Serving all aspects of The 一本道app, equity, diversity, and inclusion supports equitable change in academic, social, and cultural development.听 We support teaching & learning, professional development, community engagement, and human resources, co-creating opportunities for growth, dialogue, and access.
Bellingham Public Schools continues to sharpen our focus on equitable change, recognizing the benefits of growth in our community. We are proud to be a constant work in progress. We are committed to providing and sustaining inclusive education for each student in our district.
To accomplish our mission, we will develop and support initiatives to:
- Remove institutional and systemic barriers to success,
- Increase equitable access to resources,
- Integrate diverse cultures, heritages, and identities in our classrooms, policies, and practices, and
- Advance and amplify historically silenced voices and stories in education.
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Culture Calendar
Our highlights important fasting dates and days of high impact, along with history and heritage months, increasing awareness and representation of our diverse community. We also provide teaching and learning resources for both educators and families.
Community input is always appreciated. Please reach out to us for updates, corrections, and additions.
To view the full calendar, click the link above or use the scrolls move between months.
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Executive Limitation EL-10
Our superintendent, following the guidelines of EL-10, is committed to addressing and stopping factors that create unfair advantages or disadvantages for different groups of students. This includes tackling biases that affect students’ success based on race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, language, and culture. The goal is to ensure that every student can access resources and tools to help them succeed.
3209 Bias Incident and Hate Speech Policy and Procedure
Bellingham Public Schools is committed to making sure our learning environments are free from hate and harm. We understand that bias and hate can have serious and everlasting effects on our community. 3209 Bias Incident and Hate Speech policy and procedure helps all learners contribute to a stronger, more inclusive environment that prepares all students to be thoughtful and respectful leaders now and in the future.
Racial Equity
We are actively working on racial equity to ensure every student has access to the same opportunities to succeed. This is an ongoing journey and we are always working to create a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. We are committed to continuous learning and breaking down barriers to education.
- This lesson has been presented in middle schools and facilitated with some high school classrooms and groups. Staff are provided with resources and presentation notes prior to their work with students.
- The training has been utilized in many ways, customized each time based on the outcomes necessary for the audience. Group facilitation has included schools at each level, paraeducators, community volunteers, community organizations, leadership, and more. Each session includes interactive engagements, discussions, and reflection.
Gender Inclusive
To support a positive learning environment where all students can learn, we ensure all students have access to restrooms, locker rooms, and school activities aligned with their gender identity. We follow state laws to ensure all students are treated fairly and without discrimination and provide learning opportunities for students, families, and staff.
- : We have partnered with Common Goodness 一本道app for student, family, and school supports and trainings.
Multicultural Events
Multicultural events in our district highlight the strengths and diversity of our learning community. They鈥檙e a great opportunity for families to learn together, share traditions, and build connections with one another.
Community Consortium for Cultural Recognition
Bellingham Public Schools is a member of the Consortium, which provides annual learning opportunities for , , and the
For all individual school events – please see the
The John McCoy (lulilas) Since Time Immemorial Family and Community Night 2024
The showcases teaching and learning collaborations between teachers/professors and learners, highlights the outcomes of the curriculum, and supports Senate Bill 5433. The Community Night highlights collaborations between K-12 schools, higher education, Lummi Nation, and the Nooksack Tribe.听听
The first Since Time Immemorial Family Night in 2023 was led by Kirsten Jensen at Happy Valley Elementary School. The event displayed student learning and cooperative teaching with Happy Valley teachers teaching and learning alongside Lummi and Nooksack educators. The partnerships continue to strengthen, thus expanding this year鈥檚 event to include broader representation around the district and more educational partners.
Treaty Day Film Festival
The Treaty Day Film Festival educates students and the community about the history and significance of treaties between Indigenous peoples and the government. In 2024, Bellingham Public Schools observed the first Treaty Day as a no-school holiday on January 22, 2024. BPS partnered with Children of the Setting Sun Productions (CSSP) and Mt. Baker Theater to offer a field trip for 4th, 7th, and high school students. The festival featured film shorts by CSSP and other Native/Indigenous filmmakers, Lummi traditions, and a panel of speakers.
BIPOC Job Fair
Resources & Safety
Employee Resource Groups
Employee resource groups connect employees socially and professionally based on shared identities. These voluntary, employee-led groups foster community connections within district. ERGs in Bellingham Public Schools serve to improve work relationships and conditions through advocacy, support, and professional development in alignment with The 一本道app.
Outcomes associated with employee resource groups include:
- Increased feeling of belonging among staff.
- Strengthened support systems for emotional, cultural, and leadership needs.
- Advocacy and mentorship for scholars with similar identities.