Weekly Update from the Superintendent

November 10, 2021

Dear students, staff, families and community, 

Many activities are happening in all schools this week in honor of Veterans Day.  Out of caution and due to COVID-19 protocols, we are not having traditional school assemblies.  Students and staff have found creative ways to engage in virtual assemblies including student performances and some guest speakers.  Thank you to all of our Veterans who have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces.  We appreciate and honor the service of all of our Veterans as well as their families for their commitment and the many sacrifices they have made for our Country. 

November is Native American Heritage Month.  We have deep respect and gratitude for our community members and neighbors from the Nooksack Tribe and Lummi Nations who partner with us in care of all of our children and youth.  The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has resources for more information and learning about Native American Heritage.

As a follow-up to my communication last week about staff vaccination rates, I would like to clarify some misleading information that was published in the Bellingham Herald Monday.  We did report to OSPI that there were 13 employees who were non-compliant including 12 in classrooms.  However, the 12 in classrooms were substitutes.  Some of those substitutes were listed as noncompliant because they were not planning to work this year, so they did not bother to turn in information. There are no permanent teachers working in our classrooms who were not compliant. 

There were also many questions about vaccination clinics for students that are 5-11 years old now that a vaccine has been approved.  We are working with the Health Department and local pharmacies to give students access to these vaccines (only with parent permission and presence).  You can obtain more information about clinics and vaccine availability here.

Join in the Mount Baker fun this weekend!  The following events are links for more information.  I hope to see you at Mount Baker Drama Club's Production of Alice in Wonderland, Kendall Elementary PTA Holiday Bazaar, and the State Playoffs Football Game with Mount Baker vs. Toppenish at Civic Stadium.

Go Baker!

Mary Sewright, Superintendent | msewright@mtbaker.wednet.edu | (360) 617-4600