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A Day in the Life of a Kindergarten Student – A Reflection From Head of School, Dr. Thies

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At BASIS Independent Bellevue, our Kindergarten students fill our campus with joy, curiosity, and an unmatched excitement for learning. Recently our Head of School, Dr. Thies, spent a full day with our youngest learners to experience the joy first hand. Her experience provides a window into how we develop fearless and confident thinkers from the start of a student’s educational journey with us.

On the day of Dr. Thies’ visit, students had their Engineering class. However, in addition to Engineering, students also take Art, Music, Drama and Mandarin, throughout their week. To view a weekly sample schedule for Kindergarten, click here.

Step inside a dynamic day in Kindergarten with Dr. Thies and experience the creativity, joy, and collaboration that is abundant in Kindergarten at BASIS Independent Bellevue!

Arrival

Suffice is to say that it has been a while since I attended Kindergarten. However, I found myself flooded with the usual kid anxiety as I prepared for my full day in Kinder adventure. 

“What should I wear?”  I asked myself 

“I wonder if the kids will enjoy having me in class?” 

But, as soon as I entered our Kindergarten building my anxiety was put at ease.   

“What greeting would you prefer, Dr. Thies?” Ms. Metrick asked me. Without hesitation I chose a fist bump (and added fireworks for added emphasis). I then found my decorated name tag at Table 3 and began my coloring activity. Can I just take this moment to ask why we don’t all begin our day with an energized greeting and coloring time?  I feel like the world may be a much better place with this one simple adjustment. 

Morning Meeting

Once all of the students had arrived, we moved to the carpet for our Morning Meeting time. We were all told to find our place on the carpet. While I was not sure where I should sit, my Kindergarten friends were very helpful in letting me know where I should not sit. With kindness in their hearts, they told me, “Dr. Thies, that’s where Dhruv sits.”  “Not there, that’s Ethan’s spot.” I eventually landed on the correct spot, sat criss-cross applesauce (that is a little more challenging with age), and prepared for a day of learning. 

My favorite part of our Morning Meeting time was our swimming greeting. I have never actually participated in a greeting like this before and, quite frankly, I now know that I have been missing out. In order to properly execute a swim greeting, you allow someone to introduce themselves and then you respond with a kind hello while also fully committing to a beautiful freestyle swim stroke. Now that I think about it, I believe that any swim stroke will do with the method of greeting. So, if you are more of a backstroke or butterfly aficionado, they will work as well. Saying hello to all of my new classmates in this manner put an immediate smile on my face. So, maybe try it out sometime? I mean, Kindergartners shouldn’t be the ones having all the fun, right? 

Language and Literacy

Once we finished our greeting, reviewed our daily schedule, discussed the date and days of the week, and sang our weather song, we moved on to Language and Literacy. For this portion of the lesson, we got to split into two groups and began our activity. I was lucky enough to work with Ms. Armitage. She handed out plastic covered phoneme handouts and dry erase markers. We practiced our new phonograms together first and then Ms. Armitage let us color in the phonogram that represented the beginning letter of the word she read aloud. Ms. Armitage reminded us of the long, short and shwa sounds as well so that we could be confident in the answers that we chose.   

I loved this activity and was really happy to see my friends practicing their sounds aloud before they made their selection. As I began to color my long “A” phonogram I thought to myself, “Wow, these Kindergartners are pretty smart; I better pay close attention so that I can keep up!” I was happy to discover that my new friends were not only smart, they were kind and happy to help. If I had any questions, they happily demonstrated the sounds for me so that I could be sure that I completed the activity correctly! 

Recess

Don’t even get me started on a mid-morning snack and recess time. I’m not quite sure why this is not a normal part of my work day. But I am missing out! During snack, I returned to my assigned table and got some time to talk with my classmates. I learned a few things about myself at snack and recess. The first is that I am really good at opening things. Before this time, I was not fully aware that I possessed such an important gift, but I feel empowered with my new found strength. The second thing that I learned is that making chalk art is a much better choice than attempting to ride a very small bike. While I was able to make it around the loop, my legs did not thank me Saturday morning. 

Engineering

I took my spot as #19 in the line and followed my classmates from recess to Engineering. I was pleasantly surprised when Ms. DiBattista met me at the door with my very own hardhat, clipboard and title of “Chief Boxitech”. We entered the classroom and Ms. DiBattista reminded us of the importance of working together in a positive manner and communicating respectfully as we worked as a team. My classmates were then divided into groups to create and draw different buildings in a community. My responsibility was to recognize and award those groups that worked well together and give a final sticker of approval when they had finished their design and were ready to build. I am happy to report that all drafts were approved and the finished products were amazing. Several groups also earned PACE passes and additional stickers because of their teamwork and positive problem-solving skills. I eventually had to turn in my hard hat and hang up my clipboard because it was time for PE. 

Movement Foundation

I will fully admit that I am slightly biased about this class being a former Physical Education teacher. I could hardly wait for PE because I am such a fan of exercise and bodily kinesthetic learning. So, I once again took my place at the end of the line and headed to the gym for another fun-filled adventure. While in PE, my classmates and I warmed up by pretending the floor was lava and sticking to the clearly marked lines to ensure our safety.  We then transitioned to a game called, “What Time is it Mr. Fox?” where we got the chance to practice our counting skills and test our speed and endurance. I worked together with another classmate to make sure that we were not eaten as Ms. Tello (aka Mr. Fox) yelled out “Lunch Time” and chased us back to our line! All this talk of lunch time made me hungry—and good thing because after PE we headed off to lunch.

Lunch and Recess

I thoroughly enjoyed lunch with my classmates. We talked about weekend plans and even got some high five from the high school students before they left the lunchroom. When we returned to class, we reviewed our class rules, talked about how we can be kind to one another, and participated in a highly engaging brain break.   

Math

For math we split into groups again and this time I got the opportunity to work with Ms. Metrick. She taught us about fact families and even sang a song with us to help us remember. When we returned to our tables for independent work, I got the opportunity to work with my tablemates. I was so impressed with their ability to solve problems, write number sentences and check their work. We worked collaboratively to make connections and describe how we had arrived at our answers. I truly enjoyed working through the learning process with the students and witnessing their resilience when they were challenged. To top of a great chunk of learning, we got to color our fact family worksheets after we finished. 

Enrichment

We were rewarded for all of our hard work with enrichment time. Within minutes, the classroom transformed into a plethora of mini projects in the making. I was so impressed with all of the different choices that the students made and the fact that they all seemed to naturally pair up and happily share with one another. There were students using building blocks, practicing math skills with the cash register and play money, developing structures with Magna-Tiles, constructing tubes for marble transport, and so much more. As I looked around the room I was amazed to witness creativity in action and overwhelmed by their use of respectful language as they shared ideas. 

Language and Literacy

For afternoon language and literacy we read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and wrote messages for those people in our lives that loved us. All around me, I could hear my Kindergarten friends sounding out words and practicing spelling techniques in order to write a thoughtful message to someone special in their life. Myself and my Kindergarten friends were excited that this writing activity extended into an arts and crafts project that allowed us to add color and a personal touch to our writing activity. 

Civics, History & Science Foundation

We wrapped up our day with a civics lesson on wants vs. needs. Everyone was eager to share their ideas and I loved listening to my Kinder friends share their thinking.

Until Next Time

We have all heard the saying, “everything that I need to know I learned in Kindergarten,” but I don’t think that I truly understood this until I was lucky enough to spend a full day learning such important skills in such a dynamic way.  Kindergarten learning is intentional and so important but what struck me the most about the day was the fact that I had so much fun!  The teachers were exceptional and my classmates added to the joy of the learning process.  The only part of the day that I did not enjoy was dismissal because it meant that this incredible experience had come to an end. The next time I am in need of collaborative classmates, creative ideas, or dynamic learning songs, I know just the place to go!

A huge thank you to Dr. Thies, our wonderful Kindergarten teachers, Ms. Metrick and Ms. Armitage, Ms. Dibattista, Ms. Tello, and of course our incredible Kindergarten students for being a part of this blog!

Welcome Back Mountaineers! – Orientation and the First Day of School

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It is hard to beat the energy of a new school year. Students running to hug their friends they have not seen all summer, empty desks now filled with smiling students, and the unmistakable anticipation of what the new school year will hold.

At BASIS Independent Bellevue we are thrilled to be staring the 2026–2027 school year as it marks a special milestone for our campus—this is our first year with a full primary program and our very first class of Kindergarten students! We have long been anticipating the arrival of our youngest learners on our campus and could not be more thrilled with the warmth, joy, and curiosity they bring to our Mountaineer Community. We were equally as eager to welcome new and returning mountaineers to our campus from grade 1 all the way to grade 11!

BASIS Independent Bellevue’s first Kindergarten class!

Orientation

In order to set our students and families up for success, we always kick off the school year with a Student and Parent Orientation.

During Orientation students had the opportunity to meet their teacher and classmates through introductions and ice breakers, participated in team building exercises, discussed the importance of respecting the learning process, and of course got their picture taken!

While the students were with their teachers, families met the Administration Team who will be supporting their child’s learning throughout the year, had time to mingle with one another to build community within their child’s grade level, and wrote an encouraging first day of school note for their child.

The First Day of School

After a good night of rest, our students and teachers returned to campus for the first day of school!

As students arrived onto campus they were greeted by smiling teachers and staff members to help them find their way to class. Ms. Metrick and Ms. Armitage were especially eager to greet our first class of kindergarten students at BASIS Independent Bellevue!

The first day of school focused on building community, getting to know the campus, and learning important expectations and procedures.

Campus Tours

All students got to take a campus tour to see important places they may need to navigate to throughout the year. An important stop on the tour was the SCC (Student Support Center) where students can go to, to see our School Counselor, Ms. Olivia, update their schedule with Mr. Pitak the Director of Academic Programs, or meet with their Director of Student Affairs, Ms. Hinton or Ms. Rakotz. The tour also took a stop at the Main Office where students learned how to check in if they are late, where the Health Office is, or where to turn in their P.A.C.E. passes. Students can earn P.A.C.E passes through demonstrating our community values of Perseverance, Active, Community, or Empathy. Each week students turn in their P.A.C.E. passes for a chance to win a prize in their grade level raffle.

Communication Journals

Students also learned about their Communication Journals or CJs. Students in all grade levels utilize CJs to keep track of what they learned in class each day and any homework they might have. CJs are one way we build up student’s responsibility in the learning process and a great tool for parents to see the learning that is going on in the classroom each day.

Community Building

Additionally, students participated in team building exercises to build community within their class. In grade 6 students worked together to brainstorm unique ideas of how they would survive in different wilderness scenarios. The classroom was alive with unique ideas, passionate plans, and collaboration. In grade 3 students played a silly game where they copied the leaders sound our gestures. Students who were shy at the start of this game were quickly participating in the laughter and fun.

Lockers and Procedures

Part of a launching a new school year is ensuring students know emergency procedures, dismissal expectations and also learning new skills, like how to open a locker. Students who were learning how to use a lock for the first time got support from classmates, teachers and even our Head of School, Dr. Thies! This was the perfect example of how our Mountaineer Community supports each other in the small and big ways.

Dr. Thies helping students with their locks.
History SET Mr. Tyler bringing added excitement to reviewing rules and procedures!

We are so grateful to our Mountaineer Community—students, families, teachers, faculty, and administration—who all worked together to make the start of the 2026–2027 school year a success. We are confident that our students are going to have a year full of inspiring challenges, curiosity, and discovering that they are capable of more than they can imagine!

Term Project Week: Hands on Learning and Discovering Passions Through Multidisciplinary Projects

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Term Project Week is a special tradition across all BASIS Independent Schools. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, Project Week is a much anticipated time on campus by teachers and students alike. After a year of learning, studying, and exams, the teachers are eager to create projects around their passions and share them with students. Term Project Week provides a space for students to discover new passions through multidisciplinary projects.

When walking around campus during Project Week you might see students learning how to line dance, while other students are building volcanoes as they learn about Pompeii, and some students may even be designing and building their own race cars. The excitement of Project Week isn’t limited to projects on campus, but expands into the community as well. This year we had students who got to learn about the intertidal zone and explore three different beaches in the Puget Sound. Beyond that we have groups of students who will be traveling to Alaska, France, and Norway for their Project Week.

Take a look at some of the projects we had this year and see what happens when students have the opportunity to explore passions and delve into creative projects.

Wearable Art Studio: Become a Fashion Designer

This project was led by Ms. Tseng and Ms. Haugen for students in grades 3–5. Students got to create custom totes bags, hats, and bandanas using printmaking, fabric paint, and tie-dye techniques. Their project culminated with a runway showcase where the designers got to debut their one-of-a-kind creations!

Chinese Cooking Camp

Ms. Pan and Ms. Chen, two of our Subject Expert Teachers in Mandarin, took students in grades 3–4 on a fun and flavorful journey into the world of Chinese cooking. During this project students used their team work skills to prepare vegetables, meat, and other ingredients. All of the students had a blast growing their confidence in the kitchen. But the best part of this project — trying and sharing the delicious food they created with friends!

Splish Splash

Ms. E-E and Ms. Rieger left campus behind for Project Week and took a group of grade 6–8 students to explore different forms of outdoor exercise, including hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This group of students loved immersing themselves in nature for the week and admiring the beauty of the lakes and forests that are in their own backyard. A highlight of this project was getting to see a turtle in its natural habitat!

Rome 3-D Model Lab

In this project students in grade 7–10 became Roman architects and city planners for the week, as they reconstructed the monuments of the ancient world. Students learned how the Romans designed their cities and the engineering and architectural techniques that made Rome famous. Students then worked in teams to create detailed models of famous Roman monuments, using physical materials and digital tools.

Fiber Arts

Many students in grades 5–10 chose to explore the colorful world of weaving, led by Ms. Dreskin. Students got to explore texture and pattern as they built their own unique woven pieces with yarn and other creative fibers. Artists got to learn weaving techniques, as wells as knotting, fringe, and mixed-material details.

Erupting History: Build a Volcano and Discover Pompeii

Another group of grade 3–5 students explored the history and science behind the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Students analyzed archaeological evidence and created their very own working volcano models of Mount Vesuvius. Getting to make the volcanoes erupt was a highlight for all!

Term Project Week is a cherished tradition at BASIS Independent Bellevue that highlights the joyful learning culture we nurture on our campus. We are grateful for our teachers who work hard to create engaging projects and our students who consistently bring their passion, innovation, and creativity into each project.

Taste the Creativity at Our Grade 3 Food Truck Fair!

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As a PreK–Grade 5 school on the UWS, BASIS Independent Manhattan provides authentic learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. Learning comes to life through engaging, hands-on experiences that inspire students to think creatively, collaborate with their peers, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. One of the most anticipated highlights of the grade 3 curriculum is the annual Food Truck Project, an interdisciplinary unit that transforms students into young entrepreneurs and culminates in a vibrant Food Truck Fair.

Families researching private schools often seek opportunities that combine rigorous academics with hands-on learning experiences. The Food Truck Project is a signature component of the grade 3 curriculum NYC families appreciate for its blend of academics, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

How Grade 3 Students Become Entrepreneurs

The Food Truck Project exemplifies the dynamic learning experiences that make grade 3 such an exciting year. Working in teams, students take ownership of creating and launching their own food truck businesses from the ground up. From brainstorming concepts and conducting market research to designing branding materials and developing menus, students experience the many steps involved in building a successful business.

As they bring their ideas to life, students develop valuable entrepreneurial skills including financial literacy, branding and design, persuasive writing, public speaking, collaboration, and problem-solving. They learn how to evaluate customer interests, make strategic business decisions, communicate ideas effectively, and work as a team toward a shared goal. These authentic experiences help students understand how the skills they learn in the classroom can be applied in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Bringing Learning to Life

Students apply concepts from multiple subject areas:

Mathematics

  • Create budgets
  • Calculate expenses and profits
  • Make financial decisions

Geometry & Engineering

  • Design scale models
  • Calculate area, perimeter, and volume

Research & Writing

  • Investigate global cuisines
  • Analyze information
  • Create persuasive marketing materials

Branding & Design

  • Develop logos
  • Design menus
  • Create advertisements

Public Speaking & Collaboration

  • Present ideas
  • Pitch concepts
  • Work toward shared goals

A Showcase of Imagination and Innovation

This year’s Food Truck Fair featured a wide variety of imaginative concepts, each reflecting the creativity and unique interests of its student team.

  • Breakfast Bank invited visitors to explore breakfast favorites from around the world, offering a menu inspired by global morning traditions.
  • Slurping Ramen celebrated the comforting flavors of noodle dishes while introducing customers to different styles of ramen and Asian cuisine.
  • Fry-Days embraced everyone’s love of crispy treats, serving up a creative menu dedicated to all things fried.
  • Europe from East to West took guests on a culinary journey across the continent, showcasing foods and flavors from a variety of European countries.

Each food truck demonstrated not only creativity but also thoughtful planning, teamwork, and attention to detail. Students proudly shared their concepts, explained their business strategies, and presented the hard work they had invested throughout the project.

Building Confidence Through Experience

Beyond academics, the Food Truck Project helps students build confidence in their abilities. By navigating challenges, making decisions as a team, and presenting their work to an audience, students gain meaningful experience in leadership, collaboration, and public speaking. They learn how to advocate for their ideas, respond to feedback, and adapt when plans change—skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.

The project also fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate both individual and team accomplishments. These experiences help students develop resilience and independence while cultivating a lifelong love of learning.

A Project That Evolves Every Year

One of the strengths of the Food Truck Project is that it continues to grow and evolve each year through the creativity and dedication of our teachers. Guided by their Learning Expert Teacher (LET), Ms. Arlinda, and the Grade 3 Subject Expert Teachers (SETs), the project regularly introduces new opportunities for creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation, ensuring that each year’s experience is fresh and engaging.

In recent years, students have explored modern marketing concepts by creating mock social media content for their businesses, including developing Instagram profiles that reflect their brand identity and target audience. Other additions have included designing branded merchandise featuring their logos, helping students further explore the connections between marketing, design, and entrepreneurship. These enhancements ensure that each year’s Food Truck Project builds on previous successes while providing new opportunities for creativity and innovation.

A Memorable Grade 3 Tradition

The Food Truck Project is more than a classroom activity—it celebrates creativity, curiosity, and interdisciplinary learning at BASIS Independent Manhattan. At this year’s fair, Grade 3 students proudly showcased their food truck businesses, demonstrating the skills, knowledge, and confidence they built throughout the year. A beloved tradition, the project creates lasting memories while inspiring deeper learning and engagement.

Ready to Experience the Magic of Grade 3 at
BASIS Independent Manhattan?

Our Rolling Admissions application cycle is now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications for the 2027–2028 school year open August 1. We invite prospective families to connect with our Admissions team and discover how our engaging, interdisciplinary curriculum helps students grow as confident learners, fearless thinkers, and future leaders.

Making Science Come to Life: Every Spring, Our Cubs Watch Life Change Before Their Eyes

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There’s a moment that happens every spring in our Lower School classrooms when a hush falls over a group of young Cubs as they peer into a glass container and watch, with wide eyes, as something that was once a tiny egg or a wriggling larva becomes something entirely different. It’s the kind of moment no worksheet or video can replicate.

That’s exactly why, for several weeks each spring, our Lower School dedicates itself to one of science’s most wondrous stories: the life cycle.

“In an urban environment where kids don’t get as much exposure on a day-to-day basis to nature, anything we can do to bring the natural world to life for students is really important,” commented Head of the Lower School Ms. Miller-Sims. “When you can put a living creature in front of them and observe the life cycle from the beginning, you just see it light up in their eyes in a completely different way than learning about it on a screen, or learning about it in a textbook, or talking about it through a discussion in class. Those moments are just so pivotal, because it is what the children will remember and constantly go back to, even as they age, remembering these foundational experiences.”

Engaging, Experiential Learning

From PreK through Grade 2, our students don’t just read about how living things grow and change; they witness it. Each year, our campus becomes a living science lab as we welcome a carefully chosen cast of creatures: caterpillars that spin themselves into chrysalises, tadpoles paddling in tanks, ladybug larvae inching along leaves, and eggs nestled in a warm incubator, waiting to hatch.

The goal isn’t just to teach biology. It’s to give children a visceral, unforgettable understanding of transformation, and allow them to see that living things change, grow, and become something new, right in front of their eyes.

“When students see something happening in real time, they really learn the best that way,” stated Grade 2 Math and Science Subject Expert Teacher Ms. Witherspoon. “When we have our eggs in our incubator, they can see how they are growing inside. Yes, we have a chart where they can see inside the egg. It’s different when you see it day by day. Once the chicks hatch, they can see how fast they may grow, or that not all chicks are yellow, learning about different colors and different breeds. The joy on their faces when they learn something and see it in person is just really unforgettable.”

Students observing the growth of tadpoles in Kindergarten

Why Hands-On Learning Matters

Young children learn best when they can touch, observe, and wonder. Watching a tadpole sprout tiny legs over the course of a week is a lesson in patience, curiosity, and scientific observation all at once. Checking on a tray of eggs each morning teaches children to look closely for details, to notice small changes, and to ask questions. When a chrysalis finally opens, the room fills with a kind of collective awe that’s impossible to manufacture and impossible to forget.

“The whole school gets involved by the time our chicks are hatching,” said Ms. Witherspoon. “I get parents, all the time, sharing that they are learning just as much as their children are learning. It’s great just to see from our littlest ones in the PreK classrooms to our oldest ones in Grade 2 how they are all just curious at the end of the day.”

These experiences also build a foundation for scientific thinking that will serve our Cubs for years to come. They begin to understand that nature operates on its own timeline, that change is a process, and that the world is full of living things undergoing their own remarkable journeys.

The Lineup This Spring

Each creature we bring to campus represents a different kind of life cycle story:

Caterpillars to chrysalises to butterflies: Students observe the transformation from larva to winged insect, learning about metamorphosis up close.

Tadpoles: The classic frog life cycle unfolds in a classroom tank, day by day.

Ladybug larvae: These spotted favorites go through a dramatic transformation that surprises even the adults in the room.

Chick eggs: Perhaps the most anticipated of all, children gather around the incubator and wait (and wait and wait) for the first signs of hatching. “Chick watch” is the term we use, and this year, Ms. Witherspoon helped welcome the great-grand chicks of the first chicks hatched in her classroom three years ago!

A Tradition Worth Protecting

In an age of screens and simulations, there’s something quietly radical about putting a living creature in a child’s classroom and saying: watch what happens. Our Lower School’s life cycle unit is one of those rare school experiences that students carry with them long after the school year ends- the spring they saw a chick hatch, the morning they noticed the tadpole had legs.

We’re proud to offer our Cubs this window into the natural world, and we are committed to nurturing their curiosity in such engaging ways for years to come.

Students in PreK marvel at butterfly larve

Grade 3 at BASIS Independent Bellevue Takes Center Stage!

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Last week, our grade 3 students took to the stage to bring the city of Megaville to life in our super-charged production of The Amazing Adventures of Super Stan—a wacky musical comedy that is one-half Marvel Comics and one-half Looney Tunes. The show was directed by our wonderful Drama Subject Expert Teacher, Mr. Brad.

The play stars, Stanley Marvel who has the most boring job in Megaville, but he’s happy to read his comics and dream his life away. That is, until it’s turned upside-down when he discovers that local hero, The Candy Queen, is actually a super villain determined to conquer the world! Thanks to a secret hero-making formula his grandma invented years ago, Stanley becomes Super Stan, a caped crusader fighting for truth, freedom, and justice with the strength to save the day (and open a really tricky jar of pickles!).

Behind The Scenes

In grade 3, the students spent the first month and a half of the school year working on fundamental skills like voice projection, stage directions, and the three tools of an actor: voice, body, and imagination, during their drama class. After the foundations were established the students were ready to audition for the musical in mid-October. When asked what the audition process was like, Mr. Brad shared, “As a director, selecting which actor will play which role can be a challenge. You want to make decisions that play to both the strengths the actors already possess, but also ones that will allow them opportunities to grow and learn new skills and step outside their comfort zones. I was very pleasantly surprised how many strong singers I had to choose from too!”

Each grade 3 class got to have their own cast and their own show for the musical. This also allowed for flexibility if a student was sick on the night of their show, their double in the other cast could step in, allowing a system for understudies who knew the show intimately. Thankfully, no one ended up being sick the week of the show.

Show Time!

Finally, March had arrived, the month of the show, and all of their preparation paid off with a show full of energy, laughter, and joy! While adding costumes, props, and set are all exciting stages of the rehearsal process, it is the final addition of the audience that brings it all together; there is no show without an audience to receive it. The casts were both a mix of excitement and nerves, which Mr. Brad reassured his students, was totally normal. Putting aside their fears, these actors bravely stepped onto the stage and gave the show their all.

When asked what his favorite part of the musical was, Mr. Brad shared, “One of the most special parts of this musical was how every single actor had an important role to play. Each student had a character name, lines to remember, and featured moments throughout the show—whether that meant delivering a goofy punchline, small group dances, taking part in comical fight sequences, or singing their own solos.”

During the show the two actors who played the lead of Stanley Marvel, Bryan and Shannon, particularly melted the hearts of the audiences with Stan’s eleven o’clock solo ballad Behind the Mask, where the character psyches himself up for the impending final battle, even though he has lost his powers. When asked what it was like to perform in front of an audience, Shannon shared, “At the start of the show I was feeling shy, but then I got so into the musical I forgot there were people watching me!”

Beyond the Stage

Watching these students support one another on stage and rise to each challenge showed just how much they had learned, not only about performing arts, but also other life skills like teamwork, focus, and perseverance. When mistakes happened, the actors had each other’s back; a line was dropped here and there, and the actors kept the show going. When one actor forgot a major prop, the actor playing the evil Candy Queen that night didn’t miss a beat, and she improvised a line ordering her minion to go and find it—brilliant! Some students who were so shy at the start of the year where confidently shouting their lines out with courage. While an entertaining show is certainly the goal, watching these young actors grow and learn is the most satisfying part of the process by far.

This production also showcased some wonderful collaboration across grade levels. Some highly creative grade 6 students helped design and build props for the show, adding extra imagination and personality to the world of Super Stan.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Amazing Adventures of Super Stan on a job well-done! Additionally we are so grateful for Mr. Brad and his hard work to make this show and blog possible. Bravo to all!

Sparking Imagination Across Campus: Creativity Challenges with Ms. Bhatnagar

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Fostering innovative thinkers is at the heart of our mission, and Ms. Bhatnagar’s Creativity Challenges give everyone on campus—students of all grades and even staff—the opportunity to explore, imagine, and solve problems in bold new ways. These challenges encourage participants to take intellectual risks, think creatively, and approach problems with curiosity and confidence.

Creativity and problem-solving are essential skills for future STEM careers, and regularly participating in these challenges helps students and staff exercise their “creative muscles.” As Ms. Bhatnagar explains, “By implementing these challenges on a regular basis, students are able to build these skills for all academic subjects.”

What Are Creativity Challenges?

These short, high-impact exercises encourage divergent thinking, helping participants generate multiple unique ideas rather than searching for a single “right” answer. Typically lasting 5–20 minutes, they serve as warm-ups for larger STEM projects and foster creativity through the four key components: fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration.

Challenges are adapted for all ages. Younger students benefit from collaborative brainstorming and extra time, while older students are encouraged to develop multiple alternative ideas before finalizing their solutions. Read-aloud stories like Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg help participants see mistakes as opportunities for growth—a lesson many have applied to their projects throughout the year.

The Monthly Creativity Challenge Contest

The Monthly Creativity Challenge Contest allows students and staff to showcase their creative problem-solving. Winning ideas are displayed to inspire future entries. One example of a creativity challenge was the “It’s Not a Heart!” activity, where participants were given what looked like the outline of half a heart and invited to transform it into something entirely different. Students and staff used their imagination to build creative drawings around the shape—anything but a heart. The results were impressive, with many truly inventive and thoughtful entries! Ms. Bhatnagar shares, “Last week, a couple of my Grade 4 students came to me during lunch break asking for more challenge sheets since they had a brand-new idea they hadn’t thought about before.”

Creating a Culture of Risk-Taking

Ms. Bhatnagar fosters a safe and supportive environment where mistakes are seen as part of learning. Through the Engineering Design Process, open-ended challenges, and student choice in materials, participants are encouraged to experiment and iterate. Collaborative learning and class norms emphasizing respectful curiosity create a judgment-free space where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas. By valuing the thinking process as much as the final product, Ms. Bhatnagar empowers participants to take risks, try bold ideas, and grow as confident, creative problem-solvers.

Growth, Confidence, and Collaboration

Over the years, participants grow from shy, hesitant creators to confident innovators, developing critical thinking, collaboration skills, and the courage to embrace challenges. Creativity has spread beyond the classroom, sparking spontaneous conversations across campus and turning displays of student work into catalysts for curiosity and inspiration. This reflects Ms. Bhatnagar’s mission: to make creativity a normalized, daily conversation.

Long-Term Takeaways

Academically, creativity challenges strengthen problem-solving skills for all subjects and prepare our students for STEM careers. Personally, they cultivate creative confidence and adaptable thinking, helping participants approach challenges beyond the classroom with curiosity and courage. Success is measured not just by the final product but by exploration, experimentation, and the willingness to take intellectual risks.

Through Creativity Challenges, Ms. Bhatnagar is helping everyone on campus see that imagination grows with practice—and that every “oops” can become an opportunity to create something extraordinary.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK–Grade 12 private school, offering 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. 

Summer Buzz: What to Expect for BASIS Independent Bellevue Summer 2026!

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As sunshine stretches a little longer into each day, excitement starts to bubble up across our Mountaineer community—summer is almost here! Once the school year comes to a close in June, students may say goodbye to regular classes until August, but the fun and learning doesn’t have to stop on campus. All summer long, BASIS Independent Bellevue will be buzzing with energy as we host a variety of engaging summer programs. 

Designed by our Auxiliary Department, Summer 2026 is packed with opportunities for students to explore passions, try something new, and make memories with friends along the way. Summer is the perfect season for creativity, curiosity, and discovery, and our programs are built to embrace all three. Whether students are creating, coding, collaborating, or staying active, our summer offerings reflect the vibrant interests of our community and promise something exciting for every camper. 

Day Camp

Day camps offer students an exciting blend of learning and play through flexible, theme-based programming. To reflect the wide range of interests within our community, the Auxiliary Department has designed a rotating schedule of weekly themes that bring each camp experience to life.  

Campers will explore different eras in Time Travel Trek, blast off to different planets in Space Explorers, connect with nature in Wild World Adventures, or tap into their superpowers in Superhero Academy.  Each day features activities aligned with the weekly theme, balanced with both indoor and outdoor fun. Every session wraps up with a celebratory Fun Friday, often highlighted by special guest experiences tied to the theme. Families are welcome to enroll campers in multiple weeks, giving students the chance to enjoy every adventure our campus has in store. 

Foam Party Fun!

Specialty Camps

Our specialty summer programs offer students a dynamic space to build friendships, explore new interests, and challenge themselves. From creative, hands-on activities to athletic options like Archery and Sports Menagerie, these camps reflect the diverse passions of the Mountaineer Community. Beyond summer fun, families can expect programs that support learning, social growth, and essential life skills, all while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and exploration at BASIS Independent Bellevue. 

Specialty Camp Focus

While our summer day camp is highlighted by fun explorative learning, we’d be remiss if we did not mention some of the other areas BASIS Independent Bellevue Summer Camps shine! We know while the school year may contain multitudes of differing subjects, BLV Summer strives to offer campers a wide range of intellectually stimulating courses. For example, our Latin Immersion Course and Latin Boot camp offer not only an introduction to the language, but also opportunities to further build upon information already learned.  

Children can also explore their creative side with one of our art focused specialty courses. Such as; DJ Camp that 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. Creative Writing Camp gives campers the opportunity to expand their writing skills and creative story telling. Or perhaps your child is interested in theatre then, Play Creation Theater Adventure could be the right camp for them, here campers get to explore the process of scription, designing, and preforming their own play!

Archery Camp
Middle School Chess
Minecraft Modders
Volleyball Skills Camp
Latin Boot Camp

Sign Up Today!

Spanning a wide range of interests, our summer programs keep the campus energized and engaged long after the school year ends. These experiences encourage students to explore new interests while developing valuable skills. To learn more, view our complete Summer 2026 Camp Brochure here and register below! For additional questions you can contact the organizing team at blv.summercamp@basisindependent.com.

Summer Camp Sign Ups

Leadership Spotlight: Lower School Dean of Students Dylan Burgett

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Our Early Learning Program at BASIS Independent Brooklyn is designed to build foundational skills while nurturing a love of learning. From PreK and Kindergarten, then moving into our Primary Program in Grades 1-2 at our Lower School, we aim to create a balance between a child’s natural tendencies and intentional academic learning. Critical to supporting that balance is the work of our Student Affairs team.

Today, we are proud to feature our new Dean of Students at our Lower School, Dylan Burgett. Mr. Burgett moved from Florida to join our community, and he is excited to focus on student support and social-emotional growth during these formative early years. Mr. Burgett serves as the primary student support contact, supporting teachers to help students both individually and in group activities, such as Lunch Bunch meetups.

Mr. Burgett brings years of experience as both a school administrator and an educator. Most recently, he served as Dean of Students at Forest City Elementary School in Florida, where he focused on social-emotional development of students in collaboration with teachers and parents, student mentorship, and differentiation of instruction to suit different learning styles.

Before assuming the Dean of Students role, Mr. Burgett was in the classroom as a Gr. 4 lead teacher for two years, supporting students with diverse learning needs. He developed and implemented standards-aligned and data-informed curriculum to support student learning and growth. Dean Burgett graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in elementary education.

What is a typical day for you as Dean of Students at the Lower School?

A typical day for me is all about making sure students feel excited, supported, and engaged throughout the school day. I spend time moving through classrooms, checking in with students and teachers to see how their day is going, how they’re feeling, and what support they might need. That support can look different depending on the moment; it can vary from working one-on-one with a student during a math lesson to connecting with students in a more relaxed setting, like a relationship-building Lunch Bunch with them and their friends.

You just joined our school and moved to New York! Can you share where you were before and what you were doing before?

Prior to relocating to New York City, I served as the Dean of Students at a school of over 700 students in Orlando, Florida. Over the course of several years, I grew within the school community—beginning as a Gr. 4 teacher, then serving as the Gr. 4 team leader, and eventually transitioning into the role of Dean of Students, a position I held for multiple years. During this time, I worked closely with colleagues to create and support a variety of social clubs and curricular initiatives that enriched the student experience. I am truly excited about the opportunity to bring this experience, creativity, and passion for student engagement to BASIS Independent Brooklyn.

What drew you to BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Lower School?

I was drawn to BASIS Independent Brooklyn Lower School for many reasons, particularly its commitment to not only exceptional academic growth but also the social-emotional development of every student. The school’s culture is truly outstanding—one that is positive, supportive, and deeply focused on helping each student succeed. This aligns closely with my own passion for fostering empathy, understanding, and respect, and for helping students carry these values with them throughout their lives.

You have been a big proponent of social-emotional learning and programming for students. Can you tell us some of the ways you hope to bring your expertise in the area to benefit students in these early years?

Social-emotional learning is a vital component of a child’s overall development. It supports students in understanding their own emotions, developing appropriate responses, and cultivating empathy for others. These skills are essential in helping children grow into well-rounded individuals and in reinforcing that a full range of emotions is both normal and healthy. Because navigating emotions can be challenging even in adulthood, introducing these skills early allows students to build strong emotional awareness and interpersonal skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Is there anything top of mind in the year ahead that excited you?

I am excited about the upcoming school and family events this school year. Events such as the Winter Olympics, Open Plays in the Bear Den, and World Fest provide meaningful opportunities to build community, and I have heard wonderful things about each of them. I am truly looking forward to being involved and supporting these events in any way possible. I am also continually impressed by the passion and dedication of the staff and faculty, who work intentionally to make each day impactful for students. The care, thoughtfulness, and preparation that go into both daily learning and special events are remarkable and further strengthen my enthusiasm for being part of this school community.

Dean Burget with our Gr. 2 students during their shadow day at the Upper School.

What is something families might not know about you that you want to share?

Something families might not know about me is that I’m passionate about carpentry and wakeboarding. I’ve built everything from fences and large-scale frames to dining room tables. I love the creativity and hands-on challenge it brings. Back when I lived in Florida, my free time was split between working on woodworking projects and wakeboarding on the lakes. I’m a big fan of being outdoors and in the water, so I’m especially excited to explore the beaches here in New York.

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

Rolling Admissions for Fall 2026: Everything Families Need to Know

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Rolling Admissions for Fall 2026 Opens January 24, 2026

Our Rolling Admissions cycle for Fall 2026 opens on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Families interested in joining our vibrant, academically focused community can begin submitting applications on that date. Below, you’ll find everything you need to navigate our admissions process successfully.

Rolling Admissions Timeline

Application Opens — January 24, 2026

  • Applications for all grade levels open on this date.

Application Deadline

  • Applications remain open until a grade reaches capacity. Once a grade closes, qualified applicants will be placed into a wait pool and reviewed as space becomes available.

Decision Notification

  • Families receive an admissions decision within 10 business days of completing their application. This provides a fast, transparent experience for families seeking timely enrollment options.

Commitment Deadline & Enrollment Details

Applying during Rolling Admissions is not immediately binding. To officially secure a seat, families must:

  • Submit a signed Enrollment Agreement
  • Pay a non‑refundable $1,750 deposit by the Commitment Deadline listed in their offer

How to Apply for Rolling Admissions

Starting your application is simple. Families can begin their Rolling Admissions process here. Our Admissions Team is available to support you at every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Rolling Admissions?

Rolling Admissions is an ongoing application process in which applications are reviewed as they are completed. Decisions are released on a rolling basis, typically within 10 business days.

Are all grade levels open during Rolling Admissions?

Yes. All grade levels remain open until they reach capacity. After that point, applicants are moved into a wait pool.

What counts as a “completed application”?

A completed application includes the online application form, and all required supplemental materials. Your admissions portal will display outstanding items.

How soon will we receive an admissions decision?

You will receive a decision within 10 business days after the application is complete.

Is applying during Rolling Admissions binding?

No. Applying is not binding. Only those who sign the Enrollment Agreement and pay the $1,750 deposit secure a seat.

What if a grade is already full when we apply?

Your student will be placed into a wait pool and considered if space becomes available.

Can current families apply for siblings?

Yes. Sibling applications are welcome and follow the same Rolling Admissions process. Space is not guaranteed, so early submission is recommended.

How long do families have to accept an offer?

Families must review their offer letter for the Commitment Deadline, then sign the Enrollment Agreement and submit the deposit by that date.

APPLY NOW

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