{"id":738,"date":"2016-04-29T11:08:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-29T11:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/?page_id=738"},"modified":"2023-10-31T13:39:02","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T20:39:02","slug":"project-free-education","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/about\/superintendent\/project-free-education\/","title":{"rendered":"一本道app Free Education"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"thankyou\"<\/a>
A note from a student.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2011, Bellingham Public Schools launched 一本道app Free Education, <\/strong>an initiative whereby families are not asked to pay towards school supplies and some activities. This is a budget priority that attempts to close some of the gaps in state funding without\u00a0asking too much financially\u00a0of\u00a0our families. Since we started this project, we have:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Provided full-time kindergarten<\/strong> to all families until the state provided more funding.<\/li>\n
  • Eliminated the need for families to buy school supplies<\/strong> at elementary, middle and high school.<\/li>\n
  • Eliminated\u00a0middle and high school course fees.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Funded significant field trips<\/strong> such as Mountain School<\/strong> for fifth graders and sailing on the Snow Goose<\/strong> for sixth graders.<\/li>\n
  • Reinstated the elementary strings program<\/strong>, and provided violins<\/strong> for fifth graders and recorders<\/strong> for third through fifth graders.<\/li>\n
  • Provided enrichment stipends for after-school activities<\/strong> at all elementary schools with additional support for Title I schools for greater equity.<\/li>\n
  • Supplied high school scientific and graphing<\/strong> calculators<\/strong>, and world language Advanced Placement (AP) workbooks.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Reduced high school college preparation testing fees<\/strong>, such as PSAT and Advanced Placement (AP) fees.<\/li>\n
  • Provide snacks<\/strong> for all students at Title I schools, Parkview, Northern Heights and Options (moving to universal breakfast<\/strong> at Title schools).<\/li>\n
  • Increased middle school arts budget <\/strong>and support for high school music programs.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • No participation fees for athletics <\/strong>at middle and high schools.<\/li>\n
  • Graduation robes<\/strong> provided on loan; caps and tassels<\/strong> provided to seniors to keep.<\/li>\n
  • Traffic Safety<\/strong> and Financial Education course<\/strong> (driver\u2019s education) added to high school course offerings.<\/li>\n
  • Yearbooks<\/strong> provided at minimal charge for middle school and high school students.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Our schools provide the supplies students need for learning, as we do with books and other materials. 一本道app Free Education currently covers the following:<\/p>\n

    Grades K-5<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • School supplies covered<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Grades 6-8<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • School supplies covered<\/li>\n
      • Students will receive ASB cards for athletics\/activities<\/li>\n
      • No participation fees for athletics<\/li>\n
      • Yearbooks provided for $5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Grades 9-12<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • School supplies covered<\/li>\n
        • No course fees<\/li>\n
        • Reduced high school college preparation testing fees, such as PSAT and Advanced Placement (AP) fees<\/li>\n
        • Students will receive ASB cards for athletics\/activities<\/li>\n
        • No participation fees for athletics<\/li>\n
        • Traffic Safety and Financial Education course (driver\u2019s education) added to high school course offerings<\/li>\n
        • Graduation robes provided on loan; caps and tassels provided to seniors to keep<\/li>\n
        • Yearbooks provided for $10 (previously approx. $50)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Previous Supply Lists by School Year:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
          \n
          \n \n
          \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2020-21<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
          \n

          Grades K-5<\/strong>
          \n\u2022 School supplies covered<\/p>\n

          Grades 6-8<\/strong>
          \n\u2022 School supplies covered
          \n\u2022 Students will receive ASB cards for athletics\/activities
          \n\u2022 No participation fees for athletics<\/p>\n

          Grades 9-12<\/strong>
          \n\u2022 School supplies covered
          \n\u2022 No course fees
          \n\u2022 Reduced high school college preparation testing fees, such as PSAT and Advanced Placement (AP) fees
          \n\u2022 Students will receive ASB cards for athletics\/activities
          \n\u2022 No participation fees for athletics
          \n\u2022 Traffic Safety and Financial Education course (driver\u2019s education) added to high school course offerings
          \n\u2022 Graduation robes provided on loan; caps and tassels provided to seniors to keep<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

          \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2019-20<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
          \n

          Elementary School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • School supplies provided<\/li>\n
          • Backpacks only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Middle School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • School supplies provided<\/li>\n
            • Students may need ASB cards and will need\u00a0clothes for physical education<\/li>\n
            • Backpacks are recommended\u00a0but not required<\/li>\n
            • No athletic\u00a0participation fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • School supplies provided, as needed<\/li>\n
              • No course fees<\/li>\n
              • Reduced high school college preparation\u00a0testing fees such as PSAT and Advanced\u00a0Placement (AP) tests<\/li>\n
              • Traffic Safety and Financial Education course (driver\u2019s education) added to high school course offerings<\/li>\n
              • Students will need ASB cards<\/li>\n
              • Backpacks are recommended\u00a0but not required<\/li>\n
              • No athletic\u00a0participation fees<\/li>\n
              • Graduation robes provided on loan; caps and tassels provided to seniors to keep<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
                \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2018-19<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
                \n

                High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • School supplies provided, as needed<\/li>\n
                • No course fees<\/li>\n
                • Reduced high school college preparation\u00a0testing fees such as PSAT and Advanced\u00a0Placement (AP) tests<\/li>\n
                • NEW:<\/strong>\u00a0Traffic Safety and Financial Education course (driver\u2019s education) added to high school course offerings<\/li>\n
                • Students will need ASB cards<\/li>\n
                • Backpacks are recommended\u00a0but not required<\/li>\n
                • No athletic\u00a0participation fees<\/li>\n
                • NEW:<\/strong>\u00a0Graduation robes provided on loan; caps and tassels provided to seniors to keep<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Middle School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • School supplies provided<\/li>\n
                  • Students may need ASB cards and will need\u00a0clothes for physical education<\/li>\n
                  • Backpacks are recommended\u00a0but not required<\/li>\n
                  • No athletic\u00a0participation fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Elementary School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • School supplies provided<\/li>\n
                    • Backpacks only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
                      \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2017-18 <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
                      \n

                      High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • School supplies provided, as needed<\/li>\n
                      • No course fees<\/li>\n
                      • Reduced high school college preparation testing fees, such as PSAT and Advanced Placement (AP) fees<\/li>\n
                      • Students will need ASB cards for activities\/athletics<\/li>\n
                      • No participation fees for athletics<\/li>\n
                      • Backpacks are recommended, but not required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Middle School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • School supplies provided<\/li>\n
                        • Students will need ASB cards and will need\u00a0clothes for physical education<\/li>\n
                        • No participation fees for athletics<\/li>\n
                        • Backpacks are recommended\u00a0but not required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Elementary School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • School supplies provided<\/li>\n
                          • Backpacks only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
                            \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2016-17 <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
                            \n

                            In\u00a02016-17, we eliminated middle and high school pay-to-play athletics.<\/p>\n

                            High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • School supplies provided, as needed<\/li>\n
                            • No course fees<\/li>\n
                            • No testing fees except Advanced\u00a0Placement (AP) tests<\/li>\n
                            • Students will need ASB cards<\/li>\n
                            • Backpacks are recommended\u00a0but not required<\/li>\n
                            • No athletic pay-to-play fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Middle School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • School supplies provided<\/li>\n
                              • Students may need ASB cards and will need\u00a0clothes for physical education<\/li>\n
                              • Backpacks are recommended\u00a0but not required<\/li>\n
                              • No athletic pay-to-play fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Elementary School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • School supplies provided<\/li>\n
                                • Backpacks only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
                                  \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2015-16<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
                                  \n

                                  High School<\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • School supplies provided, as needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    Middle School<\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Fully fund school supplies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      Elementary School<\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • Fully fund school supplies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
                                        \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2014-15<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
                                        \n

                                        High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Scientific and graphing calculators<\/li>\n
                                        • World Language AP Workbooks (Spanish\/French)<\/li>\n
                                        • PSAT testing fees (Grades 10 and 11, Readistep for grade 9)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          Middle School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Fully fund school supplies<\/li>\n
                                          • Snow Goose field trip for sixth graders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            Elementary School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Fully fund school supplies<\/li>\n
                                            • Recorders for all third to fifth graders<\/li>\n
                                            • Enrichment program stipends at Title I schools<\/li>\n
                                            • Instrumental music program after school (funded by donations)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
                                              \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2013-14<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
                                              \n

                                              Strides made to eliminate school supplies at both elementary and middle school level. Course fees eliminated at high school level.\u00a0Staff have worked hard to\u00a0reduce expenses for families with great progress at\u00a0middle and high schools.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

                                              High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Course fees<\/li>\n
                                              • Reduced athletic fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                Middle School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Mostly\u00a0fund school supplies<\/li>\n
                                                • Reduced athletic fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  Elementary School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Fully fund school supplies<\/li>\n
                                                  • Mountain School at North Cascades for fifth graders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
                                                    \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2012-13<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
                                                    \n

                                                    The district provides school supplies for elementary level. Schools purchase the supplies students need for learning, as we do with books and other materials. Middle school fees reduced and school supply lists are simplified. High school course fees are reduced. This is a strong step in reducing expenses for families.<\/em><\/p>\n

                                                    High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Reduced course fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      Middle School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Reduced and simplified supply lists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        Elementary School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Mostly\u00a0fund school supplies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
                                                          \n \n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/i><\/span>\n <\/span>\n 2011-12<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
                                                          \n

                                                          Beginning in fall 2011, we asked our\u00a0elementary families to bring three\u00a0items for first day supplies. The\u00a0district worked\u00a0with principals to purchase other\u00a0classroom supplies in bulk. Middle\u00a0school supply lists have not been\u00a0standardized yet. High schools have\u00a0been taking initial steps to reduce\u00a0and standardize course fees.<\/p>\n

                                                          High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • No supplies provided<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            Middle School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • No supplies provided<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                              Elementary School:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              • Families provide backpack, binder or notebook, pencil box or pouch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                                In 2011, Bellingham Public Schools launched 一本道app Free Education, an initiative whereby families are not asked to pay towards school supplies and some activities. This is a budget priority that attempts to close some of the gaps in state funding without\u00a0asking too much financially\u00a0of\u00a0our families. Since we started this project, we have: Provided full-time kindergarten…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":276,"featured_media":1696,"parent":637,"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\/738"}],"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\/276"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=738"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/738\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/637"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1696"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}