Grizzly Growl
September 25th 2020
Update From Mr. Ruthford
Happy Friday Fairhaven Friends and Families,
What a windstorm! I hope this email finds you all well and with power and internet. In these already dynamic and challenging times, the addition of early season storms and electrical disruptions can sometimes be overwhelming. Thank you for your calm and understanding as we all adjust to this computer-based school, with all of its new and exciting challenges. Please reach out to your children’s teachers for specific directions around how to adjust if you are dropped from a Zoom or a teacher suddenly is dropped. Our staff have plans and are making sure those are clearly communicated to everyone.
Beyond power outages, we are also working to make sure the message is clear around Wednesday’s post-Homeroom asynchronous times. Every Wednesday, students are expected to engage in all of their other classes throughout the day following their live Homeroom class. Students should work on or review something from each of their classes before 3:00 PM on Wednesdays. Student engagement in these teacher-directed activities are recorded in Microsoft Teams and used for attendance purposes. Please reach out to your teachers if you have questions about what they are using to take attendance. Our goal is to be clear that learning is expected and maintained every day of the week at Fairhaven and the Bellingham School District.
If a student misses a class for any reason, please email the attendance office at FMSattendance@bellinghamschools.org or call 360-647-6876 to leave a message asking that the absence be excused.
As always, we are here to help and support how we can. Please continue to reach out us by phone at 360-676-6450 or email.
Thank you for all you do to make sure every day is a great day to be a Grizzly!
My best,
Steve
Virtual Grrs
6th Grade
Alex Mart
Evie Porter
Kai Borton
Kaytlyn Jackson
Luke Haveman
Jasper Smith
Sarah Webb
Kennan Barbo
Velouria Leighton
8th Grade
Oscar Hayes-Fegley
Addi McAllister
Future Problem Solvers
Hey Grizzlies! Future Problem Solvers will be offered as club this year. Don’t know what FPS is? Here’s a quick overview. The Future Problem Solving Program curriculum consists of four topics related to the strands of business/economics, science/technology, and social/political. Using knowledge gained and working collaboratively within a team of four peers, students will s apply their critical and analytical thinking skills to complete a six-step, problem-solving process culminating in an action plan. For more info visit: https://www.wafps.org
The club will have similar expectations to a class. Below are some general expectations if you would like to join the club:
1. Attend meetings weekly on Wednesdays from 8:15-9:00am
2. Complete 2-3 hours of FPS related work per week
3. Be able to collaborate with members of your FPS team (teams are of 4 students)
4. FPS has a challenging curriculum which is fast paced and reading/writing intense. The topics we study often encompass science and social science domains. Students will be expected to move through the content and assignments independently with minimal support from coaches.
Finally, if you are a 6th grader or have never done FPS before you are welcome to join or come of the first meeting for more info.
To get an invite to the first meeting on September 30th from 8:15-9:00am you MUST COMPLETE the form below. This will register you for the club. You will receive an Outlook Invite with a Zoom link upon completion of the survey.
Link to registration/forms survey
Registration/Survey deadline is: Tuesday September 29th at 10:00pm
Looking forward to seeing some old and new faces on Wednesday!
Mr. Finley and Mrs. Cornelsen
Message From the PTSA
Happy Fall Fairhaven Grizzlies! I hope everyone is settling in and feeling good about school! The PTSA is off and running working on a family tech night so we can actually follow what our kids are doing at school. If you want to be involved in planning this, Fairhaven Cares or any other please don't hesitate to email:
Our Membership Link is now up and going (thank you Caleb!!).
When you join FMS PTSA, you automatically become a member of Washington State PTA and National PTA. National PTA is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1897 to enhance the education, health, safety, and welfare of all children. With over 6 million members, it's the largest child advocacy volunteer organization in the U.S.A.
KMS and FMS are forming a middle school QSA club
We are seeking LGBTQ+ students as well as any Allies! Come join us to socialize, hang out, meet people who have similar interests, and generally have a good time! This year we are teaming up with KMS for double the fun! Meeting on Thursday morning’s at 8 am, starting October 8. Email Jenn Newbauer at jennifer.newbauer@bellinghamschools.org, if you are interested in attending. She will send you a zoom link so you can join the fun.
Tips For Students On How to "Attend" Virtual Classes
Meal Distribution
Free 7 day Meal Box Distribution happens on Wednesdays from 4 – 5:30 pm. ALL children, 0-18 years of age qualify. It includes 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches.
Resources
Food Service and Wellness update
Whatcom County Mental Health Counseling Resources
Fairhaven Middle School Library Curbside Pick Up Wednesday September 30th 4:00-5:50 FMS bus lane
Students Insurance