Sehome High School Mariner Memo
Week of February 1 - 5, 2021
Note from the Principal
Hello, dear Sehome Families and Community!
In many ways, this semester has flown by. In other ways, it has moved at a snail's pace. It is hard to believe that we are finishing up the first semester. We are one year since the first cases of COVID-19 in Washington state. Our students, teachers, and community have learned so much in the last year. I think often about all of the lessons this year has taught me and to our community. I have learned to let go of the little things and to live in the here and now. We plan for tomorrow and know that it will likely change. I have learned to dream bigger and to ask more of myself and my community. We have been able to do big things in a short amount of time. We can do more. We can be more.
Not only has our country been rocked by COVID-19, but we also continue to battle for racial justice for our black and brown neighbors. This year has provided so many vivid examples that we can no longer ignore or choose not to see what is happening every day. People of color have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. This month we celebrate Black History Month and the contributions black people have made to the US. We will continue to celebrate black history until it is so ingrained in what we do, what we talk about, and who we are as a community, that there is no longer a need to draw special attention to the accomplishments. We will continue to work to educate all students on our collective history and how we are all connected and impacted by the lives of all people. I invite you into the conversations that are taking place at Sehome and throughout our community learning more about how to actively be anti-racist. If you would like resources or to discuss further, please reach out.
We have several exciting things happening here at Sehome:
- Supply pick up for 2nd semester and Drop off for 1st-semester supplies are on Monday (2 -5 PM) and Wednesday (Noon - 5 PM) in the main parking lot. Supplies have been placed in bags by student name. Teachers are letting students know if they have things they need to pick up. Please check with teachers if you have questions about whether or not there will be supplies to pick up.
- There is no school on Tuesday (2/2). This is the semester break.
- Wednesday, we start the second semester. Students will go to Anchor and then will check in with their new classes (periods 1-4) on Teams. As a reminder, students DO have class on Wednesdays. They just do not have live classes on Zoom.
- Thursday is the first day of live Zoom classes for second-semester classes 1-4.
- Friday during Anchor, we will begin talking about registering for classes for next school year! All classes will be shown an introductory video and be provided resources to start learning about the classes they can pick for next school year. This is always an exciting time to see students start dreaming about next year! We will be sending out a message to all students and families with the resources needed to select classes. However, there are always additional student-specific questions. Feel free to reach out to counselors with those questions. Their contact information is at the bottom of this page.
- Cross-country, dance, swimming (ladies), cheer, and football all start practicing on Monday (2/1). Once Whatcom county moves to Phase 2, they will be able to have competitions. We are excited to have this starting and getting students active and connected.
- Sehome Drama created a film! It is called Connect/Disconnect. It was written and created by Sehome Drama students. You can check out the trailer here and purchase tickets to see the live stream here. The film premiers on Friday, Feb. 12.
So many things to look forward to in the coming days and weeks!
With great appreciation for our Sehome community,
Sonia Cole
Principal
It’s that time of year to think about snow and our procedures and impact of weather-related school cancellations.
Depending on conditions (which could include snow, flooding, power outages, etc.), school could:
- close for the day (in the case of widespread power outages),
- close in-person instruction with all classes being held remote (K-2 would follow their remote schedule, watch for Zoom link from teacher),
- open two hours late with regular bus routes or snow bus routes,
- open on time with snow bus routes.
How can I get weather/emergency information?
Changes to the school schedule are usually announced by 6 a.m., and we use a variety of methods to keep families informed:
- Sign up for alerts: To receive email, phone, and/or text alerts, set your communication preferences on the Skylert tab within Skyward Family Access. (Need help? go here for step-by-step directions or contact 360-676-6520.)
- Tune to local media: 790 AM, 96.5 FM, 104.1 FM or Seattle media.
- Check bellinghamschools.org
- Check social media: @BhamSD on Twitter or @bellinghamschools on Facebook
- Call 360-676-6400 for a recorded message.
- Call 360-647-6815 for a message translated in Español, русский, tính từ and Punjabi.
Please familiarize yourself with our weather procedures at bellinghamschools.org/weather.
How to find your snow bus route: www.bellinghamschools.org/snow-routes
Sehome Scholarship Fund
Food Services Update
This week during the distribution, we will be piloting a Food Recovery Program, in partnership with Sustainable Connections. Bring any unwanted, shelf-stable items you are not using back to one of the 15 school locations. Your unwanted cans and food products will find a new home.
As we have in weeks past, we encourage all families to pick up a free box of 14 meals and support our Food Services Program and the Good Food Project. Boxes are distributed from 4 to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday at 15 school locations and six community locations.
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.
FAFSA Questions?
Seniors, now that you have submitted your FAFSA … what now?
What is included in your SAR ( Student Aid Report) and who sees it?
What is your family’s EFC? ( Estimated Family contribution)
Learn the answers to these and more at:
https://www.collegecovered.com/resource/9001/
If you have not competed your FAFSA please contact Mrs. Zender in the Career Center for assistance!
Happy Monday, Mariners!
Can you believe second semester starts Wednesday? That means we are halfway through the school year, and PTSA is planning the Spring Auction and thinking about the 2021-2022 school year.
If you like to have fun, we want you to join our auction crew! The event will be virtual this year, so we are looking for fresh, creative ideas.
PTSA leadership positions are also available for the 2020-2021 school year. New people are always welcome! Want to get to know us first? Schedule a call with a board member or “come” to our next meeting on February 9th. Email us with questions at sehomehighschoolptsa@gmail.com, and check out our website by clicking here. (add link)
As always, we would LOVE for you to become a member. Join SHS PTSA now!
Have a great week.
Sehome High School PTSA
sehomehighschoolptsa@gmail.com
https://sehomehighptsa.memberplanet.com/
Instagram: @sehomehsptsa
Facebook: @SehomeHighSchoolPTSA
Multi-Language Message Line
Sehome Points of Contact
Sonia Cole, Principal: sonia.cole@bellinghamschools.org
Mike Couto, Assistant Principal: A - K mike.couto@bellinghamschools.org
Bethany Barrett, Assistant Principal: L - Z bethany.barrett@bellinghamschools.org
Kimberly Kirk, Dean of Students: kimberly.kirk@bellinghamschools.org
Jeff Smith, Counselor 9th Grade: jeffrey.smith@bellinghamschools.org
Amy Hjelt, Counselor A - G: amy.hjelt@bellinghamschools.org
Hana Schutz, Counselor H - M: hana.schutz@bellinghamschools.org
John Vandermolen, Counselor N - Z: john.vandermolen@bellinghamschools.org
Contact Information
Website: https://sehome.bellinghamschools.org/
Location: 2700 Bill McDonald Pkwy, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: (360)676-6481