Shuksan Middle School
High expectations, strong support. #youbelonghere
Dear Families,
So many amazing things!
One of my goals as your principal is to get better at sharing our Shuksan stories--to brag about our students and to showcase our stunning staff. To get the word, out you can anticipate hearing from me at least once a month via this newsletter.
And, please be in touch. I'd be happy to answer any of your questions, give more details and fill in any blanks.
I'm proud to be the principal of such a unique and positive school community!
Amy Carder
Amy Carder
Eric Paige
Dave Kish
#youbelonghere
We take belonging seriously.
- PRIDE teams. Resilience and strength are fostered in students when they know they have at lease one caring adult in their lives who believes in them without condition and who has high expectations for them to be their best self. One way we connect students with caring adults at Shuksan is through "PRIDE Teams." Beginning Jan. 30th, every other Wednesday students will start their day with their "PRIDE Team"--this is like a homeroom group where they will connect, build community, and learn to identify and manage emotions. Ask your student about it!
- Breakfast in the classroom. Eating together creates opportunities for students to connect with each other while preparing their bodies and brains for the day's learning. Shuksan is the only middle school in Bellingham to offer this opportunity!
- WEB. Eighth grade mentors were trained this summer to mentor incoming 6th graders. "Social activities have continued through the year, with mentors visiting classes for academic support and organizing lunchtime interest tables and trivia contests. Mentors spend time greeting students, touching base, and asking them how school is going" (article).
Restorative Practices Training: Repairing Relationships
We believe that conflict is an opportunity for learning. Restorative conferences build empathy and can help us learn from our mistakes and to make things right.
On January 22, twenty three Shuksan staff including counselors, para-educators, teachers and administrators participated in an after-school Restorative Practices Training led by the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center. This training has empowered adults in our building to help coach students through conflict, learn from their mistakes, and to make things right with those they have harmed.
Thank you Ms. V!
Snow School
Shuksan 8th graders went to Snow School! They strapped on snowshoes and hiked to various stations at the Mt. Baker Ski Area. They learned about snow profiles, avalanche risk, watershed, and topography mapping. They even took samples of snow to find snow algae!
Gear Up
- College visit
Career Exploration activities
Summer Programs
Educational Field Trip
Career Counseling
Academic Planning
Academic Support
- Gear Up website
Young Authors
During the 2017-18 school year the students of Shuksan’s Young Authors completed a novella entitled, “Save da Unicorns.” It will be available as an ebook on Amazon.com soon. All proceeds from sales will be donated to the local animal shelter. The cover was partially done by one of the student writers and is being finished by a professional cover artist.
You're invited!
Who: The Whole Fam
Where: SMS
Starts: 5pm, dinner
Battle of the Books 2019
Wrestling, Girls' Volleyball, and Intramural Volleyball
Winter Sports start soon! Check out our webpage for more details.
Connect with Principal Carder
Email: amy.carder@bellinghamschools.org
Website: http://shuksan.bellinghamschools.org/
Location: 2717 Alderwood Avenue, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: 360-389-7388
Facebook: facebook.com/shuksanmiddleschool