By J. Tim Mills

Superintendent, Bellevue Public Schools

Welcome to what promises to be another outstanding school year in Bellevue. I hope you are excited about the prospect of entering a new classroom, learning new ideas and enjoying all the experiences that make Bellevue a great district.

Your education is our sole focus. Each and every adult in the district knows that providing you the best education possible is the most important job we have every day.

This year promises to be full of new experiences. A new school dedicated to Mandarin dual language instruction is opening in our Bellewood location. Sammamish High School, currently under construction, is being rebuilt to the new state-of-the art standards needed to house a learning center dedicated to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Throughout our schools, teachers and staff are working hard to bring innovations, technology and best practices into the classroom to benefit you and your learning experience.

You’re not the only ones who will be learning. District teachers and administrators are working harder than ever to learn about new technology and upgrades, the latest teaching methods and training opportunities, as well as explore and celebrate the wide range of cultural backgrounds of our students and families.

District maintenance and grounds staff and custodians also have worked hard over the summer to prepare our buildings for the new school year. Our classified support staff are ready to do their part in making this a great year.

As a student, one of the most important things I want you to know is that you are supported in your education and your life. Bellevue has built an amazing community of support around our students – from the Bellevue Schools Foundation and our amazing corporate partners to the caring fabric of parent and community groups and our own district staff. We continue to be so inspired each day by the intelligence, energy, creativity, passion and compassion of the students in our schools.

I can’t wait to see what you will bring to this new school year. I and the team in our schools and buildings will work hard to make sure this school year is your best experience yet.