The Cougar Pounce
staying connected @ShuksanMS
April 12, 2020
This week, we all heard from Governor Inslee that school buildings will be closed for the remainder of the year. I know this news elicits a host of emotions. For me, it was heartbreaking to tell my two girls they wouldn’t be back to school with their classmates and teachers.
My mind goes to our 8th graders and I am sad that they are going to miss these last months of middle school. Staff are hoping that in June we might be able to do something for our students to make the end of the year special. Until then, here’s something from my family to brighten your day: https://vimeo.com/405288235
As we have all heard, each of us has the responsibility to stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is our most effective tool. This only works if we all commit to it – including students. Please continue to do your best. Talk with your kids about why it is so important that they adhere to the Governor’s mandate.
Finally, our remote teaching continues to evolve. Starting on April 20th, all teachers will start teaching new standards. For each content area, the district has identified five standards to address over ten weeks. We strongly encourage students to complete assignments, review teacher feedback and ask lots of questions. If you are in a circumstance that will not allow your child to participate, please reach out to the teachers or myself.
All in all, we miss our amazing kids. So very much.
Take care,
Matt Whitten
Esta semana, todos oímos del Gobernador Inslee que los edificios escolares estarán cerrados por el resto del año. Sé que esta noticia suscita una serie de emociones. Para mí, fue desgarrador decirles a mis dos niñas que no volverán a la escuela con sus compañeros de clase y maestros.
Mi mente va a nuestros estudiantes del 8o grado y estoy triste de que se pierdan estos últimos meses de la escuela intermedia. El personal espera que en junio podamos hacer algo para nuestros estudiantes para que el fin del año sea especial. Hasta entonces, aquí hay algo de mi familia para alegrar tu día: https://vimeo.com/405288235
Como todos hemos oído, cada uno de nosotros tiene la responsabilidad de detener la propagación del virus. El distanciamiento social es nuestra herramienta más eficaz. Esto sólo funciona si todos nos comprometemos con ello, incluidos los estudiantes. Por favor, continúe haciendo lo mejor que pueda. Hable con sus hijos acerca de por qué es tan importante que se adhieran al mandato del Gobernador.
Por último, nuestra enseñanza remota sigue evolucionando. A partir del 20 de abril, todos los profesores comenzarán a enseñar nuevos estándares. Para cada área de contenido, el distrito ha identificado cinco estándares para abordar a través de diez semanas. Recomendamos encarecidamente a los estudiantes que completen las tareas, revisen los comentarios de los maestros y hagan muchas preguntas. Si usted está en una circunstancia que no permitirá que su hijo o hija participe, comuníquese con los maestros o conmigo mismo.
Con todo, extrañamos a nuestros increíbles hijos. Mucho.
Cuídense,
Matt Whitten
BPL Book Group this Wednesday
From Jennifer Lovchik, Teen Services Librarian at the Bellingham Public Library:
All Shuksan and Kulshan MS students are invited to join her for a virtual “Lunchtime” book club! During this first session, we’ll share what we’ve been reading/watching/doing during the first month of the “stay at home” directive.”
Join Zoom Meeting at 1pm on Wednesday April 15
https://cob.zoom.us/j/346508255?pwd=VCtpVlM0bHlEV0pNRHlUdDdwS1I3UT09
Meeting ID: 346 508 255
Password: 007594
Need some books? Online Book Fair Continues!
You can have books delivered free to your home with a $25 purchase. The Online Book Fair started Monday (4/6) and ends Sunday (4/19). You can access the Scholastic Store by clicking here. You can also enter the fair through the library website.
These purchases also benefit our school! Questions? Please ask our librarian, CJ Fisher.
Happiness Tip from ELL Teacher, Sarah Ferris
Want to add some happiness in your day? One of my favorite workouts is Zumba! We have been offering free Zumba classes at Birchwood and Shuksan for the past 4 years.
Melissa Gonzalez (Shuksan parent) is the teacher. She is amazing and this is not only a great workout, but also a way to connect with families through smiles and fun, upbeat, world music. Especially during this strange time!
If you are interested in being added to our Facebook Messenger group, please email me here. The classes are usually Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 5:30pm. They are 60 min. but feel free to stay for as much or little as you’d like. All dance experience welcome.
We will provide you with a Zoom code—but rest assured, this is a different kind of Zoom meeting!
Here is another link to my flipgrid dance with a tutorial/video of the original choreographer, Jalaiah Harmon. I can’t take credit for the moves, and maybe some of you dancers will want to try it out:
https://flipgrid.com/95d0b61e
Thanks, Sarah Ferris
Shuksan ELL Specialist
Shuksan Middle School
Vice-Principal, Allison Hancock
Dean of Students, Dave Kish
Email: matthew.whitten@bellinghamschools.org
Website: https://shuksan.bellinghamschools.org/
Location: 2717 Alderwood Avenue, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 676-6454
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shuksanmiddleschool/