Bellingham Virtual Learning
A fully online option for Bellingham families for 2020-21
Effective August 2020, we expanded our Bellingham Virtual Learning offerings to provide K-12 options for students and families who need a fully online option for a semester or year, regardless of what stage we’re in in the Reconnect Plan. Students work independently on their own schedule by accessing their courses with an online curriculum and support from Bellingham Public Schools teachers and other staff.
This model may be a good fit for students that respond well to independent, self-paced learning, families that have health concerns returning to in-person instruction during COVID and families that have older students who may be supporting younger children’s learning at home. For more information about how Bellingham Virtual Learning (BVL) compares with our Neighborhood Reconnect plan or the Bellingham Family Partnership Program, view our comparison chart.
Students enrolled in Bellingham Virtual Learning have access to Bellingham Public Schools’ resources and supports as well as their neighborhood school events, extracurricular activities, clubs and athletics. They will be provided a laptop to engage in the curriculum.
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- Students at elementary use the Accelerate Education online curriculum that includes the following subjects: English language arts, math, science (semester 1), social studies (semester 2) and optional electives such as art and coding (offered mid-semester). Families will receive login information from BVL staff. For more information about spring 2021 K-5 BVL, please take a look at this video from the elementary BVL team:
- Middle and high school students use Edgenuity, which is accredited and is an equivalent/alternative to (but is different from) most of the courses offered at our neighborhood schools. For a course list, please see our spring 2021 student and family handbook.
Questions?
For students in grades K-5, please contact Kate Baehr or 360-676-6470 ext. 6424
For students in grades 6-8, please contact Nikki Lockhart or 360-676-6454 ext. 4861
For students in grades 6-12, please contact Nancy Barga or 360-676-6470 ext. 5103
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string(11816) "Bellingham Public Schools proudly serves students with disabilities birth through age 21. We strive to give all our students love, care and great teaching. We build skills that allow each student to discover and develop a passion, contribute to our community and live a fulfilling, productive life.
What is Special Education?
Special Education is specialized instruction for students age Birth to 21 who qualify according to the laws and regulations outlined by state and federal government. A student may qualify for services in one of the areas as identified by the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The following definitions are from the U.S. Department of Education website.
Getting Started
The district participates in
"child find" - awareness and screening activities for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating children who are suspected of having disabilities and who may be in need of special education services. A student may also be referred for a special education evaluation by any source, including parents. The referral is to be made in writing and submitted to the building principal or designee.
The Special Education Process
- Referral and Identification
- Assessment
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- IEP Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Special Education Programs
Our district has a variety of programs to support families of students with special needs:
- Birth to 2: Bellingham schools partners with community agencies to provide early intervention services through the Department of Early Learning (DEL) Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program. Children ages Birth to Two who have delays in their development or have a physical or mental condition that is known to cause a delay in development may be eligible for early intervention services. These services are provided in a child’s natural environment which may include in their home or childcare program.
- Preschool: Early childhood preschool programs provide a language-based curriculum to students ages 3-4 with developmental delays. Preschool programs are based in the following locations:
- Alderwood Elementary
- Birchwood Elementary
- Cordata Elementary
- Geneva Elementary
- Happy Valley Elementary
- Northern Heights Elementary
- Sunnyland Elementary
- Sehome High School
- Resource: programs provide direct, integrated, and/or consultative services to students with mild to moderate disabilities in general education. Resource programs are based in every elementary, middle and high school.
- Life Skills: Life Skills programs provide a functional academic and skill domain curriculum, with supported integration in general education and opportunities for community-based instruction to students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. Life Skills programs are based in the following locations:
- Carl Cozier Elementary
- Columbia Elementary
- Cordata Elementary
- Wade King Elementary
- Fairhaven Middle
- Kulshan Middle
- Shuksan Middle
- Bellingham High
- Sehome High
- Squalicum HIgh
- EBD (Emotionally/Behaviorally Disabled) BRIDGES: The "BRIDGES" programs provide an academic curriculum within a structured behavior management system, with integration or mainstreaming in general education, to students with moderate to severe behavioral disabilities. EBD programs are based in the following locations:
- Parkview Elementary
- Lowell Elementary
- Whatcom Middle
- Squalicum High
- Community Transitions: The Community Transitions post-high school program provides transition classes, supported and independent vocational experiences, and linkages to adult services for students ages 18-21 with mild, moderate, or severe disabilities.
- Itinerant Services: Itinerant services provide instruction and support to students who need:
- Physical Therapy
- Assistive Technology
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Language Therapy
- Sign Language
- Aural Rehab Management
- Braille
- Diagnostic-Psychological intervention
- Autism Consultation
- Out of District Placements: For students who need intensive services, the Bellingham Public Schools contracts with other providers including:
- Northwest ESD 189 - Whatcom Discovery
State and Federal Resources
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction - Special Education (OSPI)
Washington State Resources for Parents of Children and Youth with Disabilities
Resources
Continuing Education Opportunities
Special Education Office Staff
Director: Mike Haberman, (360) 676-6458
Secretary: Deanna Bannerman (360) 676-6458
Assistant Director: Bethany Verner (360) 676-6458
Secretary: Joy Rawls (360) 676-6470 ext. 2042
Program Secretaries:
Coleen Aylen: (360) 676-6470 ext. 4408
Vickie Tapparo: (360) 676-6470 ext. 6833
Julie Webster: (360) 676-6517
Special Education Records Requests
Please fax requests to 360-676-2692 or email BPS.Spedrecords@BellinghamSchools.org"
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