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Clubs & Activities

Introducing the Director of Auxiliary Programs at BASIS Independent Bothell

June 12, 2025 by chriszefferys Leave a Comment

We are trilled to welcome Ms. Garcia to BASIS Independent Bothell as the Director of Auxiliary Programs. Ms. Garcia is excited about the opportunity to join the home of the Orcas because of its vibrant school community and dedication to student growth both inside and outside the classroom. The school’s commitment to offering enriching extracurricular programs that spark curiosity and build leadership aligns perfectly with Ms. Garcia’s passion for creating meaningful experiences beyond the academic program.

Ms. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from The University of Texas at San Antonio. After college she spent 18 years in New York City teaching, being a childcare provider, coaching powerlifting, and working as a camp leader in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts.

“This is our founding year, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of launching our brand-new school,” expressed Ms. Garcia. “One of the things I am especially looking forward to is bringing a wide range of incredible club opportunities to our students. My vision for building our auxiliary programs and extracurriculars is to create a vibrant and well-rounded student experience that encourages creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.”

We sat down with Ms. Garcia to ask a few questions, introducing her and gaining insight into her vision for students at BASIS Independent Bothell.

We are excited to have you a part of the BASIS Independent Bothell team. Please tell us about yourself.

I have a deep passion for creating engaging extracurricular experiences for students, ensuring that each program fosters growth, leadership, and community. My background includes overseeing large-scale after-school programs, managing operations, and developing creative initiatives that bring students together. I have been the Summer Programs Coordinator at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s Upper Campus, as well as held leadership roles in summer camps across the country, where I have developed and managed diverse programs for students of all ages.

Beyond education, I am also a strength and conditioning coach and have created training programs for powerlifters nationwide. Whether it’s in the classroom, at an event, or in the gym, I thrive in dynamic environments that encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and personal growth.

What are you most excited about in the next school year?

I am most excited about bringing fresh ideas to after-school programming and finding new ways to inspire and engage students. I love designing activities that encourage collaboration and creativity, and I look forward to seeing how students engage with new opportunities. Additionally, I am eager to connect with new colleagues, build strong relationships, and contribute to a vibrant school community.

You previously worked at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley—what after school programs have you been most proud about facilitating there?

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, I was especially proud of creating an immersive escape room for one of our middle school events. It was a large-scale, themed experience that required students to work together to solve puzzles, think critically, and engage in a fast-paced, interactive challenge. Seeing students fully immersed in the experience, collaborating under pressure, and celebrating their successes made it incredibly rewarding. Beyond that, I also enjoyed supporting club leaders, increasing student engagement in after school programs, and organizing social events that built school spirit.

What opportunities will students have to pursue their passions during the first school year?

In our founding school year, we will offer academic competitions such as AMC, Math Kangaroo, MATHCOUNTS, and IAC, along with additional opportunities as interest grows. Club offerings will include speech and debate, coding, robotics, art, dance, and sports, and many others giving students a wide range of ways to explore their passions. We will also introduce a competitive athletics program, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Over time, we will continue to expand and strengthen these offerings to reflect the needs and interests of our students. I can’t wait to see all the creativity, enthusiasm, and brilliance our students bring as we kick off this unforgettable first year together.

What are you most looking forward to about living in the Pacific Northwest?

What I am looking forward to is experiencing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, from exploring the outdoors to enjoying the vibrant seasons. I also love the strong sense of community in the region and can’t wait to immerse myself in a new environment that values education, creativity, and innovation. Plus, I won’t say no to great coffee!

BASIS Independent Bothell is a K-12 private school in Bothell, Washington. Join our interest list for updates on upcoming admissions events, application details, program information, and more.

Filed Under: Administration & Staff, Clubs & Activities, Extracurriculars, Faculty & Staff

BIM Debate Team Takes National Win!

May 28, 2025 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to announce that Sachin L. ’25 and Saaketh V. ’25 have won the National Championship in Public Forum Debate at the NCFL (National Catholic Forensic League) Nationals! This past weekend, hundreds of teams from across the country gathered in Chicago to present their well-prepared arguments before their opponents and judges. After months of researching, analyzing data, investigating sources, and refining their debate skills, these two students triumphed, securing the championship title!

Their win is an excellent demonstration of how our students can excel with hard work and relentless commitment to success.

Left: Saaketh V. ’25 | Right: Sachin L. ’25

About the Competition

The National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Nationals brings together the nation’s top debate teams. To qualify, teams must excel in local preliminary tournaments and win their respective Metrofinals. Competing in the Arlington Varsity Division, which represents Northern Virginia, BIM’s Debate Team advanced from a pool of 65 registered teams in the preliminary tournament, earning eight advancement spots to face off against 15 other schools in the second stage. Our team triumphed in the Washington-Arlington Catholic Forensic League Metrofinals in March, securing their place in the national competition.

Among these top debaters, Sachin and Saaketh achieved impressive results: 4 wins, 0 losses, and 2 split decisions over the course of 6 rounds, earning 10 ballots out of 12 and securing their seats to represent BIM at the nationals.

Metrofinals Winners | From left to right:
Richard P. ’28 & Yalini K. ’26 – First Place, Junior Varsity Division
Sachin L. ’25 & Saaketh V. ’25 – First Place, Varsity Division

Teamwork and Commitment

The success of our Debate Team is built on perseverance and a commitment to excellence. Sachin and Saaketh’s achievement reflects not only their four years of experience since joining the team, but also the effectiveness of the rigorous training and consistent practice they have undergone.

At the start of each year, the club focuses on helping new members develop the foundational skills they need. Following this, the team adheres to a fast-paced routine:

  • Week 1: Practice building a background on the topic and begin researching.
  • Week 2: Share findings with club members and collaborate on formulating the best arguments for each side.
  • Weeks 3–4: Engage in practice debates on both sides and evaluate how the arguments hold up against an opponent.

Debate tournaments are highly intense and demanding, but through these weekly practices, our students prepared themselves with the resources, skills, and experience needed to succeed. While victory in debate may seem like a specialized achievement, the ability to quickly process and organize research and present it effectively in real-time is a skill that will benefit them well beyond high school.


The EPIC Spirit

At BASIS Independent McLean, our community is defined by four EPIC traits: Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, and Curiosity. Our Debate Team exemplifies the trait of Perseverance. Sachin and Saaketh have been debating for four years since joining the club, and their victory is not only a testament to their talent but also to the values we instill in our students. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, they have proven that the potential for BIM students is limitless.


What’s Next

With the national championship under their belt, Sachin and Saaketh’s journey doesn’t end here. The Debate Team will continue to thrive with renewed vigor and systematic training next school year, and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve next. Stay tuned for more updates on their future accomplishments! Go Hawks!

From left to right: Saaketh V. ’25, Sachin L. ’25, and Mr. Biemesderfer (Debate Team Advisor)

Filed Under: Awards & Recognition, Clubs & Activities, Competitions, High School, Student Spotlight

BISV DECA 2024–25: A Year of Growth, Achievement, and Global Recognition

May 7, 2025 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

The 2024–25 school year was a standout one for BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s DECA Chapter.

But what is DECA? DECA is an international student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through competitions, leadership opportunities, and business-based challenges, DECA equips high school students with critical thinking, public speaking, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

At BISV, DECA is more than just a club—it is a dynamic community where students from Grades 9–12 explore their interests in business, develop confidence, and compete on stages as big as the international arena. Guided by advisors Ms. Jaymie Silva and Ms. Elizabeth Leybold, our students embraced every opportunity this year to grow as professionals, collaborators, and changemakers.

Here’s a look back at an incredible year filled with learning, leadership, and lasting impact.


Fall: Foundations and First Steps

The school year kicked off with DECA recruitment and chapter meetings, where returning members and newcomers alike dived into the year’s opportunities. Students chose their competitive events—ranging from business role plays to full-length marketing plans—and began sharpening their presentation and problem-solving skills. Chapter officers, trained by Ms. Silva and Ms. Leybold, led workshops and prep sessions, helping peers build confidence and mastery of key concepts.


January: SVCDC and a Strong Start

In January, BISV DECA attended its first competition of the season—the Silicon Valley Career Development Conference (SVCDC). Held the weekend of January 10, this regional event drew student competitors from across Northern California. BISV’s showing was nothing short of exceptional.

Our students brought home over 20 medals and more than 15 trophies, awarded across both the Mini and Grand Awards sessions. A total of 23 students earned top-three finishes in role plays or exam scores, receiving white, red, or blue DECA medallions. Additionally, 14 BISV students placed Top 3 Overall in their events, earning what the students call their prized “DECA glass”—personalized trophies that celebrate outstanding performance.

“Our students put in so much effort preparing for this competition,” said Ms. Jaymie Silva, DECA advisor. “From after-school practices to polishing presentations and role plays, they brought their best—and it showed. We’re incredibly proud of their professionalism, creativity, and determination.”


March: State-Level Success at SCDC

In March, BISV DECA competed in the State Career Development Conference (SCDC)—California’s largest DECA event of the year. Thousands of students from across the state gathered to compete in business-focused events, present marketing strategies, and showcase entrepreneurial thinking. The competition was tough, but BISV students rose to the occasion once again.

We are proud to share that nine BISV students qualified for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), the highest level of DECA competition. These students represented our chapter and California on the global stage in April, joining more than 26,000 students from around the world.

“Our students continue to impress us with their dedication and professionalism,” said DECA advisor Ms. Elizabeth Leybold. “SCDC is a huge milestone in the DECA journey, and qualifying for ICDC is a true testament to their hard work.”


April: Going Global at ICDC

The DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is the culmination of the DECA year. More than 26,000 high school students, teacher advisors, business professionals, and alumni gathered for several days of competition. These members qualify based on superior performance at the district and association levels. Over 1,000 business professionals serve as expert judges to evaluate DECA members’ mastery of key business and leadership concepts.

It is not only extremely difficult to qualify for ICDC, but even more challenging to make a name for oneself on the international stage. However, several BISV students rose to the occasion, placing among the top competitors in the world.

Please join us in congratulating our international finalists:

Team David Z. and Archit D. – 8th place in the Virtual Business Challenge

Team Shreyas G. and Jason K. – 7th place in Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making

Team Benjamin Z. and Aditya N. – 2nd place in the Virtual Business Challenge

These students demonstrated exceptional performance and represented BISV with integrity, professionalism, and skill. Congratulations to all our ICDC qualifiers and finalists!

Year-Round: More Than Just Competition

Throughout the year, BISV DECA members were involved in chapter activities, leadership training, and community outreach. From service projects to life-skills workshops, the chapter built a culture of collaboration and integrity. With the support of Ms. Silva and Ms. Leybold, students learned not only how to win competitions—but how to lead with confidence and purpose.


Looking Ahead

As the BISV DECA Chapter continues to grow, so does its impact. Students gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and step boldly into leadership roles. With strong performances at SVCDC and SCDC—and standout results at ICDC—the future is bright for BISV DECA.

DECA offers students the chance to develop business skills, explore career interests, compete on local and global stages, and join a fun, supportive community. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, public speaking, marketing, or leadership, DECA is a place to grow your confidence and prepare for the future.

If you’re interested in joining for the upcoming year, be sure to check the Fall Enrichment Guide for the 2025–26 school year, which will be released in late summer before school starts, or reach out to Ms. Jaymie Silva or Ms. Elizabeth Leybold for more information.


BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

Filed Under: Awards & Recognition, Clubs & Activities, Competitions, Extracurriculars, Student Achievement

BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team: 2-Time Champions of the New York Debate League

May 1, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

by Samantha Corsello (Auxiliary Programs Coordinator, Upper School)

We are thrilled and proud to announce that our BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team has once again claimed victory at the ESU New York Debate League Championship!

This is the second consecutive year that our Wildcats have earned this prestigious Middle School Parliamentary Debate title, and it is entirely thanks to their relentless dedication, tireless preparation, and deep passion for Speech and Debate.

On Saturday, April 26, the ESU NYDL Middle School Parliamentary Debate Championship took place at Tuckahoe Middle School, where our BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team competed. These remarkable students poured hours of time and energy into building compelling cases, refining rhetorical techniques, and sharpening their critical thinking.

A special shout-out goes to Itamar K. (grade 8), who was named Top Speaker of the Tournament at the New York Debate League Championship. His powerful and eloquent closing argument on the topic of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces brought the auditorium at Tuckahoe School to its feet. Which helped carry our team to a 4-1 victory overall in the Championship round.

“It was a matter of practice and predicting what our opponents would say. Speaking on the fly and knowing myself and believing in what I had to say. Making something memorable for the last year of middle school was important. It made me feel really great, like all of our efforts paid off.” – Itamar K., Debate Team Member

speech and debate championship 1st place award middle school

His teammates, Cosmo K. (grade 8) and Rhea Y. (grade 8), key members of the BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team, also delivered incredible speeches that impressed both the judges and the crowd at the debate tournament. Their poignant arguments, precise rebuttals, and clear articulation of policy impact helped secure the top team ranking. I asked them how they felt toward the end of the day in the Championship round after arguing all day against various opponents all day.

“We were all running on adrenaline at that point; there was a coin toss that decided the topic choice, and we lost the coin toss. But we were confident with both sides of the argument (Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces) and went with what we knew.” — Cosmo, Debate Team Member

Behind Every Champion is a Support Team

This debate tournament victory is not just a win for our debate team—it’s a testament to the power of teamwork, educational debate, and community. Our Wildcats were incredibly fortunate to have their families, other debate team peers, and coaches Mr. Lucas Iverson and Mr. Seth Spiegel. We extend our sincere gratitude for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to the students’ growth and progress.

“Familiarizing yourself and practicing debating the topics at hand is what helps the most with preparedness. Every class, we did tons of research, and we even dedicated time outside of class to make sure we were ready for Saturday.” — Rhea, Debate Team Member

middle school debate team tournament championship 1st place award

As we wrap up this exciting chapter, we couldn’t be prouder of our Wildcats and everything they’ve accomplished. This win is a direct reflection of the countless hours of preparation, the courage to speak up, and the teamwork that brought it all together. Our BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team has once again shown what’s possible when passion meets perseverance in student debate competition. Congratulations to Itamar, Cosmo, Rhea, and the entire support network behind them. The future is bright, and we’re already looking forward to what’s next!

The future is bright, and we’re already looking forward to what’s next! As these talented middle school debaters prepare to transition to high school, we are incredibly excited to see their continued development and the impact they will undoubtedly make in a growing BASIS Independent Manhattan upper school debate program.


Want to be part of a successful team?

Learn more about our BASIS Independent Manhattan program, curriculum, and extracurricular activities.

Contact Admissions

Filed Under: Awards & Recognition, Clubs & Activities, Competitions, Extracurriculars, Middle School, Student Achievement

Summer Programs at BASIS Independent Bellevue

April 16, 2025 by michaeldiambri Leave a Comment

When the days get longer and the sun shines a bit brighter, members of our Mountaineer community begin to plan for the summer months. After the last day of school in June, classes will be out of session until late August; however, BASIS Independent Bellevue’s campus will remain open, and our team will host various summer programs!

Organized by our Auxiliary Department, our campus will be offering exciting opportunities to explore interests, connect with peers, and engage in learning while school is out. Summer sessions are a great time to pursue interests and sharpen skills while creating lasting memories in the process. This year, our summer programs offer engaging experiences designed to meet the interest of our learning community. Whether diving into art, technology, or athletics, there is something for everyone in our summer programs. 

Spending Summer 2025 with BASIS Independent Bellevue 

In summer 2025, programs will run between the weeks of June 24 to August 15. Programming offered includes day camps, academic camps, specialty camps, and even sports. 

Summer programs mean opportunities to engage with friends, try new challenges, and discover interests in an environment that celebrates curiosity. Some might explore dynamic arts programming or delve into an athletic interest in our sports camps like Beginner’s Basketball. Our camps reflect our Mountaineer community’s wide array of interests and help campers get deeper into the topics and activities that fuel their passions with offerings that focus on fashion, chess, archery, sewing, entrepreneurship, engineering, and more. For parents, our diverse offerings not only promise an exciting break but also support academic growth, social development, and the building of life skills. Summer programs at BASIS Independent Bellevue are designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and encourage exploration.


Day camps are a great way for students to engage with versatile programming where they will have fun while learning. In order to meet the interests of our community, the Auxiliary Department has created a schedule of weekly themes to engage students in unique and fun ways. Campers who join our day camps will solve mysteries during The Great Camp Caper, explore everything about space in Calling Mission Control, appreciate the natural world in The Wilds Beyond, or ignite their inner superhero in Earth’s Mightiest Camper. The daily camp schedule includes activities specifically tailored to fit those themes while mixing indoor and outdoor play. Each week will come to an end with a Fun Friday event. Campers can look forward to exciting special guests that relate to the week’s theme. Parents can register their child for multiple weeks to experience all the adventures our campus has to offer!


Camps highlighting the fundamentals of reading and writing also prove popular amongst members of the intellectually aspirational learning community at BASIS Independent Bellevue. For example, our Creative Writing camp is a standout in this year’s summer lineup. Students in this program will explore how to write characters, build an exciting plot, enrich setting, and engage prompts in meaningful, innovative ways. Creative Writing will enable campers to work independently but also in a small group setting so that they can share work and refine key skills that can invigorate their craft. For those looking to dive deeper into language and literary expression, our Poetry Camp also invites students to experiment with form, tone, and performance in a fun, low-pressure space. Whether students are seasoned writers or a lover of reading and writing, our programs offer the tools and encouragement to develop their unique voice, increase fluency, and craft impactful work

Music is another area where our Auxiliary Department has expanded offerings, with several exciting new options. DJ Camp introduces campers to professional remixing software, helping them craft their own mixes while learning about audio editing and beat production. Jazz Camp offers instrumentalists the chance to refine their technique, explore improvisation, and collaborate in ensemble settings. Our new Music & Sound Production Camp goes even deeper, giving students hands-on experience in storytelling and worldbuilding through audio, including sound design and film production.

Across various fields of interest, our summer programs keep our campus community alive and thriving when school is out of session. These programs help students discover new passions and build essential skills. For more details, check out our full summer guide and register today. If you are interested in learning more about our 2025 Summer programs, please check out our program guide, or feel free to reach out to the organizing team at: blv.summercamp@basisindependent.com.  

Filed Under: Clubs & Activities, Outdoor, Summer Camp

Beyond the Classroom: Exciting New Outdoor Space Rendering Revealed

April 1, 2025 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

In addition to providing students with a rich academic experience, we recognize that academics and school enrichment activities are integrally connected to one another and are mutually beneficial. Enrichment opportunities not only help meet students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs but they also offer a balanced learning experience that provides numerous opportunities for students to develop into whole, responsible, and enthusiastic learners.

Our approach to sports promotes healthy competition and empowers students with the discipline, grit, and persistence to become leaders on and off the court. It is mastery of these skills that has led many of our student athletes to victory in a variety of competitions, large and small.

Students will have access to not only the gymnasium, but also a multi-use outdoor space between the academic building and the gym.

Filed Under: Admissions, Clubs & Activities, Community Events, Competitions, Culture of Support, Extracurriculars, Facilities, Operations, Outdoor, School Community

Sports and Clubs at BASIS Independent Bothell

March 11, 2025 by mallorykilbreath Leave a Comment

While leadership opportunities for students are evident in every aspect of the BASIS Independent student experience, students are able to gain valuable skills through participation in club and sports opportunities. As we open our doors to a brand-new student body in the 2025-2026 school year, we look forward to developing clubs and sports that match the desires of the students in our community or introduce them to something new.

Sports

With our WIAA regulation-size field, outdoor sport courts, and gymnasium, we have the ability to host schools from all around to foster our student-athletes in a variety of sports. 

Examples* of athletic offerings for both club and interscholastic competition include:

  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Dance
  • Flag Football
  • Pickleball
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Track and Field/Cross Country
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volleyball
  • Yoga

*We will be finalizing first year and future offerings soon. 

Students performing on a theater stage.
Students posing for the camera in basketball jerseys.

*Images from BASIS Independent McLean and BASIS Independent Brooklyn

Clubs

The BASIS Independent Bothell club program will allow students to try something new, dive deeper into an interest, compete on regional, national and international levels, and gain valuable leadership and collaboration skills. The BASIS Independent network encourages students to take the initiative to establish new clubs that cater to their interests, which has resulted in the creation of some of our most popular clubs across the network, making our network school students leaders in many popular programs.

Examples* of club offerings include:

  • Art
  • Band/Choir/Ensemble
  • Board Games Club
  • Book Club
  • Chess Club
  • Coding
  • Debate
  • DECA
  • Dungeons & Dragons
  • Garden Club
  • Key Club
  • Lego Club
  • Math Wizards
  • Minecraft
  • Model UN
  • Robotics
  • Theater Arts/Drama
  • Yearbook
  • World Travel Club

Students setting the ball while playing volleyball.
Teacher and students looking at chess boards while playing chess.

*Images from BASIS Independent Brooklyn and BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.

Join Us

To learn more about our clubs and sport offerings, join us for a virtual information session! Sign up here.

Filed Under: Clubs & Activities, Extracurriculars, School Community, Sports & Athletics, Uncategorized

Virtual Campus Tour

February 12, 2025 by mallorykilbreath Leave a Comment

Since our campus is currently an active construction site, we are unable to offer campus tours until late Spring 2025. In the meantime, let’s take a virtual tour of the brand-new campus opening in Fall 2025!

The Campus

BASIS Independent Bothell is nestled in the Canyon Park neighborhood in Bothell, WA. It is 123,000 sq. ft. on 6.2 acres to fit all of our Kindergarten – Grade 12 families. This acreage includes a full-sized competition regulation playfield, outdoor sport court, and a brand-new playground!

The Gym

The gymnasium will be fully equipped and will hold up to 600 guests! We expect to host many sporting and large school events in this space.

The Theater

The brand-new theater is a great space for students to express their creativity and put on many different types of performances for an audience.

The Classrooms

Our campus will be equipped with dedicated state-of-the-art laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, designed for grades 6—12 students. Other classroom types not pictured here will also be brand new and intentionally designed for student and faculty collaboration. 

The Common Areas

While our athletic and outdoor play facilities allow students to move their bodies and burn energy, our common areas provide a safe environment for students to read a book, work on their studies, and collaborate with their peers. 

The Fields

This amazing space will allow for multiple sports to be taking place at the same time, further driving that ability to host and hold many different sporting events. Additionally, it makes for a great space for students to burn off some energy! 

The Playground

The play area will be a great way for our younger grades to enjoy getting outdoors. It’s a very large area that contains three main zones with active spaces in between as well as a track that can be utilized for Movement and PE classes and recess fun.

Thank you for taking this tour with us! To submit an application for Fall 2025, click here.

Filed Under: Academics, Admissions, Clubs & Activities, Extracurriculars, Facilities, Featured, Outdoor, Recess, Student Life

National Junior Honor Society at BASIS Independent Bellevue

January 21, 2025 by michaeldiambri Leave a Comment

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) plays an integral role in building up the students in our Middle School Program as young leaders. As one of the premier student organizations in the nation, NJHS empowers members to contribute meaningfully to their communities while excelling academically. This year, our NJHS chapter has been busier than ever as our school continues to grow. 


Character, Citizenship, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. 

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) pillars—character, citizenship, leadership, scholarship, and service—align with BLV’s mission to foster well-rounded students. NJHS encourages students to pursue academic projects and take the lead on initiatives that benefit their community. In grade 10, students transition to the National Honor Society (NHS), which introduces additional requirements to further their growth. This progression reflects BLV’s commitment to teaching foundational skills and guiding students toward confidently reaching higher levels of achievement. 

The number of members fluctuates yearly depending on the number of applicants. The admittance process is rigorous, and students must re-apply annually.  Students need to have earned high marks in school, complete the application questions which show examples of how they work to achieve the pillar characteristics, and write an essay based on the chosen topic. Once they have submitted their application, it is looked over by the Chapter Head and by the faculty committee which is made up of teachers from our school. 

Currently, our chapter has 30 students, each doing their best to stay committed to upholding NJHS’s principles. Becoming a member of NJHS at BASIS Independent Bellevue is an honor and a responsibility. Membership requires ongoing dedication. Students must maintain strong academic standing, contribute 15 volunteer hours, and participate in NJHS activities. Students have done many creative projects such as cleaning up parks and leading informational lessons at libraries. These expectations and activities of NJHS ensure that members remain engaged and committed to their personal growth and community impact.  


NJHS at BASIS Independent Bellevue: This Year so Far  

At the beginning of the school year, students who had been accepted into the BASIS Independent Bellevue NJHS chapter joined the organization during our Induction Ceremony. During this event, select students read passages relating to the five pillars. Students then took their NJHS oath and received their certificate from Head of School, Dr. Thies.   


In the months of November and December, BASIS Independent Bellevue hosted a food drive in partnership with Renewal Food Bank. During this time, NJHS students had the opportunity to volunteer with counting, storing, and organizing the food and hygiene products that were donated. At the end of the food drive, NJHS students went to deliver the food to the bank and received a tour to learn more about the food bank process and the communities impacted by the donations. 


Lending support to our on campus community is also a passion for many of our NJHS students. For example, four grade 8 students from NJHS are currently working on a student-led project. To help support their peers in grades 6 through 8 who are taking their Pre-Comprehensive exams at the end of January, they have partnered with the primary students to create encouraging notes. The primary students wrote personal messages of support which the grade 8 students then attached to folded origami cranes that they had hand-crafted.

As our learning community grows further, NJHS is becoming a force that strengthens our student body. Through their dedication to service, leadership, and character, NJHS members set an example for their peers.  

Filed Under: Academics, Awards & Recognition, Clubs & Activities, Honors, Middle School, School Community

Moving Mountaineers – Celebrating our Athletic Department!

January 13, 2025 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

It is an exciting year for BASIS Independent Bellevue athletics! The Mountaineers are making waves in the world of middle school sports after being officially accepted into the prestigious Cascade Middle School League (CMSL). This is the first school year that students who participate in our competitive athletic offerings are able compete alongside other private school teams in the Bellevue and Redmond area. The league emphasizes sportsmanship as its top priority, and we’re committed to ensuring every athlete experiences a positive and uplifting environment while competing. With a variety of sports offered from soccer and volleyball in the fall, to basketball in the winter and track and field in the spring, there is never a dull moment for our student athletes!

Our Physical Education SET and Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Shelp, is particularly passionate about the integration of our sports and athletic programs at BLV.

“I believe the world of sports reveals the finest qualities of humanity. The unwavering grit, sportsmanship, discipline and competitive spirit of athletes inspire us all, bringing the world together in ways that surpass boarders. I am confident that establishing a robust sports program at BASIS Independent Bellevue will likewise inspire excellence and unity within our school community. It is a joy to be part of building something so meaningful.” – Mr. Shelp

This school year is only the beginning of competitive athletics for BASIS Independent Bellevue, and all of our teams have already shown a great deal of promise.

Our soccer team’s inaugural season in 2024 —2025 was a huge success, finishing with a .500 record – an impressive feat for a team mostly made up of 6th and 7th graders! Our Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies, is particularly passionate about the soccer team. She served as their head coach last year, while this year she stepped into the assistant coach role.

“Standing on the sidelines and acting as a coach in any capacity gives me an opportunity to work with my students in a different way. I absolutely love that!” – Dr. Thies

The head coach for this season was Chemistry SET, Ms. Abele!

“Being a student athlete is about more than the game – it is about teamwork, trust, and pushing your limits for something bigger than yourself. The bonds and lessons you build with your peers last a lifetime. It was a pleasure to watch our soccer players build these bonds this year. They showed grit and determination in so many ways and I know they will only continue to grow in the next season” – Ms. Abele

Our track and field team has also seen remarkable success in the 2024 — 2025 season, with multiple athletes claiming 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes in events such as long jump, the 400 meter, and shot put. The head coach, Science SET Ms. Bryant, is very proud of their hard work this season.

Meanwhile, in volleyball, our team tied for first place in the season-ending Jamboree tournament, proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the CMSL. The head coach, English SET Ms. Fischer, was delighted by their performance this year.

“Our first official year as a competitive volleyball team was amazing! Our team was young, but so quick to learn the fundamentals of the sport and the rules of the court. Each player showed tremendous growth over the course of the season. I was particularly impressed with how cohesive our team became, and how much support the athletes showed each other in practices and games. I look forward to another great season!” – Ms. Fischer

Ms. Fischer is delighted to share that she is going to be coaching a volleyball camp this summer, on campus here at BASIS Independent Bellevue. This will be a great opportunity for students to work on their skills for the 2025 — 2026 school year. For more information about our summer programs, click here!

Last year, in the 2023 — 2024 season, our basketball team showcased their talent and determination, finishing with a stellar 7 – 2 record. Their performance showcased impressive wins and brought the school community closer with a thrilling Blackout Game. With the band playing, foam fingers waving and our Sasquatch mascot making an appearance, the energy was electric as we celebrated a victory. The Mountaineers are a force to be reckoned with and the excitement continues as they have just kicked off the 2024 — 2025 basketball season!

As we near the end of the 2024 — 2025 athletic season, it’s clear that BLV’s sports teams have left their mark both on and off the field. From thrilling victories to hard-fought battles, each team demonstrated unwavering determination, teamwork, and school pride. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our athletes, coaches, and supporters who make every game and practice count. We send a special thank you to our athletic coordinator, Mr. Shelp, for his endless dedication to the growth of our athletic department and we cannot wait to see that continue for many seasons to come. Go Mountaineers!

Filed Under: Clubs & Activities, Competitions, Extracurriculars, School Community, Sports & Athletics, Student Life

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