Resources

If you need more information, or are concerned and would like to make your voice heard, read the PTSA’s letter to families.

Welcome to B.F. Day – “The Family School”
As the oldest continually operating school in the city, B.F. Day is proud to be a vibrant learning community housed in a beautiful historic landmark. Here, children grow, families connect, and traditions thrive.

What We Offer:

1. Creative Learning – Weekly art, music, PE, and library spark curiosity and joy.
2. Community Events – From the Science Fair, Art Fest, Career Week, Fall Harvest Fest, Village Day, and the Global Reading Challenge, our calendar is full of fun and learning.
3. Family Connections – We love welcoming families with summer Kindergarten playdates, a back-to-school picnic, and our meet-the-teacher popsicle night.
4. After-School Enrichment – Students explore new interests through chess, karate, sewing, cooking, coding, robotics, and so much more.
5. Hands-On Gardening – Students join our kid gardening club, while families on the Care Committee help nurture our grounds and edible gardens.
6. Performing Arts – 4th and 5th graders shine in our special performing arts program.
7. Ultimate Frisbee Team – 3rd through 5th graders can join the B.F. Day Ultimate Frisbee team, building teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit.
8. Preschool Program – Our preschool offers a welcoming first school experience, helping our youngest learners build confidence, friendships, and a love of learning.
9. Parents’ Night Out – Each year, the PTSA hosts a themed Parents’ Night Out fundraiser filled with fun, connection, and community support for our school.
10. Curriculum Nights – Teachers and staff welcome families to curriculum nights, offering a chance to learn more about classroom programs and ways to support student success.

At B.F. Day, every child and every family is part of something special.

Read the B.F. Day Quick Guide for quick answers to most of your questions!

Lowers, Uppers, and Upper Uppers

The three playgrounds at BF Day are named for their location. The “Lowers” is the playground in the southwest of campus; the “Uppers” is the playground on the main level. The “Upper Uppers” is a Seattle Parks playground that is also frequently used by students during and after school. 

Boys & Girls Club

After school, some students at B.F. Day go to the Boys & Girls Club. There are 2 club options: on-site at B.F. Day or Wallingford. If your student goes to Wallingford Boys & Girls Club, a bus will take them to this location.

*To request bus transportation to this “club”, email: TransDept@seattleschools.org (Transportation Office) and smhaas@seattleschools.org (Sonja). It helps if your provide your child(ren)’s full name, ID# (available on the Source), and where they are traveling to and from. The Transportation Office Phone# (206) 252-0900, but emailing is best.

Lost & Found

Lost and Found is located at the Northeast entrance and is often hung on the fence before it gets donated to charity three times per year (Winter break, Spring break, and Summer break).  If you lose something, please call the office to look for the lost item and save it.  Even better – label everything.  

Assemblies

Families are always welcome and encouraged to attend. Please check the school schedule for when your child will be going to assembly. (Who – Students & families; When – usually the last Friday of the month at 8am)

Dragon Dens

One of the core beliefs of B.F. Day Elementary is that we support and encourage socio-emotional growth for students and each other. Dragon Dens are a monthly group meetings of mixed-grade groups who meet with the same adult every month. Students read books and engage with activities related to current topics and events, as well as conduct Q&A and workshops for the students to practice socio-emotional generosity and sensitivity.  Ask your student about these meetings, they are very special. (Who – Students; When – every month)

Curriculum Night

Curriculum night is an adult-only event where families can meet students’ teacher(s) and learn about what is planned for academics during the school year. (Who – Grownups; When – October)

Fall Festival or Take Your Family to School Night

Annual “Open House” for students to give their families an opportunity to view their work in their classroom. There are some activities for kids and snacks of course! (Who – Students & families; When – November)

Art Fest

To celebrate the creative and artistic history of B.F. Day, in the Spring we hold our annual Art Fest. This event showcases a gallery walk of most students’ artwork, musical and drama performances. (Who – Students & families; When – Spring)

Spring Fling

Our annual adult-only party with a new name but same fun! This event focuses on bringing B.F. Day families and staff together. There will be music, likely some dancing, general merriment and also an auction. Previously known as the “Spring Giving” or “Arty Party”. (Who – Grownups; When – Spring)

Science Fair

Yearly exhibit of K-5 science projects.  Students are asked to come up with their own project or conduct a project suggested by their teacher. (Who – Students; Required for grades 2-5; When – Spring)

Move-a-thon

Yearly run/jog/walk/move-your-body fundraiser with lots of fun costumes, competitions, and prizes. Students raise funds by asking friends and family for sponsorships on a per lap or flat participation level. (Who – Students; When – Spring)

5th Grade Field Trip

Every year the 5th grade class take an overnight field trip. (Who – Students, staff and parent chaperones; When – Spring)

Field Day

End of year celebration with field games, all family and volunteer BBQ, and lots of fun. Organized and led by Mr. D, our wonderful P.E. teacher.  (Who – Students & families; When – End of school year)

Village Day

One day close to the end of the school year, BF Day turns into a microeconomy. Each classroom creates crafts or experiences and sells goods or provides a service that can be purchased with BF Day Bucks. $1 USD = $5 Day Bucks.  The kids are given a stipend each year and can put their BF Day bucks in a savings account to use year after year. This is a popular event with many alumni attending. (Who – Students & families; When – End of school year)

Well-informed, engaged parents, staff, and community members make a difference for student success in school and beyond. Research shows that family engagement in a child’s education increases student achievement, improves attendance, and reduces dropout rates. Joining the PTSA at BF Day is a great way to meet other parents, engage with staff and learn first-hand about the school’s needs, and pitch in on projects that are exciting to you that will help the school community.

Tobi Nussbaum is the current school counselor at B.F. Day

B.F. Day School Counselor

The school counselor role is best described as someone uniquely positioned to support three different subgroups of stakeholders: students, parents, and teachers. The counselor is often the glue that holds all three together, all in hopes of supporting students and families through their elementary years at BF Day. B.F. Day Elementary believes that social-emotional learning skills are at the heart of academic growth, thriving relationships, and intentional decision-making. This focus can be seen in the generous support of the BF Day community. The community contributes the resources needed to make the school counselor profession a full-time one. The services that the counselor provides can be separated into both direct and indirect services.

Direct Student Services

• Short-term, solution-focused small group/one-on-one counseling for several topics; Anxiety, Self-Control, Social Skills, Perseverance, Trauma, New Students, Divorce, Grief/Loss, Emotional Regulation, Study/Academic Skills.
• Support Students in Immediate Crisis; Repair Harm Between Students, Self-Harm ideations, Homelessness, and overall Student Safety.
• Psychoeducational Classroom Visits- Supplement the weekly SEL lessons by teachers with timely and relevant topics that staff have noticed are needed for increasing student skill sets. For example, if we notice that a particular grade level is reporting unsafe behavior during recess, the counselor will partner with teachers to deliver lessons that are focused on personal space bubbles, behavior expectations, and how to show self-control during recess activities.
• Student Leadership- Co-lead student council and 4 th and 5 th grade school leadership program.

*Each year the counselor will present approximately 80-90 additional lessons to classrooms.

The counselor does NOT implement discipline or decide what level is discipline is implemented.

Indirect Student/Family Services

• Develop and support teacher-led, school-wide SEL programs; Design scope and sequence for weekly Second Step Lessons in classrooms, provide professional development to staff on curriculums (Zones of Regulation/Second Step), Strive to strengthen school-wide systems for responses to behavior.
• Consultation and Collaboration with Stakeholders; Meet with staff and families to develop individual behavior/academic support plans, connect families with outside resources for mental health and additional services,  consult with students’ outside therapists, doctors, and psychologists, and Lead our school-based “Care Team” that meets weekly to discuss specific student needs.
• Family Support Program; Partner with Ballard Food Bank to provide weekly food bags to approx. 20 families, Partner with Charlie Produce and Ballard Elks Club to provide Thanksgiving meals to families, utilize district resources like Operation School Bell and the Right Now Needs Fund to provide much-needed resources and make home visits to
  families who are in need or are in crisis.

Accolades

In the 2023-2024 school year, the school counseling program at B.F. Day earned the distinct honor of being a Recognized American School Counselor Model Program (RAMP). Becoming the first school counseling program to ever receive this distinction in Seattle public schools, and third in the entire state of Washington.

Nominated by district leadership and peers for the school counselor of the year in 2023-2024.

• Black Lives Matter at School
• One Out of Five: Disability History and Pride Project from the Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds
• Disability History Reading Room from the Seattle Special Education PTSA
• Seattle Special Education PTSA
• Arc of King County
• Parent to Parent: King County Facebook Group

• If you need to be reimbursed by the PTSA, please fill out the form below.

• Reimbursements are (generally) processed once per week. Reimbursement requests submitted by Friday at 8am will normally be available for pick-up by the following Tuesday morning.

• Reimbursement checks can be picked up in the Treasurer’s Mailbox located in the B.F. Day Office Mailroom.

Note: During school breaks there will be delays in reimbursements. If you have concerns about reimbursement timing, reach out to the Treasurer to work out a plan.

• Center for the Developing Child: Harvard University
  An academia focused on the most recent brain science of early childhood development.
• Sound Discipline
  Helps families and schools build respectful relationships with children using Positive Discipline approaches. We use many of these same principals at school with our students.
• SENG: Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted
  A resource to help families of academically advanced students meet emotional needs and challenges.
• Books that Heal
  A bibliotherapy blog with children’s books on various topics to help address topics that support healthy emotional development.
• Big Life Journal
  Organization that supports student’s resiliency and personal grit by having a growth mindset. The website has helpful videos and materials to engage both children and parents to persevere through challenges with a positive mindset.
• Parents Helping Parents
  A nonprofit parent-directed family resource that provides guidance, support, and services to children with special needs and their families.
• Dr. Dan Siegel Published Books and Materials
  Recommended Resource for Parental Education around emotional regulation/explosive behaviors and potential Trauma.

• 211
  2-1-1 is a free confidential community service and your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, health, child care, after-school programs, elder care, crisis intervention, and much more. Call 2-1-1, if that doesn’t work dial 1-877-211-9274.
• Ballard Goodwill
  6400 8th Ave. NW 98107
• Ballard Food Bank
  1400 NW Leary Way 98107
• Solid Ground
  Help people get the resources they need to stabilize their housing, access healthy food, and build stronger futures for themselves and their families. Focuses on solidifying resources to maintain consistent housing.
• Family Works
  Community organization that partners with families and individuals to support their essential needs like food bags, housing, and clothing.
• Neighbor Care
  An organization that focuses on connecting patients with medical, dental, and mental health professionals, who work in collaboration with each patient to develop personal health improvement plans as well as food assistance.
  Medical (206) 633-3350
  Dental (206) 548-2964
  Pharmacy (206) 633-3365
  Clinic on 1629 North 45 th Street.
• YWCA
  An organization that helps community members explore and connect with several housing-related services. Services include rental/utility assistance, permanent housing, emergency shelter, homeless services, childcare.
• Mary’s Place
  Organization to support mothers who are transitioning between housing, and in need of a shelter or additional resources. Call 206-245-1026.
• Housing Justice Project
  Provides professional legal advocacy services for families who are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

We’re a group of parents who help make decisions on behalf of the PTSA. We aim to help raise student voices in advocacy efforts, manage the PTSA finances, and help improve communication between B.F Day families and staff. Each individual is welcomed to bring their unique skills, ideas, and creativity to the table and participate in any activity that interests them! Elections are held annually in the spring for the executive officers (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary, and Fundraising Officer) positions.

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• Seattle Childrens Hospital Mental Health Referral Program
  This free, telephone-based referral service is funded by Washington Healthcare Authority and operated by Seattle Children’s. The Mental Health Referral Service will provide thorough mental health referrals for children and teens 17 and younger from across Washington. Families can call 833-303-5437 or submit an online request form.
• Seattle Children’s Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine
  A link to their page on How To Get Services. When exploring an official diagnosis for Autism Seattle Children’s usually gets families in quickly.
• Psychology Today Website
  Online database of mental health professionals in the area. The website allows you to filter out several variables: insurance preferences, area of expertise, experience, picture of the therapist, and if they are taking new clients.
• Crisis Connections Hotline
  24/7 hotline that connects you with local resources and emergency services. Call 866-427-4747.
• Sound Mental Health
  Organization supporting a student and family’s overall wellness, including mental health services. We partner with SMH for term counseling.

B.F. Day Elementary School PTSA (“B.F. Day PTSA”) is a local, self-governing membership association whose purpose is to serve the children in the B.F. Day Elementary School community, including the residences and businesses in the B.F. Day Elementary School enrollment area. The activities and functions of the association are planned by a Board of Directors (“Board”) and governed by a set of standing rules. Find the standing rules for the 24-25 school year below.

• SY24/25 B.F. Day PTSA Standing Rules

Please join us for General Membership Meetings that occur 3 times during each school year. See previous meeting minutes below:

• SY24/25 Fall General Membership Meeting Minutes
• May 2025 General Membership Meeting Minutes
• October 2025 General Membership Meeting Minutes

While school is in session, stay up-to-date with the emailed weekly newsletter from our principal. It is called the Dayette. See link for current and past Dayette issues.

• B.F. Day Dayette

PTSA sends out regular newsletter, and you will be able to get a link to the past editions here

• September 2025 Newsletter
• June 2025 Newsletter
• May 2025 Newsletter
• April 2025 Newsletter
• March 2025 Newsletter
• Jan/Feb 2025 Newsletter
• Dec 2024 Newsletter
• Nov 2024 Newsletter
• Oct 2024 Newsletter
• Winter 2025 PTSA Newsletter
  

ND&D Resources

This document includes dozens of helpful links and resources covering a broad range of topics, including families, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Dyslexia, OCD, PDA, Self-Regulation, Sensory Processing, Social-Emotional Learning, IEPs and 504 plans, Providers, and Camps.

Resource Guide

Social Stories

Social stories clearly describe the sensory experience and/or clearly explain what can be expected of an experience. They can be used for any students who struggle with sensory sensitivities or emotional regulation. They can help decrease anxiety, teach rules, or even demonstrate tough social cues, and set learners up for success!

Sensory sensitivities, sensory overload, and emotional regulation challenges are experienced by people who are neurodivergent, have PTSD, post-concussion syndrome, hearing loss, and for many, many other underlying differences or disabilities.

These narratives are voluntarily created by our PTSA Neurodiversity & Disability Liaison, Laura Rose Murphy (text) and her husband Remy (design). The list will get added to and changed over the course of the year. For feedback on any of our stories or the project as a whole, email ndliaison@bfdayptsa.org.

Stories:

• Trunk-Or-Treat (Oct 2025)
• School Assemblies (Sept 2025)
• Dragon Dens (Sept 2025)
• Move-A-Thon (May 2025)
• Arts Fest (May 2025)
• Field Day (June 2025)
• Village Day (June 2025)
• 5th Grade Promotion (June 2025)