A Message from Communications and Community Relations

We work closely with our labor partners, including the Bellingham Education Association, to establish our school year calendars. We have made some updates to the 2023-24 calendar, including the dismissal time on early dismissal days and staff learning days.

Early dismissals

Early dismissals will continue to occur every Thursday afternoon for elementary students, and we are increasing the number of early dismissals for middle and high schools. Please see the updated calendar for all early dismissals and other dates that may affect your family plans.

Here is the adjusted early dismissal bell schedule:

12:20 p.m.       Elementary

1:15 p.m.         Middle school

2 p.m.              High school

Staff Learning Days (aka Purple Fridays)

We will not have school on staff learning days and those have been scheduled for the following days: September 22, October 13 and March 15. Please remember that the first day of school is now August 31. Certificated staff will work Aug. 28-30.

Other key dates for 2023-24 and 2024-25 can be found here.

We know updates to our calendar and schedule impact each of you — our staff, students, families and community partners. We also recognize that dedicating time for our staff on Thursday afternoons and the occasional Friday workday is important. That time allows them to attend professional development, plan and collaborate to better serve the diverse needs of our students.