BFPP NEWS

Dear BFPP Families,

Things are hopping around here. This will probably be the longest Principal's Corner all year...here goes!

Each spring we have the opportunity to look deeply into our program model and refine the shape of this parent partnership program. So far this spring we have invited families to inform the work we do with the enrichment schedule (TPEST), BFPP high school, Tea with Kate and all the priceless conversations and impromptu "do you have just a minute" . These collaborations are always insightful and anchored to our mission of “together we achieve more"! Another important opportunity is through gathering survey data. Please submit your input by June 1 here: https://forms.office.com/r/gq6EWwZSgt We will review this input as a staff and share the outcomes with you.

As mentioned we are connecting on High School at BFPP. We had a thought partner meeting this week and are gearing up for the next gathering. Please join us on 5/24 at 2pm in the Cabin to discuss all the possibilities for "What does life look like after BFPP?". We are pulling together a panel of families (including students) that are living that right now. We also hope to share what the options are for students and how we can support with resources, community and continued family engagement. Again, please join us (one and all) on Wednesday, May 24th at 2pm.

We have the opportunity at BFPP to provide a great resource with our Enrichment Schedule. This is not required to meet ALE compliance with the state, however we believe that families and students are seeking a community and value the high interest, community building, better done in a group and too messy for the kitchen sink classes. We are however first and foremost a home learning support program. The Enrichment Schedule is intended to be just that, optional enrichment to home learning...never in place of or supplanting.

When asked about how often families should be on campus or the number of classes they enroll in we give some strong recommendations. For kids who are enrolled with us full time we are “strongly recommending” they take no more than 3 classes (shared enrollment students are recommended no more than 1 or 2 classes, if any). Typically with the enrichment classes the expectation is not to have students take the same course for multiple years. We don’t want unintended tracking to happen and we hope that there are other learning opportunities that are of interest. The idea is to inspire learning, try new things, and build on discovery, exploration and experience. Enrichment is just a piece in the puzzle of a robust learning plan that primarily focuses on home learning.

The enrichment schedule is coming together, but there are challenges. We are working on honoring all the requests...but as you can imagine that is just not possible. There are many factors, but one is the limited size of our staff. You have heard by now that there is a budget shortfall in education, Bellingham Public Schools and BFPP are effected by these and we are all feeling the crunch. There are some staffing changes and just like class sizes may go up in our comprehensive schools our caseloads will likely increase too. We are fortunate in some ways and try to hold hope for some additions to happen in the fall but yes we are losing some staff and yes we are needing to do more with less.

The Enrichment Schedule will be available for you to view on May 26th in ALE*. It will be more consistent, predictable and full of great learning opportunities. We love our classes and know that you do too! Regarding registration, our intention is to have a June 1st – top 1 class, June 2nd - 2 more, total of three possible classes. Then in the fall, day 1 will be limited to 3 (so families can change or new families can register) and day 2 – will be open to fill spots. That way hopefully students will get their top choice and a few extra.

More information will be sent out in the next newsletter on May 26th!! Thanks for reading to the end....now go and enjoy some sunshine!

Warmly, Principal Kate

5 Weeks of School Left...

5/15-6/9 iReady Spring Assessment Window

Monday 5/15: 10 am Kindergarten Open House

Friday 5/19 No School

5/22-5/23: 9am-11am MAP Testing in BFPP Library

Wednesday 5/24: 2pm High School Thought Partner Meeting

Wednesday 5/24: 11am and 6:30pm Willy Wonka Performance in the Gym

Thursday 5/25: 6:30pm Willy Wonka Performance in the Gym

Friday 5/26 Enrichment Class Schedule Published in AL*e

Wednesday 5/31: 3-4pm Talent Show Rehearsal

Thursday 6/1: 1-2pm Talent Show

Thursday & Friday 6/1 & 6/2 Fall Enrichment Class Registration

Friday 6/2 5th Grade Track Meet at Civic Field

Thursday 6/8 8th Grade Celebration

Friday 6/9 Last Day of Enrichment Classes

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

May 15th at 10a.m.

Families of rising kindergarteners! Join us for a tour of our campus, meet our kindergarten teacher, Sammy, our language and theater teacher Carol, and our principal Kate. There will also be a tour of the other learning spaces that make the Partnership so magical! Snacks, tea, and coffee will be provided along with genuine conversation with current families and staff.

We look forward to meeting you!

Sammy Cousens

Home Learning 101 Workshop

New to BFPP? Please join us!

Friday, June 2 at 11-12:30 pm (Onsite)

Hi Families! Are you new to BFPP and looking for ways to wrap your head around how you start this new chapter called: Home Schooling…? We’ll this is the PERFECT workshop for you. Please join us for this 90-minute interactive learning experience that will have you addressing the routines, rhythms and relationships that are at the core of a strong home learning program.

This Learning Together workshop is facilitated by BFPP Instructional Coach and former homeschool parent, Erin McCarthy. In it we will focus on the home management techniques that support families in their roles as primary educators. The intended audience for this workshop is adults who are new/newish to home schooling and who have chosen this option for a variety of reasons and now just may need a little support from a partner about how to start and build ahead. I’m here to help with LOTS to share. Join us!

Please RSVP Erin by 5/31: erin.mccarthy@bellinghamschools.org.

When: Mondays in May, 10:30-11:30am in the Fort

Questions? Contact BFPP parent Siv Spain or Teacher Jackie Brown.

The Children's Art Walk officially opened last Friday. Art from BFPP is displayed at the Pickford Theater and the Allied Arts office for one more week!

When the show ends, we will announce when your art is ready for pickup at BFPP.

Questions? Please contact BFPP parents Lisa Spreyer or Teresa Halfacre.

Do you have a talent, passion, or entertaining act to share with our community? The BFPP Talent Show will be held on Thursday, June 1, from 1-2pm. Applications are due today!

All ages are welcome to participate, including individuals, families, and small groups. And although we love your pets, acts are open to humans only!

Acts should run no longer than 4 minutes. To apply, simply fill out the online form, or pick up a paper copy on campus (no auditions necessary). Completed paper forms may be turned in to Erica Wolverton.

Participants will also be asked to attend a dress rehearsal on Wednesday, May 31, from 3-4 pm.

Questions? Reach out to Erica Wolverton or Laura McGough.

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.

Calling all crafters, makers, and bakers! Join in on the fun of one more craft fair before summer break.

Something new we'd like to try - carnival games! Design your own game- along the lines of "ring the milk bottle," or "fish for a prize," or "put-put golf." Make a game for folks to play for free, or sell tickets and award prizes, it's up to you. Google "DIY Carnival Games" if you need inspiration.

Mark your calendars for a Craft Fair with Carnival Games outside on the BFPP playfield - Thursday June 15th from 12-2pm.

Please click here to reserve your selling spot.

Our caterpillars are getting ready to move on to their next stage of life!

May 23rd 6:30-8:30pm at Happy Valley Elementary

Happy Valley PTA is hosting a wonderful event showcasing student learning around the Since Time Immemorial curriculum. Children of the Setting Sun Productions and Whatcom CARE are also sponsors. The event will display student work and will also include food, music and more! Please RSVP so they can plan to have enough food.

This is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about the Since Time Immemorial curriculum, and to learn more about how you may incorporate it into your own family’s learning.

This twice-monthly program offers opportunities for kids ages 10 to 18 to sell their hand-crafted and homegrown items at market. Young Entrepreneurs are welcome to sell all sorts of handmade and homegrown items. Kids can sell fruits and vegetables from the garden, jewelry, artwork, knitted/crocheted crafts, soaps, lotions, and more. Click here to see all the details and sign up!

Check out these familiar faces and the awesome things they're up to in the Cascadia Daily!

Have an event, talent, idea, or interest to share with the BFPP community at large? Please consider sharing via the newsletter! Email Heidi with your contributions. Thank you!

Next newsletter: Friday, May 26th.

Contributions deadline - Wednesday, May 24th.

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Website: https://fpp.bellinghamschools.org
Location: 1409 18th Street, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 676-6424