Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Community Members:

We welcome this opportunity to acquaint you with the various aspects of the academic and extra curricular programs that are offered at Bowdish Middle School.

Our school's philosophy centers on our efforts to provide students with their opportunities for growth and development according to the individual abilities, interests and needs. We strive to challenge our students to reach their highest level of achievements in a positive, safe, secure environment. Our students must develop fundamental academic skills, competencies, and attitudes essential to becoming responsible, contributing citizens and life-long learners in a global society.

We encourage parents to join us and an integral part of our young women and men's academic and social world. Participation, as well as input, is encouraged and welcomed.

With pride, many of our classes select service learning activities designed to assist community agencies helping those who are less fortunate in our society. Activities such as collecting food, baby clothing, blankets and coats-for-kids are just some of the activities students have traditionally selected to help others.

We continue to provide students with an array of academic and co-curricular activities. Students and teachers join as academic teams and structure their approach to student academic and social development. Students have grown to rely on the consistency of having an adult advocate and appreciate the comfort support provided in their teams. Student-lead portfolio review sessions provide students with two opportunities to meet in a formal setting with their parents, review their individual educational goals, and display their work. Students have found this experience beneficial and many parents appreciate the structure, direction, and ownership in the education their children are taking.

Welcome Every Body (WEB) continues to be a tremendously valuable program for students. This national program provides incentives as well as the organization of a peer-mentoring program. Students new to Bowdish in the 6th grade are teamed with selected, trained, 8th grade students who provide guidance throughout the school year. Before the school year begins, new 6th grade students participate in a series of team-building activities facilitated by 8th grade team leaders. Students receive helpful advice about what it takes to be a successful student both academically and socially.

We continue to study our educational systems and to adjust and fine-tune them to ensure our educational opportunities are truly reflective of our mission statement promoting educational excellence in a nurturing and safe environment. Parents are encouraged to join our Site Council in October of each year and take advantage of an opportunity to learn about our school and to offer valued input.

Our hopes for the future are many. Among them:

• Design programs to meet the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) to improve all students’ skills in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Listening.
• Continue to focus on providing a quality educational environment where students, staff and parents foster attitudes of mutual respect.
• Continue to provide guidance and assistance to students and help them understand and work within a culturally diverse environment.
• Meet the diverse educational needs of all students, whether they are gifted or at-risk.
  
  

Bowdish Middle School is a great place to learn! We care about our students and their education. We have had a great year working with and learning from your children. Thank you for sharing them with us. Please visit us often and communicate with us whenever you have a question, concern or positive comment.

Sincerely,

Dave Bouge 
Principal

Maureen Weisbeck
Dean of Students