Superintendent’s Blog: February is a Month of Love for Our Beloved Community!

BSD Beloved Community –  

The year is flying by! It’s hard to believe we’re already into the second semester with mid-winter break just around the corner. For all you seniors out there, don’t succumb to senioritis! Finish strong! 

February is a month rich with meaning, celebration, love, and the honoring of our diverse community. We start the month recognizing National School Counseling Week, celebrating the amazing counselors who support our kids with everything from class schedules to mental health. February is also the month where we recognize innovations in Career and Technical Education (CTE), lifting up the innovative programs and teachers that help students explore careers like cybersecurity, culinary, and maritime welding (let’s get those ferries back up and running!). Toward the end of February, many in our community will be celebrating Lunar New Year, the start to the Year of the Fire Horse (a year of transformation, momentum, creativity, and focus on health), while others mark the beginning of Ramadan, the holiest of months in the Islamic faith.  

This February we will also recognize two major milestones in our nation’s 100-year celebration of Black History. In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) established Negro History Week, laying the foundation for what would become a national tradition. Fifty years later, in 1976, President Gerald Ford formally recognized February as Black History Month, urging the country to honor the “too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans”. Across the Bellevue School District this month, students are learning about the accomplishments, resilience, and influence of Black Americans, both past and present, as a part of what Carter Woodson referred to as an “extension” to honoring Black history year-round. 

Recognizing T.E.A.C.H. Award Winners from Bellevue High School 

At the School Board meeting this evening, the School Board recognized four staff members from Bellevue High School with the BSD T.E.A.C.H. Award for their contributions to building Dr. King’s beloved community at Bellevue High, particularly for Black and African American students. The following descriptions were curated in partnership with BHS students: 

Jocelyn Alexander – In her third year as an assistant principal, Ms. Alexander brings warmth and genuine sense of caring and love that impacts our students and staff every day.  Whether welcoming students over the intercom as they are walking to first period, leading staff in deep reflection and learning, or simply modeling authenticity that motivates and inspires, she embraces Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community every single day. 

Lorenzo McKinney – Students are at the center for Mr. McKinney, who serves as the BHS graduation success coach, assistant football coach, head girls flag football coach, and advisor to the Black Student Union. He leads, inspires, motivates, and calls every student to become the best version of themselves.  BHS students, staff, and families love Mr. McKinney.  When he speaks people listen, carried by his deep commitment to helping others and strong belief in each and every student.  Mr. McKinney lifts up the BHS Beloved Community every single day.   

Luke Michener – Mr. Michener is a teacher of social studies and launched the district’s very first AP African American Studies course. Mr. Michener has served as a mentor and role model for more students that we can count over the years.  Mr. Michener is the right individual to have launched AP African American Studies, welcoming a diverse group of students eager to learn about Black/African American history.  In addition to his work at Bellevue High School, he has served as a long-time teacher and leader for the Institute of Common Power, dedicated to illuminating undervalued, underappreciated, and pivotal aspects of our collective history. 

Vic Anderson – Dr. Anderson is the principal of Bellevue High School. Under his leadership, Bellevue High School has become an increasingly vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming place for students. Graduation rates, academic achievement, AP participation, athletics, clubs, and community engagement all reflect a school where students of diverse backgrounds are increasingly thriving. Students are taking the lead in sustainability, safety, and entrepreneurship, while teachers are embracing collaborative pedagogy that amplifies student voice and shared ownership of learning. Dr. Anderson leads with grace, clarity, and deep thoughtfulness, leaving Bellevue High School’s diverse student body stronger and more connected. 

Congratulations and kudos to Ms. Alexander, Mr. McKinney, Mr. Michener, and Dr. Anderson for their leadership in building a beloved community at Bellevue High School. 

Let’s go Hawks! Go win big on Sunday! Have a great last week before mid-winter break, BSD! And happy almost Valentine’s Day! 

Con amor, 

Dr. Aramaki