Event - May 2025
Details coming soon
2023 - 2024 Past Events
National Board Certified Teachers Celebration - April 2024
On April 23, Bellevue Schools Foundation celebrated our BSD certified educators and the 20 years of foundation’s support of this incredible program. It was an inspiring gathering of teachers, administrators, families, and the Bellevue Community.
We also heard from Jim Ladd, husband of late Sherry Ladd who, 20 years ago, believed so much in this process that she created an endowment to ensure all BSD teachers who wanted to pursue certification had the support to do so.
Bellevue is one of the top 4 districts in the country in terms of number of teachers that are board certified. Over 40% of our teachers have earned this distinguished certification.
Screenagers Under the Influence - October & November 2023
BSF showcased Screenagers Under the Influence movie addressing vaping, drugs, & alcohol in the digital age at Cinemark Lincoln Square Cinemas. This event was designed to enlighten and educate attendees about teenage drug use in the digital age. After the screening, BSD Mental Health team, Dr. Ray Hsiao from Seattle Children’s Hospital, Marnie Maraldo from Influence the Choice and Angelica Zapata from Be Ready to Growthe provided resources for responsding appropriately.
2022-2023 Past Events
Inclusive Libraries - April 2023
BSD Inclusive Libraries program leads Amber Anderson and Eric Nelson shared about the implementation and results of the Inclusive Library Program. Bellevue Schools Foundation has purchased thousands of books over 5 years by providing over $500,000 in funding to promote diversity and inclusion in classroom across Bellevue School District.
Download the Presentation here.
BSF & BSD Collective Impact Report
Elementary Grade Level Books List - Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade
Computer Science - February 2023
BSD Computer Science program leads Dani Ward and Yusra Obaid shared how computer science learning outcomes are integrated into the curriculum of the District, including an effort to increase the racial and gender diversity in computer science as a whole.
Download the Presentation here.
Mental Health - November 2022
Kerince Bowen, BSD Director of Counseling and Jared Taylor, BSD Coordinator of Mental Health Services discussed the work of the Mental Health Assistance team in elementary, middle and high schools. Recently, 1,777 students have been screened for signs of suicidal ideations. 247 of these students (14%) reported thoughts of self-harm within the past week. 476 (27%) reported concerns related to anxiety and depression. These statistics highlight the need for our current prioritization of mental health funding, as well as our future commitment.
Download the Presentation here.
This event was sponsored by:
Early Learning - September 2022
Early Learning educators discussed the value of early childhood education and the unique approach of the Bellevue School District. They shared insights to inclusive classrooms, tuition assistance, and the often unexpected benefits families receive from having a safe place for the kids during the work day.
Download the Presentation here.