🌱 Patch AM: How is Bellevue schools’ new AI translation changing parent communication?

Good morning to you Bellevue! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How is Bellevue schools’ new AI translation changing parent communication?
• Why Bellevue police say this homicide poses no ongoing public threat
• How will Amazon’s AI education push show up in Bellevue classrooms?

Also on today's calendar: Cebiche & Pisco Workshop with La Mar Bellevue and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Occasional rain, with a high of 49 and low of 37 degrees.
• Thursday: An afternoon shower or two, temps: high: 47, low: 36.
• Friday: A passing shower or two, with a high of 44 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. AI Translation Breaks Down Language Barriers in K–12 Schools (edtechmagazine.com) — Bellevue School District is leaning on AI translation tools like Microsoft Copilot and multilingual texting platforms to better connect with families who don’t speak English at home. District leaders say these tools have boosted parent engagement and teacher confidence, while still keeping student information confidential. The story also highlights how other districts nationwide are using similar technology to bridge language gaps.
   

2. Bellevue woman's death ruled as homicide (mynorthwest.com) — Bellevue police now confirm that the death of 27-year-old Raajitha Sabbineni on Northeast 10th Street has been ruled a homicide by the King County Medical Examiner, citing asphyxia/strangulation. Investigators say there is no ongoing threat to the public but are urgently asking anyone who saw anything in that area on October 27 to contact Bellevue police or call 911 with tips.
   

3. Amazon invests $800,000 to bring AI education to 500,000 students nationwide (aboutamazon.com) — Bellevue School District is one of 18 partners nationwide receiving support from Amazon’s $800,000 investment to expand hands-on AI education for nearly 500,000 students. Local teachers and students will gain access to custom AI tools, training, and classroom projects through nonprofit PlayLab, helping Bellevue classrooms experiment with real-world AI problem solving as part of a broader White House-backed education initiative.
   

4. Landscape Architects Grow Licensure Program (asla.org) — A Bellevue-based landscape architect, Malda Takieddine of Ubuntu Landscape Architecture, has been selected for a national ASLA Licensure Advancement Program supporting women facing barriers to professional licensing. The 2024–2026 cohort offers each participant over $3,500 for exam fees, prep courses, and mentorship, aiming to boost racial and gender diversity in landscape architecture across the country.
   

📸 Around Bellevue

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Bellevue

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Tuesday December 30

• Bedtime Stories
  Newport Way Library , 14250 SE Newport Way , Bellevue
  6:30 pm

Friday January 2

• Story Time at the Garden for Preschoolers
  Sharp Cabin , 12001 Main St. , Bellevue
  10:00 am

Saturday January 3

• Journaling the Garden
  Sharp Cabin , 12001 Main St. , Bellevue
  9:00 am
• Big Play Date
  Newport Way Library , 14250 SE Newport Way , Bellevue
  11:30 am
• Youth Nature Journaling Club
  The Aaron Education Center , 12001 Main St , Bellevue
  12:00 pm
• Cebiche & Pisco Workshop with La Mar Bellevue
  10508 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98004
  3:00 pm

Monday January 5

• Path of Grief - Support Group
  Online via Teams
  6:00 pm

📣 Bellevue Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 24

• Garden d'Lights
  Garden Grounds , 12001 Main Street , Bellevue
  4:30 pm

Friday December 26

• Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
  Newcastle Library , 12901 Newcastle Way , Renton
  10:30 am
• Teen Dungeons & Dragons Meet-Up
  Bellevue Library , 1111 110th Avenue NE , Bellevue
  4:00 pm
• Shawn Schlogel
  Hotel Sorrento , 900 Madison St , Seattle
  6:00 pm
• Improv Happy Hour
  Unexpected Productions Improv Comedy at Pike Place Market , 1428 Post Alley , Seattle
  6:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Bellevue PatchAM possible:

• k spa — (425) 504-6566
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• Tribeca NW Real Estate — (425) 691-8800
  Your trusted PNW neighbors in real estate. Let's talk!
• Heritage Wealth Advisors — (425) 709-2345
  Moving from Success to Significance
• Tribeca NW Real Estate — (360) 540-0217
  Best in the PNW Real Estate
• Crystal Carpet Cleaning & Restoration, Inc. — (425) 649-0908
  Celebrating 35 years serving our community

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Looking for a handy man who can come and mount 2-3 tvs (ranging from 45"-75") in my house,
  Brand new to the area so looking for that and possibly someone to hang some other pictures and stuff in the future as we get more settled. Send your… (Nextdoor Newport Hills)
• At first, I wasn't particularly interested in golf it always felt like a distant sport to me But due to work demands, many business interactions took place on the golf course so I gradually began to get involved To my surprise through repeated
  practice and rounds I slowly grew to love it Not only does it help me relax and stay fit, but it also provides a space for reflection and… (Nextdoor Factoria)

• Cost Plus, Inc. - World Market posted a job opening for Seasonal Stock Associate in Bellevue. Apply here.
• HHM Hotels posted a job opening for Room Attendant - Housekeeper in Bellevue. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bellevue here.

Ok Bellevue! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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