Kulshan Connect
February 26, 2021
In our Kulshan Community, we are courageous, kind, and committed!
Si desea esta información en español llame al 360-676-6456.
Welcome Back!
Arriving and Departing from Kulshan
We appreciate your patience during drop off and pickup. As always, we encourage safe walking and biking practices for those not traveling in cars or buses. If you arrange to meet your child off-site for an alternative pickup location, please coordinate locations that are safe for your child to get to. Also - did you know that when you leave Kulshan, you don’t have to turn right on Kenoyer toward Lakeway? If traffic is backed up, you might consider turning left (south) on Kenoyer, and then turn right on Alvarado Drive, which will connect to Yew.
Eighth Grade High School Registration
On Wednesday, March 3 in Homeroom from 9:15 – 9:45 AM, all high school counselors will visit virtually with all four middle schools to meet with 8th graders and help them understand the high school registration steps. (Please note: The March 3 on-site high school visits are for current 9th graders.) The deadline for all 8th graders to complete the high school registration process is Friday, March 19. Here is our high school course catalog. Students will use this catalog to choose their high school courses.
Virtual high school information nights for 8th grade families:
- Bellingham High School: Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30 PM
- Options High School: Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 PM
- Sehome High School: Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30 PM
- Squalicum High School: Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30 PM
8th Grade Return to School Survey
Parent Volunteer Opportunities
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.
8th grade Graduation Committee needed! If you have an 8th grader, please consider being a part of the committee for graduation! If interested please email kulshanmsptsa@gmail.com.
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.
Orchestra News
Orchestra students returning to school, please bring back your music stands on your first day back if you are not using the bus system for transportation. All students are required to bring their instrument to school on in-person days unless you play cello or bass. Please email Kathryn.barrett@bellinghamschools.org with any questions.
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
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/
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in BPS
We are happy to share this February 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.
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.
We Need Your Photos
We're hoping to get your help in making sure that our 2021 yearbook is the best one yet. We are asking for images of Kulshan students engaging in school activities (practicing instruments, drawing, writing, reading, PE, etc.), participating in hobbies, chores, interests, and visiting local parks, places, Mt. Baker, trails. Please email copies of your images to Rob Hendricks or Kat Hendricks. Please include your student's name and grade in the subject line. Thank you!
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.
District Meal Distribution
Our district meal box distribution continues every Wednesday at all of our regular 21 locations from 4:00-5:30 PM. Additionally the Bellingham Food Bank offers weekly pick up locations and times. Visit their website for more information on times and locations. If you need additional support, please contact the Family Resource Center (FRC) now by filling out the help form or calling 360-676-6456.
Food Recovery Program
Starting in January, and continuing every week, unused, non-perishable food items from the district meal boxes can be returned to the 15 school distribution sites. Sustainable Connections will be working with Food Services to find a new use for the recovered food. Clean out your pantries from any shelf stable items you may not use. When you arrive in the meal box line, let the staff on hand know you have food for the Food Recovery Program. They will direct you to the drop-off box. School sites only.
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
How to Join a Club
Free Cooking Classes
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.
Wednesday Attendance
Did you know that we take attendance for all classes every Wednesday? Students will be marked present if they at least log in and check their MS Teams page. Please remind your students to do this every Wednesday for periods 5-8. Thank you!
KMS Attendance
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
We Miss You and We Love You!
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