We are excited to welcome guests to Grandparents and Special Friends Day that will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Mag Gym with a breakfast meet-and-greet with Lower School Director Aliya Virani and Assistant Head of School for Advancement Sharon Hurt. We have an exciting half-day program and look forward to welcoming our guests to campus for classroom activities and a specially curated Friday Morning Meeting. 

 

To make this day a success, we're looking for volunteers and have several roles available. Please take a moment to review the volunteer positions and sign up here by this Friday, April 26. 

We look forward to seeing you at this joyful event! 

Calling all budding Lower School engineers! Join us for a fun evening of bridge building with a variety of challenge levels. How far can your bridge span? How much weight can it hold? Students will plan, construct, test, and refine their bridges using a design process. We will also be joined by two bridge engineers from our Bush community who will teach students about how structural engineers use geometry, tension, and compression to help them build these amazing structures.

Family STEM Night in the Library: Bridge Design Challenge
Date: Thursday, May 9

Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

Who: The Bush School Lower School Families

Where: Lower School Library

 

To help us anticipate the supplies needed, please let us know if your family is planning to join us. RSVP here!

Mark your calendars for a week of reading celebration! This event-filled week will include several fun reading themed days, a book drive, a variety of reading challenges, and an author visit from a local cookbook author. Along with our Lower School celebrations, the Bush School Book Fair will occur Tuesday-Thursday of that week in the Community Room. We hope Reading Week will become an annual tradition in the Lower School. Read more about daily events your child can participate in below 

Lower School Library Evening
Date: Tuesday, March 26

The Bush Lower School Families Association is pleased to announce the return of our Glow Dance Party this Friday, March 1 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Mag gym.

 

Please join us for a fun evening of music, dancing, and hanging out with friends! We will supply the beverages and pizza (cheese pizzas, gluten free pizzas, and gluten free vegan cheese pizzas). We'll have some glow in the dark items for everyone, earplugs for those who want them, and we'll provide the music. Bring your own glow in the dark items too! 

 

To help us estimate attendees, please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/1C5oCZ6nxCmh8rhu8

 

 

There is a Special FMM this Friday, February 16 from 8:40-9:10 a.m. in the Mag gym. Parents/Guardians are welcome to join.

 

As a celebration of Black History and in honor of Black History Month, Ben Hunter will remind us of the story of North America’s genre Roots Music (for example, old-time and bluegrass), using music as a storytelling tool. 

Join Lower School Director Aliya Virani via Zoom for a series of Round Tables for Lower School Parents/Guardians. These Round Tables are a great chance to discuss topics of interest and ask questions. Please fill out this form if you will be attending and to suggest topics you'd like to discuss. We will try to prioritize topics that are most requested. Dates for this year's Round Tables are below:

Date: Friday, March 1
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
*This virtual round table will be joined by Head of School Percy L. Abram.
Zoom Link

Date: Monday, May 13
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.

As part of the school’s ongoing review of campus security, keypad door locks have been installed on all buildings across campus, meaning exterior doors remain locked during the school day.  

  

Keypad Door Codes: Lower School students travel around campus with teachers, so they do not require a keypad door code for use during the day. A keypad door code is provided to Lower School parents/guardians for Morning and Afternoon Extended Day campus access. Middle and Upper School students will be given a division specific keypad door code to access main buildings during the school day. 

  

We are pleased to welcome our new Lower School faculty and staff to the Bush community. Read below to learn more about this amazing group of educators. 

 

Max Bommarito joins The Bush School as a Lower School Assistant. Most recently, Max worked as a Resource Center Coordinator at Project Access, Inc. and prior to that position, worked as a Program Director for School Age Children at the YMCA. Max earned a B.S in Chemistry from Michigan State University – College of Natural Science. In addition, Max has worked at The Bush School as an assistant coach and proctor.

Juliana Cantarelli Vita will join the Lower School as the Music Teacher. Most recently, Juliana taught at Laurelhurst Elementary School in Seattle. She earned a B.M. in Music Education from Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, and Masters in Music Educations from West Virginia University. She also earned her Ph.D. from the University of Washington in Music Education. 

Su Choi joins The Bush School as a Lower School Assistant. Most recently, Su worked as a Resident Teacher at the University Child Development School and prior to holding that role, she held the position of Special Programs Support at the University Child Development School, as well. Su earned a B.A from The University of Washington in Communications.

Ann Fasano joins the Lower School as a Long-Term Substitute Lower School Assistant. Ann most recently worked at The Bush School in the Extended Day Program. Ann earned a B.A. from Vassar College in Sociology.

Saadia Genc joins the Lower School as a Long-Term Substitute Faculty in the First Grade. Saadia most recently taught at Creighton’s Corner Elementary School in Ashburn, Virginia. Saadia earned a B.A. from George Mason University in Integrative Studies, with a Concentration in Education, and earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University, as well. 

Delight Hailman will join the Lower School as a Second Grade Teacher. Most recently, Delight taught at Lowell Elementary School in Seattle. Delight earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies and Gender and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, as well as her Master’s in Teaching in Elementary Education from the University of Washington. 

 

Juli Kilman joins the Lower School as a Fourth Grade Teacher. Most recently, Juli taught at The Bear Creek School in Redmond, Washington. Juli earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida and a M.S. in Global, International, and Comparative Education from Drexel University. 

Shannon Salverda has been hired as the Lower School Learning Specialist. Most recently, Shannon held the role of Middle School Learning Specialist at University Prep in Seattle, and prior to holding that role, Shannon was the Director of Integrated Learning at University Prep. Shannon earned a B.A. in Speech Language Pathology from Washington State University and a M.S. in Communicative Disorders from San Francisco State University. 

TRANSITIONS

If you are planning on volunteering in the classroom, or chaperoning on Field Trips in the 2023-2024 school year, please fill out a Washington State Patrol Background Form. A new form needs to be filled out every school year. Please print out the form and return it to your students classroom teacher.

 

Date: Wednesday, April 17

Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.

 

In preparation for our upcoming Experiential Week (E-Week) programs, one of the Middle School's signature student experiences, we invite all parents/guardians of students enrolled in an E-week overnight program to a Zoom gathering on Wednesday, April 17, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. 

 

If your child is enrolled in one of the following E-week programs, please plan to attend: 

 

Please note this meeting is only for overnight programs. If your child is enrolled in a day program (Broadcasting 101, Dare to Teach, Fashion, Style, Design, Biking, Cirque du Bush: Circus Arts, Troll Hunt, We are What We Eat), all communication with families will be through email, the Bush Community Portal, and Google Classroom.

 

Join the Middle School team to hear from Interim Middle School Director Matt Lai, E-Week Coordinator Sarah Kennedy, Experiential Programs Manager Kristin McInaney, Middle School Counselor Gayle Gingold, and the faculty leaders of these E Weeks. We will begin in a large group to discuss expectations and guidelines, communication with families during E-week, emergencies and evacuation protocols, how leaders are preparing to help students through homesickness, and more. We will spend the latter part of our time together in breakout rooms by E-Week program, where you will get to know your children's program leaders, get a preview of what the two weeks will look like, and have an opportunity to ask questions. 

 

E-week will take place from Tuesday, May 28 until Friday, June 7 with some programs extending into the weekend before and/or after these dates. 

 

Please note: Our two international programs, Japan and Morocco, are holding separate meetings.

>> Please use this Zoom link.  

Reporting illness or reporting an absence for appointment/leaving early:   If a student is sick and cannot attend school or is leaving school early for an appointment or needing to be picked up early, please contact Victoria D’Amelio, the Middle School Administrative Assistant and/or your student’s advisor as early in the day as possible. 

Join in on the Middle School Madness this month with a special event hosted by the Middle School Families Association!

Date: Friday, March 29

Time:5:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Mag Gym

Friday, March 29, the Middle School community will be hosting an evening of food and activities. It's a chance for Middle School students and their parents/guardians to come together for a fantastic time.

There will be plenty of opportunities to win prizes, from Bingo to a friendly game of Pickleball, along with Middle School Madness swag!

Don't miss out on this Middle School Family Social - Middle School Madness extravaganza! Mark your calendars and get ready for a memorable evening of fun and excitement!

Contact Katherine Fitzpatrick

This is a reminder that the Bush Middle School will be hosting a dance tomorrow, Friday, April 26 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The dance is open to Bush Middle School students only.

 

The dance will be held in the Mag Gym with a “Starry Starry Night” theme, chosen by our Middle School Student Council representatives. Students are invited to dress in theme, and should really wear whatever makes them comfortable. 

There will be a DJ, tabletop games, and food (pizza, snacks, and desserts), with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Students do not need to sign up to attend but are required to sign in, and once they leave the dance, they may not return. Students may not bring phones, backpacks, or other bags into the dance. If students have a bag with them, they may leave it upstairs in their locker or in the Middle School Flex Room. 

Families can drop off and pick up their children on East Harrison Street by the Lower Campus turf field. 

During the dance, the Families Association will be hosting a gathering for parents and guardians at the Red Onion in Madison Park. For more details, refer to communication sent from the Families Association. 

Please reach out to Middle School Dean of Students Jessica Osorio with any questions about the dance. 

We look forward to seeing you there and to celebrating a wonderful year together!

Registration for the 2024 E-week is now open! The Middle School hosted a Town Hall on Tuesday, December 5 where students had the opportunity to talk to leaders from different E-weeks and ask questions. 

 

The next step is for students to register for E-week. Click on the links below to get started. Please note that E-week registration closes on Monday, December 11 at 4:00 p.m. (Students who register after the deadline will be placed in an E-week based on program availability.)  

 

>> CLICK HERE FOR THE 2024 E-WEEK COURSE CATALOG   

 

As part of the school’s ongoing review of campus security, keypad door locks have been installed on all buildings across campus, meaning exterior doors remain locked during the school day.  

  

Keypad Door Codes: Lower School students travel around campus with teachers, so they do not require a keypad door code for use during the day. A keypad door code is provided to Lower School parents/guardians for Morning and Afternoon Extended Day campus access. Middle and Upper School students will be given a division specific keypad door code to access main buildings during the school day. 

  

Rachel Cho will be joining the Middle School as a Computing and Design Teacher. Rachel taught at Chadwick International School in Incheon, South Korea. Rachel earned a B.F.A. in Art Education from the School of The Art Institute of Chicago and a M.Ed. in Education Leadership from George Mason University. 

Michael Cunetta will be joining the Middle School as a Seventh Grade Math Teacher. Most recently, Michael taught in the Mathematics Department at Lakeside School (Seattle, WA). Michael earned a B.A in Economics from Yale University, where he was also a member of the cross country and track team. He holds an M.S in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.S in Statistics: Advanced Methods and Data Analysis from the University of Washington. 

Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum will be joining the Middle School as a Seventh Grade English Teacher. Most recently, Kirsten taught at Seattle Pacific University as an Adjunct Instructor for the Writing Program. Kirsten earned a B.A. in English from Pacific Lutheran University, and received a M.A. in English and Creative Writing from the University of California, Davis. She also received a M.Ed in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from Seattle Pacific University. 

Joon Um will be joining the Middle School as a Seventh Grade Science Teacher. Most recently, Joon taught Science and Drama at TAF@Saghalie in Federal Way, Washington. Joon earned a B.A. in Business Administration and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington. He also received a M.Ed in Curriculum/Instruction (Science) from the University of Washington. 

Kaili Yang will be joining the Middle School as a Mandarin Teacher. Most recently, Kaili worked at the International Leadership of Texas, Saginaw, a K-8, free public charter school. Kaili earned a B.A. in Teaching Chinese as a World Language from the University of Jinan in China. She received a M.S. in Secondary Teacher Education from the University of Washington. 

Robin Christy will transition from the Lower School to the Middle School as a part-time Learning Specialist. 

 

How to Report Student Absences

Reporting illness: If a student is sick and cannot attend school, a parent or guardian must report the absence in order for it to be excused. Contact Sharon Mulvihill, the US Administrative Assistant, as early in the day as possible.

Reporting absence for an appointment: if a student will miss class or community time to attend a medical or other appointment, a parent or guardian must report the absence in order for it to be excused.

Full-day absences (non-illness related): If your student will miss a full day of classes for any reason not related to illness (field trip, college visit, etc.), they are required to complete and turn in a Planned Absence Form. This form is available in the US Admin Asst’s office, and also under Forms on the Upper School portal page.

Note that students are responsible for communicating with their teachers regarding any work they miss.

 

As part of the school’s ongoing review of campus security, keypad door locks have been installed on all buildings across campus, meaning exterior doors remain locked during the school day.  

  

Keypad Door Codes: Lower School students travel around campus with teachers, so they do not require a keypad door code for use during the day. A keypad door code is provided to Lower School parents/guardians for Morning and Afternoon Extended Day campus access. Middle and Upper School students will be given a division specific keypad door code to access main buildings during the school day. 

  

We are pleased to welcome our new Upper School faculty and staff to the Bush community. Read below to learn more about this amazing group of educators. 





Jackie Montminy joins the Upper School as a Science Teacher. Most recently, Jackie taught Science at the Cambridge Street Upper School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Jackie earned a M.Ed in Science Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a B.S. in Biology and Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Hannah Ramone will be joining the Upper School as a Music Teacher. Hannah most recently worked as a Music Teacher at Midway Elementary in the Highline School District. Hannah earned a M.ED in School Leadership and Development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, MA and a Bachelor of Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.

Christine Miller will hold the role of Acting Upper School Academic Dean, while continuing as an Instructional Coach and Upper School faculty member. 

Click here for new Lower School Faculty & Staff
Click here for new Middle School Faculty & Staff
Click here for new staff, departures, and title changes