Does place matter for learning? QUENBY PETERSON: Yes, place matters. The physical quality of our schools sends a message to our families and children that they are valued. A high-quality,clean, safe environment is important; it trickles down to the learning and signals to our students that they matter. Are there school projects or rebuilds that…
In Bellingham Public Schools, our schools and classrooms implement social and emotional learning (SEL) in a variety of ways. With the adoption of SEL curriculum last spring, practices have taken hold across the district. These practices enhance and develop the character-based outcomes in The Bellingham Promise, those that are not taught in a standard textbook…
The newly rebuilt Sehome High School opened in late January with not only new classroom spaces, but with a bright and airy cafeteria and new practices in sustainability. For the first time in the recent history of Bellingham Public Schools, students are using real utensils, plates and bowls, replacing the single use plastic, disposable milk…
Students at Carl Cozier Elementary School now have the opportunity to participate in a library makerspace lab thanks to a grant from the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation. Library media specialist Emily Jones applied for the grant to create a makerspace lab and to provide equitable resources to students interested in science, technology, engineering, arts and…
Kulshan Middle School students are sawing, sanding, drilling and more in the woodworking class with career and technical education (CTE) teacher Rob Hendricks. This is one Kulshan CTE course of many in a program that has steadily expanded over the past four years. These courses are now popular elective choices for students. Career and technical…
The transition from elementary to middle school can be challenging. Finding even one friend can make the transition easier. And being part of a network—or web—of support within the school can help even more. This philosophy drives the Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) mentorship program in our middle schools. A middle school version of the LINK mentorship program at our high schools, it is designed…
Shuksan Middle School is the first middle school in Bellingham Public Schools to offer Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC), supported with grants from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI) Breakfast Meals for Kids which paid for the needed equipment. The program started with Shuksan…
Directors Camille Diaz Hackler and Doug Benjamin recently talked about the school board’s plan to develop an equity policy. Why is the board considering an equity policy? DOUG BENJAMIN: Our strategic plan The Bellingham Promise makes references to “every child,” or “all children” three times. Every child means every child. If anyone is marginalized,…
For many years running, the Roosevelt Elementary School staff produces a colorful theatrical production as a gift to their students just before everyone leaves for winter break. In previous years, productions included Roosevelt versions of The Nutcracker, Candyland and Babes in Toyland. The shows are written, put together and rehearsed throughout the fall months. This…
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