BFPP NEWS
Friday, January 24th, 2025
Principal's Corner
Dear BFPP Families,
Hopefully you have either met or set a time to meet with your Learning Plan Partner to have your mid-year conversations. It is always a fun time, with lots of good energy and optimism.
It is also time for the switch to second semester. We are re-sending the important dates and information below about registration. Also, we have a few updates since the schedule was sent out last week so please look again....carefully!!
Notable:
- Check out the dates below.
- Many classes are continuing, some with the same students and some you need to recommit and register for. There are also a few new offerings. You can tell if your class is continuing by looking at the dates in AL*e.
- Below are some of the highlighted changes (removals and ADDITIONS). These are mostly due to a staffing change, but hopefully we filled some of the need.
- As always, the schedule and offerings continue to change. Peggy and Sheri have the most up to date schedules. We love adding clubs, Creative Connections and workshops. Those are highlighted in the newsletter, be on the lookout.
- We do recognize a bit of a "gap" or loss with Art and Mindfulness (5-8) and Art Journaling (6-8) needing to be removed from the schedule. We are doing some creative thinking so look for announcements on that. Please consider Manga and Me or Guided Drawing, which are great alternatives.
Take some time over the next few days to make sure you can log into AL*e. At the bottom of every newsletter, you will find links with instructions on how to log-in and how to register.
Reach out with questions or if you need help logging in.
In partnership, Principal Kate
Registration Reminders
- The registration window starts at 8:00am on the 1/28 and continues through 1/29.
- The mid-year registration is open enrollment, meaning we don't set a limit as students are already registered for some classes. We continue to recommend that families are on campus 2 or less days. Please don't overload your schedule and hold spots. There are many families that would love to add classes to their schedule too!
- Waitlists will be on 1/30 in the Collaborator Room. We can't hold spots during the open registration window so the waitlists will begin the day after.
Upcoming Events at BFPP
Thurs. 1/23-Fri. 1/31: Learning Plan Meetings ~ No Classes
Mon. 1/27, 10-12pm: One-Point Perspective Drawing Workshop
Tues, 1/28, 12pm: Staff Appreciation Potluck
Tues. 1/28-Wed. 1/29: Registration for SEM2 Enrichment Classes
Wed. 1/29, 10-12pm: One-Point Perspective Drawing Workshop
Thurs. 1/30: Waitlists available for SEM2 Enrichment Classes
Mon. 2/3: 2nd Semester Enrichment Classes Begin
Mon. 2/3, 12:30-1:30: Programming Club Begins
Mon. 2/3, 2-3pm: Physics Club Begins
Tues. 2/4. 11-12: Parent Book Club Begins
Enrichment Schedule Additions and Removals: Check out what is new!!
Globe Trotters: Adventures Around the World - Monday at 12:20-1:25pm K-3 with Teacher Tara
Get ready for a global adventure! Explore all seven continents through real photos, maps, and fun activities while learning about weather, animals, landmarks, and more. Complete hands-on STEM challenges, earn passport stamps, and discover how science and teamwork connect us to amazing places!
Book and Cook - Tuesday at 12:30-2:00pm K-1 with Teacher Piper
Class held once a week for 1.5 hours from 2/3-4/1. Families will sign up as classroom helpers on a rotating basis. What's better than a good story and comfort food? In this class we'll offer a range of developmentally appropriate kitchen skills for our younger learners: mixing, baking, blending, assembling, chopping, etc... Each class will feature a recipe & a storybook for our culinary adventure. Class will include some outdoor time for eating and playing. We may also embark on excursions in our Happy Valley/Fairhaven neighborhood. Each student will create a cookbook of the recipes they make in class. Students are encouraged to share a recipe & story from home.
Making Maps - Wednesday at 9-10:00am K-2 with Teacher Tara
In this fun class, you'll get to explore the different landforms that make up our Earth, like mountains, rivers, and deserts! You'll also learn how to read and make your own maps. It’s a great way to understand the world around you while being creative and hands-on!
Prose Pros: Poetry - Wednesday at 10-11:00am 2-3 with Teacher Tara
Dive into the world of words for a fun and creative poetry writing adventure! We'll explore different types of poems, use our imaginations to paint pictures with words and get even more creative by adding art to our poetry. It’s a great way to express yourself and have fun with language and creativity!
Manga & Me with Counselor Jess
Semester 2: Workshop Series 1
Dates: February 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th
Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm
Location: Global Citizen Room
Are you a fan of manga and/or graphic novels? Are you not a fan yet but interested in learning more? Come join in! In this four-part workshop series we will use manga and graphic novel styles to explore personality, relationships, emotions, and storytelling. Email me with any questions. Hope to see you there!
Sensory Exploration
Teacher Sammy & Counselor Jess present – Family Workshops for BFPP learners and their guardians to explore how sensory input can impact our lives. Be on the lookout for more information soon!
K-2 Series: March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
6-8 Series: April 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29rd
3-5 Series: May 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
SEM2 Enrichment Classes
Staff Appreciation ~ 1/28
Tuesday, January 28th at noon
Let's fuel our teachers and staff with yummy snacks and drinks while they meet with families, update learning plans, and prep for second semester classes.
Sign up here to bring an item or donate $5 to potluck supplies.
Thank you in advance! The staff are always SO appreciative of our potlucks. My favorite part is seeing the unique and yummy items families bring!
-Heidi
Drawing Workshop ~ 1/27 or 1/29
Monday, 1/27 3rd-5th 10-12noon in the Fort OR
Wednesday, 1/29 6th-8th 10-12noon in the Fort
One-Point Perspective Drawing Workshop- 1 session
Learn how to make your drawings come to life with one-point perspective! In this fun and creative class, you’ll discover how to use a vanishing point and horizon line to create the illusion of depth and space on paper. Step by step, you’ll design your own city street, mastering the basics of perspective drawing along the way. By the end of the class, you’ll have a completed artwork that shows off your new skills! Perfect for young artists ready to take their drawings to the next level.
Offered by Teacher Tara.
WA State History for Middle Schoolers
If you are a 7th or 8th grade, please plan how you will accomplish the WA State History graduation requirement this semester. We can build a learning experience, you can complete an online learning module, or you can register for the in-person WA State History class this semester!
Spanish for Middle Schoolers
Interested in speaking some Spanish? There is lots of room in the 6-8 grade Spanish class, on Mondays from 12:30-1:25. This is a fun, low-stress class which focuses on simple conversation, common vocabulary and basic grammar. We also delve into cultural studies including music, art, geography, etc. I hope to see some new faces next semester!
--Maestra Carol
New: Movement/PE Clubs
Think about participating in movement/PE clubs that our school counselor, Jess, and teacher Brooke Wertz are facilitating!
Parents and kids can participate in all or any of these. We recommend students and parents learn and play side-by-side for each meeting in the series. Maybe there will be a family that wants to take the lead to continue the club into the future!
March: Running/Walking/Movement Club for Grades 3-HS, Wednesdays in March 10:00-11:00, meet at The Cabin at BFPP
April: Mountain Biking Club for Grades 3-HS: Fridays in April 4:00-6:00, meet at the Galbraith Parking Lot
May: Recess Fun Time for Grades 3-HS, Wednesdays in March 10:00-11:00, meet at The Cabin at BFPP
New: Parent Book Club
You're Invited to a BFPP Book Club for parents!
First Tuesday Parent Book Club w/ Brooke Wertz (teacher) & Gretchen Anderson (BFPP parent)
Let’s come together to discuss good reads! This is an open format book club with the adult reader in mind. We may/may not choose to read some of the same titles and we will definitely share recommendations.
The goals for this book club are:
- Reading for ourselves and our balance
- Reading as models for our children
- Sharing recommendations and resources
- Let’s create community through a shared appreciation of book love!
Meeting are the first Tuesday of each month in the BFPP Library 11:00-12:00.
2/4, 3/4, 4/1, 5/6, 6/3
Bring a mug of your favorite drink. Excited to see you!
New: Programming Club & Physics Club
Join us for two new clubs at BFPP for ages 10 and up - starting February 3rd!
Computer Programming: Mondays 12:30 - 1:30 starting Feb 3rd
Learn how websites are built, build your own and make them interactive! We'll start off by learning HTML and CSS and then start learning JavaScript. All you need is a laptop and a desire to learn. Parents are welcome to join us.
Physics with CrunchLabs: Mondays 2:00 - 3:00 starting Feb 3rd
Mark Rober is now offering a physics class and we'd love to work through it with other families: https://www.crunchlabs.com/pages/class-unit-1 watch videos and do experiments together. It starts with Forces and Motion.
Both clubs are at BFPP downstairs in the Multi-purpose Room.
Contact Josh Shupack to sign up or with questions: yNaught@gmail.com
Parkscriptions for Middle Schoolers ~ Fridays
Email Staci at Recreation Northwest with questions or to RSVP.
Wanted: Library Book Suggestions
We're looking for recommendations and suggestions for new titles for our library! Please visit our library catalog to see what's available, and then email Sheri your suggestions or fill out the request form on the library catalog home page.
BFPP Apparel ~ Order by 1/31
Order your BFPP T-shirts and zip-up hoodies! Due 1/31!
Ordering info here: https://forms.office.com/r/aLq1cbxP5q
T-shirts are Bella+Canvas 3001. Size Chart
Zip hoodies are Bella+Canvas 3739. Size Chart
Questions? Ask Meredith!
Sock Drive
The sock drive is off to a great start! The Leadership in Action class is collecting new socks for the school district's Family Resource Center until January 31st. Look for the donation bin and dresser on the main floor. A big thank you to all who've donated!
5th Grade Experiences
Calling all 5th graders! The last year of elementary school brings with it a number of special events- Mountain School, 5th Grade Track Meet, puberty presentations, and more!
Please fill out this form to indicate your interest in participating in some or all of these opportunities.
Wade King Chess Tournament ~ 2/1
Hara Dance Aikido Kids Class
If your child (ages 4 and up) is interested in taking an Aikido class, there is the potential for a class to be offered on Tuesdays, from 4:30-5:30, at the Aikido Peace Education Center (1101 N State St #200). A minimum of 10 students is needed for the class to run. Adults are welcome to take the class with their child/children.
If you are interested, and for more information, please contact Rob haradancerob@gmail.com, or fill out the contact form on their website: https://www.haradance.net/contact . Hopefully we can get enough interest to run a class! Thank you! ~Siv Spain
Next Newsletter: Friday, January 31st
Newsletter contributions always welcome! Please send items of interest to our school community to Heidi Zollner.