BFPP NEWS
Friday, December 18th, 2020
Principal's Corner
Hello BFPP Families,
Dr. Baker started the year with our district staff reviewing The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Tenzin Gyatso and featuring the 14th Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I had the good future of having read this particular book a few summers ago, but bringing it out at the beginning of the year, mid-pandemic, with so many unknowns and yet-to-happen events, seemed like a much needed revisit. It is a lovely story that shares the lifelong friendship between two very different people, from very different faiths, who have both experienced immense hardships in their lives, but seem to perpetually find joy in life, in each other and in serving others.
Three themes that Dr. Baker pulled out for us to consider were gratitude, humility and compassion. I am thinking about those as we begin our winter break. I am so very grateful for the team of teachers and leaders who are supporting this program. They are tireless in their effort and commitment in supporting you, the families and students of BFPP. I am humbled by the families that share their stories, take the leaps of faith, and continually find ways to embrace what is before them. You are more than making the best of this situation. And, I feel great compassion for those who are suffering and not able to find joy right now. I hope you find joy through living gratefully, humbly and with compassion.
Have a wonderful winter break and go find some joy!
With love and hugs from afar, k
PS- please consider joining me in January for a Learning Together Book Club on the book Brave Learner. The flyer is below. This resource is pure homeschooling inspiration and I look forward to sharing it with BFPP!
Carrie Vining
Hi there! I am very excited to join the BFPP Team. I come from a background where I studied Alternative Education at Antioch University, but life took me in a different direction and I have spent over 20 years as an educator mostly working in high poverty schools. I taught in 1st and 2nd grade classrooms in Seattle, Northern Arizona, and Kendall. For the last 12 years have been a K- 5th Reading Specialist in Bellingham Schools.
I am blessed with a fantastic family. I have a 15 year old son and an 11 year old daughter. My husband Matt works as an electrician for the City of Bellingham. We all love to explore the world, play games, watch movies, camp, and keep our cats entertained. I personally love to read fiction whenever I have the chance. I have an extreme fear of heights and an irrational fear of dams. Now you know almost all about me!
It’s interesting how life comes full circle and I am now getting this amazing opportunity to use my knowledge about alternative education. I can’t wait to meet you and walk with your family on this journey. I know I will learn so much from you and your family. I can only hope I will have as much to offer. Off we go into the wild together! Email Carrie
Stephanie Korn
I have been an elementary art and 6th grade teacher, assistant principal, and here in Bellingham, I was the principal of Alderwood Elementary from 2007-2014. Since then, I have had the privilege of supporting our amazing district as a Director of Teaching and Learning.
I am also a proud mom, and my 14 year old son is in 9th grade and is working at Mt. Baker this year. I spend my free time running and hiking with my dog, skiing with my son, and in nicer weather, getting out on the water in my kayak or paddleboard. Email Stephanie
Time Change: Materials Pick Up & Returns
Remember: If you or someone in your household has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, please do not come onsite for supply pick up/materials distribution or any other reason until your quarantine period is over. Thank you!
Meal Boxes
Get Ready to Yeti!
Calling all 4th & 5th grade bibliophiles! Would you like to participate in a book club? Wade King Librarian (and former BFPP teacher!) Julie Hunter is inviting 4th and 5th graders to join her Yeti Zoom Room starting in January on Wednesdays at 9:00am. Please contact Julie if you are interested in participating. Let her know you're from BFPP. Students will participate in book club discussions, play games and have fun.
OCD in Kids
Free Individual Counseling
5th Graders ~ Free Lift Ticket at Mt. Baker
Did you know 5th graders are eligible for a free lift ticket any time they visit Mt. Baker?
You can enroll online or in-person, and all instructions are available here.
Use a printout of your child's Skyward account that clearly lists their name, grade level, and enrollment in Bellingham School District as proof of eligibility for this program.