Kulshan Connect
February 25, 2022
In our Kulshan Community, we are courageous, kind, and committed!
Si desea esta información en español llame al 360-676-6456.
Due Feb 25: "Think Big" Challenge
The Bellingham Public School's Foundation wants to hear from student clubs that have an inspiring BIG idea that they would put into action if they had additional resources OR what your club could be doing better if you just had more funds. Finalists will be invited to appear live on stage on March 29th to pitch your BIG idea. Top prize: $2,500 Runners up: $2,000-$1,000 Apply online by Friday Feb 25th.
KMS Band and Orchestra Concerts
Due Feb 24: BPS Budget Planning
As we build our budget for 2022-23, an important part of our process is input from our community. As you think about your school, department, or child’s school, where would you invest more resources if you could? Said another way, if we receive additional funding from the state, where would you like to see that money go? Please fill out this form to share your input by 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25. We will share draft budget highlights later this spring as we prepare our final budget for the 2022-23 school year.
Kulshan Garden Update
We are so excited to announce that we are starting to prepare the garden for spring planting and spring garden lessons. We are starting to see some signs of spring in the garden with trees budding in the food forest and weeds starting to go to flower. Spring garden lessons start on March 28th. Please reach out this year’s Common Threads Food Educator, Karey Sharp, if you have any questions about garden activities or volunteer opportunities.
Mon Feb 28: Student Survey
On Monday, Feb 28, we will be taking an online survey during T-Bird Time that asks students how COVID-19 has impacted their learning and well-bring. The survey is not a test and there are no right or wrong answers. Participation in this survey is anonymous. There are no codes or information that will identify the student or their survey. Participation in this survey is voluntary. If students or families prefer not to participate in the survey, we will arrange alternative activities for the student. Student answers will help our school and community understand what students really think. We are interested in what students have to say and we appreciate accurate and honest answers. The responses that students give are very important and will help provide better programs and services for students.
Idle Free Pick Up
Idle Free Pick-up at Kulshan: Did you know that idling your car for 10 minutes can put a pound of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? As you pick up your students from school or practice and are waiting in your car, we ask that you refrain from idling cars. Thanks for helping us preserve healthy air for our kids while putting less carbon in the air!
WCHD Vaccine Clinics
Our Whatcom County Health Department continues to offer clinics and pop up clinics throughout Whatcom County. Check out all of the dates and locations. For some of the clinics, they are offering $50 gift cards for people getting a first or second dose. Yay!
High School Course Catalog
Are you an 8th grader? Are you interested in looking at all of the courses offered in our local high schools? Then check out our new Course Catalog! Your teachers and counselors will be helping you register for high school this spring. This is an exciting time as you think about finishing up your 8th grade year and starting high school.
Homework Club Snacks Needed
New District Calendar
Winter Sports at KMS
We have had a great start to our Winter Sports Season!! Students can still sign up for these sports on Final Forms. Our sports are 7th and 8th Grade Girls Volleyball (after school daily in the Gym from 3:45 - 5:30 PM) and All Grades and All Gender Wrestling (after school in our Commons from 3:45 - 5:30 PM) If you have any questions about Final Forms or your student's registration, please call our main office at KMS 360-676-4886 or email Lisa Scott / 360-676-4886 x4708. Go Thunderbirds!
Instructional Spotlight
Matt Macleod is an 8th grade social studies teacher, and has been teaching at Kulshan Middle School for 6 years. Mr. Macleod's attention to detail and thoughtfulness in planning is the type of work that sets kids up for success well beyond the walls of Kulshan Middle School. Similar to parenting, we think a lot about the success of our kids when they are no longer with us.
Within Macleod's classroom, the intentional design of how his classroom flows demonstrates how independence is valued. Students facilitate the flow of the room by taking attendance, distributing materials, and answering thoughtful questions that put the work back on students. Through Macleod's routines and systems in his class, he is implicitly communicating to student that they can do a lot of work and that he trusts them to handle their business.
Further, as our 8th graders are starting to think about their transition to high school and build on that independence, Mr. Macleod has been preparing and delivering lessons with the 8th grade team that support our kids' transition to our high schools. This includes going through the course catalog, looking at graduation/post-secondary requirements, and looking at quality of life outcomes from the different opportunities that students take. For example ,Macleod addresses the increase in the number of class that students will need to keep track of, and the higher sense of ownership that high school requires. Part of his messaging is that the preparation for those changes happens now. While he understands that students are not in high school yet, by having an eye toward the next level our students are getting prepared for that often difficult transition because of the intentional work of Macleod and the 8th grade team.
Questions to Ask Your Middle-Schooler at Home (students from all grades could start thinking about these questions):
- What are the ways you want to begin next school year? How can you start to practice those habits now?
- What goals do you have about your middle school experience? How do your daily habits help you or hinder you toward that goal?
- What resources can you look at to help you start thinking about your high school experience? Who else could you speak with for support?
Semester 1 Report Cards
Attendance Office Reminders
Human Growth and HIV Lessons
Our Kulshan PE teachers will be sharing out the Human Growth and Development and HIV lessons that we will be teaching this Spring. Washington State requires HIV/AIDS prevention education for all students, and families are often curious about the materials and information that will be shared with students. Our PE teachers teach specific lessons which can be previewed here. As always, families may opt their child out of these Human Growth and Development & HIV/AIDS lessons. Please let your child's PE teacher know in writing if that is your choice. Thank you!
Summer Scholarships
The Assistance League of Bellingham will once again be offering summer enrichment scholarships to middle school students in Whatcom County. I am happy to report that we are able to provide up to $400 for each student this summer. I hope you will encourage your students to apply. Last year, middle school students used their scholarships to attend a variety of local summer programs including Wild Whatcom, BellinghamART, Dancing for Joy, Camp Kirby, Volunteens, Chamber Days and Mountain Biking Youth Trail Corps. Applications are due by March 17th and scholarship winners will be notified by April 12th. The applicants must complete an application form, respond to an essay question, have their parent or guardian sign a publicity consent form and ask a non-relative to complete a recommendation form. Contact your school counselors with questions or to get an application: Michelle Strobel, Lacey Bachman, Aaron Tiger.
Free Family Podcasts
For those who find parenting, mentoring, and teaching middle schoolers a challenge, the Strengthening Families Training have timely pointers. We encourage you to become familiar with their local program and you can check their online option, which can be done from the comfort of your home. There is no cost involved and Elsa Powell will be able to enroll you at no cost. Leave a message or text at 360 676 4165. All podcasts are available free online, like this one on Encouraging Good Behavior. Also disponible: Alentando el Buen Comportamiento
Now Hiring!
Have you considered becoming a substitute or school volunteer? Our district is dedicated to keeping schools open and operational, but we need YOU! Being a substitute offers flexibility and helps support our schools, staff and Bellingham’s children in fulfilling The Bellingham Promise. We are currently accepting applications for substitute teachers, emergency certified substitute teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, warehouse/delivery drivers, custodians, nurses, food service staff and office personnel. Join us!
Kulshan Food Pantry
Our Kulshan Food Pantry is experiencing low inventory! If you would like to donate, please bring shelf-stable food or health care items to our KMS front office. Wondering what to bring? Please use our Sign Up Genius if you can. We GREATLY appreciate your support. Questions? Please reach out to our Kulshan counselors: Aaron Tiger, Michelle Strobel, or Lacey Bachman.
Social Media Accounts
Have you seen concerning social media pages related to Kulshan students? We encourage all members of the Kulshan community to take action:
- Please report accounts to Instagram if the accounts are bullying or harassing or otherwise violating Instagram terms of service. This step is easy and anonymous.
- Talk with your family and friends about digital citizenship and appropriate social media behavior. If necessary, families and students can send information, tips, or concerns regarding a safety issue in our schools by texting or calling 844-310-9560 or by visiting bellinghamschools.org/safe for confidential, anonymous, two-way communication with our safety staff.
- Continue to stand up for our Kulshan values both in person and online, to protect our students’ mental health and well-being.
Winter Weather and Bus Routes
COVID Vaccine Card to KMS
It is important for us to know your student's vaccination and booster status for contact tracing, as well as indoor events such as high impact sports. If you haven’t already, please email a photo of your student’s vaccination card to our registrar, Tatiana Samora. Thank you!
Free Dinners Mon - Thurs @ 5:00 pm
Bellingham Public Schools Community Meals Program:
What: Dinner for children (up to age 18) and parents
How much: Free for kids up to age 18, parents pay $4.75
Where: Shuksan Middle School’s Cafeteria (2713 Alderwood Ave.), Meals must be eaten on site and can’t be taken home
When: 5:00-6:00 pm, Mondays-Thursdays
* No dinner on all-school early release Thursdays
Safe Schools Zone
This fall, contractors installed security cameras inside and outside of several of our schools, including KMS. This project was approved by voters in our community as part of the 2018 school facilities bond. Security cameras will help us maintain the health, welfare and safety of students, staff and visitors. For more information, see policy 6610.
Kulshan Clubs
Support for Tribal Affiliated Students
Did you know we have over 400 students in our district with tribal affiliation? Lummi Behavioral Health can serve students with ANY tribal affiliation/status. Here is the interest link for starting MH services with Lummi Behavioral Health. If you are interested or have questions please talk to your school counselors:Michelle Strobel, Lacey Bachman, or Aaron Tiger.
College Bound Application
Did you know college is free for qualifying families? Middle school is the only time that families can sign up for the College Bound Scholarship Program. The College Bound Program covers the average cost of tuition, some fees, and a small book allowance at over 65 Washington State colleges, universities and technical schools. Please fill out our district Free and Reduced Lunch Form to apply. Please let your KMS counseling team know if you have any questions.
Skyward Family Access
Is your contact information for your student up-to-date? You can do this online now through our Skyward Family Access program. Please review your contact information, mailing address, emergency contacts and complete the Annual Health Concerns form for your student. If you need your login and password information for Skyward Family Access, please contact us. Also, here are some great online resources and videos.
LGBTQ Support for Families and Youth
Bellingham Food Bank Schedule
The team at Bellingham Food Bank works tirelessly to make sure they have great food to give families. Anyone can visit the food bank as often as needed, regardless of address. The food bank is proud to be of service to our families—always striving to serve them with dignity, respect, and a smile. Check out the Food Bank website to learn more about their satellite food banks, home delivery and Whatcom County Foodbanks. You can also make a donation here.
WTA Bus Fare: FREE for Youth
Kulshan Contacts
Kevin Terpstra, Assistant Principal
Tatiana Samora, Registrar Я говорю на русском языке.
Jeneen Durand, Attendance Secretary
Elsa Powell, Family Liaison Hablo español.
Kulshan Middle School 1250 Kenoyer Drive Bellingham, WA 98229 360-676-4886