Good evening students, staff, families and community,
Student Recognition
Blaine Primary School students observed Earth Day today by planting flowers. Each student had the opportunity to plant a flower to take home. Thank you to Ms. Terre Shapiro for spearheading this annual project and to Mr. Elefson and the middle school horticulture students who helped to make this happen. Primary School students also decorated Earth Day grocery bags for Blaine Cost Cutter to help teach community members about the day.
Several Blaine Middle School students were recently awarded summer enrichment scholarships from the Assistance League of Bellingham. These scholarships are merit based; not based on financial need. Receiving one helps make it possible for the recipient to attend an enriching summer program in a variety of areas such as music, science, art, debate, technology, dance, leadership and many others. Congratulations to our local recipients; Brain Loos, Carrie Balback, Riley Osburn, Na Major, Wade Lottimer, Dylan Johnson and Tacy Porter.
COVID Update
Our district is currently managing three separate outbreaks (at least 3 positive cases of students in a classroom or 10% of a cohort) of COVID in classrooms across our district. Parents of students in the impacted classrooms/cohorts have been notified individually, but we feel it is important to remind everyone of the potential changes these conditions could cause. As of right now, working with the Whatcom County Health Department, we are able to maintain in person learning for students involved in an outbreak by implementing universal masking and twice weekly rapid antigen testing for these students. Additional cases in classrooms or cohorts experiencing outbreaks, could result in a requirement to move to remote learning for classrooms or cohorts of students.
COVID PCR Testing Suspended
Due to changes with our current testing provider, Blaine School District is no longer offering daily PCR testing for students and staff. If a student or staff member is symptomatic they should stay home and contact their school nurse for testing options and information about their return to school. For those looking for local PCR testing options please visit www.testdirectly.com.
Upcoming Plant Sale
The BHS Plant Sale is coming up next week. The sale will run Friday, April 29th from 3-6 and Saturday, April 30 from 10-12. The greenhouse is bursting with beautiful mixed color bowls, geraniums, lobelia, and other flowers and vegetables. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Horticulture Program.
Supper with the Superintendent
Our upcoming Q&A will be in person again, with the resuming of Supper with the Superintendent. Come meet with me, ask your questions and enjoy a bite to eat, next Wednesday, April 27th at 6:15 P.M. in the Orange and Black Box Theater. (Enter at the back of the high school across from the stadium entrance.)
Upcoming School Calendar Items:
Wednesday, April 27, 6 P.M. - Supper with the Superintendent
Monday, May 9 - Teacher Work Day (No School)
Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day
It’s a great night to be a Borderite, and, as always, a great night to be your superintendent.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Granger
Every Student. Every Day. In a New Way!