Last night, Whatcom Middle School parents and students gathered in the Bellingham High School theater to hear about where we go from here with the sudden loss of our middle school to fire.
We heard Principal Jeff Coulter’s voice crack as he gave an emotional address to remind us that we’ll be okay, all of us, the kids, the teachers, the parents. We listened to district officials give details about the decision-making process behind where our kids are placed (Leah will be traveling to Fairhaven Middle School), as well as transportation details (two-thirds of the school will be traveling by bus to schools outside our zone), as well as the district hopes for Whatcom’s restoration. Time will tell.
I have never seen so many parents--about 800--gathered in one venue, and it was a reminder of just how many of us are in this together. Not only us, but also students, teachers, and staff from Bellingham High, Geneva Elementary, and Fairhaven Middle, many of whom are scrambling as I write this to relocate their classrooms and make room for Whatcom teachers and students. Coulter told us last night he is humbled by the community support. I am, too.
I saw it firsthand yesterday at BHS. Leah and I went to help with the classroom moves and to unload cardboard boxes from parents' vehicles, boxes designated for the collection of school supplies. The BHS teachers and students had already been moving the contents of their classrooms for much of the day to make room in one wing of the school for Whatcom’s eighth graders. Not only do the kids get their own wing, the high school students have welcomed them into it with “Whatcom Wildcats” signs and posters.
Two nights ago, I met, by chance, a Fairhaven Middle School student who positively glowed at the prospect of welcoming Whatcom students into her school. She wanted to know my daughter’s name.
I know I can speak for all Whatcom parents when I say thank you to all. We are so grateful, and we live in an amazing community.
Today's Bellingham Herald gives details of last night's meeting. If you want to help, you can find a list of ways here.