Students, staff shine at school board visits  

Our school board engages with students, staff and families in many ways, including school visits, which take place about once per month and provide the opportunity for the visited school to share important work and priorities for their site. 

Here are a few highlights from the winter and spring of the 2025-26 school year.  

The board’s visit to Whatcom Middle School in December focused on belonging, the heart of Whatcom’s approach to building relationships and student connections. The students and staff at WMS highlighted their work with Western Washington University’s student teachers, and Whatcom students shared that AVID classes have helped them stay organized, study efficiently and better understand what they are learning in class.   

A Carl Cozier Elementary visit in February included updates on staff development goals related to social emotional learning, literacy, attendance and family engagement. They showcased their gratitude tree in the cafeteria, which included notes of thanks from students, and their schoolwide buddy program, which fosters cross-grade level friendships.  

Staff at Cordata Elementary in March highlighted the school’s emphasis on creating a strong community and identity within lessons and in the classroom, while consistently centering student voice. The school prides itself on its diverse student body; staff and students celebrate and focus on diversity as a strength. Students lead the daily morning announcements, which are in English and Spanish.    

The board heard from staff and students at Options High School in May about the magic of co-teaching and how important it is for all students to be accepted. Options is the only high school of choice in our district. Many expressed that there are a lot of different reasons students choose this school from different learning styles to anxiety to neurodivergence.  One student shared that Options is the first school she has ever felt seen and heard. Principal Bethany Barrett shared that their approach to teaching is "relationships first."  

Superintendent Greg Baker and the executive team join the board and participate in these visits, as well. You can read more about their visits in Fall 2025 to Columbia, Parkview and Birchwood elementary schools.