Wade King Elementary
February 2021
A Note from the Principal
Hello Wade King Families,
There are many things happening in our school community.
Our Student Leadership Team has been meeting to plan several special events during February to promote gratitude, kindness, and friendship at Wade King. This includes a Gratitude Lunch, school-wide 'kindness' art project, and our first 'Friday Fun' theme day. Student Leaders will be sharing more about these special events with their class and in our weekly News for Kids.
February is also Black History Month. This is a time to recognize the achievements of African American people who have shaped the history of our country. This morning I had a great conversation with some first graders who are learning about several Black jazz musicians as part of their current unit of inquiry. I also just met with our fifth-grade teachers and librarian, who were choosing books to share with students that were written by Black authors, about experiences of Black children that connect to their 5th-grade Exhibition project. These are examples of ways our teachers intentionally plan learning engagements that provide students with windows (into the lives of others whose lives are different from their own) and mirrors (so that they see themselves and their family) throughout the year. This not only applies to people who are Black, but to all people of color. If you haven't yet had a chance to check out our district Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Newsletter, which connects to the work we are doing at Wade King, I encourage you to.
Like many of you, I am hopeful that our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will be able to return to in-person learning soon. I know many of them really want to be learning at school. I continue to be impressed by their resiliency and flexibility. I know it has not been easy for them or for you. I have tremendous appreciation for families who are continuing to support their child's learning at home.
As always, don't ever hesitate to connect with me if you have questions, concerns, ideas, or great stories. I love hearing from you!
With Gratitude,
Stephanie Johnson, Principal
Important Dates For February & March 2021
2/2 NO SCHOOL - End of Semester
2/11 PTA Board Meeting
2/12 Semester Summaries Go Home (more info below)
2/12 All School KINDNESS Art Project (more info below)
2/12 Gratitude Lunch at school for K-2nd and via Zoom at 12:15pm for 3rd-5th
2/15 NO SCHOOL - President's Day Holiday
2/18 Parent Connect with Ms. Wakefield at 4:30pm (more info below)
2/18 Sexual Health Information Night for Families at 7pm via Zoom (more info below)
2/19 Final Date to Order WK Spirit Wear Online (more info below)
2/26 All School Theme Day (more info below)
3/11 PTA Meeting at 7:30pm via Zoom
3/18 Parent Connect with Ms. Wakefield at 4:30pm
Contact Information
Stephanie Johnson (Principal) Stephanie.Johnson@bellinghamschools.org
(360) 676-6470 ext 2400 OR (360) 201-7801
Greg Holmgren (Assistant Principal) Gregory.Holmgren@bellinghamschools.org
(360) 676-6470 ext 2460 OR (360) 961-8539
Jaymie Wakefield (Counselor) Jaymie.Wakefield@bellinghamschools.org
(360) 676-6470 ext 2420 OR (360) 746-5319
Do You Need Tech Support?
Mrs. Hunter and Mrs. Anderson are always ready to help! You can also call our school office at 360-647-6840. Tell them your child's name, teacher's name, the best number to call you at, and as much detail as you can about the problem you are having.
Mrs. Hunter (Library Media Specialist)
Julie.Hunter@bellinghamschools.org
360-255-6872
Mrs. Anderson (Ed Tech Coach)
Hana.Anderson@bellinghamschools.org
360-255-2335
HEALTH ATTESTATION for In-Person Learning
One of the ways we keep our students and staff safe, who are learning in-person, is with our Health Attestation. Families with children who are learning in-person at school, will need to periodically fill out our online Health Attestation to show their commitment to checking their child daily for symptoms of illness and keeping symptomatic children home from school. If a student comes to school with any symptoms, they will be assessed by our office staff in consultation with our school nurse, and are almost always sent home.
Schoolwide Art - Kindness Theme Feb 12th
End of Semester Summary - February 12th
Parent Connection & Conversation with Ms. Wakefield - Feb 18th at 4:30 pm
Hello Wade King Families!
January's Parent Connection topic was on “Zoom Fatigue and Post-Zoom Meltdown.” If you wanted to join the discussion and were unable to, I have added the resources that were shared here.
February's Parent Connection topic will be about new or increasing anxiety in our children. I have heard from many families who are noticing new somatic (relating to the body) anxieties in their children. This is not an uncommon phenomenon that many parents and caregivers are noticing in their young children. There is evidence that as children feel the anxiety produced by this pandemic, combined with a lack of real understanding of what this pandemic is, anxiety then may be generalized to worries about their own body. Furthermore, somatic complaints are a way that children seek reassurance when they can’t truly name the thing that they actually need reassurance about. (Children are so adaptive at getting needs met!)
Here are two articles that offer some insights:
“Anxiety in Kids During COvid-19 Pandemic”
"Anxiety and Coping with the Coronavirus”
Please join us February 18th at 4:30 for Parent Connection to discuss this topic and/or other topics you are wanting support with. This is a time to share questions, struggles, strategies, and resources. Join with this Zoom link.
You can also always connect with Jaymie Wakefield, School Counselor, via Email or call 360-746-5319.
Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Sexual Health Education Info Night - Feb 18th
Initiative 90 did not change anything about our curriculum in Bellingham Public Schools. In our schools, policy and procedure 2125 govern sexual health education. We offer parents and guardians an opportunity to review materials to be used in our classroom; after which they may choose to exclude their child from sexual health education instruction. Fifth grade curriculum can be reviewed here. For grades 6 to 8, we use the KNOW curriculum, available here. High school health classes use the FLASH curriculum, with information available here.
This school year, we will share some information in a virtual setting at 7pm on Thursday, February 18th.
You will have an opportunity to ask questions after viewing a short presentation.
Send questions to angela.ritchey@bellinghamschools.org.
Wade King Wolves Spirit Wear - Orders Due Feb 19th
If you would like to support a student with a scholarship for a t-shirt, create a separate order for the scholarship t-shirt and type 'scholarship' in the 'notes to seller' section. We will adjust the size later if a scholarship recipient needs a different size.
Spirit Wear is a great way to help build community - even with Zoom!
Thank you PTA for sponsoring this sale.
Schoolwide FRIDAY FUN Event - Feb 26th
Ms. Wakefield's ZOOM Office Hours - WEDNESDAYS from 10-11am
Students and families are encouraged to join Ms. Wakefield for her Zoom office hours.
Join with this link!
Mrs. Wakefield's Virtual Counseling Office
Confidential Counseling Connection Form
Wade King Clubs WEDNESDAY Mornings
Mrs. Bergquist, Mrs. Barclay, and Mr. Jim help facilitate Wednesday Clubs at Wade King. This is a great opportunity for students to connect with friends. The topics will rotate and are always posted for the following week in our Friday News for Kids. The topics below are for next week.
Wednesdays...
Use this Zoom link to join ANY of these clubs… https://bellinghamschools.zoom.us/j/86382618934
Kindergarten, 1st Grade, & 2nd Grade Clubs
Lego/Building Club from 9:15am-9:45am
Drawing Club from 10:45am-11:15am
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Clubs
Lego/Building Club from 10:00am-10:30am
Paper Airplane Club from 11:30am-12:00pm
4th and 5th Graders are invited to Yeti!
Wednesdays at 9:00-9:30am with Mrs. Hunter.
Check your Seesaw for the Zoom link and planned activity for the week.
Meal Boxes... WEDNESDAYS 4:00-5:30pm
Weekly meal box distribution has returned to Wednesdays at the regular 21 locations. Wade King is one of those locations! Drive through our pick up/drop off loop for a FREE 7-day meal box for each child in your family.
If you need additional support, please contact the Family Resource Center now by filling out the help form or calling 360-676-6456. Visit their website for more information on times and locations.
Bellingham Community Meals Are Back!
Wade King Family Handbook 2020-21
THANK YOU PTA
Ways to Help Our PTA Earn Money
Another way to help our PTA earn money is by linking your Fred Meyers Reward card to Wade King PTA 8.3.37. A percentage of your spending goes right back to our PTA and it does not impact your other rewards.
Safe Schools Reporting and Tip Line
Students, parents or community members who have information, tips, or concerns regarding a safety issue in our schools are encouraged to text or call 844-310-9560 or visit bellinghamschools.org/safe for confidential, anonymous, two-way communication with our safety staff.
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Wade King Elementary School
Email: Stephanie.Johnson@bellinghamschools.org
Website: http://wadeking.bellinghamschools.org/
Location: 2155 Yew Street Road, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 647-6840
Facebook: facebook.com/WadeKingElementary
Twitter: @WadeKingElem