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News Releases
Superintendent's Donation to Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) Sparks Call to Action - 09/26/24

Superintendent Aramaki leads BSF’s fall fundraiser with a personal pledge for BSD’s Beloved Community 

Bellevue, WA – Superintendent Kelly Aramaki invites the Bellevue School District (BSD) community to partner with him in raising $19,318 for the district to kick off the Best Friends Forever with Bellevue Schools Foundation (BFF with BSF) giving campaign! His goal, including a personal contribution, represents one dollar for each amazing student enrolled and he urges others to donate a date or number of significance in their lives or that of a loved one. BSF Development Director Michael Smith says, “Dr. Aramaki has committed to raising this significant number....We encourage others to pick a number that is significant to them – students at your school, the year your child was born......regardless of what the number is, it is a meaningful investment in our students at a time when the needs have never been greater.” 

The community is invited out to support BSF and meet Dr. Aramaki this Saturday at BSF’s  3rd annual Block Party, September 28, at Bellevue Downtown Park, from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Admission is free and open to the public. Dr. Aramaki shares, “Bellevue, along with district across the state, is struggling with an inadequate funding model from the state. Public education has long been a top priority for our community, and we must advocate for programs and services that our kids deserve, including mental health supports, academic interventions, music and the arts, transportation for unhoused students, activities and enrichment, and more. In the meantime, the Bellevue Schools Foundation is a critical partner in helping us close our funding gap, and I’m proud to support their efforts.” This is the third time BSF has hosted this community event to celebrate and invest in critical academic programs- only possible through widespread community donations and anticipate over 2,500 people to attend. 

“The school district, like many others across Washington State, is facing funding challenges. Dr. Aramaki’s donation to Bellevue Schools Foundation is an incredible act of philanthropy,” said BSF Executive Director Juliet Buder. “Our entire organization is inspired and motivated by Dr. Aramaki’s leadership and commitment to providing students with the academic opportunities they deserve. We hope others will be motivated by his personal investment and consider a donation to BSF at this pivotal moment. School districts across the state and country are faced with inadequate budgets to provide for student needs. Collective contributions such as Dr. Aramaki’s allow the Foundation to step up and into this funding gap.”  

While Washington State provides Bellevue School District with a budget for basic education, Bellevue Schools Foundation steps in to provide critical funding for preschool tuition, computer science curriculum in elementary schools, music, mental health screenings, educator training, field trip, and much more. This year, the Foundation has committed to providing $887,000 in funding to students and educators—a step towards addressing the $10M budget gap in Bellevue School District this year. 

Established in 1979, The Bellevue Schools Foundation,  (BSF) is the first foundation dedicated to supporting public K-12 initiatives in Washington State. Through the collective support of individual donors and corporate partners, BSF promotes and funds the best possible learning opportunities for all students in Bellevue’s 28 public schools. Since its inception in 1979, BSF has committed over $25 million to fund critical initiatives such as computer science, preschool, and teacher training. Join Dr. Aramaki with an investment in Bellevue’s public schools by contacting Michael Smith (Michael@bsfdn.org) or through their BFF with BSF campaign 

The Bellevue School District, with over 19,000 students and 28 schools, is a diverse and dynamic district in East King County, Washington. Its mission is "To serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally through a rigorous and relevant education that is innovative and individualized. As a learning community that values one another's humanity, we provide courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students."  

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Big Picture School Student Selected as 2024 Washington STEM Rising Star (Photo) - 09/20/24

BELLEVUE, Wash. Seattle, WA. – Arushi Sinha, a student at Bellevue Big Picture High School in Bellevue, King County, has been named a 2024 Washington Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Rising Star. Sinha is one of eleven students from across the state receiving Washington STEM’s annual award. She was selected for her dedication to equity and inclusion on her school’s robotics team. 

  

“Advocating for equitable representation in STEAM, Arushi is a strong and compassionate leader,” says Hillary MacDonald, a robotics coach and Community Outreach Specialist at Bellevue School District. 

  

Since 2021, Washington STEM has partnered with ten regional networks to recognize young women and trans/nonbinary youth from across the state who explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to better themselves and their community. 

  

"Women make up only 34% of our country's STEM workforce, and that number drops to less than 10% for Black, Indigenous, and Latina women,” says Lynne K. Varner, CEO of Washington STEM. “These disparities fly in the face of numerous studies underscoring diversity as a key factor in business success. The Rising Stars represent a new generation that is closing that gap.” 

  

Awardees are nominated by their schools and selected in partnership with regional networks. They will receive a $500 stipend and be celebrated at Washington STEM’s 2024 Summit luncheon. Visit the Washington STEM website to see the complete list of 2024 Rising Star awardees. 

 

The Bellevue School District is dedicated to offering Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM), education to all students. Thanks to our special partnership with the Bellevue Schools Foundation, these programs are available to students across all grade levels. The Foundation has contributed over $2 million to support STEM curriculum, robotics teams, and the newly opened STEAMnasium thanks to community donations. The STEAMnasium provides students, like Arushi, with access to a full-sized practice field for their robotics teams and encourages all students to pursue their passions. 

The Bellevue Schools Foundation: Established in 1979, Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) is the first foundation dedicated to supporting public K-12 initiatives in Washington State. Its mission is to promote and fund the best possible learning opportunities for all students in Bellevue’s public schools. This year, the Foundation is supporting $887,000 of programming in the Bellevue School District. 

The Bellevue School District, with over 19,000 students and 28 schools, is a diverse and dynamic district in East King County, Washington. Its mission is "To serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally through a rigorous and relevant education that is innovative and individualized. As a learning community that values one another's humanity, we provide courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students."