BFPP NEWS
Friday, June 9th, 2023
Principal's Corner
Dear BFPP Families,
Hard to believe but we are at the end of another wonderful year for BFPP! I write this with a deep sense of gratitude and a hopeful heart. I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community. We come together and bring such joy. Whether at a low tide picnic, craft fair, 8th grade celebration, musical performance, talent show or play production (just to name a few) BFPP really knows how to celebrate and have a great time. I am in awe and oh so grateful. It is because of this strength of ours that I also have a hopeful heart. I believe that we have and will continue to make great things happen. I look forward to a nice break with family and friends (visiting Sun River, a quick trip to Walla Walla, reading lots of books, making more rainbow rivers on the beach...) BUT I also am really looking forward to coming back next fall. The potential is boundless, and I dwell in the possibilities. Thank you BFPP for making this a magical place.
Below is an introduction to our newest staff member. We are excited to have Meredith join the team!
If you are leaving to attend another program or have a different educational path, go knowing that you are a member of our BFPP family and we have the best of wishes for you. Otherwise, see you next year!
With love and gratitude, Dr. k
Welcome Meredith!
Prior to moving to Bellingham, Meredith taught in Birmingham, Alabama, Montreal, and New York City, where the first day of her teaching career was September 11, 2001. While in New York, Meredith studied at Bank Street College of Ed. and met her husband, Yaniv, who has been conductor of the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra for the last ten years.
Meredith and Yaniv have two children, Jonah who is dual enrolled at BFPP and Shuksan, and Lyla, who will be a first grader at Columbia in the fall. Their family loves the performing arts, gathering with friends, playing outside, and their Corgi-Chihuahua pup, Gracie.
Upcoming Events
Friday 6/9 Last Day of Enrichment Classes
6/12-6/16 Drop-In Clean Up Crew
Wednesday 6/14 All Laptop, Curriculum, and Library Book Returns Due
Thursday 6/15: 12-2pm Craft Fair and Carnival Games on Playfield
Friday 6/16 Last Day of School
Clean Up Crew
Drop in next week to assist with a list of school beautifying tasks including:
- Helping with clean up and organizing shared community spaces (Family Lounge, Communicator Room, Library)
- Clearing bulletin boards
- Cleaning off white boards
- Wiping down chairs, stools, tables
- Straightening books in the library
- Helping clean laptops
- Sorting markers (discarding those that no longer work)
- Sharpening pencils (colored and regular)
- Free store; spruce up, add lost and found, identify items to donate and donate
- Other duties as assigned 😊
Lost & Found
Locker Clean Out
We'll be removing any left-behind locks and the contents of the lockers over the summer.
Got Books?
If you’d like to see a book that is not currently in our library collection, please feel free to add it to our wish list!
We will try to include it in our next year’s purchase.
There are 3 ways to add a book to our wish list:
2) We have a clipboard in our BFPP library you can write in the book title
3) Email Peggy and let her know your request
Laptops, Curriculum, & Library Books Return
ALL DEVICES (LAPTOPS) AND LIBRARY BOOKS NEED TO BE RETURNED BY JUNE 14TH.
You will receive a fresh updated laptop in the fall.
If you are planning on returning next school year, you can keep your curriculum materials to use next year. If you are not returning in the fall, please return all your materials before school ends.
If you have any questions, please contact Peggy.
Craft Fair & Carnival Games
Families, friends, and neighbors - Join us next Thursday, June 15th from 12-2pm and enjoy the talents of the over 40 student crafters, makers, and bakers who will be setting up shop on the playfield.
It's not too late to sign up - Please click here to reserve your selling spot by this Sunday, June 11th.
5th Grade Track Meet
Earthways Nature Education
Nature school in a real forest! For over 20 years, Earthways Nature Education has created experiences to support deep and lasting connection to the natural world. Earthways curriculum for children ages 5-12 comprises Language of the Birds, study of local animals and habitat, native plant and tree species identification including edible and medicinal plants, ethical harvesting principles, primitive shelter construction, fire building and safety, carving, aidless navigation, mapping and art. Our completely outdoor facility sits on a mountainside surrounded by lush forest, wetlands, waterfalls, creeks and ponds - the perfect environment for embodied learning including hiking on miles of trails, immersive sit spot time, sensory-awareness games and endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
"Earthways significantly influenced my decision to homeschool my daughter nine years ago. After a busy week of homeschooling, we anticipate our time at Earthways! The outdoor classroom is where the kids learn skills like carving, fire making and safety, and leatherwork. The forest is the ultimate teacher and students experience it fully when they hike, observe, identify and have plenty of time for both structured and unstructured play. My 13-year old daughter, Sophia, is one of the oldest students and often takes on the role of mentoring younger kids and inspiring them by creating beautiful, functional tools like the canoe paddle she just finished. My six year-old son who has been participating in Earthways the past two school years, is a very sensitive, sensory child. Cody and Terry work patiently with him and he has grown immensely and is developing friendships within the group. At this point, I cannot imagine my children growing up without the Earthways community as part of their educational journey!”
— Earthways mother and mentor, Jennifer Karnecki
Class meets on Friday from 10-3 from September to early June. Applications for 2023-24 school year now being accepted. For more information or to receive an application for admission, please contact Terry at (360) 671-0835 or terry@earthwaysnature.org
Bellingham Library Summer Reading Program
The Summer Reading Program is in full swing at the Bellingham Public Library and runs through Aug. 31. There is something for everyone — from our youngest learners to teens to adults. Check out their program information here. Have a wonderful summer of reading!
Summer Camp Opportunities
Family Support Services
Save the Date! August 19th: District Block Party
The Block Party is returning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 hosted at Bellingham High School. As in previous years, families will be able to visit with school and community tables obtaining useful information and resources before the start of the 2023-24 school year. There will be limited appointments available for haircuts, sports physicals and vaccines. Free lunch will be provided from food trucks. Stay tuned for more information in early August.