In this week’s news, you’ll find reminders about safety precautions at ACS and prayers for lives lost in Texas this week, a final tally of Fun Run success, an apology from some students,a chance to join in a cross country camp with Bellingham High School, a reminder to return library books for the year, a school service project to support Agape, more baby news and how we can support our growing families, Field Day plans, an invitation to a wonderful concert next weekend, PTC news including a shout out for all who made “Johnny Appleseed” a grand show, gratitude for our volunteers and how we plan to honor you this Friday, a call for help to ensure safety at recess, a reminder about school Mass this Friday, and upcoming calendar events. Thanks for reading!
School violence in Texas this week
Once again, our nation is heartbroken, this time over an incident of senseless violence at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. We are overwhelmed with sadness by this devastating tragedy and its resulting loss of innocent life. We grieve with those who lost children and loved ones, and we ask God for healing for those who were injured. As people of faith, we condemn the evil of violence and pray for the gift of peace and real change. Attached, please find a letter from the Office for Catholic Schools regarding yesterday’s violence.
Teachers and staff will not be talking with students directly about this incident, although it was discussed at the eighth-grade retreat on Wednesday morning. In all other grades, the teachers were given the following bullet points to review ONLY IF it is brought up by one of the students in the class. Otherwise, we trust parents to do what they believe is appropriate for their family and the age(s) of their child(ren).
For your own peace of mind and to understand what teachers may say to students if it comes up:
- Assumption is a safe place for children and adults. We have a written Crisis Management Plan for all scenarios. We keep the doors locked and screen all visitors who come into the building. It’s important that children remember not to open the doors to anyone they do not recognize as a parent, teacher, or other student. If they see someone they don’t recognize or something doesn’t seem right, they should tell an adult right away.
- The adults in the building will always take care of them and tell them where to go in a drill. “Lockout” means the doors are locked, but teachers go on teaching. This is also known as “Shelter in Place.” “Lockdown” means there is someone on campus and the school is silent. All blinds are closed and teaching ceases.
- In the event of an intruder on campus, we purposely do lockdown drills randomly throughout the year so that we can practice and dialogue about what we might do in an event like the one that happened in Texas this week.
- Remember the three things the teachers have talked about: Run, Hide, Fight. It’s not always the safest option to stay in the classroom. If students do have to leave campus, we all reunite at the First Congregational Church on Cornwall. Most of them have been on a walking field trip to this church.
Our school counselor, Mrs. Eszter Caulfield, is available for any student who would like to talk about their feelings of anxiety or grief as a result of this tragedy. She will be here on Thursday, and again next Thursday (and most Mondays). Please let your child’s teacher or the office know if you think he or she would benefit from some time with Mrs. Caulfield.
Thank you for your partnership to make the physical and emotional well-being of the ACS community our top priority.
CELEBRATING FUN RUN SUCCESS!
Apology
We are so grateful for the hard work of the students and directors in preparing for the Missoula Children’s Theater performance of Johnny Appleseed this past Saturday. During the 5:30 pm performance, a few of the seventh graders were talking near the kitchen which was distracting to the audience and performers. They were asked to write a letter of apology to the school community. Please read the attached letter and know that we take etiquette at performances very seriously. It is out of respect for the performers who show great courage by getting up on stage in front of their family and friends.
BHS XC Camp
The BHS Cross Country team (in partnership with Bellingham Parks and Recreation) is hosting a Cross Country Camp from June 27-30 for students with and without running experience entering grades 5 – 8 in the fall. In the past, we have had great representation from ACS at our camp, and we hope to soar with the Eagles again this summer.
Please see the paper flyer in today’s envelope for details!
Library Book Return
It is time to start rounding up any books checked out from the school library. A list of all books currently checked out to your child(ren) went home last week. All items are due back by this Friday, May 27. If there are any items not returned by the end of the school year, you will be billed a replacement fee. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at nsmith@assumption.school.
Thank you,
Your Librarian, Nancy Smith
A Note from Mrs. Caulfield
Mrs. Eszter Caulfield, our terrific school counselor, prepared some information about her work with students this year that was enclosed in today’s envelope. We wanted to provide a live link to her report and detailed description of counseling services: https://school.assumption.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/School-Counseling-Report.pdf
Agape Clothing & Book Drive
As our students are planning for fun summers full of activities, it’s also a great reminder that others in our community face an entirely different life when the weather warms up.
ACS would like to support Agape Service Project in serving our local farmworker community in Whatcom County through their summer food bank. Agape Food Bank serves 150+ farmworker families weekly at their food bank in Lynden. Please see the paper flyer in today’s envelope.
Needed donations:
Clothing & Books – New/Gently Used
Everyday clothing for men, women, children, & babies (especially adult work gear: long sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, long pants, work hats)
Books for kids of all ages (bilingual Spanish-English are great!)
Please drop off your donations in the school entryway by June 10th!
Questions: kelsey.harrington@seattlearch.org
Future ACS Scientist 
On May 13th, our own Mrs. Samantha Ernest and her husband, Kevin, welcomed their first child, daughter Juniper Loreto Elanor Ernest into this world! She was born at 4:55 pm and she was 9 pounds 4 ounces, 21 inches. We are thrilled for Sam and Kevin and their families!
Juniper has not yet found her sleeping groove and her parents are beat! We’d love to support them with some Assumption love and meals, so please sign up for a date if you’re able: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/4m952m.
NOTE: The Ernests mostly avoid cow dairy milk and cream but do eat cow cheese.
Meal Train for the Segels
As we shared last week, Kelly and Jeff Segel welcomed their sixth child, Noah Albert, on May 15th! As Kelly heals and their family gets into a new groove, a Meal Train has been set up to make at least dinnertime just a little easier. Many thanks to Michaela Petz for setting it up!
Please sign up for a slot if you’re able to provide the Segels with a meal. Food can be dropped off at the school on weekdays by 2:50 pm to be sent home with their girls: https://mealtrain.com/8m2ro4
Field Day
On Wednesday, June 15th, we will be having an afternoon of activities, fun, and community to celebrate all the accomplishments for our students, teachers, and staff this year! Field Day will begin at 12:00 and last throughout the afternoon. We are looking forward to a great afternoon!
Parents, if you’d like to get a jump on earning volunteer hours for next year, please email Miss McIntosh for a few jobs she could use help with: amcintosh@assumption.school. Thank you!
This Weekend’s Parade and Family Promise Bed Race on Sunday, June 26th from 2 pm to 4 pm
If you can get a group of five together, this weekend is your chance to try out the bed by running it in the Whatcom Memorial Day Parade.
The Interfaith Coalition and Family Promise have moved their Annual Bed Race (typically in September) to June this year. This is a great way to raise money for those experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County while having a bit of fun with your closest friends. We would love to have a team represented by Assumption Catholic School. There is a frame and bed available, so we just need a group to assemble it by the Memorial Day Parade on May 28th and then use it for the race on June 26th. For more information about the race or to register your team, visit https://www.interfaith-coalition.org/familypromisebedrace .
Family Promise of Whatcom County is starting its 5th year of serving the needs of this community to assist children and their families experiencing homelessness through meals, temporary housing and education with a goal to re-establish their independence. To date nearly 100 families have had a fresh start through Family Promise and the Interfaith Coalition. If you choose not to race, you can also sponsor the Family Promise Bed Race at http://bit.ly/bedraceentryfee2022 .
Bellingham Chamber Chorale Spring Concert at Assumption: Rejoice!
On Saturday, June 4, 8:00 p.m. & Sunday, June 5, 5:00 pm, enjoy an evening of sacred and secular choral music including two of Handel’s Coronation Anthems performed with a chamber orchestra! The BCC is conducted by our own Dr. Frederick Mabalot. Tickets are available at: https://www.bellinghamchamberchorale.org/tickets
PTC News
MCT: Thank you to all who helped to make the return of Missoula Children’s Theater possible, especially Aimee Bachmeier, Jessica Sidhu, Dayna Dennis and Stephanie Wolf! Our talented students did a fabulous job with their performances last Saturday and it was wonderful to enjoy it as a community. Their hard work was well worth it!
Volunteer Appreciation: We will be celebrating our volunteers on Friday, May 27th! That means YOU! Every parent (and grandparent, sibling, or friend volunteer) plays a vital role in our school community, and we’d like to honor each and every one of you. There will be a special blessing at our Volunteer Appreciation Mass and a reception to follow from 11:30 to 1 pm in the gym.
Earn volunteer hours as a Playground Angel!
The deadline to earn volunteer hours for this school year is TUESDAY, May 31st! Come earn a few while enjoying the warmer weather! Playground Angels help keep our students safe at recess and we cannot offer it without them. Thank you in advance for your help!
School Mass
This Friday, May 27th, our fourth grade class will be leading our all-school Mass, where we will also honor our Volunteer of the Year. Parents are welcome to join and all students should wear dress uniforms. We ask that visitors sit in the north transept instead of with the students. Masks are now optional in the church.
Upcoming calendar items:
May 16th – June 3rd– MAP testing, grades 2-8
May 27th– Volunteer Appreciation and Volunteer of the Year Award announced. Join us for a reception hosted by the teachers and staff from 11:30 to 1 pm in the gym.
May 30th– NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day
June 6th- Free Dress (#1 of 2) w/ $100 earned in Fun Run pledges
June 9th– Graduation rehearsal 10 am, Luncheon at 11:30 am. Eighth grade graduation starting at 5 pm in the church. All are welcome.
June 13th- Free Dress (#2 of 2) w/ $100 earned in Fun Run pledges
June 14th– Last day of preschool
June 15th– Last day of prekindergarten; Field Day, noon to 2:45 pm.
June 16th– Last day of school! Prayer service in the church begins at 10:30 am (parents are welcome); Early Release dismissal at 11:45 am. No EDP today.
