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Inside Billings
October 30, 2025
| | 🎃 What's Happening at Billings? 👻 | | With the crisp air and golden leaves of fall all around us, there’s a renewed sense of purpose and excitement on campus. Our students are busy with creative projects, service initiatives, and community events that embody the heart of Billings. Here’s a look at what’s been happening this past week. | | |
Mike on the Mic 🎤
Dear Billings Community,
Happy Spirit Week Billings! Cheers to our ASB student leaders for bringing the fun this week with Halloween colors, cozy pajamas, and hilarious impressions of teachers and students.
As we enjoyed some joyous costumes this morning, I found myself thinking about our Community. At Billings, community is much more than a group of people who happen to be attending the same school. It’s about the way we support each other to grow and thrive and how we lift each other up through our common mission to stretch, support, and inspire middle schoolers through experiential learning.
From parent volunteers to student ambassadors, long-tenured teachers and teachers who bring new ideas to the community, each person plays a critical role in the execution of this mission and success of building a community to be proud of. We have a number of community building events coming up and we’d love to invite you in!
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Academic Fall Conferences are tonight and tomorrow. Teachers and Advisor teams are looking forward to meeting with you to discuss academic progress, goals, areas of focus, and work strategies for the year ahead.
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Friday, November 7 is our Billings Family Association meeting at 8:30 am - help us break out our new firepit at drop-off! As always, we will focus on our three pillars: building community between families and between students, family education and support, and ways families can support the school through volunteer opportunities.
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Saturday, November 15th is our Open House from 10:00 - 12:00, followed by the Pinehurst Craft Fair and Alumni Reunion from 12:00 – 3:00.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our informal coffee at drop-off last Friday. We will have coffee and treats for those coming on campus tomorrow!
Thank you for your support,
Mike
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We are shuffling our 6th grade section groupings to optimize social dynamics in classes and provide opportunities for new connections, academic collaboration, and friendships. While advisory groups are maintained throughout the school year, changing section groupings for classes will happen several times between now and June. Students will learn their new sections on Monday morning. Some will initially face the executive-functioning challenge of flipping their schedules (e.g. having math first period instead of second), but all teachers are ready to support this transition.
The 7th grade team has enjoyed prioritizing connection and joy this week. 7th graders had a great time participating in the schoolwide spirit week. Out of all the days, pajama day definitely garnered the most participation, as many students didn’t have to change their normal school wardrobe! 🙂
In 8th grade students have been working on strategies for collaborating with others in their grade and the school. Students are developing their own leadership ideas that they can bring to the Billings Community. We recently held elections for the newly founded ASB. Our 8th grade representatives for this year are Henry and Nico. They will join the other 8th graders on ASB: Jack (President), Wila (VP), and Clara (Secretary).
| | Students of all grade levels participated in our Spirit Week themes, including Halloween colors, Pajama Day, Dress like a Student/Teacher Day, and (of course) Halloween costumes! We will be updating our SmugMug gallery with pictures from this week and any other upcoming holidays, so click the button below to check it out. If you do not have the SmugMug password, reach out to the Front Desk. | | |
6th graders just completed a writing project in ELA responding to this Essential Question: How can you make yourself heard? Students read an article titled “Selfie: The Changing Face of Self-Portraits” and learned about “selfies” dating back to the Renaissance. We analyzed key paintings from artists such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and used their paintings to explore self-expression.
7th graders recently completed a writing assignment answering the Essential Question: What can blur the lines between what’s real and what’s not? We read a short story called Mirror Image about a teen girl, Alice, who undergoes a brain transplant. We used the text to explore her emotional and psychological transformation post-operation, and discussed the impact on her family.
Both grades spent the week of Halloween thinking about and investigating the horror genre. Students created their own spooky stories, movie trailers, or graphic novels in some fun group work leading into the Halloween weekend.
6th graders recently presented their Planet Research Projects in Science class. This is a part of our astronomy unit. Students are currently working on learning about our solar system. We have also been learning how to read our science textbook all about Earth and Space. Next, we will start to learn about other anomalies in our universe.
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In 6th grade Design Lab, students are making the final touches on their puppets for our Puppet Project. Students have been assigned partners and are working on writing their short puppet show stories which we will present soon in class.
In 8th grade students completed their first chemistry test of the year. Students did well and many earned honors grades on this assessment. We will continue learning about chemistry and next we will learn about electron energy states and complete a flame test lab!
In Textiles, 7th & 8th grade students experimented with various plant fibers that are found in the Pacific Northwest to create woven designs. Students made hoops/wreaths out of Willow and Dogwood branches, as well as cordage/rope out of Sweetgrass and Cattails. These plant fiber materials will be saved to use in their final project, where they will combine various patterns, symbols, and fibers to create a 3D tapestry of their own design
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🎓 Deans on the Scene ✒️
Please join Dean Rob and Laurie Alexander (Billings Family Association Chair) for our fall family event: Framing the Year - The World of Middleschoolers! During this event, Rob will give a short talk on the middle school brain followed by a Q&A. We'll then turn to breakout sessions with targeted questions so that parents and caregivers can share experiences, ideas, and wisdom!
This event will run from 5:30-7:00pm on 11/6. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP via this link so that we can get a head count. Light refreshments will be provided.
We are looking forward to meeting with you at Academic Fall Conferences this evening and Friday. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to your start time to check- in and get your appointment schedule. We’ve designed a schedule that accommodates all families for a 10-minute appointment time. As a reminder, conferences are intended for parents and teachers. If child care presents an obstacle to attendance, however, the child may join the meeting. Please know that we will not be able to provide supervision.
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Holiday Food Drive!
Our 8th graders are leading a Holiday Food Drive in collaboration with North Helpline! Donations can be dropped off at the Main Office at Billings through November 17. Students will deliver the collected items to the Lake City Food Bank to help families in need this holiday season.
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Food Items:
Canned Fruit
Cereal
Peanut Butter
Canned Chili
Protein-dense Soups
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Protein Shakes
Canned Fish
Granola Bars
Instant Oatmeal
Ramen
Ground Coffee
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Hygiene Items:
Travel-Size Shampoo & Soap
Toothpaste & Toothbrush
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High Need Items:
Baby Wipes & Diapers
Infant Formula
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🎾 Sports 🏀
Boys basketball practice will be starting Monday, November 3. If your student is interested in joining, please turn in the sign-up sheet and waiver linked below by Monday!
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I cannot believe that with just one week to go we have raised $43,303 towards our goal of $150,000! This community has really come together and shared so openly so that our small school can make a big impact as well as continue to build the legacy of Billings and support each other on this journey. Every single gift matters, and I know we can get to 100% participation! Here are some examples of how your gift makes a big impact:
6th Grade
At Billings, we know that students are best prepared to tackle challenging academics when they feel connected to and supported by their teachers and classmates. Our 6th graders transition into middle school with a strong social emotional learning program. Our unique “Warm and Fuzzy” class gives 6th graders the opportunity to learn how to regulate their emotions and work in community with their peers. They get to apply what they learn on their expeditionary learning trips from the intertidal zone at Deception Pass to snowshoeing at Snoqualmie Pass to exploring lava tubes at Mt. St. Helens.
7th Grade
Our 7th graders are diving into high school level biology and deep discussion in engaging civics classes and field experiences throughout Seattle. We’re excited to add new science equipment to support their learning. Like real life, our curriculum is highly interdisciplinary, with “field work” on trips to Licton Springs and the University of Washington botany greenhouse. They are also diving into Washington state history, travelling to Eastern Washington to learn from Yakama Nation elders, studying the cosmos at Goldendale Observatory, and learning about the impacts and benefits of the hydroelectric power plants at the Dalles Dam on the Columbia River.
8th Grade
Our major theme for 8th grade is developing leadership skills. Our Associated Student Body (ASB) elections were student-run and allowed them to drive the electoral process from start to finish - from planning a campaign, understanding the needs of their constituents, and practicing messaging and public speaking, to accepting election results that may or may not have gone their way. Our 8th grades also had their Fall Leadership Outing trip where they did everything themselves, including setting up camp and cooking for their group. We also have a group of 8th graders giving back to our Seattle community through a student-led research project at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Teacher Professional Development
The NWAIS Fall Educators’ Conference is an incredible opportunity for our teachers to grow as educators. The conference features speakers who are innovators and leaders in education, and provides workshops that provide teachers with the latest tools and techniques to support them in the classroom. This conference is also an opportunity for them to connect with other educators from across the Northwest.
None of this would be possible without each of you. Thank you to everyone who has made a gift - it truly has a big impact!
Right now, 6th grade is ahead in the pizza party standings, but 7th and 8th are not far behind. Make your donation by Friday, 11/7 to help your class win!
Participation standings:
- 6th Grade: 75%
- 7th Grade: 67%
- 8th Grade: 44%
You can make a donation by dropping off a check at the front desk or by clicking here to make a donation online. You can also click here to make a pledge for a future donation or email Joan for more details on how to make a stock donation. Don’t forget to check with your employer to see if they will match your donation! Boeing, Microsoft, Nintendo, Pokémon, and many other major employers offer an employee match program. This is a really great way to double the impact of your donation!
| | Billings Family Association | | |
RSVP for 11/6 Parenting Event with Dean Rob
Next Thursday 11/6 from 5:30-7:00pm, Dean of Student Life Rob Heavner and the BFA will co-host an in-person event for Billings parents and caregivers. Rob will speak on the big-picture themes in middle schoolers’ development and parents’/caregivers’ roles in supporting them. There will be breakout discussions by grade. Please RSVP here so we can get enough snacks and drinks for attendees.
BFA Meeting Next Friday 11/7 from 8:30-9:00am
Next Friday morning’s coffee will flow right into this month’s BFA meeting! Come for the camaraderie and coffee. Stay to hear about upcoming school and BFA events.
Launching a LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
Are you a parent/caregiver in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or raising a child who is? You're invited to join the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group at Billings. Led by a queer Billings parent, this group brings families together for potlucks once or twice a year. Members stay connected between meet-ups via a private message board to ask questions, share invitations, and offer support. Sign up here to be notified as we start organizing. We hope you’ll join us!
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Upcoming Events: 📅
- Fall Conferences: October 30 & 31
- NO SCHOOL: October 31
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Framing the Year: The World of Middle Schoolers! -November 6, 5:30-7:00pm [RSVP]
- NO SCHOOL: Veteran's Day, Tuesday, November 11
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Story is my Superpower
Northwest Equity & Inclusion Speaker Series is dedicated to making impactful discussions accessible to everyone. Join us to hear from Nic Stone, author of Dear Martin.
November 12, 2025
5:00-6:15 pm PT
This event is free and open to the public.
RSVP to get your Zoom link: Registration
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SQUIRRELLY WORKSHOP:
Teens & 'Tweens: Holiday Gift Making Series (4 Fridays)
Sign up your Teen or 'Tween for a Squirrelly Art Class where they can get creative with art in a safe and fun space! Squirrelly offers diverse art experiences every day of the week in our bright, woodland studio on Sand Point Way.
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Our favorite series starts November 14th, Surprise Holiday Gift Making. Register now at squirrellyworkshop.com to secure your child's spot!
- Squirrelly has after-school art for kids, art for adults, and art for preschoolers, too! Come enjoy an adult evening out learning watercolor or print-making, sign your elementary school aged student up for after-school art class or bring your mini-artist for our Friday morning preschool open studio!
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Learn more and register at squirrellyworkshop.com! Financial assistance and scholarships are always available.
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Looking for something to do as a family? Check out the Mosaic Room which is located just around the corner from the Billings campus. The Mosaic Room offers family friendly classes from Yoga and Salsa dancing to Yo-Yo tricks! Scan the QR Code to sign-up!
All Billings families will receive 10% off with the code: BILLINGS10
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Executive Function Workout!
Join me (Greg: Director of The Learning Center at Billings) for a regular morning EF workout from 8:30am to 9:30am on Mondays. Developing EF, or Executive Function, requires the exercise of the brain in specific ways. Drop in on any Monday morning to share stories and explore strategies for strengthening our EF muscles and by extension, that of our students.
Think of EF (Executive Function) as the CEO of the brain, helping us improve our self-regulation and aid our ability to make both short and long-term plans that enhance our performance in many aspects of our life. At a middle school pragmatic level this includes things like: doing your nightly HW, working on long term projects, or doing chores around the house. This is not a class. This is an opportunity to share collective wisdom. While 30 plus years as a middle school educator has certainly allowed me to garner some wisdom, I am really a facilitator on Monday mornings. Regular attendance is not a prerequisite. I don't need advanced notice. Drop in as you are able.
We will be meeting in person in Mercury during advisory and the beginning of first period. If you do not want to attend in person and prefer Zoom, let me know and I will send you a recurring Zoom link. Masks are not required but can be worn upon request.
And if Monday mornings are not a viable option for you but you want to learn more, don't hesitate to e-mail me, and let's find time to chat 1-1.
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