It’s been one week today since Whatcom Middle School burned and finally our kids are back where they belong: in the classroom! This morning, WMS students were brought together for an all-school assembly at Bellingham High School before heading off to learn the ropes at new schools across the city. A week ago I was feeling heartbroken over the loss of our beautiful school, and this week my heart is filled with awe over the extraordinary level of support that continues to flow from all corners toward our kids. Businesses & organizations, groups & individuals have donated thousands of dollars, needed supplies, brain power & brawn to help get the kids back to school as quickly as possible. In what can be a pretty harsh world, it is so inspiring to know that within the human spirit lies such kindness and generosity. It’s odd to say given they have so recently lost their school, but in the end, our children are truly blessed to have had this experience. It is my hope that it encourages them spend the rest of their lives perpetuating the same kindness and generosity that has befallen them this past week : )
WMS students converge at Bellingham High
Each WMS student, teacher and staff member was given a cool new t-shirt
Asher and his all-time favorite teacher, Mr. Custis. He’s the best math teacher ever!
WMS Principal Mr. Coulter welcomes his kids back to school
WMS ASB President Katie Bauer starts things off
These kids stood outside of Haggen collecting donations for their school. They raised about $3500, including a 50 cent donation from a homeless high-school drop out. Wow.
Mr. Coulter chokes back tears : (
Surveying the damage to their awesome school
Wrapping things up with the Whatcom Stomp!
This sign was divided into three parts, with one piece going to each of the schools where WMS students will be attending classes.
A 7th grade student gave Mr. Coulter this clever t-shirt. 8th Graders are going to BellingHAM HS, 7th Graders to FairHAVEN MS and 6th Graders to GenEVA Elementary : )
Unfortunately I was not able to get a good shot of this woman when Mr. Coulter introduced her during the assembly. She’s a 98 year-old graduate of Whatcom High School!
As the WMS kids left the assembly to head to class, they found the whole BHS student body congregated to greet them with supportive cheers. Very cool moment.
Inside the common area of the Wildcat Wing, a section of BHS that was vacated to make room for the WMS 8th Graders
BHS students obviously put a lot of creative energy into making the 8th graders feel at home in their new school. The kids are thrilled with their efforts!
“WILDCAT WING” has been permanently painted over the doors. They even attempted to replicate the stone pillars from the facade of the school : )