Raider Record
October 16, 2020
Dear BHS,
As we settle into the new routines of this extraordinary school year, I find myself reflecting on the things I miss most from a “normal” school year. Autumn is, perhaps, my favorite season because it spans the heat of summer, the energy and enthusiasm of the start of school, and the cooler, darker days of winter’s approach. In this unusual autumn, these are the things I miss most:
· The “library cats” – This is not a formal title but a term of endearment that I use for our library’s “frequent fliers.” These students include the library in their daily routine, visiting before school, between classes, at lunch, or after school to meet up with friends, work on the puzzle, browse books, play chess, work on assignments, or simply sink into one of the comfortable chairs. You know who you are, and I miss you.
· Textbook checkout – As the various classes cycle through the library, and we check out thousands of textbooks, the library staff (Mr. Selig and I) have the opportunity for a brief “check in” with many of our students. [I have still checked out about a thousand textbooks this fall, but I have done it alone in the library, and that process is not nearly as much fun.] I miss this chance to test how many names I know, meet our 9th graders, and catch up with students after a summer away.
· Student presence – Students bring life to a school, and I miss meeting in the library with my Advisory class each day, reading their faces, seeing their smiles, and hearing their voices. The library remains a beautiful space filled with incredible stories, but, without students, the emptiness echoes.
· Cross Country season – I miss all of our fall sports, but especially cross country, since fall typically finds me running with the team six days a week, cheering them through races, and celebrating their personal records (PRs) as many improve with each week of the season. This week, we would be preparing for the Northwest Conference Championship Meet, followed by Districts, and (if all goes well) a trip to Pasco for the State Championship Meet early in November.
· Morning basketball (aka. “Faculty Fitness”) – Since the fall of 2000, I have played basketball in the BHS gym two mornings each week with an assorted group of teachers, coaches, parents, alumni, community members, and friends. Starting the day at 6 am with a good sweat and a couple thousand steps makes basketball days great days where I arrive to school ready to take on the world.
· Lunch with my colleagues and friends – Gathering for lunch each day provides a simple, powerful way for us to connect and support each other as teachers, coaches, parents, spouses, citizens, and friends. We share food, friendship, laughter, and love. Our lunches together frequently feature the highlights of my day. I miss you all, and I remain confident that, like the mythic phoenix, we will rise again from these ashes to celebrate another pizza lunch.
In reflecting on what we have (temporarily) “lost” from normal times, I hope to balance the ledger a bit with what I have “gained”:
· Exercise – When the track season was cancelled last spring, I found myself with free afternoons I filled with trail running, mountain biking, and daily walks. Working from home, “locked down” with my beautiful family, inspired me to get outside more frequently for brain breaks. Soon, I had reached my step goal for days, then weeks, and I currently enjoy a goal streak of 183 days and counting.
· Appreciation for essential workers – My mother is a retired nurse, who spent her career in the emergency room, the recovery room, and providing hospice care, so I grew up with some understanding of the challenges our health care workers face each day with courage and grace. The last few months have increased my appreciation of the grocery workers, truck drivers, factory workers, agricultural laborers, custodians, and all those who toil to provide for our country and our community.
· Time with family – Prior to March, I thought I spent a lot of time with my family, now I know that I have spent a lot of time with my family. I have enjoyed our family bike rides, movie nights, games, meals, and conversations.
· Technology skills for remote learning/instruction – I have learned more than I ever hoped to about Zoom, Teams, and Flipgrid, and I still have much to learn.
I thank you for taking time to read this reflection, and I invite you to spend a few moments considering what you miss most and what you may have gained in these trying times.
Keep on reading,
Eric Bachmeier – Bellingham HS Library
PS: All registered voters should receive a ballot by October 21, and I encourage every eligible voter to cast a ballot by November 3, 2020.
Estimado BHS,
A medida que nos adaptamos a las nuevas rutinas de este extraordinario año escolar, me encuentro reflexionando sobre aquellas cosas que más extraño de un año "normal". El otoño es, quizás, mi estación del año favorita porque abarca el calor del verano, la energía y el entusiasmo del comienzo del año escolar y los días fríos y oscuros anunciando la llegada del invierno. En este otoño inusual, estas son las cosas que más extraño:
•Los "gatos en la biblioteca": este no es un título formal, sino un término afectuoso que utilizo para aquellos que usan la biblioteca más frecuentemente. Estos estudiantes incluyen la biblioteca en su rutina diaria, visitan antes de la escuela, entre clases, en el almuerzo o después de la escuela para reunirse con amigos, para trabajar en rompecabezas, buscan libros, juegan al ajedrez, trabajan en sus tareas o simplemente se sientan en una de las sillas cómodas. Tú sabes quién eres y te extraño.
• El chequeo de los libros de texto - A medida que las diversas clases recorren la biblioteca, y prestamos miles de libros de texto a nuestros estudiantes, el personal de la biblioteca (Sr. Selig y yo) tenemos la oportunidad de “visitar” brevemente con muchos de nuestros estudiantes. [Aún en este otoño, hemos prestado unos mil libros de texto, pero lo hice estando solo en la biblioteca, y ese proceso no es tan ameno.] Perdí esta oportunidad de comprobar cuántos nombres conozco, también de conocer a los nuevos estudiantes del noveno grado y ponerme al día con los estudiantes después de las vacaciones del verano.
• La presencia de los estudiantes: los estudiantes dan vida a la escuela y extraño reunirme todos los días en la biblioteca con mi clase de asesoría, leer sus rostros, ver sus sonrisas y escuchar sus voces. La biblioteca sigue siendo un hermoso espacio lleno de historias increíbles, pero sin estudiantes, el vacío resuena en la sala.
· La temporada de carrera de campo: extraño todos nuestros deportes de otoño, pero especialmente la carrera de campo, ya que el otoño normalmente me encuentra corriendo con el equipo de la escuela seis días a la semana, animándolos y celebrando su trayectoria personal (PR), ya que muchos mejoran a través de las semanas de la temporada. Esta semana, estaríamos preparándonos para el Campeonato de la Conferencia del Noroeste, continuando con la competición de Distritos y (si todo va bien) preparándonos para un viaje a Pasco para el Campeonato del Estado los primeros días de noviembre.
· •El básquetbol matutino (también conocido como "actividad física de la facultad"): desde el otoño del año 2000, he jugado básquetbol en el gimnasio de BHS dos mañanas por semana con un grupo variado de maestros, entrenadores, padres, alumnos, miembros de la comunidad y amigos. Empezando el día a las 6 de la mañana con un buen sudor y un par de miles de pasos hace que los días de básquetbol sean jornadas en los que llego a la escuela listo para conquistar al mundo.
· •El almuerzo con mis colegas y amigos - Reunirnos para almorzar todos los días nos brinda una manera simple y poderosa de conectarnos y apoyarnos como maestros, entrenadores, padres, cónyuges, ciudadanos y amigos. Compartimos alimentos, amistad, risas y un afecto mutuo. Estos almuerzos con frecuencia es lo especial de mi día. Los extraño a todos, y sigo confiando en que, como el mítico fénix, resucitaremos de estas cenizas para celebrar otro almuerzo con Pizza.
Al reflexionar sobre lo "perdido" (temporalmente) de los tiempos normales, espero equilibrar lo dicho con lo que he "ganado":
• El ejercicio físico: cuando se canceló la temporada de atletismo la primavera pasada, me encontré con mis tardes libres lo cual llené corriendo en los senderos locales, haciendo ciclismo de montaña y caminatas diarias. Trabajando desde casa, "encerrado" con mi hermosa familia, me inspiró a salir con más frecuencia para los descansos mentales. En poco tiempo alcancé mi meta de pasos diarios, luego los semanales, y actualmente disfruto de una racha victoriosa de 183 días y contando.
• La apreciación por los trabajadores esenciales: mi madre es una enfermera jubilada, que hiso su carrera en la sala de emergencias, en la sala de recuperación y brindando cuidados paliativos. Crecí con cierta comprensión de los desafíos que los trabajadores de atención médica enfrentan con valentía y gracia. Los últimos meses han aumentado mi aprecio por los empleados de los supermercados, los conductores de camiones, los trabajadores de las fábricas, los trabajadores agrícolas, los conserjes y todos aquellos que se esfuerzan por mantener a nuestro país y nuestra comunidad.
• El tiempo en familia - Antes de marzo, yo pensaba que pasaba mucho tiempo con mi familia, ahora sí sé que he pasado mucho tiempo con mi familia. He disfrutado de nuestros paseos familiares en bicicleta, noches de cine, juegos, comidas y conversaciones.
• Las habilidades tecnológicas para el aprendizaje / instrucción a distancia: he aprendido más de lo que esperaba sobre Zoom, Teams y Flipgrid.
Les agradezco por tomarse el tiempo para leer esta reflexión y los invito a que dediquen unos momentos a considerar lo que más extrañan y lo que pueden haber ganado en estos tiempos difíciles.
¡Continúen leyendo!
Eric Bachmeier - Biblioteca de Bellingham HS
PD: Todos los votantes registrados recibirán una boleta para votar antes del 21 de octubre, los animo a todos los votantes elegibles a que emitan su voto antes del 3 de noviembre de 2020.
Schedule Change Request Deadline:
- October 23 at 3:15 PM: deadline to request a change to periods 5-8 (An NC will post to the transcript based on extenuating circumstances.)
Steps:
- E-mail your counselor to request a change and state the reason for the change.
- Check the master schedule to see what courses are being offered and when.
- Courses are very limited and teacher requests are not allowed.
Attendance Update: Attendance is taken every day by teachers.
We know this is an unprecedented time in remote instruction, and student learning is our primary focus. Being present in class is the first critical piece to the school day.
Be sure to be an ally for your children by encouraging their daily attendance and helping them engage in learning. Helpful parent/guardian tips are found on the Attendance Works website.
To excuse your child from an absence, please call 360 676-6470 or email BHS.attendance@bellinghamschools.org.
School staff is also there to help if you need family support around attendance. Reach out to your teachers, principal or counselor with any questions or concerns.
Additionally, review AttendanceWorks.org for helpful action plans and thinking on attendance. Also review the COVID-era attendance tips for parents and tips for educators on their site.
"Curbside" Library Service - Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 pm
The BHS Library offers "Curbside" Service each Wednesday afternoon from 4 – 5:30 pm at the doors to the BHS Commons. Students can request library books, textbooks, or other learning materials by completing this Curbside Service Book/Learning Materials Request form.
We also have a Book Return Box available at the doors of the BHS Commons on Wednesdays from 4 - 5:30 pm, so students can return library books or textbooks from any Bellingham Public School. Because of our library COVID protocols, books returned on Wednesday will be checked in on the following Wednesday.
This Week in BHS Video:
Voter Registration Information for Students and Families
Are you 17? Is your birthday on or before November 3, 2020? Have you registered to vote?
The League of Women Voters encourages all Bellingham High School students to register and to VOTE!
Are you 16? Did you know that through the Future Voter Program, you can register as a future voter, and your registration will automatically take effect when you turn 18?
- November 3, 2020 General Election Facts (from the WA Secretary of State)
Free meals continue for all students...
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the free meals program into the 2020-21 school year. This means all children ages 0 to 18, plus our students who attend Community Transitions, will continue to receive free meal boxes. You will no longer need to provide a name or PIN at pickup.
We encourage all families to pick up a free box of 14 meals and support our food services program and the Good Food Project in Bellingham Public Schools, as well as our local community. In every week’s box, we will provide a scratch-made entrée out of our Central Kitchen with ingredients sourced from local farms when available. Now is a great time to bring the school cafeteria into your home with these meals. By picking up a box, you will keep farmers in business, district staff employed and families fed.
Note on free and reduced priced meals application: Families should apply for free and reduced priced meals online as we start the school year. It is unclear how long the USDA funding for free meals will continue. Go to bellinghamschools.org/food-services for the Letter to Household which gives the income guidelines and a link to the online application.
Resources for Students and Families
Career and Community Events
Career Center News
I am still here for you! Check out the resources on my webpage. Virtual college tours, announcements. scholarships. Email me at connie.kelly@bellinghamschools.org
See me? Let me know if you would like to Zoom
The Bellingham Volunteer Club will have their first meeting on Wednesday October 21 at 10:30 am.
Take part in our new Pen Pal – Project. Send Ms. Kelly an email to get an invite!
Connie.Kelly@BellinghamSchools.org
October College and Career Events
Monday, Oct 19, - Central University On the Spot Admissions Register
- Monday, Oct 19 – Lewis and Clark College (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- October 19-23 - NACAC Washington Student Week Register Here
- Tuesday, Oct 20, 2:00 pm – Southern Oregon University (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Wednesday, Oct 21, 1:00 pm - Seattle University (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Wednesday, Oct 21, 2:00 pm – Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mike Copland talks about Stanford (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Thursday, Oct 22, 1:00 pm – Western Washington University (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Friday, Oct 23, 1:00 Eastern Washington University (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Tuesday, Oct 27, 1:00 pm –University or Montana (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Tuesday, Oct 27, 2:00 pm – Linfield University (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Tuesday, Oct 27, 5:00 pm – Boise State University Register Here
- Wednesday, Oct 28, 1:00 pm – Whatcom Community College (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Wednesday, Oct 28, 2:00 pm – California Lutheran University (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Thursday, Oct 29, 1:00 pm – Study abroad! European University Consortium (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Thursday, Oct 29, 2:00 pm – Study abroad! University of Glasgow (send me an email I will send a Zoom link)
- Thursday, Oct 29, 7:00 pm – Study abroad! University of Limerick Register Here
The Career Center webpage has been updated.
Take a look at the new scholarship bulletin and virtual college and career events.
https://bellingham.bellinghamschools.org/students/career-center/
Bellingham High School
Email: megan.atkins-voth@bellinghamschools.org
Website: https://bellingham.bellinghamschools.org/
Location: 2020 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 676-6470
Facebook: facebook.com/bellinghamhs