In this edition, we are proud to share some stories from the end of last school year and this summer:

• BPS event showcases Indigenous history, learning and culture
• Sehome Mariners take on Ocean Science
• Five BPS schools to install solar panel arrays in 2025
• Reading and writing inspiration with author visit
• BHS, SHS and SQHS in top ten for prestigious WIAA award; Sehome first in state
• Cordata kids go camping in their classroom

BPS event showcases Indigenous history, learning and culture

In May, Bellingham Public Schools held the 3rd Annual John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial Community Night. This year’s event took place in the BPS District Office with visitors engaging in learning and community throughout the building.  

West Shore Canoe Family provided a cultural presentation that included the Lummi Nation anthem and a berry season song to honor and open the event. Emcee daniseten Michael Vendiola shared how song keepers and writers such as Antone George of West Shore are integral to cultural continuity and in creating opportunities for sharing these gifts with the wider community.  

This annual event celebrates collaborative teaching and learning between local tribal nations, Indigenous educators and organizations and all of our BPS schools. Read more...

 

Sehome Mariners take on Ocean Science

The walls outside the Ocean Science classroom at Sehome High School are covered with student posters of recent explorations and studies. In the first semester, posters about marine biologists and their field of work drew in passersby; in the second semester, posters about the variety of orcas took over the walls. From an outsider perspective, it was clear that the classroom engaged students in a variety of ways.

Garrett Knoll is the current Ocean Science teacher at Sehome and brings extensive marine experience to his classroom.

Ocean Science curriculum integrates big picture research and knowledge in oceanography alongside studies of our local bioregion. According to Knoll, his main goal in teaching this class “is to encourage students to care about their natural world and get a better holistic understanding of the diversity of life that is in our oceans.”

“I want them to care about where they live and connect with the habitats and amazing creatures that call the Salish Sea home,” he continued.  Read more...

 

Five BPS schools to install solar arrays

Bellingham Public Schools (BPS) is excited to announce a new partnership with Western Solar and Cascadia Renewables to install grant-funded solar arrays on five BPS schools. This initiative is part of BPS’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and its Climate Action Plan.

Installation of the arrays is scheduled to take place over the summer and fall of 2025 at Alderwood Elementary School, Happy Valley Elementary School, Sunnyland Elementary School, Shuksan Middle School and Options High School. Each of these schools was built “solar-ready,” allowing BPS to act as soon as funding for solar arrays became available.

The solar array installation project is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Read more...

 

Reading and writing inspiration through author visit

Much like the excitement and focus in a basketball arena where Caitlin Clark is playing, author and journalist Meri-Jo Borzilleri’s visit to Birchwood and Silver Beach elementary school this spring captivated the interest of the fourth and fifth graders during her presentations.

Borzilleri is the author of the book Who is Caitlin Clark? recently published by Penguin Workshop in their Who HQ Now series. The subject is Clark who, playing for the University of Iowa in March 2024, set the all-time scoring record in Division 1 collegiate basketball.

While presenting to the elementary students, Bozilleri shared her experience as a sports journalist, including the story of once meeting Muhammad Ali decades ago. She also described her research and work on the Clark book. It was clear from her presentation that sometimes stories find the right author to tell them.  Read more...

 

BHS, SHS and SQHS in top 10 for WIAA Scholastic Cup award, Sehome wins first in state

This marks four consecutive years with all three BPS comprehensive high schools in the top ten, and the 11th time Sehome has been No. 1.  

“I love this award because it recognizes the collective activities of all our varsity athletes,” Sehome athletic and activities director Colin Cushman said. “It highlights both athletic and academic achievements at the team level.” 

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Scholastic Cup awards are based on three factors: state athletic competition results, team academic performance results, and sportsmanship.  Read more...

 

Cordata kids go camping in the classroom!

The last days of a school year are filled with great joy and excitement for the summer ahead. Strong bonds of friendship and fun-filled activities often accompany the last few days in a classroom.

This was indeed the case for the Promise Kindergarten classroom of teacher Kennedy Garrison at Cordata Elementary School. In the last days of school, her students went on an adventure of nature and outside fun all within the four walls of her room. Her kids had a Camping Day replete with fireflies, tents, a faux campfire, and marshmallows!

Camping Day fostered social and emotional learning and togetherness. Garrison believes that the favorite part for her students was “the campfire and the chance to gather around it as a class family.”

“Camping and being outdoors brings me so much joy outside of school,” Garrison continued, “and I loved I was able to bring that joy to my classroom.”

Read more...