Monday, November 30, 2009

Bad Financial News Ahead....

Dear Newport Families,

It’s important that BSD families understand the potential budget decisions the district may be facing in 2010. The Superintendent has asked that the information about the school board’s meeting with legislators and the link to the video of that meeting be communicated to our parents through our normal channels.

Horst Momber | Substitute Principal
Newport High School | 4333 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006-1999
( 425.456.7405 | * momberh@bsd405.org|


Legislators prepare school board for bad financial news ahead
Six local legislators attended Tuesday’s board meeting to talk about what school districts could expect from the 2010 legislative session. The legislators told the board they are expecting a deficit ranging from $2.2 to $2.5 billion in a one-year period (Friday’s Seattle Times said the total was up to $2.6 billion), which could mean more drastic cuts in state funding than those made last year. When parents in the audience asked what they could do to help, they were told to unite with residents of Seattle and Spokane and “light up the board” in the Governor’s office to request a special legislative session in December to consider House bill 1776, which would protect local school districts’ levy authority. See video of legislators’ comments.

Board approves levies for Feb. 9 ballot
Last night the school board approved two levies for the Feb. 9 ballot.
First is an education program levy, which replaces a levy that expires in 2010 and provides 21% of the district’s operating budget.
Second is a technology/capital projects levy, which will be used to:

· Provide new classroom technology and training in its use;
· Upgrade the former Ringdall Middle School to house middle school students whose schools are being
remodeled;
· Complete large-scale maintenance projects such as roofs, flooring, and mechanical, electrical, water and
sewer systems;
· Improve or replace sports fields; and
· Provide support for common curriculum and assessments.

2011 Grad Knight News, AP Test Registration, Toy Drive & Tolo

Wishing all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

2011 Grad Knight Committee News
Reminder from Officer Mills
Leadership Toy Drive
Ski Swap Results
Bus Passes
AP Test Registration
Knights in Vienna Auditions
Tolo
Yearbooks
Bus Passes
PTSA Directories and school pictures
Dates to Remember
First Semester finals schedule

Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
http://www.newportptsa.org/NHSContent.asp?KEY=NHSHOME

2011 Grad Knight Committee News
We had a great initial meeting and are looking forward to our first "event". Mark your calendars for December 13th for "wine tasting and fund raising" at Vino at The Landing. More information to follow!

Reminder from Officer Mills:
Do not leave valuables in the locker room at any time. Remind your student not to hide their cell phones or wallets in their sports bags. Belongings should be in a locker, and the locker should be locked. This includes after school hours. The locker rooms are in constant use after school, and the doors are left unlocked. If something stolen, an incident report form available in the Main Office should be filled out

Leadership Toy Drive
Newport’s Toy Drive will start next Monday, November 30th, and run until Friday, December 4th. We will be collecting NEW, non-wrapped toys, books, or stuffed animals for disadvantaged children in our community. A collection box will be in 2nd period class. A general collection box will be in Mr. Lillie’s room, 2123. The class that collects the most toys will be awarded with a special surprise.

Ski Swap Update
We had sales of $370,000 (about a 10% increase over last year’s record sales) and a record turnout of shoppers. People came from all over the region, and we even made it on the 11 o’clock news on Channel 7. Thanks to all who volunteered and shopped!

Bus Passes
New bus passes are available in the Main Office, from Ms. Caufield, starting Monday, November 23rd.

AP Test Registration
Online registration starts November 30th for students taking AP tests. Your student should have received instructions on how to register from their AP teacher. Your student registers for these tests, not the parent. If financial assistance is needed, an application is required and is available in the office. These forms should be returned to Ms. Suppes in the Main Office as early as possible. If you are applying for financial assistance, do not make your payment until you have met with Ms. Suppes or Ms. Klug.

Payments for AP exams will be accepted starting December 7 and are made to the accountant If you are receiving financial aid or are on the payment plan, you must pay cash or check to the Accountant. Online payments can be done at any time.

Knights In Vienna
The Newport Orchestras are seeking talented student musicians to feature at their annual “Knights in Vienna” event to be held on January 16. AUDITIONS - Thursday, December 10th, starting after school in room 1225 for students that play an instrument, sing or would like to be in the spotlight at a flashy evening of dancing, music and great food!. Pick up audition applications in the Main Office; they’re due Monday, Dec. 7th

Tolo Info – Tickets, Dresses, Traditions
Every year, there are kids attending Tolo for the first time….and of course we have lots of new families….so here’s some info to help your student with planning their evening. Tolo will be on Saturday, December 12th.

Guest passes are now available online and in the office for Tolo. The dance is on December 12th. Guest passes are due to the office by 3:15 on December 9th. No late passes will be accepted. Remember – you will need an administrator from your guest’s school to sign it, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Tolo info from the Newport Dictionary: A formal dance held at school in early December. Girls generally ask the boys. Often the girls pay for the dance tickets, dinner, and any day activities planned by the couple. The boys pay for photos, transportation, and dessert. If the costs of the school-related aspects of Tolo (tickets, photos) are a financial hardship for your family, please see a school counselor or administrator about financial aid. Dinner, dessert, and day activities are not part of the school event.

Buying a Yearbook?
The deadline to purchase a book is December 16!!! All students who have not purchased one by this deadline, risk not getting one because we sell any extra’s on a first come first serve basis after the yearbook is distributed in June. Books cost $55 and checks are made out to Newport High School. Any questions see Mrs. Pierson, the Accountant.

Bellevue Ski School
It's Snowing and the local slopes are opening early this year. Let your kids have a blast boarding and skiing this winter. Sign them up at www.bellevueskischool.com. Early registration (saves you $25) ends 11/30 and late registration ends 12/15 for the 2010 season. Discounted season passes at Snoqualmie Summit available (through 12/15) for our students mean more skiing and boarding in 2010. Since 1958, Bellevue Ski School has offered premier quality snowboarding and skiing instruction for students in grades 2 through 12. We are affiliated with the Bellevue School District, and managed by parent, teacher and community volunteers. Professional instruction is provided by Ullr Snow Sports.

Directories & school pictures
PTA members who did not pick up their directory during Open House can now do so in the Main Office. School pictures and retakes are also available for pick-up!

Dates to Remember
Tolo: December 12
Winter Break: December 19 to January 1
Mid-Winter Break: February 15 to 18
Spring Break: April 5-9
Prom: June 5
Graduation: June 14
Last Day of School: June 17

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I am really trying to keep the emails to a minimum!

2011 Grad Knight Meeting
Newport Ski Swap
Yearbook Photos
Winter Sports Packets
School Play
Reflections
Mathematics Adoption Parent Information Nights
Counseling Center News
Community Service
Support Class of 2010
Tolo Chaperones needed

--
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
http://www.newportptsa.org/NHSContent.asp?KEY=NHSHOME

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Class of 2011 Grad Knight Meeting
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 17th 6:30 p.m. in the NHS Library. The 2011 Grad Knight Committee is ready to start planning. Our committee chair is Tira Villanueva. We have some great ideas to share and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Looking forward to seeing you there! If you are unable to attend and want to be involved, please let me know.

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Newport Ski Swap
This is the major fundraiser for our PTSA which enables us to provide funding for students/teachers’ programs and needs (music, sports, education, training, etc). We definitely need YOUR help..and many others! Invite your friends, your family members...we need over 400 ‘shifts’ filled..WE can do it with your help! http://skiswap.info Click on the Volunteer option (on the left margin) and it will prompt you from there.

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Yearbook Photos
Fall sports photo submission deadline: November 20th.
Now and Then: Accepting 12 more submissions! Deadline: November 4th
Due to overwhelming demand, we have expanded our Now and Then section for Yearbook. This allows us to fit 12 more submissions! New Photo Submission Process: If you have photos you would like the Yearbook staff to consider for pages please submit them by going to www.hjeshare.com

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Winter Sports Packets

Winter Sport Packets are due November 6, 2009. There is an new Concussion Information Sheet form that needs to be signed by parents.

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School Play
Performances for “You Can’t Take It With You” will be held Nov 5-7th 7:30pm at NHS Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are sold in front of the theatre doors during both lunches and at the door the night of the performances. Tickets are $5.00 dollars for students with ASB or $6.00 dollars without. Check out the drama website http://web.me.com/scurelop1/Newport_Drama/Home.html

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Reflections
The theme is: Beauty Is… The deadline is November 20th, 2009. Check the bulletin or main office for more information.This year’s theme is “Beauty Is…..” Art that follows closest to the theme tends to get highest judging marks. Go to www.wastatepta.org/programs/reflections for entry form, rules and guidelines. The art categories are visual arts; film/video; dance; photography; literature and music composition. The Newport Deadline for art submissions is November 20th, 2009. The Newport Art Celebration will be in early December. Students turn art entries into the Reflections Art Box in the office. Please have photographs and visual art mounted on foam board and in protective shrink wrap packaging, not laminated! Also please fill out entry forms completely, including artist’s statement and parent/student signatures! If you have any questions, please email Laura Adams Guy @ laura@laconrik.com .

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Mathematics Adoption Parent Information Nights
Come learn about the secondary math instructional materials adoption process, how you can stay informed and provide input. You will have an opportunity to hear how the process has evolved, where we are currently and our next steps. The purpose of these meetings is to disseminate information and describe multiple ways for you to provide input, not as a forum to debate the merits of the proposed instructional materials. Look for continuing updates on the Bellevue School District website at http://www.bsd405.org/. The information nights will be held in the Performing Arts Centers from 7:00-8:00 pm
Thursday, November 5th at Sammamish High School
Monday, November 9th at International School
Thursday, November 12th at Interlake High School
Monday, November 16th at Newport High School
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News from the Counseling Center

Historically Black Colleges Information Night On Wed, Nov 4, there will be an information night about Historically Black Colleges at Sammamish High School. There will be presentations about the schools, as well as College Corps, Black Achievers, UNCF, and advising from high school counselors. See Ms. Owen in Counseling for more information

College Visits at Newport:
11/05 2:30…….University of Oregon
11/09 2:30……Eastern Washington University
11/18 12:30….PNW College of Art

Junior Checklist - Class of 2011 Post-High School Planning
I have attached a flyer from the counseling center for both you and your student to review as you look ahead to Senior year. It has a listing of helpful resources as well as questions to get you thinking...

Another SAT Practice Test opportunity
There will be another SAT practice test to benefit Operation Smile on November 18th at Sammamish High School. The test is from 1-5 pm, in room 941 above the library and includes free snacks. The cost is $20 and 100% of the profits go towards providing surgeries to children in third world countries with cleft lips and palates. Students can register and pay through the Sammamish High School accountant or simply show up and bring their money on the day of the test. For more information please contact Kim Dunda at dundak@bsd405.org or Rose Gunson at rosegunson@gmail.com

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Community Service Hours
Students can now check their community service hours by going to the community service page of the PTSA website and enter their student ID http://www.newportptsa.org/CommSvc/HomePage.asp

Community Service Opportunities

11/9 – 11/10
Bellevue Schools Foundation is looking for volunteers to make phone calls to district parents asking them to consider making a donation to the Bellevue Schools Foundation. Sign up sheets at the NHS Main Office

11/13 – 11/15
NHS Ski Swap: Volunteers are needed on 11/13 from 3:00 to 9:30; 11/14 from 8:30 to 4:00; 11/15 from 8:00 to 1:00.

11/14 & 12/19
City of Bellevue, Stewardship Saturdays: care of City park resources. Contact: Christina Krueger @425-452-4195

12/5
Hilltop Holiday Craft Show: 5-8:30pm Northwest Arts Center. Register on-line at myparksandrecreation.com or call 425.452-6885.

12/6
Newport Shores Holiday Brunch: 10am-2pm Newport Shores (free meal). Contact Peggy Loshin at peggyloshin@comcast.net

12/17
Christmas Ships. Newcastle Beach Park: 8-9:30pm. Register on-line at myparksandrecreation.com or call 425.452-6885.

12/20
Christmas Ships. Meydenbauer Beach Park: 6-7:30pm. Register on-line at myparksandrecreation.com or call 425.452-6885.

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Support 2010 Grad Knight
Poinsettias for the Holidays
Want a beautiful poinsettia for the holidays? It's the yearly GradKnight Poinsettias sale! These poinsettias have always been the largest and longest-lasting poinsettias around. Poinsettias are $15 each in white, red, and pink. Wreaths are also available for $20. Deadline for orders is Nov 13th. Pick up will be in the Newport Hills Area Dec 4th location to be announced.

Blender Bottles
These work well for the family on the go and make a great gift for students, parents and friends. Great gift idea!
Blender bottles are $8 each. Bottles will be delivered to your student or if in larger quantities to your home. Team orders available for a discount, inquire at nhsgrad2010@hotmail.com.

**** For your convenience, pay for your items via Paypal at the Grad Knight website www.nhsgradknight2010.myevent.com

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Tolo Chaperones Needed
The Camelot Club is in charge of planning the Tolo Dance here at Newport High School. The money earned is used for planning the next year's Tolo and for donating to other clubs at Newport. We will need about 30 chaperons and it would be greatly appreciated if you can help! The dance is on December 12, 2009 and is from 9pm-12am. Chaperones arrive at Newport High School by 8 PM. Contact carina.pham@gmail.com