Bellingham Public Schools has approximately 11,000 students and 1,400 staff members. There are 14 elementary schools, four middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, one alternative high school and a family partnership program. Our strategic plan is The 一本道app<\/a>.<\/p>\n As of the 2022-23 school year, staffing consists of 899 full-time equivalent (FTE) certificated staff (teachers, counselors, etc.), 289 FTE classified staff (operations staff, secretaries, etc.), and 212 (FTE) trades and service workers. As a measure of the district\u2019s physical scale, the 22 main school buildings alone contain over 1.5 million square feet and are situated on 272 acres. The district\u2019s school attendance areas extend beyond the boundaries of the city of Bellingham and cover approximately 100 square miles.<\/p>\n For more information about your individual school community, please visit the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) report card website<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Why do we have parent groups at our schools?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The purpose of a parent group is to make every child\u2019s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.<\/p>\n We believe our parent groups can help strengthen school culture and positively impact our students and families through inclusive family events and enrichment activities.\u00a0While many\u00a0PTA\/PTOs ask parents to become members of their groups, we do not advise limiting participating in events only to members. Again, the intention is to create inclusive spaces for all.<\/p>\n What does\u00a0BPS\u00a0want a PTO to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n If and when your\u00a0PTA\/PTO wants to invite families and staff to an event or share news, we advise you to share your intentions with your principal and ask for their help. We expect principals to reivew messaging, share best practices (e.g., not too often and not only about fundraising) and send messaging on behalf of the\u00a0PTA\/PTO to all staff and families.<\/p>\n What does\u00a0BPS\u00a0NOT<\/u>\u00a0want a PTO to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n Celebrations and fundraisers are an important and valued part of classrooms and school communities. The Bellingham Good Food Promise<\/a> provides us with guidance to teach and model healthy food choices. Designing celebrations and fundraisers that focus on special activities, instead of food, is an opportunity to promote positive, healthy messages while building a caring and inclusive community.<\/p>\n Ask these questions before planning celebrations and fundraisers:<\/p>\n What non-food alternatives can be considered for this fundraiser or celebration?<\/p>\n If food is served or sold, how will health and dietary needs be accommodated so that all students can participate? (e.g. gluten or lactose intolerance, diabetes, nut allergies)<\/p>\n If food is served or sold, does it follow the food values of The Good Food Promise?<\/p>\n If food is served or sold, how does it support community, culture, equity and inclusivity?<\/p>\n Healthy food choices and non-food alternatives<\/strong> Non-food activities for celebrations: Non-food treats for celebrations or rewards: Healthy food for celebrations:<\/strong> View Wellness policy 3440 and procedure 3440P and the entire Good Food Promise at bellinghamschools.org\/wellness.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n Bellingham Public Schools is committed to reducing fundraising efforts for families, staff, and students so they can focus on fulfilling the mission and vision of\u202fThe 一本道app.<\/p>\n We know that fundraising takes many shapes and provides important resources so every child can discover and develop a passion and contribute to the diverse activity, enrichment and athletic communities that are an integral part of our schools.<\/p>\n Together, district leaders, school principals, representatives from parent groups (PTSAs, PTAs, PTOs, etc.), boosters and the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation, are engaged in this evolving effort with a belief that together, we achieve more than alone.<\/p>\n As partners in funding, we are making a collective commitment to better realize the One Schoolhouse Approach to ensure that children in all schools have an equitable and exemplary educational experience. Together, we are striving to eliminate financial barriers for students (and their families).<\/p>\n Our collective goals:<\/strong><\/p>\n Who funds what?<\/a>\u00a0Draft 2022 (PDF)<\/strong><\/p>\n What is it?\u00a0\u00a0Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/p>\n Informational video<\/a>\u00a0(2021)<\/p>\n Elementary Equity Toolkit 2021 (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n Please answer these questions as a checklist on how to proceed with your idea.<\/p>\n Often there are groups that want to do something above and beyond the programming offered through athletics and activities and\/or on behalf of our schools. If your group is interested in raising additional funds to do something, think through the following questions:<\/p>\n What am I fundraising for?<\/strong> Having a clear sense of what you are fundraising for makes a big difference. Before starting to fundraise, please ensure the trip, item, camp, activity, etc. is approved by checking in with principal. At the high school level, you also must check in wth athletics and activities coordinator and the ASB bookkeeper prior to starting to raise funds.<\/p>\n What are the goals of this fundraiser?<\/strong> You may be hoping to do more then simply raise money for something; fundraising can be a unifying process and can build community. Holding these goals in mind as you plan will help ensure that the fundraiser brings people together. How can your fundraiser be more inclusive and welcoming for all?<\/p>\n What is the gap?<\/strong> Understanding how much you need can really help drive the type of fundraiser that is most appropriate. If you have time, it can help to clearly communicate your goals with the stakeholders and first ask for donations; often families want to help and will donate if they understand the group\u2019s goals.<\/p>\n Next step:<\/strong> Before starting to fundraise, please check with your principal at the elementary and middle school level. At the high school level, fill out the fundraising form with your school\u2019s ASB bookkeeper for approval.<\/p>\n My activity is now approved for fundraising. Here are the next set of questions to answer to determine whether a fundraiser is appropriate.<\/p>\n Is it a group fundraiser or individual fundraiser?<\/strong> Stated differently, do students raise for their trip\/item individually or is the group raising for the group? If individual raising for individual, stop.<\/p>\n Does the fundraiser put a burden on a group unintentionally or require individuals\/groups to raise specific amounts of money?<\/strong> If yes, the fundraiser puts a burden on a group\/individual then it is likely not going to work \u2013 in other words, we cannot expect every student\/family to raise a prescribed amount.<\/p>\n Is the fundraiser associated with a religion or religious holiday?<\/strong> If answer is yes, please stop. (Pointsettias, wreaths and gift wrapping are all examples of items with religious links and affiliations.) Please consider best practices around equity, diversity, and inclusion. If answer is no, you may go on.<\/p>\n Does the fundraiser include food?<\/strong> If yes, please consult the district\u2019s Good Food Promise Camps or sports clinics with a fee Bellingham Public Schools (BPS) provides these guidelines as a resource and overview of district policies and procedures pertaining to parent-led associations\u2019 (PTA, PTO, PTSA, CPA or similar school advisory groups) activities and events. This document guides and supports a safe and vibrant learning program for all students and will be updated annually, or as needed. It is intended to provide district-wide consistency to parent-led associations regarding enrichment programming, events and activities they run in many of our elementary schools.<\/p>\n BPS has policies and procedures for facilities use. Here are the guidelines of these policies and procedures, or visit www.bellinghamschools.org\/facilities<\/a><\/p>\n Bellingham Public Schools requires a Certificate of Insurance with a general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence. You can request this from your insurance company.<\/p>\n Parent-led associations often have different insurance carriers. Check with your association insurance to determine what your specific policy covers including independent contracts and school events. If your policy does not cover contractors or events, you may want to ask that they carry you on their insurance.<\/p>\n The parent-led association is responsible for the hiring, supervision and payment of fees and club stipends, including applicable payroll benefit and tax deduction for all providers.\u00a0 This applies to all instructors, including when a current BPS employee is hired as a provider.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n Please click here to view a FAQ resource about movie licensing and showing movies at events<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n For the 2023-24 school year, Title I schools will receive one-time ESSER funding and non-Title I schools will receive $1,250 towards enrichment programming.<\/p>\n towards enrichment programming. These funds may be used for the following:<\/p>\n To access these funds, send an invoice to the District Office c\/o Sarah Curlin, Activities & Athletics Administrative Asst.\u202f Invoices should include dates of service, description of services, receipts for materials and total amount requested.\u202fThe invoice will be coded and sent to the Finance Office \/ Accounts Payable for processing and reimbursement.<\/p>\n Students\u2019 physical and emotional safety is paramount to a well-managed enrichment program.\u00a0 All enrichment programs should have an agreement between the enrichment provider and the sponsoring entity that lays out clear policies, expectations, rules and procedures regarding staff and student behavior. If a classroom teacher is leading an enrichment club they too must adhere to all BPS policies and procedures.\u00a0 These agreements should reflect an understanding of each schools\u2019 specific needs including safety protocols and procedures, student and staff behavior expectations and a communication\/cancellation plan that are clearly presented to students, family members and providers. The following are recommended practices:<\/p>\n The enrichment instructor should contact the school coordinator or parent\/guardian if unable to resolve behavior.<\/p>\n Beginning September 1, 2023, elementary school enrichment Instructors are required to be fingerprinted and processed through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) prior to working with Bellingham Public School students.<\/p>\n This process can be completed through 一本道app Human Resource Department at 1306 Dupont St. Walk-in fingerprint service is available as follows: Monday 3pm-5pm, Tuesday 9am-11am and Friday, 12pm-2pm. The fee is $70 and can be paid by check, online or billed to your organization. Approval is for two years.<\/p>\n Your fingerprints and volunteer application<\/a> must be completed and approved as an enrichment instructor prior to working with students. Please contact Jennifer Gaer<\/a> at 360-647-6848 if you are unable to be fingerprinted at the above times and need to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n If you have already been fingerprinted through Dept. of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), MERIT or other state or federal agencies, submit proof of completion to Jennifer.Gaer@bellinghamschools.org<\/a> to receive a waiver for this requirement. Proof must include the instructor's name, DOB and cleared or approval status.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n The Washington State\u00a0PTA\u00a0has produced a how-to guide for after-school classes called\u00a0Running a Great Student Enrichment Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n 3530 Policy \u2013 Solicitation of Funds<\/strong><\/p>\n The Board recognizes that certain school programs and activities are fully or partly supported through the solicitation of funds from students, staff, and community. Solicitation and collection of money in exchange for tickets, papers, magazine subscriptions, or for any other goods or services for the benefit of an approved school organization or program is permissible, provided the instructional program is not adversely affected and that appropriate procedures are followed.<\/p>\n The Superintendent shall establish guidelines for the solicitation of funds by school- related groups.\u202f All parties involved in fundraising activities shall be sensitive to the issue of resource equity, with no school or student body being unreasonable advantaged or disadvantaged in comparison to others.\u202f Principals shall distribute these guidelines to each group granted permission to solicit funds.\u202f Principals shall be responsible for the approval and supervision of all fundraising activities and to ensure that the guidelines are followed.<\/p>\n Principals are required to obtain the Superintendent\u2019s approval of all fundraising activities related to out-of-state travel and those which entail significant sums of money.<\/p>\n 4237 Policy \u2013 Contests, Advertising and Promotions<\/p>\n https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/policies\/4237-policy\/<\/a><\/p>\n 4237 Procedure \u2013 Contests, Advertising and Promotions<\/p>\n https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/procedures\/4237-procedure\/<\/a><\/p>\n An archive of the our collective work (BPS, Foundation and parent groups) can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n We do not expect our parent\/guardian volunteers to work alone.\u00a0 If you need help or have questions, we encourage you to check first with your school\u2019s principal, then reach out to anyone on this list for support with your questions.<\/p>\n Need directory information?<\/strong> Other useful contacts:<\/strong><\/p>\n Facilities use and rental: 360-676-6500, facilities@bellinghamschools.org<\/p>\n Activities and Athletics Program:\u00a0 360-676-2786\u00a0 (Sarah Curlin, administrative assistant)<\/p>\n Department of Teaching and Learning: 360-676-6512\u00a0 (Polly Johnson, administrative assistant)<\/p>\n Language Access Support and Department of Communications and Community Relations: 360-676-6520<\/p>\n Volunteer support and safety: 360-647-6848 (Jennifer Gaer, volunteer coordinator)<\/p>\n Insurance: 360-676-6522 (Julie Goodwin, risk manager)<\/p>\n Grant writers: 360-676-6467 (Gretchen Pfleuger) or 360-676-6470 x 2204 (Amelia Vader)<\/p>\n Other parent group contacts:\u00a0https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/partners-in-funding\/elementary-contacts\/<\/a><\/p>\n Bellingham Public Schools Foundation (grants): 360-676-6479 (Sam Gearheart, executive director)<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n Elementary parent group representatives meet with district and Foundation staff each year to share ideas, ask questions and make requests.<\/p>\n Here are notes from recent meetings.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Overview Bellingham Public Schools has approximately 11,000 students and 1,400 staff members. There are 14 elementary schools, four middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, one alternative high school and a family partnership program. Our strategic plan is The 一本道app. As of the 2022-23 school year, staffing consists of 899 full-time equivalent (FTE) certificated staff…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":287313,"parent":624,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/305228"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=305228"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/305228\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/624"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/287313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=305228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
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\nClassroom parties, school celebrations and community-building activities occur frequently in every school and are an essential part of nurturing our diverse school communities.
\nWe are committed to caring for all children while developing healthy and active individuals. To help us fulfill The Good Food Promise in our schools, please follow these suggestions to plan fundraisers, celebrations and classroom parties with healthy food choices or non-food alternatives.
\nThese food values apply to all food served in Bellingham Public Schools: eat plenty of whole foods, espeicaly fruits and vegetables; limit salt and sugar and choose healthy fats; avoid artificial coloars, flavors and additives<\/p>\nIdeas for celebrations<\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>Create a special \u201cCelebrate Me\u201d book
\nSharing circle where each student shares something he\/she appreciates about the individual
\nExtra recess or free-choice time
\nFlashlight Friday or pajama day
\n\u201cBe a Teacher\u201d for the day
\nLunch with the principal\/special guest
\nScavenger hunts
\nDance party
\nSpecial craft\/art project
\nFun game the whole class can play<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Books
\nBookmarks
\nStickers
\nPhysical activities
\nCompliment cards
\nGames
\nBubbles
\nSeeds for planting<\/p>\n
\nRaw veggies served with dips
\nYogurt parfaits (yogurt, fruit and granola)
\nAir-popped popcorn
\nWhole grain tortilla chips with salsa\/bean dip
\nPizza party using whole grain crust, veggies, cheese
\nFig bars, granola bars, muffins
\nFresh fruit assortments (fruit kabobs, salad)
\nTrail mix (pretzels, dried fruit, sunflower seeds)
\n\u201cFancy water\u201d with fruits and\/or herbs<\/p>\n\n
Elementary Equity 一本道app<\/h2>\n
Why would a group need to fundraise?<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n
\nGuidelines for Celebrations and Fundraisers and be aware of the USDA Final Rule which states you cannot fundraise during the school day; fundraising can only take place 30 minutes afterschool or later.<\/p>\nHere are some fundraisers that commonly approved:<\/h3>\n
\nConcerts\/shows\/performances with optional donations via bowl\/vase
\nLocal restaurant nights where restaurant gives a portion of funds to program
\nMattress sales (if done as a group fundraiser)
\nJog-a-thon\/walk-a-thon
\nGame Nights
\nOpen gyms
\nCar washes
\nYard sales
\nAuctions for products\/services
\nCarnivals\/dance parties
\nBook fairs
\nPlants\/bulb\/seed sales
\nFriendship grams
\nCalendars
\nCoupon books
\nSubscriptions
\nSchool spirit wear
\nReusable cloth grocery bags<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n Facilities Use Agreement\/Fees<\/h3>\n
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Liability Insurance Requirements for the District<\/h3>\n
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Enrichment Program Funding<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Considerations for Student Safety & Program Operations<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The Washington State PTA How-To<\/h3>\n
BPS\u00a0Policy & Procedures<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nParent groups often need directory information for their school. The first step is to fill out this form and have your principal sign:\u00a0Agreement of Student Information Release<\/a>
\nIf you have additional questions about retrieving this data, contact school information systems technician\u00a0Jeanne Banks<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n