It's a busy spring around Bellingham Public Schools!

• BPS musicians head to state-level competitions and performances
• Roosevelt fourth graders transfer physics inquiry into archery lesson
• Silver Beach kindergartners build their own bird nests
• Middle school technology students excel at state-level competition
• Jersey retired for longtime Sehome baseball coach Gary Hatch
• Volunteers support schools and programs across the district
• In the News: March 2026 recap

BPS student musicians to compete at annual state contest and perform with all-state groups in spring 2026

At the end of April, student musicians from high schools in Bellingham Public Schools will head to the annual WIAA/WMEA Solo and Ensemble State Contest in Ellensburg, Washington. These musicians placed first in their category at the San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) solo and ensemble regional contest.

At the end of May, the All-State Conference takes place where student musicians have a chance to perform in the All-State groups after an audition process.  Read more...
 

 Roosevelt fourth graders transfer physics inquiry into archery lesson

Fourth graders in the Roosevelt Elementary classrooms of Jennifer Hanley and Megan Mayer experience what a "transfer of energy" looks like in real time and space through archery lessons. The students become risk-takers, communicators and reflective of their personal experiences. 

Hanley shares some thoughts below about the grade 4 science inquiry into energy and how the archery lesson plays perfectly into it. She also gives additional background into how the connection to archery was made through dedicated volunteer Sam Dang, and saying ultimately that "the experience is truly priceless" for the students.  Read more...

Kindergartners build their own bird nests learning a little more how the world works

Silver Beach teacher Megan Cooley gives us a peek into a kindergarten bird nest project that touches on a multitude of lessons.

She also shares how remarkable the academic and social emotional growth is with these early learners through the course of a school year.

“Those first two years of school build a vital foundation,” Cooley said “and help set the tone for a lifetime of curiosity and learning.” Read more...

BPS middle school technology students excel at the state-level

Middle school students from Shuksan and Whatcom competed at the state-level Technology Student Association competition where nearly 2400 students across Washington participated in 2026.

First place for Coding category went to Ben Carter and Jack Hinton from Shuksan; first place for Fashion Design went to Leila Januszewski and Grace Moore from Whatcom. Read more...

Sehome baseball program honors longtime coach Gary Hatch with jersey retirement

The many attendees representing more than half a century of connection points to the Sehome baseball program provided a snapshot testament to Gary Hatch’s impact as his No. 10 jersey number was retired during a pregame ceremony on Saturday, March 14 at Sehome High School.

From those who played alongside or watched him play in the 1960s to recent graduates and many in between, the event provided an opportunity to show appreciation for a career spent in dedicated service to others.  Read more...

Volunteers with big hearts support classrooms and programs across the district

In Bellingham Public Schools, we have nearly 5600 volunteers who are supporting our schools in a multitude of ways including in classrooms, on playgrounds, and during after school programming and field trips. 

In all corners of our district, community, parent and college volunteers with big hearts help our students learn and grow. Their service is invaluable.  Read more...

In the News: March 2026 recap

In The News collects recent media coverage highlighting the people, programs and moments in Bellingham Public Schools.

In the News is not intended to be a comprehensive list of media mentions during a given time frame.

Thank you to our local media and non-local media for coverage of Bellingham Public Schools. Please note, some articles may have subscription paywalls.