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Bellingham Public Schools

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Bellingham Public Schools

Bellingham Public Schools is located in Bellingham, Washington. Visit bellinghamschools.org for more.

Located in northwest Washington, Bellingham is between two major metropolitan areas, Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Strategic investments in parks, trails and preserved open spaces offer numerous recreation opportunities. Several public/private partnerships support the arts and cultural district downtown. Bellingham’s active waterfront hosts a range of marine activities. Bellingham is al

so home to three institutions of higher education: Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College. Comment policy: We do not accept comments that are inappropriate or personally directed. We appreciate everyone's civic engagement; however as a public school system we share information about voting but do not share comments advocating for specific candidates or ballot measures.

08/27/2026

Our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for everyone who attended and supported our annual Back-to-School Block Party last Saturday, August 22 at Bellingham High School!

Approximately 500 families attended with more than 100 onsite sports physicals completed, over 40 childhood vaccines dispensed, more than 60 haircuts and braids completed, hundreds of backpacks and free books distributed, and many cases of fresh produce shared with families.

There were 35 community partners with tables in the gym along with tables for each of our schools in the commons.

Thank you to the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation, the Project Neighborly Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation, BECU, and Molina Healthcare for financial support of this back-to-school readiness event.

This event exemplifies the belief that together we achieve more than alone, and the many ways our community collectively commits to serving Bellingham's children.

08/20/2026

Promise Award 2026 Spotlight ⭐ One Schoolhouse Award, James Hayes, district director of activities and athletics

James Hayes is a selfless leader who works tirelessly to support others. As the district’s activities and athletics director, his efforts support a One Schoolhouse approach to providing activities and athletics opportunities for students across the school district.

Activities and athletics are beloved for students and our community – there are many within one school, let alone when counted districtwide.

In his role, James supports each offering and is present at many of the events – it is not uncommon to see him at events four or five nights a week followed by postseason events on weekends. His intentionality in building relationships and being present at many evening and weekend events is appreciated by staff peers who nominated him.

His nomination included remarks from leaders at many schools, exemplifying his widespread impact and efforts to further the One Schoolhouse mission.

James’ work includes presence in many areas – meeting with coaches, middle school assistant principals and high school activities and athletics coordinators in support of experiences for students in activities and athletics.

A colleague shared, “As I reflected on the people in Bellingham Public Schools who consistently show up for me – often without being asked – the first name that came to mind was James Hayes. James is someone you can rely on to do exactly what he says he will do – and more. He is kind, thoughtful, reflective and willing to engage in hard conversations in order to support staff and students.”

08/18/2026

Join us at our annual Back-to-School Block Party, a resource fair for all district families!

📅 Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
🏫 Hosted at Bellingham High School

School and community partner tables will provide important resources for starting the school year. The community event will include signups for Whatcom School Partners, formerly called Operation School Bell, a program of the Action League of Bellingham that provides new school clothes for eligible families.

Sports physicals, vaccines and haircuts will also be available among many resources.

If families visit at least eight (8) school, program and community partner tables, they can be entered into a raffle for $100 gift cards.

Thank you to the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation, the Project Neighborly Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation, BECU, and Molina Healthcare for financial support of this back-to-school readiness event.

We look forward to seeing you and your children there!

08/17/2026

Promise Award 2026 Spotlight ⭐ Above and Beyond Service Award, Dan Sasse, paraeducator at Bellingham High School

Dan is described as a “one in a million educator” commended for approaching every interaction with his whole heart to empower students.

As a paraeducator working with students served in Special Education, Dan’s assignment can vary from day-to-day and year-to-year. Through it all, he is described as a cornerstone of the Bellingham High School Special Education department whose calm presence, empathy and belief in students make him a trusted and positive force.

He masterfully creates pathways for students with complex disabilities to access curriculum at all levels, always leading with compassion and going above and beyond to kindly check in with everyone he encounters. His impact helps students succeed in a broad array of high school courses. He has also mentored many paraeducator colleagues.

A colleague shared, “What stands out about Dan, to me, is his ability to see the very best in students. When he works with students, he is constantly reminding them of what they are capable of. Dan's calm demeanor and genuine interest in getting to know students translates into authentic relationships with kids. I've seen students really want to do well and feel motivated to approach demanding and difficult tasks because of the foundation of this relationship. You really have never met a more positive and kind person that Dan – he has a warm greeting and smile for all he meets.”

He is described as a gift to students and staff. His skillset and experience are well-suited to help students regulate emotions and behavior. No matter the situation, he is always positive and calm, which helps students show up as their best selves for school.

08/14/2026

Promise Award 2026 Spotlight ⭐ Great Teaching Award, Kristle Craft, Special Education teacher at Kulshan Middle School.

Kristle Craft is an outstanding Special Education teacher whose innovative approach and deep expertise are essential to her work.

She is a vital bridge between students, families, teachers and administrators. A colleague shared that Kristle is “a pillar of reliability within our school community.”

Colleagues, students and families can rely on her to be consistent, follow through with commitments, and provide steady support in even the most challenging situations. This approach goes beyond simply being present. She has a special ability to anticipate needs, response promptly to concerns, and ensure no student or staff member is left without the support they require.

A nominator shared, “One of Kristle Craft's greatest strengths lies in her exceptional ability to work with students who face behavioral challenges. She operates from a foundational belief that all children should be loved and that every child can learn at high levels – they may simply lack the support to do so successfully. Along with her innovative strategies, Kristle approaches behavior not as something to be managed or punished, but as an opportunity to teach essential life skills and conflict resolution strategies.

Kristle collaborates with many staff colleagues at Kulshan, teaming with eighth grade staff to co-teach across subjects in classroom settings with class rosters that include students served within and outside Special Education.

A colleague shared, “When she works with students individually, Kristle always makes sure that student voice is front and center in creating plans, and students know that their voice is respected.”

08/10/2026

🎥🎓 Graduation took place just over two months ago. Congratulations again to the Class of 2026!

We interviewed one graduate at each graduation in June. Hear reflections about favorite memories and advice from graduates.

07/03/2026

Hannah (Walker) Huppi (Hannah Huppi), a 2007 graduate of Bellingham High School after attending Parkview Elementary and Whatcom Middle School, became the first American woman to row a polar ocean and was part of a four-person team who completed a world record Arctic Challenge row during July 2025.

Hannah shared lessons of courage, confidence, commitment and more while recounting her world record Arctic Ocean expedition to school assembly audiences at Parkview Elementary School and Whatcom Middle School in May during return visits to schools where she was once a student.

She completed the record journey alongside her husband, John Huppi, former NFL All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham and a Navy Seal.

Rowing in pairs – 24 hours a day with 90-minute shifts – the team accomplished the feat in world record time, traversing 584 nautical miles (about 672 miles) in 10 days and 5 hours. The time broke the previous record by five days.

Themes of her messages included the importance of a growth mindset, the value of preparation, leading with strengths and controlling what can be controlled.

As a student once sitting where audience members took in her presentation who had yet to discover rowing, Huppi’s presentation encouraged students to dream big in pursuing life passions. She implored students to be courageous (even when scared), be confident (even when not knowing how – yet) and to be committed (even when it’s hard).

Read the full Promise story on our website.

07/02/2026

Live onstage! Squalicum Musical Theatre Institute (at Sehome) proudly presents the musical Shrek!

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, bringing all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage. The show is a treasure trove of fun, from the heartwarming story of friendship to the spectacle of the music, dancing, costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

🏫 Location: Sehome High School, 2700 Bill McDonald Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225

📅Date/Times: July 9-12, 2026. Thursday-Saturday @7:30pm; Sunday matinee @2:00pm

🎟️ Tickets: Tickets (general admission) are $16 available online at https://www.squalicummusicaltheatre.org/ or at the door (cash or card) day of show.

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

🎭 The Squalicum Musical Theatre Institute is a three-week intensive summer program run by educators with expertise in the performing arts. SMTI’s performance program serves high school students across Bellingham Public Schools fostering interscholastic collaboration.

Address

1985 Barkley Boulevard
Bellingham, WA
98226

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

http://bellinghamschools.org/

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