MARINER MEMO
04/11/2022 - 04/15/2022
PRINCIPAL'S NOTE
We are excited to get back to school after a week of spring break. I hope that each of you found moments of joy, laughter, and a renewed appreciation for life. I know that I sure enjoyed having a week to think about other things, get caught up on a few projects, and find moments of pure joy with my family. As third quarter comes to an end this week, I would like to encourage everyone to finish this quarter strong. Remember that the learning center is free for all students and provides tutoring services and a place to work Monday-Thursday after school in the library. Additional information about the Learning Center is provided below.
Before spring break, we were able to celebrate the Promise Awards.
Lonnie Schang was honored with the Compassion and Service Award. Lonnie Schang has lived The Bellingham Promise and demonstrated compassion and service with a wide-ranging impact during more than 30 years at Sehome High School.
As an art teacher, Lonnie has mentored thousands of students and countless teachers – including new teachers and veteran teachers. Lonnie’s peers describe him as “the hub in the high school and middle school art teachers’ wheel” and a “fountain of knowledge.”
He is known as a generous source of wisdom and levity for all around him. Reaching out to staff across the district to help with better practices, setting up ceramics programs and organizing beautiful art installations are just a few examples of his compassion and service.
Lonnie is passionate about finding ways for every student to learn. His classroom is described as “…a place where all kids thrive and have the chance to explore aspects of their creativity.” He goes far beyond what is asked by serving on countless committees, performing in school plays, attending events, publicizing student artwork and collaborating with galleries to encourage community engagement.
A colleague shared, “Lonnie has been a constant reminder to others of how life with art magnifies our community.”
Betsy Rocks received the Volunteer of the Year Award for her work at Sehome and Bellingham High School supporting students in our multilingual learners' program.
As a bilingual volunteer educator, Betsy empowers those she works with to learn, thrive and develop lifelong learning skills. Her work embraces the diversity of our community and helps assure all students feel supported and loved.
Her work is a prime example of The Bellingham Promise in action and furthering the mission of the multilingual learners' program, which is dedicated to building capacity at the district, school, and classroom levels to ensure students develop English language proficiency and content knowledge in an environment where linguistic and cultural assets are recognized as valuable resource to learning.
Kacy Keck, special education teacher at Sehome High School was awarded Great Teaching Award honorable mention. “…Kacy Keck has demonstrated efficiency, dedication, empathy, and the personal need to perform and do more than what is expected of her. I am always notified and updated on my student’s progress. My student has been taught and, when it was appropriate, nurtured in times of dire need…. Her performance is the epitome of the ‘Bellingham Promise.’”
Congratulations to these Promise Award winners!
If you have not already done so, please complete the family survey to provide us with feedback on how we are doing as a school. The survey will close on April 15. Thank you for taking a few minutes to help us with this. We would love to hear from every family with a student in 9th or 11th grade.
Here's to another great week!
Sonia Cole
Principal
WRAP UP FROM LAST WEEK
AWARD FOR ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING!!
Ava Lehn - Affiliate Honorable Mention
Svetlana Shishkina - Affiliate Honorable Mention
IN THIS MEMO
1 – PTSA FUNDRAISER INFORMATION
2 – RAMADAN INFORMATION
3 – EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
4 – BSP FAMILY FEEDBACK SURVEY
5 – PROMISE TOMORROW
6 – PROM SAVE THE DATE
7 – WORLD LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST
8 – BOOK SALE
9 – STUDENT MARKET
10 – SAFETY TIP LINE
11 – TRAFFIC SAFETY CLASSES THROUGH SHS
12 – CAREER CENTER
13 – LEARNING CENTER
14 – AP EXAMINIATION INFORMATION
15 – AFTER-SCHOOL DINNER PROGRAM
16 – EMERGENCY AND WEATHER PROCEDURES
17 – SCHOOL NURSE
18 – COVID-19
19 - SEHOME POINTS OF CONTACT
2 - Ramadan April 2 - May 2
Ramadan is April 2 - May 2 this year and Muslims around the world will fast, or abstain from food and drink (yes, including water) from dawn to sunset as part of their spiritual practices.
Muslims also increase their worship and study of the Qur’an during Ramadan, often attending late night prayers that begin an hour-and-a-half after sunset and last for two hours. These late nights cause many Muslims to rise later than usual, and some people may appear fatigued due to hunger, thirst and disrupted sleep.
2022 FAMILY FEEDBACK FORM
Every year, Bellingham Public Schools asks for feedback from all our families and students in grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11. Our district’s strategic plan, The Bellingham Promise, guides our work and our collective commitment to our children. We believe that all children should be loved and that every child can learn at high levels. We need your feedback about what we are doing well and what we can continue to improve. If you have more than one child enrolled in one school, you may answer the questions multiple times or just once, depending on what you think will best represent your family’s experience for your children. If you have children in different schools, please answer once for each school. Please take 5-10 minutes to respond to our online feedback form by 5 p.m., April 15.
All responses are anonymous, and none of your responses are linked to you or your child. If you need help filling out the feedback form, please contact your school office. We hope to hear from all our families. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts. Esta es información sobre la educación de su hijo/a. Solicite traducción o interpretación gratis si necesita al 360-676-6456.
5 - PROMISE TOMORROW
Do you like thinking about ways to make the world a better place?
The Promise Tomorrow Initiative is a great opportunity for students in grades 3-12 to engage in student-driven inquiry! This is project-based learning at its best. Students will research complex topics, then innovate technologies, designs, or plans to mobilize behavior. Student teams will meet weekly via Zoom. Registration for Quarter 4, is open now and closes on April 14. This quarter students will research topics related to State and Local Culture and Community. Participants may present their final projects at the virtual symposium on June 2nd.
For more information, visit the Promise Tomorrow page on the Bellingham School District Web Site.
6 - PROM SAVE THE DATE!!
World Language Proficiency Test - April 23, 2022
Our second and final World Language Credit for Proficiency Testing event of the 2021-22 school year will be held at Bellingham High School on Saturday April 23rd. All 8th-12th grade students in our district who want to demonstrate their proficiency in a language other than English are welcome to participate. BPS Project Free Education covers the cost of registration, and transportation is provided for those who need it. To register, please click here: April 23 World Language Proficiency Test Registration
Registration Deadline: April 1, 2022
11 -TRAFFIC SAFETY THROUGH SHS
Do you have a 15-year-old or soon-to-be 15-year old that is interested in driving
and getting their license?
They can take Traffic Safety Education (TSE) through the school. Classes will start September 2022 and February 2023. The only requirements are that (1) your student is 15 before the first day of class and (2) to add TSE to course registration happening now.
Not in the class yet and still want to get a permit? Students as young as 15 can take the knowledge test. Successfully passing the knowledge test will allow them to obtain a permit.
To get a license, they will still need to complete TSE or wait until they are 18 years old.
The knowledge test is offered for free. To sign up, use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/stateknowledgetesting
If you have other questions, you can refer to the Department of Licensing for steps to obtaining a driver’s license. https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/steps.html
RUNNING START MEETING APRIL 13
Running Start Meeting this Wednesday, April 13th during Anchor!!
This is for ALL current 10th and 11th graders considering Running Start next fall. Juniors IN Running Start now are also encouraged to attend.
Martha Zender will go over important information- what to consider, what are the expectations, pros/cons.
Check the Running Start web site for updates and news.
SCHOLARSHIP SEASON!
Scholarship Season!!
Seniors should be checking the Scholarship Bulletin each Friday for updates!
The B.A.S.E. Scholarship ( financial need) and the Sehome Staff Scholarship ( community/Sehome involvement) are due April 13th!
Birger Solberg ( Sehome athletes) is due 4/15.
BTC Foundation for students planning to attend BTC.
Many local scholarships are still going!
LATEST HOT JOBS
The latest Hot Jobs has been posted. We are receiving listings from local businesses regarding some great summer jobs as well! We will have a list of jobs for our graduating seniors too.
Hot Jobs – Sehome High School (bellinghamschools.org)
Here are a couple from the City of Bellingham:
“Thinking about summer? We are too! We are hiring now for summer help with our Maintenance and Operations (15 positions), and Shop/Stores division (1 position)”
👉 Road job details: http://ow.ly/hXMB50HTo5q
👉 Stores job details: http://ow.ly/CiUt50HTo5t
TUTORING/LEARNING CENTER
The tutoring center offers help with most subjects taught at SHS…Contact the Learning Center and we will try to find you the help you need.
About the tutors:
They work with students 1:1 or in small groups in their content areas of expertise
· Answer questions on course content
· Aid in comprehension of course material, review, and test preparation
· Patient, dependable, and responsible when working with students
· Friendly, flexible, and sensitive to demands of high school students
Schedule a tutoring appointment
https://sehome.bellinghamschools.org/schedule-tutoring-appointment/
Visit the learning center website
https://sehome.bellinghamschools.org/students/learning-center/
Questions?
theresa.wines@bellinghamschools.org
AP EXAMINATION INFORMATION
ALL REGISTRATION FOR AP EXAMS IS NOW CLOSED
AP Exams 2022 – Payment Information
Payments can either be made at the ASB Office with Cash/Check or Credit Card or online.
Payment for AP exams must be made between Oct. 12 – Apr. 2, 2022 online here.
- Full payment fee = $43.50 per exam
- Qualify to receive free/reduced lunch? If so, your fee = $0 per exam. You must submit a Low-Income Student Verification Form. (also available at the ASB Office)
- Late registration fee (after 11/15/20) will incur an additional $40 charge.
- Cancellation/Unused exam fee is $40.
For questions/assistance with payments please contact the ASB Office at (360) 676-4971 or e-mail Catherine.Moran@bellinghamschools.org
15 -AFTER SCHOOL DINNER PROGRAM
After-school dinner program free for all children 18 and under
Bellingham Public Schools serves hot dinner at no cost to all children 18 and under. These meals are offered from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday through June 16, 2022. Dinner is served in the Shuksan Middle School cafeteria, located at 2717 Alderwood Avenue (at the corner of Northwest and Alderwood). It does not matter what school you attend in the district.
Accompanying adults are charged $4.75 per meal — please bring cash or check. Please plan to eat onsite in the Shuksan cafeteria.
The daily Monday through Thursday dinner menu is listed on the school menu webpage by day after the lunch listing.
Please note: Dinner will not be served on school holidays or on the following all school early dismissal days: Nov. 4, Nov. 24, Dec. 9, Feb. 10, March 10 and April 28.
Programa gratuito de cenas después de la escuela para todos los niños de 18 años o menos
Las Escuelas Públicas de Bellingham sirven cenas calientes sin costo alguno a todos los niños de 18 años o menos. Las cenas se ofrecen de las 5 a las 6 de la tarde de lunes a jueves hasta el 16 de junio de 2022. La cena se sirve en la cafetería de la Escuela Secundaria Shuksan, ubicada en el 2717 de Alderwood Avenue (en la esquina de Northwest y Alderwood). No importa a qué escuela asista en el distrito.
A los adultos acompañantes se les cobrará $4.75 dólares por comida - sólo en efectivo o con cheque. Todas las comidas deben ser consumidas en la cafetería de Shuksan.
El menú diario de la cena se encuentra por día en la página de internet de los menús escolares después del listado del lonche o almuerzo.
Por favor, tenga en cuenta: La cena no se servirá en los días festivos de la escuela o en los siguientes días de salida temprana de la escuela: 4 de noviembre, 24 de noviembre, 9 de diciembre, 10 de febrero, 10 de marzo y 28 de abril.
16 - EMERGENCY AND WEATHER PROCEDURES
Emergency and Weather Procedures
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),
- 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 @BhamSD on Twitter, @bellinghamschools on Facebook and @bellinghamschools on Instagram
- 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
17 -MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
When a student requires medication at school, either prescription or over the counter (OTC), parents/guardians must return a completed medication authorization form with directions from a licensed health care provider (LHCP) to Sehome. One exception is that certain OTC medications that are self-administered do not require LHCP instructions, but they do require a parent/guardian to complete the medication authorization form. There is no situation that a student taking medications at school does not need a medication authorization on file.
The privilege of students self-caring their medications, whether prescription or OTC, requires students to take their medication as instructed on the authorization and being aware that they may not share their medications with anyone. Medications brought to school must be in the original prescription container or manufacturers labelled OTC container. Medication authorizations expire at the end of the current school year, or sooner as per LHCP instructions.
Link to Medication Authorization Form can be found here
COVID-19 UPDATES
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
Colin Cushman, Athletics & Activities: colin.cushman@bellinghamschools.org
Amy Hjelt, Counselor A - D: amy.hjelt@bellinghamschools.org
Jeff Smith, Counselor E-K: jeffrey.smith@bellinghamschools.org
Hana Schutz, Counselor L-Re: hana.schutz@bellinghamschools.org
John Vandermolen, Counselor Rh - Z: john.vandermolen@bellinghamschools.org