BFPP NEWS

Dear BFPP Families,

Spring is in the air, and we are buzzing with excitement for the season ahead! As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, there's a sense of renewal and opportunity all around us. It's a time for growth, exploration, and endless possibilities.

We want to remind you that spring break is just around the corner, from April 1st to April 5th. It's the perfect opportunity for families to recharge, relax, and spend quality time together. Whether you're planning a fun-filled vacation or enjoying a staycation right here at home in Whatcom, we hope you make the most of this well-deserved break.

As we enter this season, there are plenty of ways to stay connected and engaged with our school community. Our newsletter is filled with exciting updates, upcoming events, and opportunities for involvement. From helping with TPEST (see below), organizing our first Move-a-thon fundraiser (also below), to participating in parent workshops, there's something for everyone to get involved in and contribute. We know that the sense of belonging that is felt all around BFPP comes from sharing our gifts and building opportunities for gathering.

We encourage you to explore the newsletter, mark your calendars with important dates, and join us in making this spring a memorable and enriching experience for our entire school community. Together, we can make the most of this season of growth and renewal.

Wishing you all a wonderful spring season ahead!

Warmly,

Dr. K

PS – big shout out to Rachel and the Math Club. Pi Day was a hit!!

*Wednesday Community Meals: 11:45-12:30 in Multipurpose Room*

Thursday, March 21st 10-11am: Tea With Kate

Wednesday, March 20th 10am: Spring Fundraiser Planning Meeting

Friday, March 22nd 1-2:30pm: LTW: Supporting Mid-level Writers

Wednesday, March 27th 10am: TPEST Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 28th 10:30-11:30: Salmon Release at Fairhaven Park

April 1st-5th: Spring Break

What do you DO, KNOW or LOVE that you’d be willing to share with us?

We’re always on the lookout for amazing humans who want to share their energy, funds of knowledge, and creative genius with us! Remember, the power of community comes from all of US! With this in mind, we’ve created a pathway for you to share your ideas about partnering with us HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/3RH2R20PH8

It is that time of year when we start making some plans for the next academic year. Calling all TPEST (The Parent Enrichment Schedule Team) members and those who would like to join! Last year TPEST worked to develop some parameters and requests regarding the enrichment schedule. While we don’t anticipate a rewrite, it is always good to review and affirm what worked and investigate what didn’t.

Wednesday, March 27th at 10:00am

Global Citizen Room

RSVP to Kate.baehr@bellinghamschools.org

Ready to plan a spring fundraiser? In the fall several families gathered and talked about doing a spring fundraiser….maybe a Move-a-thon??

We also brainstormed some possible uses for funds, such as::

• Field trips (class and community wide)
• Club (Math, Future City, etc.)
• 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 are interested in helping to plan and implement let’s get together!

Wednesday, March 20th at 10:00am

Global Citizen Room

RSVP with kate.baehr@bellinghamschools.org

BFPP Parent Panel: Who We Are and Why We Do This

This workshop is being created to showcase the MANY amazing families who are among our community and committed to the dynamic work of home learning. This is an opportunity to gather to share our stories about how we are living, loving and nurturing our kids. This is an opportunity to explore how other families approach this unique work of home learning and nest it in the great support of this diverse community .

• April: TBA
• Curious about being part of the panel or helping to organize it? Please join us for an informational Meeting on Thursday, April 11th at 11:00am in the Performer Creator Room

Routine water testing results

In compliance with Washington state law (RCW 28A.210.410 and 43.70.830), drinking water outlets are tested for lead once every five years in all K-12 public schools with plumbing installed before 2016. The intent of this law is to reduce children’s overall exposure to lead in the environment. While the likelihood of school drinking water alone causing an elevated blood lead level is very low, it is important to reduce exposure from every source as much as possible.

On November 3, 2023 the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) sampled and tested the drinking water in 13 faucets at the Larrabee building used for drinking or food preparation; we received test results on March 7, 2024. The results showed zero faucets with elevated lead levels, which the law defines as above five parts per billion (ppb).

We work closely with DOH and Whatcom County Health and Community Services on lead testing and remediation. You can learn more about lead and testing and find BFPP test results and action plan on the BPS lead webpage. You can also visit the DOH website to learn more about lead and steps you can take to lower the chances of lead exposure in your home.

For questions, please contact our Health Services department at bps.health@bellinghamschools.org.

Please set aside 5-10 minutes and help us collect important information about how our families and students experience our school: bellinghamschools.org/familyfeedback. We use this confidential information to help us know what we’re doing well and how we can continue to grow and improve here at Bellingham Family Partnership Program.

Supporting Mid-Level Writers with Expository Writing ~ March 22nd 1-2:30pm

Looking for a painless process to get more writing from your learner? Join Erin McCarthy, veteran academic writing teacher, for a family workshop that teaches how to use a “step-up-to-writing” process to support mid-level writers (grades 5-10) through the drafting process. Focus on effective informative writing techniques and 5 paragraph essays. This workshop is created to teach adult learners how to guide this writing process at home. (Student writers are welcome with a parent). This workshop will meet for 90 minutes.

• Friday, 3/22 1pm-2:30 in Performer/Creator Room
• Please RSVP to Erin at erin.mccarthy@bellinghamschools.org

Mark your calendars: State testing (SBA) is coming… April 22, 23, 24 and 26th. More information is coming soon.

Incoming 9th Grade Family Nights

Monday, March 18th 6:30-8:00pm at

• Bellingham High School
• Sehome High School
• Squalicum High School

Thursday, March 21st 6:30-8:00pm at

• Options High School

Dr. William Jackson, principal at Nathan Hale High School and recipient of the prestigious Secondary Principal of the Year for Washington State award, will be visiting Bellingham Public Schools on March 21 and 22.

Dr. Jackson is renowned for his visionary leadership style, which revolves around the core principle of "honoring the brilliance of students by centering their voice in [the] curricular and school design."

Bellingham Public Schools invites you to join the family conversation at Bellingham High School on March 21 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Embrace the opportunity to be part of this transformative discourse, centered around the vital role of family in education.

RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/EKMRH5Z7Ra

Where: Ragfinery Community Classroom

When: Thursdays, 2:00pm - 3:30pm.

March 7, April 4+18, May 2+30, June 13
Who: Ages 8 to 88 - Invite your friends to RSVP too!
Cost: Free to attend, with an optional donation to Ragfinery

More info here! Please read before you RSVP.
To be added to the club’s email list, fill in this Google Doc form. Limited to 10 attendees per session (classroom limit). Walk-ins are welcome if there are open spots.

Do you have something to share with our BFPP community? We're always on the lookout for events, resources, and opportunities of interest to our families. Please email your newsletter submissions to Heidi Zollner.

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