Kulshan Connect

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A key strategy in our Bellingham Promise is focused on our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This past week, we have been exchanging ideas and resources with Kulshan parents, students, and staff. It is invigorating and exciting to read students' questions about racism and ideas about how to create an anti-racist school and community culture. As a KMS staff, we are looking at summer book clubs for How to be an Anti-Racist and Stamped from the Beginning, both by Ibram X. Kendi. There is a middle school version of the Stamped book, co authored with Jason Reynolds, who is known for his young adult books about racism. We encourage families and students to embark on their own learning journey using these titles or other young adult books that offer anti-racist views and perspectives. I'm glad I'm on this journey with you.

Drop Off/ Pick Up Schedule by student last name:

• A-G: Monday, June 15 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• H-L: Tuesday, June 16 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• M-R: Wednesday, June 17 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• S-Z: Thursday, June 18 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Friday, June 19: Make-up day for all families from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Pick Up These Items:

• Yearbooks
• 8th grade Stars photos
• Student medications (can only be handed to parents, not students)
• Items left in lockers
• Library books (email Mr. Shaffer or use the link on our website)

Please Drop Off These Items:

• Sports uniforms belonging to the school
• Band or orchestra instruments rented from the school. Please note: All 8th graders must turn in their rented instruments. 6th and 7th graders may choose either to keep their instruments over the summer, or to drop them off for repair and/or cleaning.
• Library books ready to turn in.

From June 15-19, on your scheduled day, you can drive through the bus loop by the main entrance to the building. Our staff will approach your car when you arrive to the front of the line. We will have a table for you to drop off any items through your car window, if possible, and will place any items to pick up on the table for you. We also ask that families wear masks if possible and maintain 6-foot physical distancing guidelines.

It is time to refresh your book stack! When you come into school to drop off library books, laptops, uniforms, etc., and pick up yearbooks, you'll be able to pickup a new stack of books, as well! Books must be requested in advance. Students won't be able to browse the library. Take a look at what is available on the Library Catalog. Then fill out this book request form. Mr. Shaffer and Ms. Stephanie will get your book stack ready and put it with the rest of your materials for pickup. Email Mr. Shaffer with any questions!

We were so sad to have to cancel our March visit with Christine Day, the author of I Can Make This Promise. All 6th and 7th grade students read her book and were looking forward to meeting her. We have worked to bring you a positive alternative! On June 1, Mr. Shaffer and Ms. Day recorded a Virtual Q&A, with questions from students. Click here to watch!

Jennifer Lovchik, Teen Services Librarian at the Bellingham Public Library, invites all Shuksan and Kulshan MS students to join her for a virtual “Lunchtime” book club! During these sessions, we’ll share what we’ve been reading/watching/doing during our “stay at home” time. Join us on Wednesdays at 1:30 PM. Join the Zoom Meeting here. Meeting ID: 979 6826 3425 Password: 750518

The Whatcom County Library has a number of activities planned for teens and tweens, including Writing Club and Creativity Hour. You can find them here. Check out this video of all the WCLS plans for summer. Jen at the Bellingham Public Library also has a survey for teens and tweens about what they want to do and see from their public library this summer. Students can fill it out here.

From Jennifer Lovchik - Teen Services Librarian (Bellingham Public Library):

I just wanted to let you know about the resources Bellingham Public Library have been highlighting during this historic time of social demonstration and antiracism discussion. We have put together lists of ebook and eaudio titles addressing racism, activism, and social justice which are available through Washington Anytime Library. There are even a number of high-interest titles that are always available. As all BSD students have a connectED library card [card number = "BE" followed by student's 10 digit school id number; PIN = 1234], they will have access to the Washington Anytime Library all summer! The “Anti-Racist Reading List” features adult, teen, and children’s titles. A more comprehensive lists for kids and teens is “Black Lives Matter – Books for Young People." Titles that are currently available to everyone, all the time:

• How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi (ebook)
• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo (ebook/eaudio)
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (ebook)
• I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown (ebook/eaudio)

Every week, new activities and tips are shared to promote wellness and self-care among our staff and families. We call these the Big 4 for Wellness because they include the four categories of mental/emotional health, physical activity, social connection and personal reflection. The current tips include using a pomodoro timer to remember to take breaks and information about the daily mile! Follow the weekly posts on Facebook or Instagram or visit us here. #Bhamselfcare #BPSBig4

Here at Common Threads, we’ve been busy growing food to distribute to our kids and families, developing learning resources for you to enjoy at home, and looking for other ways large and small that we can share some love during these strange times. We’d love to stay connected with you! Please consider: 1) Signing up to care for your school garden this summer (with social distancing protocols in place) or email me. 2) Attending one of our pay-what-you-can cooking classes 3) Following us on social media @CommonThreadsFarm. Please stay healthy and happy - and never stop learning and growing! Like a plant! Love and air hugs from Ruby, your Food Educator.

Kulshan Writing Club with Sudden Valley librarian Marie Guenette is back! The club will meet on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm, via Zoom. The first meeting is May 5! Contact Mr. Shaffer if you have any questions. Join the Zoom Meeting here. Meeting ID: 454 081 8328 Password: booksrock

What are you doing to stay active and well? Your PE/Health teachers want to know! Each week we are asking to students to submit a record of what they are doing to stay healthy. There are two formats they can use, which are found in Microsoft Teams under the assignments tab. The Big 4 recommendations can help you as you move through the week. We hope you will join us in striving for wellness! If your student is having trouble finding any of these PE/ Health resources, please email Carrie Pasquale or Jason Sytsma. We hope you will join us in striving for wellness!

Do you have a general student health question during our school closure? Nurse Barb is available by phone (360) 201-6390 or you can email Barb by clicking this link. We have many COVID related health questions and answers on our district website here. COVID educational materials are available in 26 languages at the Washington State Department of Health website.

Meal boxes are served every Monday from 11:00-12:30 PM. Our district is serving free lunches at these school sites: Alderwood, Carl Cozier, Cordata, Geneva, Happy Valley, Parkview, Roosevelt, Wade King, Shuksan, and Options. We are also serving at these neighborhoods: Eliza Court, Evergreen, Regency Park, Sterling Meadows, Sudden Valley Community Center, and Villa Santa Fe. Any student can pick up food at any location.

Tuesdays: Shuksan Middle School from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: Christ the King on Meridian from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Thursdays: Civic Field from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Check out the Bellingham Food Bank to learn more or to make a donation.

Do you still have a question that has not been answered via this newsletter or email? The Bellingham Public School website now has a (click here) one-stop resources page. On this website, you can submit a question about childcare, meals, learning resources, technology resources, mental health, and more. We are here for you.

One more time - we just want you to know we miss you and we would love to hear from you. Email any of your teachers, our administration, or our counselors. We especially would love to see photos of you, your family, your pets, your hobbies, or your quarantine work station. Stay safe and stay healthy! (in the photo: Jodie Schoolcraft, 7th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher, home work station)

Our school building may be closed, but we are available everyday! Please email us if you have questions during this COVID school closure:

Meagan Dawson, Principal

Kevin Terpstra, Assistant Principal

Aaron Tiger, Counselor

Jen Newbauer, Counselor

Viry Ferriera, Registrar

We love you and we miss you and we hope you are staying safe and healthy!

Kulshan Middle School 1250 Kenoyer Drive Bellingham, WA 98229 360-676-4886