Kulshan Connect
March 26, 2021
In our Kulshan Community, we are courageous, kind, and committed!
Si desea esta información en español llame al 360-676-6456.
Order Photos by March 27 @ 4:00 PM
Did you forget to order Student Photos? Parents can still order photos online by going to mylifetouch.com and using the code EVTNWPDXZ The ordering website closes on Saturday, March 27 at 4:00 PM.
Attention 8th grade Parents
- Should be of the student facing forward, with a simple background.
- May need tp be cropped by us to feature the "head and shoulders."
- Should be at the highest resolution image possible.
- Should be sent via email to our PTSA President: Cyndi Johnson .
- Must be submitted by Friday, May 14.
Missed Photo Days?
Did you miss our LifeTouch Student Photo Days? Would you like your photo in our Yearbook? You can send us a photo of your student. Self-submitted photos may be included in a special section of the Yearbook, based on photo resolution and space availability. To meet Yearbook guidelines, the photos:
- Should be of the student facing forward, with a simple background.
- May need tp be cropped by us to feature the "head and shoulders."
- Should be at the highest resolution image possible.
- Should be sent via email to Kat Hendricks and the email subject should be: "Student Portrait: Last Name/ First Name." (Include your child's last name and first name.)
- Must be submitted by Friday, April 2.
Kulshan Intramurals
Our middle school intramurals will run from Monday, April 19 until Friday, June 11. We are offering Co-Ed Cross Country, Co-Ed Soccer, and Co-Ed Unified Soccer. Practices will take place at Kulshan from 2:30 – 4:00 PM. Students will participate on the days when they attend school. Students will participate with other students at our school and not with other middle schools. There are no fees and no sports physical required. Our BVL, all remote, BFPP, homeschool, and private school students will choose the A Cohort or B Cohort sports days. Students will sign up using Final Forms. Parents will receive the Final Forms link in their email. (watch for this email) If you have questions about intramurals, please reach out to Cindy Schuitema or Kevin Terpstra.
Kulshan PTSA Elections
Elections for next year's PTSA board are April 20 and we need to fill a couple spots on the board! Please consider joining our team! Here is a SignUpGenius for positions. Keep in mind that in order to be eligible for a position you need to be a PTSA member by April 5. Joining is very easy, just click on the link to join. Thank you for your involvement and energy!
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program 10-14 is offering a Virtual series of 7 evening classes on Tuesdays from April 20- June 1 6:30- 8:30 The Youth and Adults will learn and connect in a way that will make your family stronger going forward. All Kulshan Families with youth this age are invited and encouraged. A link to the zoom course will be given to registered families Click here to register and for more information
Water Bottles
Kulshan Music T-Shirts!
KMS Music T-shirts are coming! All music students are welcome to purchase a t-shirt by turning in an order form with $10 (cash or check only) to the office. Order forms can be picked up from Mrs. Barrett. Shirts are in adult sizes only. Let’s show some Music department spirit!
Kulshan Drumline Club
We meet on Mondays and Thursdays (you would come to either Monday OR Thursday) from 2:30-3:15. Depending on how many students attend, we will be inside or outside on the pavement to maintain social distancing. You do not need to have any music experience to join, all are welcome! We will continue the club all the way until the end of the year, even if we are not in our band rotation. Please click this link to register.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in BPS
We are happy to share this March 2021 newsletter listing heritage months, cultural celebrations, holidays and other information supporting the important work of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in Bellingham Public Schools. Please visit the EDI webpage for an ongoing dialogue and focus on this key strategy of The Bellingham Promise. You can also reach out directly to the director of equity, diversity and inclusion Janis Velasquez Farmer.
The Promise Tomorrow Initiative
Do you like thinking about ways to make the world a better place? The Promise Tomorrow Initiative is a great opportunity for motivated students to engage in student-driven inquiry! This is project-based learning at its best. Students will research complex topics, then innovate technologies, designs, or plans to mobilize behavior. Student teams will meet weekly via Zoom, be supported by a volunteer, and be supervised by a Promise Tomorrow Coordinator. Quarter 4 registration is open now and closes on March 22. Projects will be presented quarterly with a final symposium in June. Those interested, please see detailed information and sign up here.
Questions about the project can be directed to the project administrative team, by level: Margi Smith (Elementary) Eva Chazo (Mid—level) , or Erin Burke (High School).
KMS Attendance
KMS Doorbell
Staff Appreciation Week
May 3-7 is Teacher/Staff Appreciation, we would like to start a committee to discuss creative ways to celebrate our staff and teachers at Kulshan! Please email kulshanmsptsa@gmail.com if you are interested in being on the committee.
Now Hiring in BPS
We are hiring in Bellingham! If you have questions about jobs available in our schools, please visit the district website at and click on “jobs”. For assistance with questions about temporary substitute assignments, you may contact Gayle Wright, Substitute Coordinator by emailing or by calling the office at (360) 676-2784 or (360) 398-5572. Questions about other job opportunities in our schools may be addressed by contacting Kara Silsbee, Employment Specialist by emailing or by calling (360) 319-4999.
Health Attestation Form
If you plan on sending your child back to in-person school at Kulshan, parents are required to complete this Health Attestation form before each quarter starts. Daily health screens are mandatory for in-person school to take place. Parents will be expected to screen their students before arriving at school every day. We are required by the state health department, the county health department and the state superintendent of public instruction to have a health attestation. This attestation will be completed quarterly and will be kept on file as evidence of your agreement to the terms. Thank you!
Parent-Student Handbook
Location update for Wednesday meal box distribution
Beginning March 10, we no longer distribute meal boxes at Carl Cozier, Cordata or Geneva elementary schools.
We distribute every Wednesday between 4 and 5:30 p.m.
The 12 school locations are now: Alderwood, Birchwood, Happy Valley, Northern Heights, Roosevelt, Wade King, Fairhaven, Kulshan, Shuksan, Whatcom, Bellingham, and Sehome.
The six community locations are:
Evergreen Ridge Apartment Complex, 3451 Woburn Street;
Regency Park Apartment Complex, 2050 Fraser St.;
Sterling Meadows Apartment Complex, 512 Sterling Drive;
Sudden Valley Community Center, 8 Barn View Drive;
Villa Santa Fe Apartment Complex, 804 West Bakerview Road; and Bakerview Mobile Park, 4015 Eliza Avenue.
Tax Season is Here!
Do you need assistance to get your taxes done for FREE? WWU’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is here to help! Volunteers have received training on individual tax return preparation and are certified by the IRS. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. WWU’s VITA site will launch in a 100% virtual format. Tax payer registration and detailed instructions are here: https://wwubap.org/elementor-431/ Questions? Contact Ruby LeClair (VITA Coordinator) at vita.wwu.bap@gmail.com WWU’s VITA site will be open from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Monday through Wednesday, and 9:00 am to noon on Fridays.
Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center has many valuable opportunities for families. These include information, education, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. Check our their website for events such as Parent Nights and FREE virtual workshop series for youth (ages 7-12) and teens (13-18). https://www.whatcomdrc.org/
Weather emergencies/closures: where to find information and how to be notified
If we experience inclement weather in Bellingham, information will emailed to all families in Bellingham Public Schools and posted on the district website. With snow possible in the forecast early next week, please continue to monitor your email. For snow routes or information on how to update your notification preferences in Skylert, visit the Weather Procedures page of the district website.
Kulshan Pantry Re-Stock
We are stocking up our pantry for our Kulshan community! Please sign up here to help stock up our pantry for our KMS families in need. Items can be dropped off at Kulshan on Wednesdays during food pick up or on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Please note that parents cannot enter our school, so you can call our main school line or knock at our window if you drop off at our main office. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Newbauer, school counselor. If you are a family in need, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Scholastic Book Orders
Did you know you can access Scholastic Book Orders through the Kulshan Library? Here is a link. Our class (library) code is GLB8R. You can browse some flyers here, or search for many, many other titles online. Books ordered can ship to homes or to Kulshan for pickup. Ship-to-home is free for orders over $25, and you can also get a free $5 Book Pick with the code READS. Scholastic is a great way to find books for a good price. Every purchase supports the library and classroom collections.
Is Your Information Correct?
Is your contact information for your student up-to-date? You can do this online now through our Skyward Family Access program. Please take a few minutes to log into Skyward Family Access to review your contact information, mailing address, emergency contacts and to complete the Annual Health Concerns form for your student. If you need your login and password information for Skyward Family Access, please contact me and I can provide that information. Please note that if you need to correct or update your address and/or mailing address, you will have to contact me with the new information (families do not have permission to update addresses online). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our registrar Viry Ferreira.
KMS Counselor Corner
We acknowledge that these are challenging times for our students. Our school counselors, Jen Newbauer and Aaron Tiger, want to provide you with some information and resources. Feel free to reach out to our counselors via email or phone as well so we can give you specific resources for your situation.
Aaron Tiger - Counselor (cell 360-739-3991)
Jen Newbauer - Counselor (cell 360-739-4138)
Viry Ferreira - KMS Registrar
Updated WA State COVID Recommendations
Check this WA State COVID website for updates regarding restrictions and social gatherings. Specific information about travel recommendations can be found here. Bellingham Public Schools have also added their own COVID 19 dashboard, available on the district website and at this link. Governor Inslee's news and media releases can be found here. The CDC has listed their mask updates here.
Free COVID Tests in Whatcom County
Did you know that our Whatcom County Health Department has free, drive-up COVID tests? To arrange a COVID test, visit testdirectly.com or call 360-778-6075. Also, our Kulshan school nurse is Amy Eisenhauer, BSN, RN and she can be reached at 360-303-4667.
Every Wednesday KMS Book Pick Up
Students can use this link to look at the online catalog. If you see something you want that is unavailable, you can log into Destiny and place a hold (same login as for your laptop). To request books, use this form. Mr. Shaffer and Ms. Stephanie will get your books ready for pickup. Books will be available on on Wednesdays during Food Pick Ups: 4:00 - 5:30 PM.
Please enter your requests the day before book distribution. Requests received after that may not be ready for next-day pickup (but we'll do our best). As always, email Mr. Shaffer for book recommendations, or any other questions! Books not picked up on Pickup Day will be in the office and can be picked up (as well as returned) from 8:30 AM -3:00 PM on Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri.
It's Easy to Join KMS PTSA
LGBTQ Support for Families and Youth
Weekly Announcement Videos
Power Outage?
If there is a power outage, our staff will help your student catch up. Please notify Jeneen Durand, our Attendance Secretary by calling 360-647-6877 or emailing kms.attendance@bellinghamschools.org . If a teacher loses connection during a class, students should stay on the class for a few minutes while the teacher logs back in. Then check students’ email and MS Teams for instructions from the teacher. More information can be found here on our KMS website.
Skyward/ Family Access
Are you in need of family support?
If you are in need of services or help with domestic abuse or sexual assault the local agency DVSAS (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services) is able to help. Here is a link that helps to explain their role and provides contact information. You can also call our KMS Counselors Aaron Tiger 360-739-3991 or Jen Newbauer cell 360-739-4138.
Bellingham Food Bank Schedule
Folks may visit twice per week and may choose among all locations which they visit. They will join a car queue and when it’s their turn, volunteers will provide pre-packed food boxes without requiring person to person contact. There will be a bike or walk-up option as well. Pick up for up to 2 families per visit, no paperwork required. Check out the Bellingham Food Bank to learn more or to make a donation.
District Resources Website
Kulshan Contacts
Kevin Terpstra, Assistant Principal
Jeneen Durand, Attendance Secretary
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