Voices of Bellevue School District Podcast

At Sherwood Forest Elementary, a vibrant new mural now welcomes visitors – one created with intentionality, creativity and deep community pride. In this episode, Sherwood Forest’s principal, Estella Weigand; PTA president, Ashley Faber; student artists, and muralist, Valeria Ortiz share the story of how student voice, community partnership and artistic vision came together to create something last...

Learn about a special mural that sits at the heart of Bellevue High School, initiated and created by the BHS Black Student Union. In this episode, BHS art teacher Hannah Yale and three BSU student artists share what inspired the project, the process behind it, and the rich stories woven into the mural. Our students share their feelings, hopes and pride, reminding us that building a Beloved Communi...

In this episode of Voices of Bellevue, we highlight the Evergreen Transition Program (ETP), a program that supports students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school with a focus on employment readiness and life skills. ETP Director, Jennifer Strehle, and ETP teacher, Leia Steffas, share what the program is all about, how they support students pursuing postsecondary education a...

This month’s Bellevue School District News and Events Digest brings you a quick, family‑friendly roundup of the stories shaping our schools. In this episode, we celebrate BSD’s 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program finalists, share a final reminder to complete the Family Engagement Survey, and offer tips to help students stay on track during the spring attendance slump. We also highlight an incr...

In this Building a Beloved Community podcast episode, we honor Ms. Stone, a kindergarten teacher whose quiet strength and steady presence helped shape the Bellevue and Clyde Hill school community in the late 1950s. Through a conversation with former student, retired airline pilot and citizen’s rights activist Don Chapman and Editor of The Daily Scrum Donovan Martin, listeners will hear how her kin...

Stay in the loop with this month’s Bellevue School District News and Events Digest, a fast, friendly roundup of the stories shaping our schools and community. In this episode, we celebrate a major levy election win for BSD students, break down the district’s latest financial outlook, and share important reminders about Mid‑Winter Break. You’ll also hear updates on 2026–2027 enrollment, learn how t...

Stay informed with the latest updates from the Bellevue School District in this December edition of the News & Events Digest podcast. As 2025 comes to a close, this episode covers: • Superintendent Aramaki's Message and Community Thanks • 2026 Levy Renewal Propositions for Voters • An invitation to the 2026 Regional School Funding Town Hall • Special visitors at Ardmore Elementary for Hour of AI •...

Stay informed with the latest updates from the Bellevue School District in this November edition of the News & Events Digest podcast. We cover: • BSD School Board’s recognition as a 2025 Board of Distinction • Positive financial outlook and details on the upcoming School Funding Town Hall • 2026 levy renewal resolutions • School Board vacancy and an invitation for community leaders to apply • Upco...

Kick off the new season of The Voices of Bellevue School District Podcast, your go-to education podcast for stories that shape our schools and community in Bellevue, WA. In this episode, we celebrate the grand opening of the Bellevue School District Welcome Center — a vibrant hub of connection and support for BSD families. You’ll hear: 🎨 From student artists who created the Welcome Center's mural...

In this episode of the Bellevue School District News & Events Digest, we’re celebrating inclusion, excellence, and the everyday heroes who make our schools shine. Tune in as we spotlight the Evergreen Transition Program and its empowering work with young adults with disabilities, honor BSD’s recognition as Washington’s #1 school district for the third year running, and share tips for building stro...

Welcome to the BSD News & Events Digest — your quick audio update on what’s happening across the Bellevue School District. In this episode, we’re bringing you the top highlights from our latest newsletter, including Superintendent Aramaki's blog posts, the new Bellevue School District Mobile App, Curriculum Nights, and an update from our Operations and Finance team. Whether you're a parent, studen...

In this special Teacher Appreciation podcast episode, we bring together influential voices from the Bellevue School District to celebrate the transformative impact of educators. Listen as we chat with Eva Collins, Genisha Branch, Amber Anderson, and Anna Hatlestad, on how educators are pivotal in cultivating student belonging and engagement through building inclusive environments. These district l...

In this episode, we sit down with Don Dixon, Wendy Weyer and Jack McCloud to explore how our district is making real progress toward sustainability. These leaders from our Transportation, Facilities, and Nutrition Services departments discuss some of the innovative ways their teams are reducing our district’s environmental impact. We dive into the exploration of electric buses, implementation of e...

In this episode, we chat with students from our BSD Sustainability Committee about what motivates them to make a difference. They share their passion for the environment, personal stories, and practical tips on how everyone can take simple steps to create a more sustainable future.

In the second part of our series, we continue our conversation with our friends at the Bellevue Schools Foundation. In this episode, our guests share how listeners can get involved with the Foundation and make a difference in the local community. They also give us an inside look at their premier fundraising event, Spring for Schools, and discuss how the event will support their mission and further...

In the first part of our two-part series, we chat with our friends at the Bellevue Schools Foundation about their experiences growing up and attending school in different countries before arriving in Bellevue. Our guests share the challenges and rewards of adjusting to a new educational culture. We also dive into the creation and impact of the Bellevue Schools Foundation, exploring its mission to...

In the second part of our series on problem-based learning, we sit down with students from Tillicum Middle School to hear firsthand about their transformative experiences. This episode dives into the exciting ways students engage with real-world challenges, from giving input on Washington state bills to collaborating on innovative 3D-printed structures. You'll hear why they love this hands-on appr...

Talking Problem-based Learning (PBL).! We sat down with four incredible educators from Tillicum Middle School—Alicia Kallay, Tara Weaver, Jordyn Romero, and Tracey Williams—to explore how they engage students with real-world problems to ignite their passion for learning. Through Problem-based learning, these educators are able to connect topics like the legislative process, design and production,...

In this episode, Executive Director of Finance Jason Golec dives into the district's financial status, sharing information about BSD's fiscal challenges, strategic focus areas for short- and long-term planning, and collaboration efforts across the district toward solutions that will continue to support staff and learners at every level. Bellevue Schools Foundation Executive Director Juliet Buder j...

Dr. William Jackson, Washington State Principal of the Year, joins the Voices of Bellevue to share his journey as an educational leader at Nathan Hale High School (Seattle, WA.) and as BSD's Director of Teaching and Learning. Dr. Jackson discusses how he fosters an inclusive and empowering school culture where students and staff can thrive. From implementing innovative programs to building strong...

We chat with Jennifer Bitter, Washington State Secondary Art Teacher of the Year, about her journey as an educator at Newport High School. Jenne shares how she creates inclusive, empowering spaces for students to express themselves through art. From her innovative AP Art program to fun projects like the Teacher Creature Feature, Jenne inspires students to find their voice and celebrate their ident...

We sit down with the Highland Middle School’s mariachi teacher, Abraham Luna, and a few talented student band members to explore the rich tradition of mariachi music and its powerful connection to culture, community, and personal expression. Our guests share their unique stories—whether it’s how they first discovered mariachi, their musical journeys, or the personal significance of playing in the...

Dr. Aramaki sits down with members of Bellevue School District’s Safety and Security Team to discuss the measures in place to keep students, staff, and the community safe. From physical safety to threat assessment, we explore comprehensive strategies that are designed to respond to a variety of situations. Tune in to this special student-produced episode for an in-depth look at the safety measures...

Hosts Janine Thorn and Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Aramaki, discuss the Bellevue School District’s new 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, exploring how it came to life and the vision behind its development. They break down the three priority areas that will guide the district’s growth over the next several years: We Belong. We Learn. We Lead. Tune in to learn about the goals and initiatives within each prior...

Hosts Janine Thorn, Chief of Communications, and Dr. Kelly Aramaki, Superintendent of the Bellevue School District, share why the district is starting its own podcast. They discuss what it means to feel a sense of belonging in the Bellevue School District, and development of the brand-new Welcome Center. Tune in to hear about the vision behind the podcast and what's to come as the district seeks t...