Kulshan Connect
May 27, 2022
In our Kulshan Community, we are courageous, kind, and committed!
Sat, May 28: Middle School Mega Band
The BPS Middle School Mega Band will be marching in the Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 28! Come cheer for and support our band students from Kulshan, Whatcom, Fairhaven and Shuksan middles schools! They will be combining to create one MONSTER SIZED ensemble and playing The Hey Song (click link here). If you know that song, add your voice to our chorus of “Hey!”s while watching their performance on the parade route!
Wed June 1: KMS ASB Fundraiser
Resources for Families
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of this week's tragedy in Texas and we want to share some resources for talking to children about violence and traumatic incidents. Keeping our students and staff safe at school is our top priority; we encourage you to learn more at our school safety webpage. I encourage anyone struggling to reach out to us. Remember that Kulshan Middle School is filled with people who love your student and we are here to help you and your family.
due June 3: 8th grade Baby Photos
June 15: Summer Send Off
June 16: 8th grade Celebration
Eighth families are invited to attend our 8th Grade Celebration in our Kulshan Commons from 2:30 – 3:30 pm. This ceremony showcases student talent and student leadership. After the celebration, families often hang out in the Commons to re-connect with other families and enjoy cookies and juice. Are you interested in donating items or your time to our 8th grade events? Please sign up by June 15. Here is the link. We appreciate you!
Kulshan Library News
Sat, June 4: Whatcom Youth Pride
Our annual Whatcom Youth Pride parade and festival is Saturday, June 4 at Bellingham High School. We are excited to celebrate our amazing LGBTQIA+ and ally community. There will be a short, 15-20 minute parade (starting at the corner of Cornwall and Halleck – in front of BHS) followed by a festival at BHS. Info and details at www.whatcomyouthpride.com.
Transition Time
On Thursday, our 8th graders had a chance take in a production of Cinderella in the morning at Sehome High School and then visit their future high schools in the afternoon. We also recently welcomed our next year’s 6th graders for a tour of Kulshan and got to meet many of our new Kulshan families. We are SO excited to be thinking about next year as we finish strongly this year! Thank you to everyone for the amazing transition events!
Food Pantry Re-Stock Time
Our Kulshan pantry is a resource for families in need of basic toiletries or extra food over the weekend. Click this link to see which items we are requesting. Please reach out to the counselors if you would like more information or would like to donate.
Summer Theatre
Current 8th graders/ incoming 9th graders are welcome to audition for Mamma Mia! this summer. The Squalicum Musical Theatre Institute is offering a three-week summer musical theatre intensive. https://www.squalicummusicaltheatre.org/ Auditions run May 31 and June 1, rehearsals June 27 - July 14, with performances July 15-17. Please reach out to Aaron Tiger if you have questions.
Summer School Opportunities!
Did you know that incoming 9th graders can take high school classes this summer? They can choose between health and/or tech literacy. Students just need to fill out a summer school application. They will then give their application to Mr. Tiger or Ms. Newbauer to sign and turn in. The classes will be in-person at Options High School from June 27 - August 4, Mondays through Thursdays. Students can choose to attend first morning (8:30-10:00 AM) or second morning (10:30-12:00) sessions. Please reach out by email to Roni Weston, Summer School Principal or phone: 360-647-6871.
Summer Opportunities!
The City of Bellingham has published the Spring/Summer 2022 Playbook (formerly known as Leisure Guide) which includes several high school sports camps. The COB offers $200/person annual scholarships for Parks and Rec/Arne Hanna Programs. The Pass Program through Every Kid Sports provides up to $150 to athletes ages 4-18 for recreational sports programs. Families are expected to contribute $10 towards the camp or program. Blue Skies for Children in Bellingham provides funding through their Little Wishes programs. Still needing help? Contact Laurel Peak for assistance.
Debate Club
Bellingham United Debate Team is hosting a weeklong workshop for middle school and incoming high school students to learn and practice the basics of competitive debate. This will be a fun, engaging, and exciting summer opportunity that will give you lasting memories and valuable skills. Monday June 27th - Friday July 1st from 9:00am - 12:00pm, all 5 days at Bellingham High School. For more information about the Bellingham Summer Debate Workshop or the Bellingham United Debate Team, please email Coach Nick Phillips.
Mental Health for Teens
Attendance Office Reminders
Human Growth and HIV Lessons
Our Kulshan PE teachers will be sharing out the Human Growth and Development and HIV lessons that we will be teaching this Spring. Washington State requires HIV/AIDS prevention education for all students, and families are often curious about the materials and information that will be shared with students. Our PE teachers teach specific lessons which can be previewed here. As always, families may opt their child out of these Human Growth and Development & HIV/AIDS lessons. Please let your child's PE teacher know in writing if that is your choice. Thank you!
Social Media Accounts
Have you seen concerning social media pages related to Kulshan students? Please report accounts to Instagram if the accounts are bullying or harassing or otherwise violating Instagram terms of service. This step is easy and anonymous. Send information, tips, or concerns regarding a safety issue in our schools by texting or calling 844-310-9560 or by visiting bellinghamschools.org/safe for confidential, anonymous, two-way communication with our safety staff.
Safe Schools Zone
This fall, contractors installed security cameras inside and outside of several of our schools, including KMS. 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. For more information, see policy 6610.
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, Lacey Bachman, or Aaron Tiger.
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.
LGBTQ Support for Families and Youth
Kulshan Contacts
Kevin Terpstra, Assistant Principal
Tatiana Samora, Registrar Я говорю на русском языке.
Jeneen Durand, Attendance Secretary
Elsa Powell, Family Liaison Hablo español.
Kulshan Middle School 1250 Kenoyer Drive Bellingham, WA 98229 360-676-4886