student outcomes on peace arch

TEACHING AND LEARNING DEPARTMENT

Blaine School District's Teaching and Learning Department encompasses a large array of responsibilities. These include Curriculum, Special Programs, English Language Learners, Assessment, Federal Programs, and our REACH Highly Capable Program. Our district started the 2021 school year with a renewed focus on positive student outcomes through collaboration and instruction. During the time of this public health crisis, we recognize the importance of cutting through the chaos and noise that surrounds us in order to achieve positive outcomes for every student, every day.

We appreciate your interest in the education of our community's students and invite you to read more below about the various parts that make up our Teaching and Learning Department and the ways we contribute to the achievement of our district wide goal. Below you will find contact information for the members of our team, and we encourage you to reach out if you have questions or comments for us.

THE TEACHING AND LEARNING SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

curriculum

special programs

english language learners

assessment

Title I/LAP

REACH

CONTACT US
765 H Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Ph: (360) 332-5881
Fx: (360) 332-0550

Dr. Stacy Thomas
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

Ms. Lindsay Nowakowski
Director of Teaching in Learning: Special Education

Ms. Dawn Cottnair
Director of Teaching and Learning: Alternative Settings and Student Services

Ms. Rebecca Potts
Special Education Program Specialist

Ms. Kelly Feenstra
Teaching and Learning Program Specialist

Stacy Thomas, D.Ed.

Stacy A. Thomas, Ed.D.

Dr. Thomas began her career as a 4th and 5th grade teacher at Blaine Elementary School in 2005 after graduating from Western Washington University.  She served as a building administrator in a neighboring district for 2 years before returning “home” to Blaine as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in 2012.

In 2015, she completed a Doctorate in Education and Washington State Superintendent Certificate through the University of Washington Leadership for Learning (L4L) program.

Stacy is passionate about creating powerful learning opportunities for each and every student in Blaine through ongoing improvement of teaching and leadership. She loves working closely with Blaine’s amazing teachers and principals to make learning better for kids.

On a personal note, Stacy grew up in Whatcom county and loves the small town feel and closeness of the Blaine community.  She and her husband, Seth are proud parents to Asher who is in first grade this year and brings much joy, wonder, and laughter to their lives.

WASHINGTON STATE K–12 LEARNING STANDARDS

Basic education in Washington state is defined by the Legislature (RCW 28A.150.210). As required by state law, OSPI develops the state's learning standards (RCW 28A.655.070) and oversees the assessment of the learning standards for state and federal accountability purposes. Learning standards define what all students need to know and be able to do at each grade level.

Our learning standards are developed through collaborative, public processes led by curriculum associations across the state and nationwide. Our learning standards incorporate the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics. 

Click here to view School Performance Reports