Kulshan Connect

October 15, 2021

In our Kulshan Community, we are courageous, kind, and committed!

In our Kulshan Community, we are courageous, kind, and committed!

Si desea esta información en español llame al 360-676-6456.

School Lunch Menus

Bus Stop: Infofinder

Attendance email

Kulshan Principal Instagram

Bellingham Schools Instagram

Land Acknowledgement

In our Kulshan Community, we are courageous, kind, and committed!
Kulshan gear in our main entry way

Kulshan Spirit Gear

Our KMS Spirit Gear is on sale now in our Main Office! We have KMS T-shirts ($5.00), KMS hoodies ($8.00), Cinch Sacks ($3.00), Beanies ($10.00), Blankets ($10.00), and Trucker Hats ($15.00). Buy all your bling and represent our Kulshan Thunderbirds in the community and at our sporting events! This is a limited sale while quantities last. We take cash or check.
Kulshan gear in our main entry way
a 1971 photo of Navy service people

Needed: Photos of Veterans

Veterans’ Day is coming up and our KMS ASB wants to honor our veterans by organizing a Veteran's Day assembly. Please send in pictures of family or friends that served in any branch of the military. If you can, include a short caption with their name, branch, years of service, role, and how they are connected to KMS. (i.e. Kira's grandpa) These pictures will be displayed during our Veteran’s Day assembly on November 10. If sending pictures in, please send in by Friday, November 5. Please email pictures to Mr. Shaffer.

a 1971 photo of Navy service people
a hand holding an envelope with dollar bills

KMS Fundraiser!

Next week, your student will bring home an envelope with information about our middle school fundraiser. The campaign will run Oct 20 - 29. We don't sell ANYTHING! YAY! Your donation directly benefits our school. Please send your student’s envelope + donation back to school. It also serves as a raffle ticket for prizes! Donations can also be made online. Your donations fund many KMS programs: Art, Library, PE, Band, Orchestra, AVID, WEB, Field Trips, 8th Grade Celebration, and Clubs. Thank you Kulshan parents!

a hand holding an envelope with dollar bills
a middle school student getting a shot in her arm

COVID Vaccines Available

If you are interested in getting your child the COVID vaccine, the Whatcom County Health Department has good information about available locations for walk-up and appointments.

a middle school student getting a shot in her arm
a photo of Mr. Johnson's introduction video for 6th grade Science

Open House and Teacher Videos

If you missed our Open House, no worries! Here's a video of the Oct 14 event. ALSO - each KMS teacher made a video showcasing a little bit of their personality, teaching style, and curriculum. Click this link to view a list of all of the KMS videos. Then take a minute to find your child's teachers' videos. Enjoy!
a photo of Mr. Johnson's introduction video for 6th grade Science
an example of the Safe Schools security camera signs that hang in our schools

Safe Schools Zone

This fall, contractors installed security cameras inside and outside of several of our schools, including here at at Kulshan Middle School. This project was approved by voters in our community as part of the 2018 school facilities bond. Security cameras will help us maintain the health, welfare and safety of students, staff and visitors, and protect our school’s equipment and beautiful campus. For more information, see policy 6610.

an example of the Safe Schools security camera signs that hang in our schools
a photo of a salmon swimming upstream

This Saturday! October 23

Celebrate Make a Difference Day and Arbor Day with the City of Bellingham and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) by helping improve water quality and salmon habitat at Whatcom Falls Park. We will be planting native trees and shrubs, removing invasive plants, and maintaining social trail closures together on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon. All ages, abilities, and experience levels welcome! Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. We will provide tools, gloves, and instructions, as well as free Tony’s coffee and Papa John’s pizza that are being generously donated. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes and a face mask. This event will follow current Health Department guidelines and COVID-19 safety protocols. To learn more and register for this event, please visit www.cob.org/madd2021.

a photo of a salmon swimming upstream
an example school photo of a middle school girl with dark hair

Thur, Oct 28: Picture Retake Day

Are you wanting a picture retake? If you ordered photos, please bring your original package on Picture Retake Day. Photos from our September Picture Day will be passed out to students during lunch on Monday, October 18. You can still order photos on mylifetouch.com. Our KMS Picture Day ID code is EVTJXZHGJ.
an example school photo of a middle school girl with dark hair
an overhead photo of three pizzas with various toppings

Wed, Oct 27: Kulshan @ MOD Pizza

Support Kulshan ASB by eating pizza! Get dinner (or lunch! Or both!) at MOD pizza on Wednesday, October 27, and support Kulshan ASB and this year's charity partner, Northwest Youth Services! Mention "Kulshan ASB" when you order in person or by phone, or use the code GR204669K for online or app orders. Tell your friends, relatives, and neighbors, too!

an overhead photo of three pizzas with various toppings
a border of rainbow colored pencils with the words "Parent-Teacher Conference."

Sign Up for your November Conference

Our November student-family-teacher conferences are Nov 5 and Nov 9. Conferences will take place with your student's T-Bird Time Teacher. Families can sign up for conferences via the personalized Sign Up Genius link. In the Sign Up Genius, you can choose between an in-person, Zoom, or phone call conference. We look forward to connecting with you during November conferences. If you didn't get the email from your student's T-Bird Time teacher, please email them or call our Kulshan front office.
a border of rainbow colored pencils with the words "Parent-Teacher Conference."

Mon, Oct 25: Healthy Youth Survey

On October 25, KMS will be participating in the Healthy Youth Survey. This student survey is voluntary and anonymous, and the results are used to identify and monitor factors that affect the health of youth in Washington. The results can indicate changes in health behaviors over time, and our schools use these results to identify important areas of need. Survey results are used to guide policy and programs that support our youth and reduce their risks. Please take some time to review this information for parents and students, then talk about the survey with your child.

a group of middle students with 35 mm cameras, pointing toward the camera

Photographers Needed!

Do you enjoy taking photos? Are you often at KMS events with your camera or iphone camera? Our Yearbook Advisory Club is asking KMS parents to email photos from school sporting events and clubs. They can send them via email to Katherine Hendricks. Thank you!
a group of middle students with 35 mm cameras, pointing toward the camera
eight raincoats of various shapes and colors

Raincoat Donations?

Do you have a raincoat to donate to Kulshan? Our students use these raincoats for Plant Science, Garden Classes, and other outdoor activities. Use this SignUp Genius link or just drop off raincoats at our Main Office. Thank you for your donations!

eight raincoats of various shapes and colors
a photo of our Kulshan food pantry showing items such as peanut butter, rice, soup, and canned fruit

Kulshan Food Pantry

Our Kulshan Food Pantry is back! Please use our Sign Up Genius if you can. If you are dropping off non-perishable food or healthcare items for the pantry, please deliver to our KMS front office and let them know it's for the food pantry. We greatly appreciate the ways our families come together to support our Kulshan community. If you and your family are in need of food support, please reach out to any of our Kulshan counselors: Aaron Tiger, Michelle Strobel, or Lacey Bachman.

a photo of our Kulshan food pantry showing items such as peanut butter, rice, soup, and canned fruit

State Testing Schedule

  • RESCHEDULED: 6th grade Science SBA (from 5th grade)
  • New date: Tuesday, October 19th (not Oct 21)
    • Only 6th grade will be on a Testing Schedule
    • 7th and 8th graders will be on a normal schedule
  • Wed, October 27 - 6th, 7th, 8th Reading SBA (from 5th, 6th, 7th)
    • Testing schedule for all grades
  • Thurs, October 28 - 6th, 7th, 8th Math SBA (from 5th, 6th, 7th)
    • Testing schedule for all grades
a PTSA logo saying "every child, one voice, join now"

Tues, Nov 9: KMS PTSA Meeting


Our meetings for PTSA this year are every other month. Our next meeting is Nov 9 @ 6:30 via Zoom. You are welcome to join our PTSA as a member. It's super easy to join. You can become PTSA member here! Membership rates are low and on a sliding scale. Meetings will be held once per month (normally about 1 hour) via Zoom. You can also follow Kulshan PTSA on Instagram by clicking this link. Do you have questions about our KMS PTSA? Email us here. Thank you!
a PTSA logo saying "every child, one voice, join now"
a photo of our apples in our school garden

Winterizing our KMS Garden

As the weather gets colder and the days become shorter, we have some work over the coming months. Let me know if you are available any evening for a "Winterizing Work Party" (10/11-10/15) or during the day next Friday (10/15), because there is no school that day. Also feel free to head over to the garden at your own convenience, just let me know before you go so I can give you some ideas of what to work on, and let you know if there will be a class in the garden at that time.) Feel free to email me: kulshan@commonthreadsfarm.org Thank you! Karey Sharp (Garden Organizer)

a photo of our apples in our school garden
Maestra Pavon-Camargo teaching her students key Spanish phrases and customs in Spanish class.

Kulshan Instructional Spotlight

This year, we have a new Spanish teacher, Cristina Pavon Camargo who has been teaching for 8 years. The energy and joy is ever-present in her class. The minute kids walk in, she is speaking Spanish the entire time with almost no breaks for translating Spanish into English – it is total immersion. With this approach, she communicates that kids are capable of challenging work and they demonstrate they are ready for the challenge. Even the most minor classroom routines, such as taking attendance, kids take turns respond “presente” or “aqui”. Another effective aspect of her instruction is that she makes comprehension and learning visible. This way she can check if they understand what is happening with the directions and its helps her decide how she can respond. Nearly every minute of class, students are demonstrating their understanding through physical movement or call and response. It is clear that she packs a lot of learning in a little amount of time.

In one of the routines this week, students are learning about directions (moving left, right, up, and down). Ms. Pavon Camargo has students stand up and listen to directions to hop up and down, slide to the right, and slide to the left, then after a round of jumping and moving, she turns on music and surprises the class with music that accompanies the dance they just learned. Her classroom is a terrific example of how hard, challenging work is joyful.

I was able to sit in and listen to student conversations in Spanish - this is only after a few weeks of Spanish classes every other day. The progress has been amazing to watch.


Written by Tyler Dockins, Instructional Coach

a teacher holding a light blue water bottle and filling up their bottle at our school water bottle filling station

Water Bottles

We encourage students to bring a water bottle from home. We have a water bottle filling station in our Commons. This helps students stay hydrated all day long and it saves them multiple trips to the drinking fountain.
a teacher holding a light blue water bottle and filling up their bottle at our school water bottle filling station
a graphic image that says "clubs and activities"

Kulshan Clubs

Our Kulshan Club are going strong! For most clubs, students can just show up if they have already arranged for transportation either to school (morning club) or home (afterschool club). If students wish to participate in Building Solutions, they should check in with the main office or Mr. Hendricks before coming to the club. You can see a complete list of club times on our website here.
a graphic image that says "clubs and activities"
a graphic image showing that a face mask should be tight against the face and folded over the nose

Mask Reminder

Masks at School: Our students are doing a great job following mask guidelines at school. Middle school is a time when students can grow rapidly, and it can be a challenge to keep up all that. One thing that would be worth checking is how your students’ masks fit when they leave for school. Masks should fit snugly over the top of the nose down to underneath the chin. We have extra masks we can and do provide students when they need them as well. Thanks for supporting the safety of all kids, and we are proud of how our kids have responded to our safety protocols.

a graphic image showing that a face mask should be tight against the face and folded over the nose
four middle school students running outside in a grassy field

KMS Fall Sports

We have had a remarkable and extraordinary start to our Fall Sports Season! Over 250 KMS students are registred and are participating in our after school sports. Throughout the season, coaches will add information on our KMS Athletics page. Feel free to check this page or contact the coach directly. If you have any questions about sports registration or Final Forms, please email Lisa Scott, our Athletics Registrar or call 360-676-4886 x4708.

four middle school students running outside in a grassy field
a middle school student wearing a life vest and wearing a hand woven cedar hat with shell decorations, holding a wooden pole

Support for Tribal Affiliated Students

Did you know we have over 400 students in our district with tribal affiliation? Lummi Behavioral Health can serve students with ANY tribal affiliation/status. Here is the interest link for starting MH services with Lummi Behavioral Health.

If you are interested or have questions please talk to your school counselors:

Michelle Strobel michelle.strobel@bellinghamschools.org

Lacey Bachman lacey.bachman@bellinghamschools.org

Aaron Tiger aaron.tiger@bellinghamschools.org

a middle school student wearing a life vest and wearing a hand woven cedar hat with shell decorations, holding a wooden pole
a graphic image that reads "college bound scholarship washington apply here"

College Bound Application

Did you know college is free for qualifying families? Middle school is the only time that families can sign up for the College Bound Scholarship Program. The College Bound Program covers the average cost of tuition, some fees, and a small book allowance at over 65 Washington State colleges, universities and technical schools. Please fill out our district Free and Reduced Lunch Form to apply. Please let your KMS counseling team know if you have any questions.

a graphic image that reads "college bound scholarship washington apply here"

Attendance Office Reminders

Parents: If you need to pick your student up early, please send them with a note to the front office in the morning , then they can be ready in the office when you arrive. Also, our automatic attendance messages to parents will now only go out one time per day, at 3:45 PM. (not twice per day). Let us know if you have a question about this change.
four middle school students walking to school on the sideway near our school parking lot

Limited Pick Up Loop @ KMS

As many of you know, our pick up loop at KMS is quite limited. We encourage KMS students to walk, bicycle, skate, or skooter to school or use their assigned bus route. Students often enjoy walking in small groups together or parents can walk with them the first couple of times. In the past, our KMS parking lot has experienced significant blockage issues and delays. Check and plan your routes for walking and biking. The district partners with the City of Bellingham to support families with school walk routes. Review how to walk or bike safely, especially during high traffic times such as school drop off and pick up.
four middle school students walking to school on the sideway near our school parking lot
a stylized school lunch photo showcasing a burrito, grapes, salad, banana, and apple

Universal “free” meals for 2021-22

Since the first menu of the school year was included in the back-to-school mailing, the Food Services program has been impacted severely by national supply chain issues in the food industry. To keep families updated on what will be served, a two-week menu will be maintained on the school menu webpage. Reminder! All breakfast and lunch meals are provided at no cost to families in the 2021-22 school year thanks to a USDA ruling earlier this summer.

a stylized school lunch photo showcasing a burrito, grapes, salad, banana, and apple
a graphic image reading "looking for part-time work on a school year schedule?"

Now Hiring in BPS

We are hiring in Bellingham! If you have questions about jobs available in our schools, please visit the district website at and click on “jobs”. For assistance with questions about temporary substitute assignments, you may contact Gabrielle Roberts, Substitute Coordinator by emailing or by calling the office at (360) 676-2784 or (360) 398-5572. Questions about other job opportunities in our schools may be addressed by contacting Kara Silsbee, Employment Specialist by emailing or by calling (360) 319-4999.

a graphic image reading "looking for part-time work on a school year schedule?"
a graphic reading "is your contact info up to date?"

Skyward Family Access

Is your contact information for your student up-to-date? You can do this online now through our Skyward Family Access program. Please take a few minutes to log into Skyward Family Access to review your contact information, mailing address, emergency contacts and to complete the Annual Health Concerns form for your student. If you need your login and password information for Skyward Family Access, please contact us. Do you need help with Skyward/ Family Access? Here are some great online resources and videos.

a graphic reading "is your contact info up to date?"
a drawing featuring six diverse faces, all wearing the same rainbow flag face mask

LGBTQ Support for Families and Youth

Dear Families - Did you know that we have many local and online supports to help you with your LGBTQ+ or questioning student? Middle school is a time of growth and many students in middle school are figuring out who they are. These resources are just a few to help along the journey. Please feel free to reach out to our KMS counselors if you have any questions or need more support Aaron Tiger (cell 360-739-3991) or Michelle Strobel. Here is a list of local and online supports.
a drawing featuring six diverse faces, all wearing the same rainbow flag face mask
four people choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables at the food bank

Bellingham Food Bank Schedule

Our local food bank (1824 Ellis Street) is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The team at Bellingham Food Bank works tirelessly to make sure they have great food to give families. Anyone can visit the food bank as often as needed, regardless of address. The food bank is proud to be of service to our families—always striving to serve them with dignity, respect, and a smile. Check out the Food Bank website to learn more about their satellite food banks, home delivery and Whatcom County Foodbanks. You can also make a donation here.

four people choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables at the food bank
a graphic image of multi-colored buses with the words "youth ride free on WTA"

WTA Bus Fare: FREE for Youth

Did you know that youth can ride WTA busses for free? If you're not yet in high school, you can just step on and ride. You don't need a bus pass of any kind. If you're high school aged, you will need a FREE TouchPass/Umo Youth Pass. You can pick up your free TouchPass/Umo Youth Pass at WTA's Bellingham Station. Please bring proof of your age, or your current school ID. Or, you can request a card by sending an email from your school email address to buspasses@ridewta.com . Provide your first name, last name, full birth date and current grade. Students at High Schools in Bellingham can pick up their Youth Cards at school.
a graphic image of multi-colored buses with the words "youth ride free on WTA"
School Tip Line text or call 844-310-9560 or report online at bellinghamschools.org/safe

Kulshan Contacts

Meagan Dawson, Principal

Kevin Terpstra, Assistant Principal

Aaron Tiger, Counselor

Michelle Strobel, Counselor

Tatiana Samora, Registrar Я говорю на русском языке.

Jeneen Durand, Attendance Secretary

Elsa Powell, Family Liaison Hablo español.


Family Handbook in English

Family Handbook in Spanish


Kulshan Middle School 1250 Kenoyer Drive Bellingham, WA 98229 360-676-4886