Bellevue PTSA Council’s Spring Into Reading kicks off in March 2025!  Join us as we celebrate the joy of reading and highlight the importance of literacy with over 8,500 students attending all 16 BSD elementary schools - including yours!
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The program features 2 books that share the incredible true story of Springer, an orphaned orca calf found in the Puget Sound in 2002.  Springer was rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to her home by the north end of Vancouver Island BC.  Within 24 hours, she was successfully reunited with and accepted back into her pod - the first time in history!

​​Bellevue PTSA Council is giving away 1 book to every Preschool to 5th grade class at all 16 BSD elementary schools (nearly 420 books!)
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See below for program events, which include an Author Talk, a Community Read, and a Book Drive.

Questions?  Email Stephanie Lee at [email protected]
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Bellevue PTSA Council invites all BSD elementary students and their families to an Author Talk with Donna Sandstrom, author of Orca Rescue! (2025 Sasquatch Nominee) and founder of The Whale Trail.

Orca Rescue! tells the true story about an orphaned orca named Springer found in the Puget Sound in 2002. Springer was rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to her home by the north end of Vancouver Island BC. Within 24 hours, she was successfully reunited with and accepted back into her pod - the first time in history!

​Donna was a key partner of Springer’s rescue mission and we are excited for her to spark the joy of reading by sharing Springer’s story with the next generation of Washingtonians - our kids! In addition to hearing Springer’s story, we will learn about orcas, the 3 different orca ecotypes (kinds) in the Pacific Northwest, and how important teamwork and collaboration were to getting Springer home to her pod!

If time permits, Donna will take a few minutes to sign copies of her book. Families are welcome to bring their own copies (available to buy at Brick & Mortar Books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc.).

We hope you will join us!

Space is limited: **RSVP/SIGN-UP IS REQUIRED**
RSVP: Saturday March 8 (4 - 5:30pm) - click
RSVP: Sunday March 23 (2 - 3:30pm) - click
  • Location: Odle Middle School (502 143rd Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98007) *note location change to Odle
  • RSVP with adult’s name for only 1 date/session
  • RSVP for the total # in your family attending (maximum 6 per family)​

PLEASE NOTE:
  • This event is free, all BSD elementary students & families are invited to attend
    • RSVP/sign-up is required due to venue capacity
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult, the event is NOT a drop-off event
  • Machine interpretation services will be available; both a cell phone and headphones/earphones are required to use this service.
  • Students and families are invited to wear their school’s spiritwear/clothing to represent their school’s PTSA pod as we join together as our BSD superpod! (An orca superpod is when multiple pods/families come together)

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Join us for a Community Read on March 10 - 21.

The goal of this Community Read is for our BSD elementary community to share the joy of reading and learn Springer’s story together as a community (aka our “BSD superpod”)!

To kick-off the Community Read, Bellevue PTSA Council is giving away 1 book to every Preschool to 5th grade class at all 16 schools - a total of nearly 420 books!

Teachers will have the books available for students to read in their classrooms.  Students may also borrow the books from their school library or the King County Library.  Families are welcome to purchase their own personal copies (Bricks & Mortar Books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc.).
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Springer’s incredible story is true (nonfiction); therefore, students can learn more by reading articles and watching videos about orcas and Springer.  Scroll down for suggested resource articles/videos, adults should fully review materials to determine if it is age-appropriate for their student/child.

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“Children's access to books and print materials is consistently associated with improved cognitive, social, and emotional development, as well as better academic achievement and overall well-being.” (Neuman & Celano, 2001)

During March 24 - 28, families are encouraged to donate new or gently used books to spread the joy of reading by giving children in our community access to high quality print books.

Please consider graphic novels or refer to this BSD-recommended list (priority for lists starting with “dia," AICL, APALA, BCALA) to ensure books are appropriate.  Books should be for 5-11yr old elementary readers and may be in any language.  Drop book donations to the box in your school office.
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You may also make a donation to purchase books for the Book Drive.  Bellevue PTSA Council is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - donations are eligible for tax deductions and corporate matching (if applicable).

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the importance of literacy for all children in our community!


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Learn more about Springer’s story and orcas!  
Adults should fully review materials to determine if they are age-appropriate for their student/child.
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Why is FACE (Family and Community Engagement) important?

Active and engaged families and community members are the key to success for students, and PTA provides parents with the tools to make every child's potential a reality.
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National PTA Standards: What parents, schools, and communities can do together to support student success.