Ardmore Community Newsletter: Dec 2025

Dear Families,

It has been yet another busy few weeks, and we hope you enjoyed the long weekend and were able to spend time with loved ones. Thank you to all who were able to attend the board visit this past week. It was wonderful to hear all the things you love about Ardmore and the positive experiences your children are having here. We are truly grateful for the amazing community we continue to build and grow together.

This past month, we had an exciting visit from the Kraken team, who played with our 4th and 5th graders. We also celebrated and honored Native American Heritage Month, learning about diverse perspectives on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Students created a mural in our school reflecting their commitment to caring for the earth as a way to honor the land we live on.

 

In the coming month, we will be honoring Russian Heritage and celebrating our Russian-speaking community. During our December assembly, students will watch a bilingual play in Russian and English based on a traditional Russian folktale. In library classes, students will participate in related activities to deepen their learning.

 

We have also continued our focus on kindness at Ardmore by launching Kindness Thursdays. This is one of the many ways we help students appreciate and support one another. Students are recognized on Mondays for acts of kindness, and you may have already seen some of those awards come home.

 

Thank you for your continued support and trust. We are grateful for the partnership we share in helping our students grow. Please find below important information about upcoming events. 

Warmly,

 

Yusra Obaid – Principal

Renee Barut-del Fierro – Assistant Principal

Ardmore Community Handbook   Ardmore Community Handbook 2025-2026

 

Save the Date

 

Dec 17th Hispanic Family Group Coffee with Principals 8:20-9:30 

Dec 18th Arabic World Language Day 

December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 - Monday-Friday - No school, Winter Break

Jan 8th: Incoming Kinder and Preschool Open House for 2026-2027 5:30-6:30

 Please find important non school days here  Non School Days

 

Please find important non school days here  Non School Days

Please follow our Calendar for future events https://ardmore.bsd405.org/our-school/calendar=

 

Spotlight on Instruction Global Goals Integration 

 

 

Arabic Program Application 2026-2027 Enrollment 

Open Enrollment for Incoming Kindergarten Arabic Program- Program is open to all interested students

Enrollment for our Kindergarten Arabic classes will be open December 15, 2025 (9:00 a.m.) through January 16, 2026 (4:30 p.m.).

The application form will go live on December 15.

To apply, please use the following link:

https://www.bsd405.org/academics/language-programs/arabic-bilingual-education-program

The K–5 waiting list will open on January 22.

Please feel free to share this information with any families who may be interested and invite them to our Jan 8th open house.

If your child is already in the program you don't need to reapply next year.  

Student Safety 

Washington state law and Bellevue School District policy require all schools to hold at least one drill per calendar month while school is in session. This month, we will be conducting a shelter-in-place drill and practicing what to do in the event of a hazardous materials release near our school.

During a shelter-in-place drill, students sit quietly while staff simulate sealing the room to limit outside air exchange.

Shelter-in-place procedures would only be used if officials determine there is not enough time to safely evacuate people out of the danger zone.

Please talk with your student about preparing for emergencies and disasters. Encourage them to talk about their concerns and express their feelings. Emphasize that even though sometimes things happen that we may not expect, there are lots of things we can do to help us stay safe.

For more information on shelter-in-place, you might want to visit the Washington Department of Health website at https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/BePreparedBeSafe/SevereWeatherandNaturalDisasters/ShelterInPlace or the Washington Emergency Management Division at https://mil.wa.gov/hazardous-material.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

 

Winter 1 After-School Club Registration Is Now Open

 

Please review the club descriptions and use the registration link to sign up. Registration is first come, first served, and each club is capped at 20 students. If your student is not placed this session, they will receive priority in one of the two additional sessions.

Registration is open Dec 5–12. Please note that submitting a form does not guarantee a spot; placement will be determined by a lottery. Families will be notified on Dec 16 if their child has been selected.

Winter clubs will run Jan 5–Feb 13. The activity bus is available Mondays and Thursdays. Bus route information is below.

 

Dabke Dance (K-3):Register here  Dabke Dance K-3 Wednesdays 12:30-1:20

Traditional dance practiced in the SWANA region (southwest Asian and North African region) student learn about the history of this dance and learn how to do the Dabke.  Students will perform at the end of each series of sessions during our family events or school assemblies. 

Arabic Activity (3-5) Register here  Arabic Language Club  Thursdays 2:35-4:15

Students will have the opportunity to build their language skills in an interactive way through reading, writing, and speaking activities centered around a thematic topic. At the end of the session, students will showcase their learning through a presentation or a play .

Indian cultural  Dance (K-5): Register here Indian Cultural Dance Club K-5  –    Thursdays 2:35-4:15

Come dance!  Learn basic dance moves and be ready to perform at our families events.  Students will also learn about the body movements, their meaning, and the importance of nonverbal communication. 

 

Soccer Club 2-5: Register here Ardmore Soccer Club  Wednesdays 12:30-2:00

 Students will build teamwork and fitness while learning soccer skills through fun drills and friendly games.

Russian club K-5 Register here Russian Language Club Grades K-2 on Mondays, Thursday Grades 3-5  2;35-4:15

Students will have the opportunity to build their language skills in an interactive way through reading, writing, and speaking activities centered around a thematic topic. At the end of the session, students will showcase their learning through a presentation or a play .

Aztec Dance Club 3-5  Register here    Aztec Dance Club  3-5   Mondays 2:35-4:15

Students will explore the rich cultural traditions of Aztec dance through movement, rhythm, and storytelling. This club introduces students to traditional steps, drums, and regalia while teaching the history and meaning behind each dance. Participants will build confidence, coordination, and cultural appreciation, and they will have an opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned in a performance at the end of the session.

School Safety Drop Off/ Pick up

Thank you for your partnership in helping our pick-up and drop-off run smoothly.

We’ve noticed that our procedures are now running more efficiently and safely thank you for your continued cooperation!

Below are a few reminders:

• Please continue to display the yellow paper.
• Remember to drive slowly.

We appreciate your ongoing support in keeping our students and staff safe.

Jubilee Cooking After School Club 

You can sing up here https://form.jotform.com/253105730230139

Lost and Found 

Our Lost and Found is overflowing! Besides the hanging things outside, we have a large selection of coats and Jacked in the Foyer in front of the office. These things will be bagged up and donated at winter break.  Come and find your items before it’s  too late.

SNAP Benefits Disrtruption: Community Support Resources 

Starting November 1, families who receive SNAP benefits may experience interruptions or loss of benefits due to the federal government shutdown. If you are impacted by this. Our school district has resources to support you please connect with our family engagement  Ana Lewis for more information.

lewisa@bsd405.org 

 

PTSA Support 

 

Please consider donating to the Ardmore PTSA to help us fund fieldtrips, assemblies, educational workshops, and family events.

We appreciate your support and partnership!

https://bit.ly/donateardmoreptsa