BFPP NEWS
Friday, January 15th, 2021
Principal's Corner
Hello BFPP Families,
We are continuing to work on developing a robust second semester experience for our learners. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are making any changes in your school placement. We are here to support you and with a bit of time can provide a smoother transition. Please read through all of the information below regarding second semester, the schedule, how to access AL*e and registration information.
There are several community celebrations and opportunities coming this month. Monday is a day of observance to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I hope to take some time to reflect on his influence and our current times- there is still a ways to go. Reminder, as it is a holiday teachers will not be available. There are several community projects taking place and a viewing on Friday the 22nd at 5:30pm of “A Kids Play About Racism!” See information below.
Also, please take note of two other great opportunities to celebrate the amazing learning at BFPP. The Theatre Classes are offering a double feature on Tuesday the 19th at 5pm, and then we have the Celebration of Learning capping off our 1st semester on Wednesday the 27th at 1:30pm. See information below.
I hope to see you at some of these events and as always, hugs from afar. -k
The 2nd Semester Class Schedule is Here!
A few things to note:
-We are again offering semester and quarter courses.
-We are expanding to allow students to enroll in up to 3 courses at a time (rather than 2).
-You will notice EX in front of some courses- those are Excursion Courses - they will be off-site, in-person classes. There will be more information about these new offerings to follow. For example, to support safety and co-horting, you can only sign up for one EX course.
Get Ready to Register
-Course descriptions will be available in AL*e next Wednesday.
-Registration will be Tues. Jan 26th through Wed. Jan. 27th
-Log in to your AL*e account before registration to ensure you can login, to read course descriptions and to practice the registration steps.
-Need a refresher in logging into AL*e or registering? See the tutorials below.
BFPP Continues to Grow... Welcome Jackie!
Hi, my name is Jackie Brown. I am overjoyed to become a part of BFPP. Over my thirty year career I have had the opportunity of working in the Bellingham School District, Ireland, Northern India, and Tribal Schools. However, no matter where on the map or with what culture I find myself with, I have discovered that students of all ages learn best when they feel agency over their own learning. The thrill of watching a child ignite when they make new discoveries and uncover their passions never grows old.
I learned this firsthand when I traveled around the country and Canada with my graduate degree program. As a consensus community we traveled on a school bus for two years studying environmental issues. We were in charge of making every decision including where we went, what we studied, how we organized meals along with our grades. I have never felt more empowered as a learner! It is very exciting to me that BFPP is based on a similar model of student ownership of their learning.
Like many, being in the natural world fills my soul. I love any activity that involves getting sweaty and being outside! Most recently my partner Robbie and I have discovered bikepacking which is a fantastic way of combining backpacking and biking. When not on my bike I can be seen gardening, kayaking, volunteering in the community, and (before covid at least) cooking huge feasts for my friends. My adult son, now 28, lives in LA and works in the film industry. I look forward to meeting all of you!
Click here to view the BFPP Staff Directory.
30th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 30th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration, a virtual event scheduled from noon to 1:00 p.m., Monday, Jan. 18, 2021.
This virtual event features music by Kulshan Chorus, blessing by Lummi tribal member Darrell Hillaire and Children of the Setting Sun, remarks by Bellingham author and celebration founder Dr. Clyde Ford and Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood, and selections from Dr. King’s speeches presented in his own words.
The event is free of charge and open to the public. Sign up to receive a link to the celebration by filling out a form on the Kulshan Chorus website.
Another way we can celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is by joining a habitat restoration project - on Monday, January 18 and beyond. Dr. King not only championed civil rights, he also inspired the environmental justice movement through his concern for the urban environment.
The City of Bellingham is offering several opportunities to get involved in habitat restoration that meet safety guidelines for reducing the spread of COVID-19. Click here for details on these opportunities!
BFPP Winter Celebration of Learning!
This is a chance for students of all ages to share their learning with the broader school community. The celebration offers an opportunity to connect with other families and to perhaps inspire future learning. Think of it as a mixture of Show & Tell, Science Fair, and Talent Show, all rolled into one!
We welcome this opportunity to celebrate all students’ learning during the first semester of the school year. We hope you join us on Wednesday, January 27th at 1:30pm to share your own learning and to see what others have been up to.
We will make space for students to show, discuss, and/or perform:
· Written stories
· Art projects
· Academic work
· Songs (singing and/or instrumental), dances, skits
· Blogs, animations, coding, etc.
· And anything else you would like to share with our community
We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your learning!
Celebration of Learning Zoom link: https://bellinghamschools.zoom.us/j/89748267166
A Kids Play About Racism
This Monday, January 18th is the day we honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by celebrating his birthday. He said, “Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”
We at BFPP are learning together how to create our own beloved community, coming together to support each other through our many differences, which include race, socio-economic class, gender... and also our home-schooling beliefs.
Toward that end we would like to offer viewings of a A KIDS PLAY ABOUT RACISM!
This performance explains what racism is, how to know it when you see and experience it, and ideas for what you can do about it. As in our Doctober series in November, we will have a facilitated discussion after the show.
We will offer this twice, on January 22 at 5:30 and also in African-American history month on Friday, Feb 12th. Bring the whole family! Save the date and look for a flyer with the Zoom link!!
For more info on the play, download the Active Audience Guide!
Materials Pick Up & Returns
Remember: If you or someone in your household has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, please do not come onsite for supply pick up/materials distribution or any other reason until your quarantine period is over. Thank you!
Western Experiments With Reading
Wednesdays: Feb 24th, March 3rd & 10th
Is your child naturally curious about the world of science?
Are you looking for a way to keep your 3rd-5th grader engaged in science learning?
Join us for a great time exploring science through reading!
We are offering three, engaging and interactive lessons for 3rd-5th graders.
Each lesson is designed and taught by WWU students training to be teachers! These free lessons give them a chance to work with instructors who share a passion for science and meet new friends. Each session, students will listen to books focused on science topics, work and share with other students to extend their ideas in our virtual classroom. We hope you join us!