Columbia Splash
October 2020
Note from the Principal
Hello Columbia Cohos!
We have had a great start to our school year and the appreciation for our partnership with you, in support of your children, is overflowing. We want you to know we are here for you! Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can support you in any way. As our kindergarteners and first grade students begin to connect through live learning (synchronous) on the computer, I am reminded of a few important learnings we have had in regards to learning at home through the computer. Here are a few:
- Clearly identify a learning space in your home for your student to go to learn
- Set up routines and help your student be self-managers with their school responsibilities
- Limit distractions during learning time
- Let students know their teacher loves them, cares about them, and needs them to be present for learning as much as possible
- Celebrate their successes! They are working so hard in this new learning mode and they need to know when they are doing a great job😊
Our teachers are working so hard and doing an exceptional job! I also want to acknowledge all the learning beyond the Zoom meetings and videos. There are so many things you teach your children as their first teachers in life. It has been great to hear the stories and sharing of experiences our students have been having anywhere from getting chickens, planting and harvesting a garden, going out into nature, and so much more. Everything kids experience contributes to their learning. Great job families with teaching and learning! My hope is you are able to find balance along the way.
Again, reach out and let us know how we can support you.
Respectfully,
Aaron
Upcoming Events:
OCTOBER:
Oct. 6 - Family Connection Hour 6:00pm
Oct. 7 - All School Assembly 9:15amNOVEMBER:
Nov. 4 - All School Assembly 9:15am
Nov. 6 - No School for Students/Teacher Workday
Nov. 11 - No School/Veteran's Day
Nov. 26/27 - Thanksgiving
IB Learner Profile
"The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.”
The Learner Profile is a key component and central to the definition of what it means to be internationally minded. The Learner Profile is a profile of the whole person as a life-long learner and provides a long-term vision of education. It is not intended to be a profile of the perfect student; rather, it can be considered as a map of a lifelong journey in pursuit of international mindedness. The Learner Profile is referenced in our School Mission Statement and Learner Profile visuals are in all classrooms, the cafeteria, and other areas throughout our school and is an important part of our daily conversations with students. The attributes of the Learner Profile are:
COUNSELING & WELLNESS
Family Connection Hour with Ali Bonner:
As the school shutdown has continued, families may be experiencing continued challenges at home juggling work, childcare, teaching, and the changing social-emotional needs of their children. If you find yourself needing more tips and resources for support, or wanting to connect with your school counselor and other families, please join Columbia’s School Counselor, Alisson Bonner, for our first Family Connection Hour of the year. This gathering will be conducted via Zoom and will offer parents an opportunity to connect, share success stories, discuss struggles and learn tips for resiliency.
Family Connection Hour:
Tuesday, October 6th, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Topic: Parenting (& Teaching) in Remote Learning
To join via Zoom: https://bellinghamschools.zoom.us/j/96684463460?pwd=SjJIMlNlYjErTnNWUHAzMU5KcHlUdz09
I look forward to meeting many of you at our upcoming Family Connection Hour! I am also interested in collecting feedback about additional supports that could help your family as we launch our school year remotely. Please CLICK the LINK below if you are interested! Your feedback is appreciated!
Need 1:1 support?
The counselor is also available for individual connections. Please email Alisson.bonner@bellinghamschools.org to set up an appointment.
Meal Box, FREE for All kids!
Every Wednesday, free meal boxes will be distributed from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at 15 school locations and six community locations. Each box contains a scratch-made entrée out of the Central Kitchen of Bellingham Public Schools. The Good Food Project is alive and well. Try an adventure bite today with chickpea curry masala, vegetarian chili, homemade tomato sauce and meatballs, chicken tortilla soup or other exciting recipes. (Entrées rotate weekly.) Any updates will be posted at bellinghamschools.org/food-services or shared on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to follow @BPSCentralKitchen for photos and news.
Columbia Library Book Checkout
The link to the library catalog is https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/25719
Keeping Students Information Updated
It is important that you contact our office when there are changes made regarding your students address, health, or contact information. Throughout the year, you will receive emails and phone messages concerning your child(ren), from Columbia and the Bellingham Public Schools. If you haven't already updated your preferences in Skylert, please take the time to do so now. The instructions are in this link: https://bellinghamschools.org/about/departments/communications-community/skylert/
Register to vote or update your registration today
Register to vote in the state of Washington or update your voter registration now in time for the November 2020 election. With a Washington state driver’s license or state identification card, it is quick and simple at VoteWA.gov. VoteWA allows you to register to vote, update your voter registration, view voters’ guides, check the status of your voter registration and get election results. If you do not have a driver’s license or state ID, please register using your Social Security number and a paper registration form.
If you prefer to register by mail, pick up a Washington State Voter Registration Form at the county auditor’s office or download one here https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/print-voter-registration-forms.aspx and mail it to the county elections office at: Whatcom County Elections, P.O. Box 398, Bellingham, WA 98227-0398. You may also drop off your registration form at the Elections Division of the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office located in the Whatcom County Building located at 311 Grand Avenue in Bellingham.
For eligibility to be a voter, visit the Secretary of State website at https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/.
If you need additional voter registration information or assistance in Whatcom County, contact the county auditor at 360-778-5102 or visit http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/auditor/index.jsp.
CENSUS CLOSES SOON
It’s important for all residents in Washington state to be counted. Go to 2020census.gov today!
The RECONNECT Plan
Our Reconnect Plan for the 2020-21 school year outlines five stages for a return to in-person instruction at school based on safety and equity. https://bellinghamschools.org/reconnect-plan/
Columbia Parent Association (CPA)
The Columbia Parent Association (CPA) is a volunteer team of parents and guardians, teachers, administrators, and community members who work together to support the mission of Columbia Elementary School. As a registered 501(c)(3)non-profit association, we raise and spend funds to supplement school programs and organize volunteers to help teachers provide enriching learning opportunities for Columbia students and families. CPA works closely with our teachers and principal to ensure all our children receive the best experience possible while attending Columbia.
If you are interested in being a part of our CPA, or would like to volunteer, please complete an online Volunteer Application at https://bellinghamschools.org/about/volunteer-program/.
Safe Schools Reporting and Tip Line
Columbia Elementary School
Email: Michele.Foster@bellinghamschools.org
Website: https://columbia.bellinghamschools.org/
Location: 2508 Utter Street, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: 360-676-6413