Bellevue SD

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News Release

Bellevue School District Partners With Bellevue Police And Fire Departments To Promote Fire Safety Ahead Of July 4th - 06/29/26

BELLEVUE, Wash. – As Independence Day approaches, the Bellevue School District (BSD), Bellevue Fire Department (BFD), and Bellevue Police Department (BPD) are joining forces once again to promote community safety and prevent fire-related incidents on and around school campuses. All three agencies urge families to celebrate responsibly and remind the public that fireworks are never permitted on school property. 

Over the past several years, multiple BSD campuses, including Phantom Lake Elementary and Tillicum Middle School, have experienced significant property damage linked to illegal fireworks and vandalism. These incidents have resulted in millions of dollars in repairs and reduced access to playgrounds and outdoor spaces for students at a time when social-emotional well-being and outdoor play are more important than ever. 

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Bellevue School District to promote fireworks safety and protect our community spaces,” said Fire Marshal Travis Ripley. “School property is not a safe or legal place for fireworks, and we’re asking everyone to celebrate responsibly without putting our kids, schools, or neighborhoods at risk.” 

To help deter illegal activity, the Bellevue Fire Department will again install multilingual yard signs at 12 school sites identified as past hotspots for fireworks use. Signs will be placed in the days leading up to the July 4th holiday and will remain in place for several weeks before removal by the Fire Marshal’s Office. 

The Bellevue Police Department encourages community members to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 911. 

Last year’s July 4th weekend underscored the importance of prevention efforts. On July 7, 2025, a fire caused extensive damage to the playground at Phantom Lake Elementary. While the cause remains under investigation, the timing raised concerns about fireworks-related hazards on school grounds. 

School sites under heightened watch due to previous incidents: 

  • Cherry Crest Elementary 

  • Ardmore Elementary 

  • Bennett Elementary 

  • Stevenson Elementary 

  • Phantom Lake Elementary 

  • Tillicum Middle School 

  • Bellevue Big Picture School 

  • Jing Mei Elementary 

  • Somerset Elementary 

  • Tyee Middle School 

  • Sammamish High School 

  • Lake Hills Elementary 

 

“We’re grateful to the Bellevue Fire and Police Departments for their continued partnership and for supporting our efforts to keep our students, families, and neighborhoods safe,” said Dr. Kelly Aramaki, Superintendent of BSD. “This is a reminder that community safety is a shared responsibility.” 

The Bellevue School District serves more than 19,000 students across 28 schools in East King County. Its mission is to serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally through a rigorous, relevant, and individualized education. As a learning community that values one another’s humanity, BSD is committed to providing courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students. 

Bellevue School District Partners With Bellevue Police And Fire Departments To Promote Fire Safety Ahead Of July 4th - 06/29/26

BELLEVUE, Wash. – As Independence Day approaches, the Bellevue School District (BSD), Bellevue Fire Department (BFD), and Bellevue Police Department (BPD) are joining forces once again to promote community safety and prevent fire-related incidents on and around school campuses. All three agencies urge families to celebrate responsibly and remind the public that fireworks are never permitted on school property. 

Over the past several years, multiple BSD campuses, including Phantom Lake Elementary and Tillicum Middle School, have experienced significant property damage linked to illegal fireworks and vandalism. These incidents have resulted in millions of dollars in repairs and reduced access to playgrounds and outdoor spaces for students at a time when social-emotional well-being and outdoor play are more important than ever. 

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Bellevue School District to promote fireworks safety and protect our community spaces,” said Fire Marshal Travis Ripley. “School property is not a safe or legal place for fireworks, and we’re asking everyone to celebrate responsibly without putting our kids, schools, or neighborhoods at risk.” 

To help deter illegal activity, the Bellevue Fire Department will again install multilingual yard signs at 12 school sites identified as past hotspots for fireworks use. Signs will be placed in the days leading up to the July 4th holiday and will remain in place for several weeks before removal by the Fire Marshal’s Office. 

The Bellevue Police Department encourages community members to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 911. 

Last year’s July 4th weekend underscored the importance of prevention efforts. On July 7, 2025, a fire caused extensive damage to the playground at Phantom Lake Elementary. While the cause remains under investigation, the timing raised concerns about fireworks-related hazards on school grounds. 

School sites under heightened watch due to previous incidents: 

  • Cherry Crest Elementary 

  • Ardmore Elementary 

  • Bennett Elementary 

  • Stevenson Elementary 

  • Phantom Lake Elementary 

  • Tillicum Middle School 

  • Bellevue Big Picture School 

  • Jing Mei Elementary 

  • Somerset Elementary 

  • Tyee Middle School 

  • Sammamish High School 

  • Lake Hills Elementary 

 

“We’re grateful to the Bellevue Fire and Police Departments for their continued partnership and for supporting our efforts to keep our students, families, and neighborhoods safe,” said Dr. Kelly Aramaki, Superintendent of BSD. “This is a reminder that community safety is a shared responsibility.” 

The Bellevue School District serves more than 19,000 students across 28 schools in East King County. Its mission is to serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally through a rigorous, relevant, and individualized education. As a learning community that values one another’s humanity, BSD is committed to providing courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students. 

Bellevue School District Launches “First Day, Every Day” Campaign To Help Students Start The 2026-27 School Year Strong - Welcome Center Plays Key Role In Helping Families Prepare - 06/25/26

BELLEVUE, Wash. – Today, [June 25, 2026], the Bellevue School District announces the launch of its “First Day, Every Day” attendance campaign, encouraging families to plan ahead and ensure students are present on the first day of school. 

The campaign centers on a simple but impactful message: when students show up on day one, they start strong, and so does the entire community. 

“Preparing for the next school year begins long before the first bell rings,” said Janine Thorn, Chief Communications Officer. “We want every student to feel welcomed, connected, and ready to learn from the very first day. Families play a vital role in making that happen.” 

 

Why the First Day Matters 

Attending school on the first day helps students build routines, meet their teachers and classmates, and feel a sense of belonging from the start. It also plays an important role in ensuring schools have the resources needed to support students throughout the year.  In Washington state, school funding is based on student enrollment (FTE), not daily attendance, and is determined across 10 monthly count days. The September count is especially important because it establishes the baseline for the entire school year. 

  • Students counted in September contribute to the annual average enrollment that drives most state funding 

  • If a student is not enrolled or present before the September count day, the district cannot claim them for funding until they attend 

  • For districts experiencing enrollment declines, missing students at the start of the year can lock in lower funding for the entire year 

Because Washington uses an enrollment-driven funding model, each student counted in September generates a full year of funding that supports teachers, student services, materials, and programs. Students who arrive later generate only partial-year funding. 

Even small changes in enrollment can impact: 

  • Classroom staffing 

  • Academic and support programs 

  • Student services such as counseling, mental health, and specialized supports 

Welcome Center Supports Families  

A key component of the campaign is the district’s Welcome Center, which provides support to families throughout the summer months. The Welcome Center offers: 

  • Enrollment assistance for new and returning students 

  • Multilingual support for families 

  • Guidance on immunizations, transportation, and school assignments 

  • “New to BSD” orientation sessions 

  • Drop-in hours and personalized appointments 

 

“Our Welcome Center team is here to help every family navigate the steps to be ready for the first day,” said Dr. Ricardo Macias. “Whether you’re new to the district or returning, we are ready to support you every step of the way.” 

A Community Effort to Start Strong 

 

Throughout the summer, BSD will share reminders, resources, and behind-the-scenes stories highlighting how schools and district teams are preparing to welcome students. Community partners will also help amplify key messages to families across Bellevue. 

Families can take a few simple steps now to prepare: 

  • Mark the first day of school on their calendar 

  • Complete enrollment and verify student information 

  • Confirm transportation plans 

  • Visit the Welcome Center for support 

 

Looking Ahead 

The first day of school for the 2026–27 year is: 

  • Grades 1–12: September 2, 2026 

  • Kindergarten and Evergreen Transitions Program: September 8, 2026 

  • Preschool: September 9, 2026 

Key dates for families and Summer tips to Be Ready for the First Day of School in September can be found on BSD’s website.  

“When families plan ahead, students start strong—and so does BSD,” said Thorn. 

 

Bellevue School District Launches “First Day, Every Day” Campaign To Help Students Start The 2026-27 School Year Strong - Welcome Center Plays Key Role In Helping Families Prepare - 06/25/26

BELLEVUE, Wash. – Today, [June 25, 2026], the Bellevue School District announces the launch of its “First Day, Every Day” attendance campaign, encouraging families to plan ahead and ensure students are present on the first day of school. 

The campaign centers on a simple but impactful message: when students show up on day one, they start strong, and so does the entire community. 

“Preparing for the next school year begins long before the first bell rings,” said Janine Thorn, Chief Communications Officer. “We want every student to feel welcomed, connected, and ready to learn from the very first day. Families play a vital role in making that happen.” 

 

Why the First Day Matters 

Attending school on the first day helps students build routines, meet their teachers and classmates, and feel a sense of belonging from the start. It also plays an important role in ensuring schools have the resources needed to support students throughout the year.  In Washington state, school funding is based on student enrollment (FTE), not daily attendance, and is determined across 10 monthly count days. The September count is especially important because it establishes the baseline for the entire school year. 

  • Students counted in September contribute to the annual average enrollment that drives most state funding 

  • If a student is not enrolled or present before the September count day, the district cannot claim them for funding until they attend 

  • For districts experiencing enrollment declines, missing students at the start of the year can lock in lower funding for the entire year 

Because Washington uses an enrollment-driven funding model, each student counted in September generates a full year of funding that supports teachers, student services, materials, and programs. Students who arrive later generate only partial-year funding. 

Even small changes in enrollment can impact: 

  • Classroom staffing 

  • Academic and support programs 

  • Student services such as counseling, mental health, and specialized supports 

Welcome Center Supports Families  

A key component of the campaign is the district’s Welcome Center, which provides support to families throughout the summer months. The Welcome Center offers: 

  • Enrollment assistance for new and returning students 

  • Multilingual support for families 

  • Guidance on immunizations, transportation, and school assignments 

  • “New to BSD” orientation sessions 

  • Drop-in hours and personalized appointments 

 

“Our Welcome Center team is here to help every family navigate the steps to be ready for the first day,” said Dr. Ricardo Macias. “Whether you’re new to the district or returning, we are ready to support you every step of the way.” 

A Community Effort to Start Strong 

 

Throughout the summer, BSD will share reminders, resources, and behind-the-scenes stories highlighting how schools and district teams are preparing to welcome students. Community partners will also help amplify key messages to families across Bellevue. 

Families can take a few simple steps now to prepare: 

  • Mark the first day of school on their calendar 

  • Complete enrollment and verify student information 

  • Confirm transportation plans 

  • Visit the Welcome Center for support 

 

Looking Ahead 

The first day of school for the 2026–27 year is: 

  • Grades 1–12: September 2, 2026 

  • Kindergarten and Evergreen Transitions Program: September 8, 2026 

  • Preschool: September 9, 2026 

Key dates for families and Summer tips to Be Ready for the First Day of School in September can be found on BSD’s website.  

“When families plan ahead, students start strong—and so does BSD,” said Thorn.