BFPP NEWS
Friday, March 4th, 2022
Principal's Corner
Hello BFPP Families,
We are in such an interesting transition.....again. There is so much in my heart and mind right now that it is sometimes, often times, overwhelming. I typically dwell in the possibilities and can find the opportunities in everything. It's a mindset that begins with saying, "Make it a great day" rather than "Have a great day"; I am in control of my attitude and approach even when I am not in control of everything external.
So, here is to choosing hope rather than fear, and love rather than hate, and possibilities rather than limits.
As a staff we had time to discuss hope and our work with students and families during our Collaborative Time. As home educators we also honor you learning along side us. Here is the video we watched: Rick Miller and Kids At HOPE
I invite you to watch it and send me your thoughts, questions, reactions and even push back.
Here is to a sunny weekend and dwelling in HOPE,
Dr. Kate
Upcoming Events
Tues. March 8th: BFPP Fundraiser Day at Village Books
Mon. March 14th: Pi Day
Wed. March 16th @10:00-11:30am: Thought Partner Gathering
Please see below for more info on all these events.
Updated Calendar
- March 11th is now a school day
- May 20th is now a school day
- June 20th is a holiday
- June 21st-22nd are set as additional snow make up days should we need them
BFPP Fundraiser Day at Village Books
Village Books and Paper Dreams are donating 20% of sales online and in-store to our school library for new books!
There are two ways to shop:
1. In-store anytime on March 8th - fill out and bring in a copy of the flyer below to ensure BFPP gets credit for your purchases. Copies of this flyer are available in the lobby at school.
2. Online anytime on March 8th - type "BFPP" in the comments box to ensure BFPP gets credit for your purchases.
Happy reading and thanks for your support!
Thought Partner Gathering – Please Join Us March 16th
Our incredible program was built on the strength of the thought partnership between families and staff. Everything we have created: every offering, every community event, every schedule, every everything was made in collaboration with you, our BFPP families. You are why we are so great.
We want to continue to work closely with you as we grow and strengthen our community through these shifting and challenging times. If you are interested in being a thought partner with us as we build community programs, connections and offerings, please join us in the library on Wednesday March 16th from 10 – 11:30 for a facilitated thought partner conversation.
During this thought partner meeting we will:
- share ideas already proposed by some of our long time community members and gather new ones;
- agree on our collective time commitment and energy for going forward – do we want to meet weekly, monthly, etc….
- discuss the potential for work groups as a way to share the effort required to build community.
- Laugh, meet new friends, share stories and enjoy the energy created when we work collaboratively.
There is no need to RSVP. Simply join us on the 16th and we’ll get started. Childcare will not be provided but kiddos can work in the library while we meet.
Please reach out with questions to erica.wolverton@bellinghamschools.org
I can’t wait to partner with you.
Warmly,
Erica
The Literacy Lab
Hello BFPP Families,
If you have been in the library at BFPP recently you might have noticed that there is a corner of it now called The Literacy Lab. Prior to coming to BFPP, I was a Reading Specialist in the Bellingham School District. After I had been a 1st and 2nd grade classroom teacher for many years, I spent 13 years working specifically with Kindergarten- 5th grade struggling readers.
During the last year, I have been providing Literacy Consultation to BFPP families over Zoom. Now that the building is opening up, I wanted our families to know I am available to meet with you either on Zoom or In Person. I have brought many of the materials I’ve gathered over the years to BFPP and am making them available by appointment with me. If you’d like to meet with me, please send me an email introducing yourself and briefly letting me know what your needs are. I’ll send you my Sign Up Genius to make an appointment. If you have a struggling reader at home and are in need of some help, please feel free to reach out to me.
–Carrie Vining (carrie.vining@bellinghamschools.org)
New Sensory Tools for Check Out!
We now have a whole set of new sensory tools for you to check out. Sensory tools can help calm the nervous system during overstimulating situations. There are also tools available to help learners focus and to improve opportunities for learning. The purpose and use of these tools can seem confusing upon first glance so we created a great document with videos of our own students using each tool.
Watch the video in the QR code to see our own students using the tools!
If you think your learner might benefit from one of the tools, reach out to your learning plan partner or talk to Peggy at the front desk.
Questions? Comments? Reach out to Erica Wolverton
Oh my dear, why don’t you volunteer …. at BFPP
Find yourself with some time while your kiddos are in class?
This might be the perfect time to volunteer your talents. Families sharing their talents are what makes this a great place. Many of you have already registered as volunteers for unlimited access to the building.
Please browse our sign-up sheets posted on the main floor hallway bulletin board, “Oh, the Possibilities”, next to the exit door facing the gym for the volunteer opportunities.
Contact Peggy at the front desk if you have any questions.
QSA Social Club
This club is to make friends and interact with other middle schoolers who go to BFPP. We play games and get to know each other over zoom.
This club is a place where everyone can feel included and be treated with respect. This is a safe space for all youth - LGBTQ+ and allies.
Zoom Link: https://bellinghamschools.zoom.us/my/triciaszoom
Questions: Teacher Tricia (our advisor) - patricia.becraft@bellinghamschools.org
Arts & Crafts Club
Calling all artists!
Hi! My name is Eli Z. Spain and I'm a student at BFPP. I’m starting an arts and crafts club for kids ages 8 and up (since we’ll be using hot glue guns).
For more details, contact sivspain@icloud.com or ezspain@icloud.com
Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest
All Whatcom County residents (including students grades k-12) are invited to participate in the annual Boynton Poetry Contest. Entries will be accepted March 1st - 31st. Winners will have their poems displayed on the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Walk outside the Bellingham Central Library.
Information about the contest, community events, and past winners can be found here:
https://thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com/contest/
A PDF of the contest guidelines can be found here:
https://thepoetrydepartment.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/2022-boynton-contest-guidelines-1-13.pdf
Two BFPP students were winners last year! Check out their placards hanging on the bulletin board in the main lobby at BFPP.
BFPP parent Jay Nahani is the Chair of the contest this year! Feel free to reach out to her with questions at boyntonpoetrycontest@hotmail.com or jsnahani@gmail.com.
Summer Camp Scholarships for Middle Schoolers
Whatcom CARE Monthly Meeting: March 14th
This will be a discussion based meeting with an opportunity for Q&A with Jason. We will explore topics around validating the identities of BIPOC and LGBTQ youth, how best the school community can support youth experiencing homelessness, how schools can embrace anti-racism as a practice, and where we have some of the greatest opportunities in the public school system to affect change for the next generation.
This meeting will be on Monday, March 14th from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Here is a Zoom link for the meeting. Learn more about Whatcom CARE at www.whatcomcare.org.
If you're interested in hearing about their future monthly meetings, please sign up for the Whatcom CARE newsletter.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library arrives in Whatcom County
Free books for children aged birth to 5 will soon be available in Whatcom County thanks to the Dolly Parton Foundation and her flagship early childhood reading program called the Imagination Library. United Way of Whatcom County is serving as the local affiliate for Dolly’s world-wide program.
Once a child is registered, a free, age-appropriate book is delivered monthly to them until they are five years old. That’s it. It’s that simple. The books are selected “to provide a variety of inclusive and diverse titles,” according to United Way’s news release. Read the full news release here.
Pi Day ~ 3.14 ~ March 14th
Monday, 3/14, is Pi Day!
This is a day to celebrate mathematics and especially the number Pi! (also known as... 3.1415926535 897....)
Here are a few links to some videos and sites with Pi Day activities:
- Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi – Wonderful picture book story of Pi!
- PBS Kids Video Explaining Pi Day
- Math Antics Video Explaining Circles and the Relationship of Pi - Geared towards older students.
- Celebrate Pi Day With These 7 Fun Crafts!
- Fun Pi Day Activities for Kids
Families of 8th Graders: High School Info Nights
Incoming 9th Grade Family Night is Tuesday, March 15th at 6:30pm at Squalicum and Sehome High Schools.
Incoming 9th Grade Family Night is Monday, March 14th at 6:30pm for Bellingham High School.
Options High School's New Student Family Night is Monday, March 21st at 6:30pm.
Please click on the flyers below for school-specific info and contacts.