BFPP NEWS

Dear BFPP Families,

There is some talk about how to help with enriching our program and the recognition that any enhancements will likely require funding. Therefore, we've started a conversation about fundraising at BFPP. A small (but mighty) group of families gathered to dive in. We are hoping others are interested and as passionate about helping this move forward.

The link below will take you to the district guidelines on fundraisers and celebrations.

https://bellinghamschools.org/families/information-for-parent-groups/

Here is some of the thinking so far (please add or revise if I missed anything):

• Priority is focusing on whole family and community events.
• This fall have a baked goods for sale at the Fall Harvest Festival and Craft Fair.
• Focus on supporting the “Gift Card Drive” lead by Megan and Erica
• Still have MOD Pizza and Village Books days
• The other fundraising ideas included “bigger” events that would include families collecting flat pledges (ie. $10 or $25) for participation. We would encourage everyone to participate even if they couldn’t collect funds. There would be collection envelopes, we would investigate Venmo as an option for collection, and see if there could be coupons given to student who return envelopes (no prizes and okay if no funds, just encouraging follow through).
• Sometime around the semester change (Dr. Seuss’ birthday, MLKJr Day or during the mid-year break) have a Read In.
• Come in with books, guest readers, bring blankets/pillows/stuffies
• Read as a family or with friends
• For Earth Day have a “Earth Ambassador” collection.
• Provide a list of various Earth Day activities
• In the spring have a “Move-A-Thon”
• Dancing in the gym, walking/running around the playground, see about closing the streets around school for bikes and strollers

Some of the projects or items that could be sponsored with these funds include:

• Field trips (class and community wide)
• Math Club
• Future City Club
• Lego League
• Instruments
• Community Art Projects (mural)
• Curriculum supports that can’t be covered with public funds (ie. Art supplies)
• Assistance for families
• Food/cooking projects
• 5th grade t-shirts for all district track meet
• 8th grade celebration and pictures
• Community events (ie. Fall Festival, movie nights….)

If you can join, we will be meeting again on October 18th at 10am in the Collaborator Room.

Thanks for considering,

Dr. Kate

Tuesday, Oct. 10th 10-3:30pm: School Photos

Tuesday, Oct. 10th 12:30-1:30pm: Tea With Kate

Friday, Oct. 13th: No School, Teacher Workday

Tuesday, Oct. 17th 10-12pm: Learning Together Workshop (part 1 of 2)

Thursday, Oct. 19th 10-12pm: Learning Together Workshop (part 1 of 2)

Thursday, Oct. 19th: Earthquake Drill

Friday, Oct. 20th 12:30-1:30pm: 5th Grade Puberty Lessons Begin

Week of Oct. 23rd: Creative Connections Begins

Wednesday, Oct. 25th 10:30-12pm & 6-7:30pm: Theater Spooktacular

Friday, Oct. 27th 1:30-3pm: Field Trip to Maritime Heritage Park

Join Principal Kate for a cup of tea & conversation in the reception/entry area.

BYOM – Bring Your Own Mug!

Held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12:30-1:30pm

• October 10th
• November 14th
• December 12th
• January 9th

This Learning Together Workshop will be a fun, hands-on, lighthearted way to know your learner by looking at all the ways we learn, all the ways we love, all the ways we celebrate the many unique styles that exist within a family and all the tools we have to use to help make home learning as smooth and engaging as possible for everyone in the family.

Topics covered will be: Multiple Intelligences, Learning Style Profiles, Environmental preference awareness including information on sensory seeking and sensory avoiding and Love languages.

Please join us for this important and helpful opportunity to learn in community. Please click here to register. and contact Counselor Erica with questions.

The BFPP Theatre Class presents Spooktacular on Wednesday, October 25th from 10:30-12:00 and 6:00-7:30 PM in the gym.

Prepare for a spooky maze of adventure. Younger kids are invited the first half hour and then older students will be guided through the entire maze. There will be a live performance by talented ghouls midway through the event, culminating in a Monster Dance party.

The event is free! Donations for our theater program will be gratefully accepted.

5th Grade students are invited to participate in some organized events on Fridays.

Last week we had a delightful meet and greet with students and parents on the playground. Today we are learning about watersheds with some hands-on investigations. The next three Fridays (10/20, 10/27, 11/3) students are invited to learn about puberty (body basics, pregnancy and reproduction and HIV.) We are also planning some field trips and more fun.

Fill out this form to indicate your interest in attending any of the activities. Events will also be posted outside the Innovator Room. Please contact Teacher Marci with questions.

Now that the students are all settled into classes and routines it’s time for the adults to have some fun too. Beginning the week of October 23rd, parents and staff will offer year-long connection and creativity opportunities for adults called CREATIVE CONNECTIONS. Look for the schedule in the next newsletter, and take a look at the bulletin board outside the kitchen for a sneak peak at upcoming opportunities.

At the very bottom of each newsletter are these handy informational links - check them out!

• Welcome Guide

• BFPP Calendar
• Staff Directory
• Clubs
• AL*e Parent Login
• AL*e Parent Login Instructions
• How to Use AL*e to Register for Classes
• Vision, Mission, and Core Beliefs
• Newsletter Archive

Check out the library book displays about current holidays and observances!

Please read these books on site as they are borrowed from Bellingham Public Library.

If you have a holiday or observance you'd like represented, please contact Teacher Meredith.

(1) Fill out the volunteer program form using the following link:

Volunteer Program – Bellingham Public Schools (bellinghamschools.org)

(Make sure you have 4 GREEN check marks indicating you completed all steps)

2) Once you have completed and have received an approval email, let Peggy know that you have been approved.

3) Give Peggy 1 week to get your badge printed.

4) Check the Volunteer Badge list located above the Family Mailboxes, to see if your badge is ready. If your name is listed that means your badge is in your mailbox.

I am looking for family members or friends who would be willing to visit my "Around the Globe With World Languages" class to share their knowledge of a heritage or world language and/or culture.

The class for 2-5 graders meets Monday mornings from 9-10am and a one-time visit is all I'm hoping for.

Last year we had community members share about Farsi, Norwegian, Korean, German, Braille, ASL, Yiddish and Hebrew, and a bit of Morse code!

Please contact me at piper.mertle@bellinghamschools.org

Thank you and Merci Beaucoup! ~Teacher/Madame Piper

There are several free resources for families to take advantage of on campus. On the ground floor is the "Free Store." Here you may 'shop' for items such as household goods, clothing, art supplies, toys, etc. Take what you would like--there's no limit. You may also donate your gently-used items directly to the free store. Please no stained, dirty, or broken items (broken jewelry for crafting is ok).

On the ground floor there is a cork board in the hallway for connecting with others to swap curriculum and other items.

On the main floor we have a "Free Library" in the 'Communicator Room.' There are books of all types. Take as many as you would like! You do not need to return them to BFPP, however you are welcome to. You may also donate your gently used books, curriculum and teaching aids! Please leave Free Library donations at the front desk with Peggy.

Student/Parent-driven clubs are an integral part of BFPP. We have several clubs already underway!

To see a current list of BFPP clubs, click here. You can find this list in the links at the bottom of each newsletter.

*Clubs do not have a sign-in North Star option. Families should plan on remaining on campus during club activities.*

Interested in starting a club? Spend some time thinking about the Topic, Purpose, and Format of your club. Then contact Heidi Zollner or Principal Kate with your idea.

Contact photographer Lynn with questions.

The start date has been pushed back to October 20th and cost adjusted to allow folks more time to sign up!

Adventure Quest at BFPP - Program dates & details

Who: Children aged 6-17
Where: Larrabee school (BFPP) gym & school grounds (outdoors as much as weather permits)
When: Fridays, 12:30-2pm
Oct 20 – Dec 15 (skipping no-school days 11/10, 11/24; 7 days total)
Cost: $168

To register and for more info, please click here.

Join the community celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day to learn from and honor the enduring leadership of Indigenous people near and far in caring for our Mother Earth. All are welcome to attend this free community event. Location, schedule, and (free) transportation details at https://www.wwu.edu/indigenous-peoples-day.

YARC

The Young Adult Review Committee (YARC) is starting up again after a hiatus due to the pandemic. This group for ages 13-18 meets once a month on a weekday afternoon. We'll enjoy pizza while sharing favorites (and not-so-favorites) from the past month, then "shop" for new books from our vast collection of ARCs (advance reader copies). Participants are required to submit at least one short book review each month for our website and the Chuckanut Reader. If interested, please complete this form.

Writing Workshop

Attention avid writers! On October 10, 4-5pm, Village Books is having a teen writing workshop for ages 13-18 in the Readings Gallery at the Fairhaven location. There will be writing activities and we will gauge interest for an ongoing writing club.

What: A workshop series for sharing the routines, tools and learning frameworks to support in establishing (and refining!) a strong home learning experience

When: The next 4-week cohorts begin on 10/11 at 12:30-2pm in the Performer/Creator Room

RSVP: Erin McCarthy at erin.mccarthy@bellinghamschools.org

On October 19, 2023, millions of people will participate in the largest earthquake drill ever: ShakeOut! Why? Earthquakes can happen anywhere you work, live, or travel, which is why everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves should an earthquake occur.

Visit The Great Washington Shakeout for resources to practice and improve your level of earthquake safety.

Check out this resource on social-emotional learning and take a deep dive into character-building traits like grit, kindness, gratitude, and self-control.

Character Lab's tag line is, "Actionable advice for parents and teachers— based on science."

Do you have something to share with our BFPP community? Please email your newsletter submissions to Heidi Zollner.

Welcome Guide

BFPP Calendar

Staff Directory

Clubs

AL*e Parent Login

AL*e Parent Login Instructions

How to Use AL*e to Register for Classes

Vision, Mission, and Core Beliefs

Newsletter Archive

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