A fully online option for Bellingham families for 2020-21 

As we prepare and plan for the 2020-21 school, still in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we know that some families will want or need to have their student(s) continue learning remotely even after students can start returning to in-person learning.    

Bellingham Virtual Learning, coordinated within Options High School, has provided online learning opportunities for our high school students for a number of years. Effective August 2020, we are expanding 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. Support is offered for students with Bellingham Public Schools certificated teachers, Special Educators, English Language Learner support teachers and counselors through online office hours and regular check ins. Optional weekly remote meetings with their teacher and other students are planned to help build community and connections. 

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 that will 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 will not be enrolled in their neighborhood school, but still have access to all Bellingham Public Schools’ resources and supports as well as their neighborhood school events, extracurricular activities, clubs and athletics. They will be provided a laptop or iPad to engage in the curriculum. 

Students at elementary will use the Accelerate Education online curriculum that includes all subjects (reading, literacy, math, science, social studies, art, health and PE). Middle and high school students will use Edgenuity , which is accredited and is an equivalent/alternative to (but is different from) most of the courses offered at our neighborhood schools.  

We ask families that enroll their students in Bellingham Virtual Learning to make a semester-long commitment to attend the online option (Sept. 8, 2020-Feb. 1, 2021) so we can plan ahead for adequate staffing. If you decide you want to register for the fully online option for at least the first semester, click here to initiate the transfer process for your student(s). 

Questions?

For students in grades K-5, please contact Charisse Berner: Charisse.Berner@bellinghamschools.org or 360-676-6470 ext. 6547.
For students in grades 6-12, please contact Robin Montague: Robin.Montague@bellinghamschools.org or 360-676-6470 ext. 5105

High School Contacts

Byron Gerard
Options Principal

Dr. Nancy Barga
Assistant Principal

Grades 6-12

Robin Montague 
Administrative Assistant
360-647-6871 ext. 5105

 

Kindergarten to Grade 5

Charisse Berner

Director of Teaching and Learning
360-676-6470 ext. 6547

 

Early Childhood (PreK)

Debbie Haney

Early Learning Specialist