Kulshan Connect
June 12: Weekly Newsletter during School Closures
In our Kulshan Community, we are courageous, kind, and committed!
Si desea esta información en español llame al 676-6456.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Kulshan Drop Off/ Pick Up Schedule
Drop Off/ Pick Up Schedule by student last name:
- A-G: Monday, June 15 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- H-L: Tuesday, June 16 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- M-R: Wednesday, June 17 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- S-Z: Thursday, June 18 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 19: Make-up day for all families from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
June 15-19: Pick Up and Drop Off at KMS
Pick Up These Items:
- Yearbooks
- 8th grade Stars photos
- Student medications (can only be handed to parents, not students)
- Items left in lockers
- Library books (email Mr. Shaffer or use the link on our website)
Please Drop Off These Items:
- Sports uniforms belonging to the school
- Band or orchestra instruments rented from the school. Please note: All 8th graders must turn in their rented instruments. 6th and 7th graders may choose either to keep their instruments over the summer, or to drop them off for repair and/or cleaning.
- Library books ready to turn in.
Health and Safety at Kulshan
From June 15-19, on your scheduled day, you can drive through the bus loop by the main entrance to the building. Our staff will approach your car when you arrive to the front of the line. We will have a table for you to drop off any items through your car window, if possible, and will place any items to pick up on the table for you. We also ask that families wear masks if possible and maintain 6-foot physical distancing guidelines.
Need Some New Books?
It is time to refresh your book stack! When you come into school to drop off library books, laptops, uniforms, etc., and pick up yearbooks, you'll be able to pickup a new stack of books, as well! Books must be requested in advance. Students won't be able to browse the library. Take a look at what is available on the Library Catalog. Then fill out this book request form. Mr. Shaffer and Ms. Stephanie will get your book stack ready and put it with the rest of your materials for pickup. Email Mr. Shaffer with any questions!
Local Author Christine Day
We were so sad to have to cancel our March visit with Christine Day, the author of I Can Make This Promise. All 6th and 7th grade students read her book and were looking forward to meeting her. We have worked to bring you a positive alternative! On June 1, Mr. Shaffer and Ms. Day recorded a Virtual Q&A, with questions from students. Click here to watch!
New Link! Lunchtime Book Talks
Jennifer Lovchik, Teen Services Librarian at the Bellingham Public Library, invites all Shuksan and Kulshan MS students to join her for a virtual “Lunchtime” book club! During these sessions, we’ll share what we’ve been reading/watching/doing during our “stay at home” time. Join us on Wednesdays at 1:30 PM. Join the Zoom Meeting here. Meeting ID: 979 6826 3425 Password: 750518
Whatcom County Library System
The Whatcom County Library has a number of activities planned for teens and tweens, including Writing Club and Creativity Hour. You can find them here. Check out this video of all the WCLS plans for summer. Jen at the Bellingham Public Library also has a survey for teens and tweens about what they want to do and see from their public library this summer. Students can fill it out here.
Anti-Racist Reading Resources
From Jennifer Lovchik - Teen Services Librarian (Bellingham Public Library):
I just wanted to let you know about the resources Bellingham Public Library have been highlighting during this historic time of social demonstration and antiracism discussion. We have put together lists of ebook and eaudio titles addressing racism, activism, and social justice which are available through Washington Anytime Library. There are even a number of high-interest titles that are always available. As all BSD students have a connectED library card [card number = "BE" followed by student's 10 digit school id number; PIN = 1234], they will have access to the Washington Anytime Library all summer! The “Anti-Racist Reading List” features adult, teen, and children’s titles. A more comprehensive lists for kids and teens is “Black Lives Matter – Books for Young People." Titles that are currently available to everyone, all the time:
- How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi (ebook)
- White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo (ebook/eaudio)
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (ebook)
- I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown (ebook/eaudio)
Health and Wellness for You!
Every week, new activities and tips are shared to promote wellness and self-care among our staff and families. We call these the Big 4 for Wellness because they include the four categories of mental/emotional health, physical activity, social connection and personal reflection. The current tips include using a pomodoro timer to remember to take breaks and information about the daily mile! Follow the weekly posts on Facebook or Instagram or visit us here. #Bhamselfcare #BPSBig4
Common Threads Update
Here at Common Threads, we’ve been busy growing food to distribute to our kids and families, developing learning resources for you to enjoy at home, and looking for other ways large and small that we can share some love during these strange times. We’d love to stay connected with you! Please consider: 1) Signing up to care for your school garden this summer (with social distancing protocols in place) or email me. 2) Attending one of our pay-what-you-can cooking classes 3) Following us on social media @CommonThreadsFarm. Please stay healthy and happy - and never stop learning and growing! Like a plant! Love and air hugs from Ruby, your Food Educator.
Online Writing Club!
Kulshan Writing Club with Sudden Valley librarian Marie Guenette is back! The club will meet on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm, via Zoom. The first meeting is May 5! Contact Mr. Shaffer if you have any questions. Join the Zoom Meeting here. Meeting ID: 454 081 8328 Password: booksrock
Students: Big 4 for Wellness at Kulshan
What are you doing to stay active and well? Your PE/Health teachers want to know! Each week we are asking to students to submit a record of what they are doing to stay healthy. There are two formats they can use, which are found in Microsoft Teams under the assignments tab. The Big 4 recommendations can help you as you move through the week. We hope you will join us in striving for wellness! If your student is having trouble finding any of these PE/ Health resources, please email Carrie Pasquale or Jason Sytsma. We hope you will join us in striving for wellness!
A Message from Nurse Barb
Do you have a general student health question during our school closure? Nurse Barb is available by phone (360) 201-6390 or you can email Barb by clicking this link. We have many COVID related health questions and answers on our district website here. COVID educational materials are available in 26 languages at the Washington State Department of Health website.
Free School Lunches - ages 0-18
Bellingham Food Bank Locations
Tuesdays: Shuksan Middle School from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: Christ the King on Meridian from 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursdays: Civic Field from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Check out the Bellingham Food Bank to learn more or to make a donation.
District Resources Website
We Miss You!
Kulshan Office Hours
Kevin Terpstra, Assistant Principal
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