Bellingham School District staff have been exploring a variety of potential options for temporarily housing Whatcom Middle School's 580 students after a Nov. 5 fire has made the school unavailable for occupancy for the foreseeable future. Many details are in the process of being worked out including student placement, transportation, supplies/materials and much more.
In order to allow time to coordinate plans and communicate details, school will be cancelled for Whatcom students only until Thursday, Nov. 12. This would be the earliest date that Whatcom students would be able to begin class again at relocated sites. We recognize and regret the impact on Whatcom families and wanted to provide as much notice as possible so that they can make arrangements for the next several days.
All other Bellingham schools will be open on a regular schedule. All schools are closed Wednesday, Nov. 11 for the Veterans Day holiday.
A meeting will be held for all Whatcom Middle School parents, guardians and students at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 in the Bellingham High School theatre. This meeting is for Whatcom parents, guardians and students only. This will provide an opportunity to share information about student placements, transportation and answer families' questions. Any updates will be posted at www.bsd501.org.
We have been exploring many, many options for relocating our Whatcom students and appreciate the offers for space from our community and from staff at schools throughout the district. We do not have any details to share at this time about relocation because plans are still in development. One of our priorities is to keep as many students together as possible, preferably by grade level. In exploring options, staff are carefully weighing the impact of the relocation on Whatcom students and families, as well as all students and families throughout the district.
"In times of crisis, it is important for all of us to pull together," said Superintendent Sherrie Brown. "Our staff throughout the district and our community have been incredible in their offers of support and their desire to be part of the solution during this difficult time. We are extremely grateful."
For updates, please visit www.bsd501.org For official details about the fire, please click here for the City of Bellingham's Fire Department Web site.
Update Posted 4:44 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5
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