Bellingham Public Schools

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.

We have five graduation ceremonies taking place over the next three days to celebrate the Class of 2026!Community Transi...
06/04/2026

We have five graduation ceremonies taking place over the next three days to celebrate the Class of 2026!

Community Transitions gets us started Thursday evening at the District Office. Options High School is next on Friday evening at Civic Stadium followed by Sehome High School, Squalicum High School and Bellingham High School on Saturday, also at Civic Stadium.

🎟️🏟️ At Civic Stadium for Options, Sehome, Squalicum and Bellingham, tickets are required for entry; gates open one hour prior to graduation ceremonies.
📹 Each ceremony will be live streamed.
📷 Photos will be available next week.

Visit our graduation page for details and links.

🎓 www.bellinghamschools.org/graduation

06/03/2026

Promise Award 2026 Spotlight ⭐ Compassion and Service Award, Bob Lazzar-Atwood, extracurricular event staff member at Squalicum High School.

Bob Lazzar-Atwood is a positive force of support and care at Squalicum High School.

A retired paraeducator, the Squalicum community is elated that he stays connected to Squalicum after he “retired”.

Bob is everywhere in support of Squalicum athletics and activities. Taking tickets, public address announcing, and organizing track and field meets are a few examples.

His approach goes far beyond simply working an event. His care fosters a sense of family and connection.

Bob is known for kind greetings to each attendee and fist bumps for student-athletes. He often brings a tub of fresh-baked cookies for those he serves, and a colleague recounted occasions during which he brought enough cookies for student-athletes, staff and the entire marching band at events.

A colleague shared, “During games, Bob is often the loudest and most enthusiastic supporter in the gym. While collecting tickets and directing fans, he is still fully engaged – cheering, encouraging, and celebrating our athletes. Our players can hear him from the court, and they know he is there for them. He models what it means to love your school and support your community.”

Because Bob is so reliably present at many events, the community connects with him and his presence furthers a sense of unity. His impact is also seen via posters he created to thank senior student-athletes in the gym. He acknowledges families and he makes it known that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

☀️⚽ One week ago today, we hosted the Unified Soccer Jamboree at Bellingham High School on Wednesday, May 20.16 teams ac...
05/28/2026

☀️⚽ One week ago today, we hosted the Unified Soccer Jamboree at Bellingham High School on Wednesday, May 20.

16 teams across eight fields with teams playing three games apiece on a sunny Wednesday evening!

Bellingham, Sehome, Squalicum, Fairhaven, Kulshan and Shuksan each attended along with a BPS staff team.

Our schools were joined by teams from Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties.

Great representation from our high schools at the annual Ski to Sea weekend Whatcom Memorial Day Parade held this past S...
05/27/2026

Great representation from our high schools at the annual Ski to Sea weekend Whatcom Memorial Day Parade held this past Saturday, May 23.

Here are some photos and video clips featuring our students from Squalicum, Bellingham and Sehome high schools.

Great job, all!

05/18/2026

Promise Award 2026 Spotlight ⭐ Volunteer of the Year Award, Lauren Bunke, volunteer at Sunnyland Elementary and schools throughout the district.

Lauren Bunke is an exemplary volunteer and instrumental to the success of many beloved events at Sunnyland Elementary School.

A school day volunteer and PTA treasurer, her impact is widespread and much appreciated.

A nominator shared, “She works together with the PTA, with multiple teachers, and outside of Sunnyland at other schools in the district to make school an enriching place for kids.”

Lauren volunteers during the school day during several different class times in the library, exuding a care for all students to help them discover a love for books and have a positive experience. She also assists with inventory at the end of the year.

Each school event she supports takes time, energy, and people to run. Lauren simply makes things happen – sometimes with others and sometimes singlehandedly.

Her willingness to teach, volunteer and chaperone ensure that after school enrichment programs happen.

Her impact does not stop at Sunnyland. She is signed up to volunteer at every single elementary school in the district, plus Whatcom Middle School and Bellingham High School. Lauren volunteered with a bike safety unit at Sunnyland and recognized a need for bike safety support at other schools and volunteered at those locations as well.

It's almost time for Sehome Drama Department's production of Cole Porter ‘s Anything Goes!You will hear an overload of c...
05/14/2026

It's almost time for Sehome Drama Department's production of Cole Porter ‘s Anything Goes!

You will hear an overload of classic hits from the American songbook — all in one musical! Enjoy the ever delightful “It’s De-Lovely,” crowd pleasers like “You’re the Top” and “Friendship,” and the show stopping, rabble rousing “Blow, Gabriel, Blow!”

The Sehome thespians have been putting in hundreds of hours rehearsing and learning to tap dance; the backstage technical crew has been sewing the costumes, building the art deco set, finding the vintage props, and setting lights and audio.

Directed by drama teacher Kandace McGowan with technical direction by Lauralise McGowan, come out to hear the talented voices, see the onstage antics, and enjoy the 1930s aesthetic!

Read more about the show and see more rehearsal and backstage photos at the link in comments.

Anything Goes sails onto the Sehome stage this weekend! Opening on Friday, May 15, the show runs at 7 p.m. on May 15, 16, 21, 22 and at 2 p.m. on May 23. Tickets are $12 for general admission and available at www.SehomeDrama.com.

05/11/2026

We celebrate Staff Appreciation Week annually during the first full week of May in Bellingham Public Schools.

As one example of appreciation, we hope you enjoy this video highlighting our 2026 Promise Award recipients.

Promise Award recipients represent our schools and district and help increase awareness of the important contributions of all staff and volunteers. Please note, our Community Partner of the Year award will be announced at a later date.

Photo Feature Friday 📷👟Close to 300 middle school cross country runners from Fairhaven, Kulshan, Shuksan and Whatcom mid...
05/01/2026

Photo Feature Friday 📷

👟Close to 300 middle school cross country runners from Fairhaven, Kulshan, Shuksan and Whatcom middle schools convened at Lake Padden Park to begin the spring season with the second annual Sasquatch Run last week on Wednesday, April 22.

For a good number of students, the event provides a chance to run at scenic Lake Padden Park for the first time. For some, it is the first cross country event they experience other than a practice. For all, it marks a non-competitive warmup to the slate of races upcoming in May.

BPS director of activities and athletics, James Hayes, introduced the event along with Fairhaven cross country head coach, Mike Finley.

Students then took off for a lap around Lake Padden, and upon returning were able to enjoy popsicles and time with friends.

Another optional post-run activity, and the event’s namesake, was to find the sasquatch hidden in Lake Padden Park and receive a special Sasquatch Run token for their efforts.

A cross country coach, dressed in a full sasquatch costume, hid in the park before the race began. After finishing the run, students were provided the general direction in the park to look for the sasquatch. The sasquatch quickly became a popular form of entertainment and interaction for students.

"Lake Padden is a perfect backdrop," Hayes said. "It is great to see so many kids being active, connecting with each other, and just enjoying the moment in a fun, non-competitive environment. Events like this remind us that movement, laughter, and community matter more than any finish time.”

Middle school cross country is one of four sports currently in season within Bellingham Public Schools along with girls basketball, football and unified soccer.

Visit the middle school activities and athletics web page to find a full list of offerings throughout the year, along with schedules and other information. These opportunities for students are made financially possible thanks to community support of voter-approved operations levies.

BPS had nearly 40 student musicians and singers compete at the state 2026 Solo Ensemble contest in Ellensburg last weeke...
04/30/2026

BPS had nearly 40 student musicians and singers compete at the state 2026 Solo Ensemble contest in Ellensburg last weekend. These individuals and ensembles finished in first place (or moved up from alternate) at the regional competition in January.

Making it to the state-level competition is an impressive feat for everyone who is invited.

Congratulations to all the state-level student musicians in our high schools! You bring great joy and beauty through performance to all.

We are thrilled to announce that Sehome mezzo soprano Julietta Herrera Carreon took second place in state in her solo category! Julietta sang La Maja Dolorosa I, II, III by Enrique Granados.

Sehome choir teacher Vanessa Katz shared that this accomplishment is “well deserved and a reflection of her hard work."

“Julietta is a dedicated musician that has become a leader in our choral program,” Katz continued, “and is working towards a bright future as a music major next year at WWU.”

Side note! Everyone will be able to hear Julietta sing in her upcoming role as Reno Sweeney in the Sehome production of Anything Goes opening next month.

Other soloists and ensembles from our high schools who competed in Ellensburg are listed in a story online. See link in comments.

In addition to the state contest in Ellensburg, several students auditioned to perform with all-state music groups at the end of May. These student names and photos are also at the story link.

Bellingham Public Schools recently made surprise announcement visits to celebrate recipients of 2026 Promise Awards, and...
04/27/2026

Bellingham Public Schools recently made surprise announcement visits to celebrate recipients of 2026 Promise Awards, and we are excited to announce the honorees to our community.

Congratulations, all!

The Promise Awards program recognizes the exemplary achievements and contributions of staff and volunteers connected to The Bellingham Promise, our district’s strategic plan.

Please note, our Community Partner of the Year award recognition will be announced at the end of May.

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1985 Barkley Boulevard
Bellingham, WA
98226

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