one person helping another up onto a rock

Dear Students, Staff, Families and Community,


I hope you and your family are staying healthy and safe. Last week we were able to communicate that the Whatcom County Health Department had issued a strong recommendation to not only halt the return of 6-12 learners, but to also roll back in-person learning in this age group for all public and private schools in Whatcom County. We want to assure you that this does not mean we have stopped planning for next steps for these learners.


Please know that all of our staff are committed to providing in-person instruction for all students. No staff have indicated to us that they will not be returning to the building to work with students. In fact, all staff will be working from the buildings when we return from winter break to allow us to transition all Hybrid 6th-12th grade students to in-person learning as soon as the Whatcom County Health Department recommendations allow. When permitted, we plan on returning all grades to a hybrid model and will be prepared to do so with as little as 24 hours notice. 


In order to prepare for a smooth transition on short notice, we are asking all families of 6th-12th grade students to be familiar with their student’s hybrid assignment (A or B) and the hybrid calendar. Virtual information nights for hybrid learners will occur Tuesday, January 5th for middle school and Wednesday, January 6th for high school. 


All families should have received an email this week with their current schedule assignment and a link to make a request for a change to their method of instruction for the second semester, beginning January 25th. If you are unsure of your student’s assignment please check Skyward. If you would like to request a change and need assistance please email pr@blainesd.org. All requests for changes must be received by 5:00 P.M. on December 10th to allow us to review staffing and building capacity to accommodate our students. 


Our next Community Q&A will be Monday, December 14th at 6:00 pm, and we hope you will join us. 


This week the school district launched “Blaine Gives Back” to help continue and expand on our middle school’s annual coin drive for Blaine Food Bank. The need in our community is greater than ever, and we hope everyone who is able will consider giving. You can donate online or drop coins off at the District Office during business hours. (If you donate online, please add a note that it is for the school drive, so our students can track the progress of their efforts.) Our two day total is already at $905, which can purchase over 30,000 pounds of food. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we work together! It is a great night to be a Borderite, and, as always, a great night to be your superintendent. 


Sincerely,

Dr. Christopher Granger