Kulshan Connect
November 20, 2020
In our Kulshan Community, we are courageous, kind, and committed!
Si desea esta información en español llame al 360-676-6456.
Dec 2: Meet a Famous Author in Zoom
The Bellingham Public Library welcomes Ben Guterson, author of themiddle grade Winterhouse trilogy, for a virtual event on Wednesday, December 2, at 1 pm. Teen Services Librarian Jen Lovchik, who runs a monthly book group with middle school students, is moderating. All Kulshan students, teachers, and families are welcome to join in. Here is the Zoom link for the event. We hope to see you there!
Dec 2: Mark Your Calendar!
Our KMS ASB is holding our next fundraiser at MOD pizza @ Barkley on Wednesday, December 2, from 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM. You can participate via take out, delivery, or pick up. You can order via their website or in-person at the restaurant . If you are ordering online, use the promo code GR161788K and 20% of your meal’s price will be donated back to our ASB. If you go to Barkley in-person to order, mention that you are with Kulshan Middle School ASB before placing your order. You can RSVP & see all details here: www.groupraise.com/events/161788 #groupraise #modpizza #kulshanmiddleschoolasb
Tuesday Meal & Book Pick Ups
Due to our upcoming holidays, the rest of our November pick up days will be on TUESDAYS. Our next food distribution date is: Tuesday, November 24
Did you know meal boxes are currently free for all children 0-18? Pick up from 4:00 - 5:30 PM at these school sites: Alderwood, Birchwood, Carl Cozier, Cordata, Geneva, Happy Valley, Northern Heights, Roosevelt, Wade King, Fairhaven, Kulshan, Shuksan, Whatcom, Bellingham, Sehome. And these community sites: Sterling Meadows, Eliza Court, Villa Santa Fe, Evergreen Ridge Apartments, Regency Park, Sudden Valley Community Center. if you think you might qualify for free or reduced lunch, please complete this form by December 1, 2020. Paper forms are also available at the distribution sites.
As of December 2, food distribution and book pick-up will return to the previous schedule, this would be on Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
KMS Counselor Corner
With upcoming holidays and the likelihood that we will be unable to spend them with family in the same way as usual we know that this could be a challenging time for our students. Jen Newbauer and Aaron Tiger have noticed a recent increase in self-harm talk from students and want to provide you with some information in case you hear similar talk from your own student or a friend of theirs. For more information on suicide prevention and how to respond to suicide/self-harm talk click here.
Aaron Tiger - Counselor (cell 360-739-3991)
Jen Newbauer - Counselor (cell 360-739-4138)
Viry Ferreira - KMS Registrar
Kulshan Spirit Gear
Updated WA State COVID Recommendations
Here is the guidance released on Sunday, Nov. 15, which includes restrictions on indoor social gathering. This is timely with the Thanksgiving holiday around the corner.
Here is the travel advisory, which advises against non-essential travel and recommends that anyone arriving in Washington from other states or countries self-quarantine for 14 days upon return.
MS Teams Chat Enabled
As you know, we have been using Teams to support classroom instruction. An important feature within Teams is the ability to chat (text, audio, video, or screen sharing) with other students or staff. In order to support student learning, we are enabling this feature for middle school students. Similar to district email, students logged in to their district accounts will only be able to use the chat feature with other school district members (teachers and students). Students will be reminded of the acceptable use for Teams Chat in their Homeroom classes. If you would like to more actively monitor student technology use, please reference the recently sent invitation to apParent - an app based tool for families to manage student computers. If you have any concerns about inappropriate student behavior, please reach out to your students’ teacher.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in BPS
We are happy to share this November 2020 newsletter listing heritage months, cultural celebrations, holidays and other information supporting the important work of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in Bellingham Public Schools. Please visit the EDI webpage for an ongoing dialogue and focus on this key strategy of The Bellingham Promise. You can also reach out directly to the director of equity, diversity and inclusion Janis Velasquez Farmer.
Free COVID Tests in Whatcom County
Did you know that our Whatcom County Health Department has free, drive-up COVID tests? To arrange a COVID test, visit testdirectly.com or call 360-778-6075. Also, our Kulshan school nurse is Amy Eisenhauer, BSN, RN and she can be reached at 360-303-4667.
KMS Library Book Checkout
Students can use this link to look at the online catalog. If you see something you want that is unavailable, you can log into Destiny and place a hold (same login as for your laptop). To request books, use this form. Mr. Shaffer and Ms. Stephanie will get your books ready for pickup. Books will be available to be picked up during Food Pick Ups: 4:00 - 5:30 PM.
In November:
- Tuesday, November 10
- Tuesday, November 17
- Tuesday, November 24
It's Easy to Join KMS PTSA
LGBTQ Support for Families and Youth
How to Join a Club
Weekly Announcement Videos
Free Cooking Classes
Power Outage?
If there is a power outage, our staff will help your student catch up. Please notify Jeneen Durand, our Attendance Secretary by calling 360-647-6877 or emailing kms.attendance@bellinghamschools.org . If a teacher loses connection during a class, students should stay on the class for a few minutes while the teacher logs back in. Then check students’ email and MS Teams for instructions from the teacher. More information can be found here on our KMS website.
Skyward/ Family Access
Are you in need of family support?
If you are in need of services or help with domestic abuse or sexual assault the local agency DVSAS (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services) is able to help. Here is a link that helps to explain their role and provides contact information. You can also call our KMS Counselors Aaron Tiger 360-739-3991 or Jen Newbauer cell 360-739-4138.
Wednesday Attendance
Did you know that we take attendance for all classes every Wednesday? Students will be marked present if they at least log in and check their MS Teams page. Please remind your students to do this every Wednesday for periods 5-8. Thank you!
KMS Attendance
Kulshan Garden
Bellingham Food Bank Schedule
Tuesdays: Shuksan Middle School from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: Christ the King on Meridian from 3:00-6:00 p.m.
(NEW!) Thursdays: Bellingham High School from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Check out the Bellingham Food Bank to learn more or to make a donation.
District Resources Website
We Miss You and We Love You!
Kulshan Contacts
Kevin Terpstra, Assistant Principal
Jeneen Durand, Attendance Secretary
We love you and we miss you and we hope you are staying safe and healthy!
Kulshan Middle School 1250 Kenoyer Drive Bellingham, WA 98229 360-676-4886