Communications and Community Relations

Communications and Community Relations provides information to a variety of stakeholders, including students, staff, families, news media and community members.

We communicate accurate and timely news about schools, programs, achievements of students and staff, opportunities for input, decisions and district policies, programs, procedures, achievements, decisions, critical education issues and emergency/weather information.

Media Relations

Reporters can contact Dana Smith, Assistant Director of Communications, via email or at 360-676-6520.

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Family Handbook and Calendar

An annual publication of Bellingham Public Schools sent in the summer mailing ahead of the start of school every school year. The 2025-26 version is found online.

InsideSchools

InsideSchools is our community newsletter. It is mailed to homes and businesses three to four times per year. See the latest editions below.

Winter 2026 (e-zine)

Fall 2025 (e-zine)

Spring 2025 (e-zine)

Winter 2025 (e-zine)

Fall 2024 (e-zine)

Spring 2024 (e-zine)

Recent Awards

The following Communications projects or staff received recognition from state and national communications organizations, shining light on the great people and work of Bellingham Public Schools:

2024-25 Learning and Liberty Award, Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA)
Jackie Brawley, Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations, Bellingham Public Schools

Video

Class of 2024: A retrospective look at students from the Class of 2024. The students who graduated in June 2024 are our district’s first graduating class to start with us as full-time kindergartners. It is moving to hear their current and past selves’ thoughts and reflections on their 13 years with our staff and in our schools (WSPRA, 2024; NSPRA 2025)
2022 Bellingham Promise Awards : highlighting stories about annual staff and volunteer recognition program honorees. (WSPRA, 2023)

Special publications

Bellingham Public Schools Climate Action Plan to share information about steps BPS is taking in sustainability (WSPRA, 2024).
Bellingham Public Schools budget book to share information about the fiscal year budget. (WSPRA, 2023)

Social Media

“Outstanding Photography Award” for photo coverage and sharing of 2022 graduation ceremonies for Bellingham, Options, Sehome and Squalicum high schools (SocialSchool4EDU, 2023)
“Fantastic Facilities Campaign Award” for the bond fact sheet, social media posts and videos (CT, 15^th elementary and sustainability, accessibility) produced ahead of the February 2022 election. (SocialSchool4EDU, 2022)

Print Newsletter or Mailer