Middle School Matters
Whatcom Middle School Newsletter, October 2020
From the Wildcat's Den...
(Also known as my spare room),
We all spend too much time in Zoom meetings, especially in comparison to a year ago. Anybody remember October 2019? It seems like a lifetime ago when “Zooming” was when someone going over the speed limit passed you on the freeway.
Like most of us, I’m at home. I’m writing this while looking out the window of the spare room upstairs. Rain is hitting the window, leaves are turning color, and the usual fall wind is buffeting the house. I’m not seeing my usual view, which is Halleck St. and our playground. There isn’t the usual bustle in the hallways or clamor of students rushing from the cafeteria during lunch recess.
But out in Zoom land, learning is still happening. I just Zoomed into an 8th Grade Homeroom session and stepped into a conversation about participation in our democratic systems, especially in regard to women’s rights. Then we did a “Mood Meter” to Gwen Stefani. It was awesome. My favorite teacher comment was, “It’s perfectly normal to be an 8th grader in bed at 11:00 in the morning.” Next, as a part of a Character Strong activity I got to respond to the prompt, “What hobby would you pursue if time and money were not an obstacle.” I’m afraid I went on too long about the wonders of throwing pottery and the benefits of a gas kiln over an electric kiln. Kids got to answer, “What was the furthest you’ve ever been from home? What was it like?” We heard all about student travels.
What wonderfully normal experiences in such abnormal times. I guess Zoom isn’t so bad.
Wishing you all good learning (and Zooming)
Jeff
Attendance Counts - even on Wednesday!
Attendance is being taken in every Zoom class, and for independent work on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, after attending homeroom, students should be checking Teams for each class and connecting with all of their teachers. This is true even if they had a Team Meeting for homeroom!
If a student is unable to attend class for any reason, parents/guardians should contact Beth Pelto-Fishbeck by email, beth.pelto-fishbeck@bellinghamschools.org or by phone (360) 676-6460, option 1 to excuse the absence. Emails from students to teachers will not excuse an absence, however they should still reach out to teachers to find out what work they will miss and get assignments.
Automated Calls
Teachers will enter their student's absences by 3:30. Automated calls will go out at 4:00 everyday to households letting you know that your child has missed at least one class that day. If you believe that an absence has been recorded incorrectly or you would like to discuss an absence, please contact your child's teacher by email.
Congratulations to our 2020-21 ASB Officers!
Elections were held last week and the results are:
- President: Derek Jones
- Vice President: Aviva Weinstein
- Treasurer: Zoe Wasserman
- Secretary: Piper Cook
Mark your calendar!
Nov. 6 - No school - Teacher workday
Nov. 10 - Last day of 2nd rotation
Nov. 11 - No school - Veteran's Day
Nov. 12 - 3rd rotation begins
Nov. 26 - 27 - No School - Thanksgiving break
Hello from the remote Counseling Office!
Hello Whatcom families. I’m looking out the window, seeing the changing leaves, and realizing Fall is upon us; I can’t believe how quickly it seems to have come! As you’re well aware, the kids are in the midst of the second rotation of distance learning. For the most part, they’re doing well, engaging with their teachers and peers, and navigating all the tech and learning platforms quite well. I’m so impressed with everyone’s ability to adapt to this new environment and with all of you, their parents and guardians, who are juggling so much between your own jobs, one or more kids at home, and supervising their learning. It’s a lot and we appreciate all that you’re doing!
I’ve had several conversations with parents in recent weeks about trying to figure out just how involved to be in the kids’ school/learning. It’s hard to find the balance between monitoring and helping them become independent learners, self-advocates, and responsible students. Normally you send them out the door to school and don’t see their daily (sometimes by the minute!) ups and downs of attention, energy, interest, frustration, joy, etc. If you find yourself wondering if you’re over- or under-involved, it can be helpful to ask if it’s something they would handle on their own if they were in school, or if they can problem-solve the situation and work on self-advocacy and independent-learner skills by reaching out to school staff (teachers, counselors, etc.). It’s often quicker and easier to “fix” things for our kids, but by doing so, we risk undermining the development of those crucial skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Conversely, when we resist the urge to “fix,” and we coach them on how to handle it themselves, we send our kids the message that we believe in them and their ability to work things out, which helps develop confidence. If you’re ever in doubt, feel free to reach out. Molly and I are happy to help with anything you’re wondering about, and we’re also happy to act as caring coaches for your kids as well.
Beth Schille O'Connor; (360) 739-6186,
Molly Foote; (360) 739-4555
Tech Support
Do you need a headset? You may request one using the district form. You will receive an email instructing you when and where you pick it up.
Whatcom MS Family Night Webinar
Update on Middle School Athletics for 2020-21
As conditions allow, middle school athletic seasons will begin in early 2021. We will share more information when we are able to. We value athletics and activities, and know what an important role they play in many students’ lives. Please note: there will be no ASB fees to participate in athletics or activities this year.
Seventh and eighth grade families: If your student was in Bellingham Public Schools last year, you should already have a FinalForms account. Please take a few minutes to login and make sure all your information is up-to-date, including whether your student may need a new physical this year.
Sixth grade families: Soon, you will be receiving an email from FinalForms inviting you to set up an account to complete and sign athletic forms for your students. FinalForms saves data from season-to-season and year-to-year, meaning that families will never need to enter the same information twice. FinalForms also pre-fills in information wherever possible, for each of your student-athletes, saving you time. When you receive the email from FinalForms, click on the personalized link to get started. This Parent Playbook will also help you with step-by-step directions. If you require any support during the process, scroll to the bottom of the FinalForms page and click “Use Support.”
All families: If you have any questions about athletics or need assistance with registering your athlete(s), please contact Angela Markowski, 360-676-6470 ext. 4348.
Whatcom Middle School PTSA
During this unprecedented time, PTSA is more important than ever. PTSA’s framework of unifying voices for impactful changes for children and youth provides the tools to empower parents and teachers to advocate and speak up for the health, safety, and education of every child.
Whatcom Middle School PTSA is committed to providing teachers and students with the same level of excellent service this year. We are asking you to join PTSA by following the link below. Thank you for your help and please support your PTSA.
www.memberplanet.com/s/whatcommiddleptsa/whatcommiddleschoolptsaforms
PTSA meetings will be on Zoom, unless otherwise posted. A zoom link will be sent out prior to the meeting.
- November 17
- December 15
- January 19
- February 16
- March 16
- April 20
- May 18
- June 15
Update your contact information on Skylert
Skylert enables you to receive notifications concerning your children, including messages from Bellingham Public Schools and your child’s school. You have control over which notifications to receive and how you would like to receive them. Skylert is accessed via Skyward Family Access, so it is no longer necessary to login to a separate portal for SchoolMessenger to manage contact preferences.
Whatcom Middle School
Principal: Jeff Coulter
Assistant Principal: Tina Allsop
Administrative Assistant: Aileen Walton
(360) 676-6460
- Attendance, option 1
- Athletics, option 2
- Registrar/Counseling, option 3
- Main office, option 4
Email: aileen.walton@bellinghamschools.org
Website: whatcom.bellinghamschools.org
Location: 810 Halleck Street, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 676-6460
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