Good
Apples
In celebration
For American Education Week
February 2017
Education
A good apple to the entire staff at Kulshan Middle School. I am proud to be a part of a team that is
entirely committed to the social emotional, academic and personal growth of our students. I enjoy coming to work
every day to see all the good that we do for our kids. I will miss you while I'm on leave this year, but will think of
you every day and know that you will continue doing the great work. I look forward to my return…Jen Newbauer
Bellingham High School English teacher Fontaine Phillips has spearheaded the University of
Washington College in the High School program here and recently presented at a UW conference in January. She
shared with other teachers and professors how to incorporate media-like collage and diorama into classes to
increase student learning, and was the only high school teacher among the presenters. In addition, last spring she
took it upon herself to call a college admissions department on behalf of one of our seniors who had been waitlisted for admission, advocating for how far this English-as-a-second-language student had come. The student was
admitted and has received A’s and B’s this year in college. Fontaine literally helped change the course of this
student’s life. I often hear from “overlooked” students how instrumental she has been in their lives…Brian
Powell
I would like to nominate Shuksan Middle School library media assistant/paraeducator Teresa Flaherty
for a Good Apple Award. She has always been helping teachers behind the scenes at Shuksan and helps everyone
with technology-related concerns. This is a full time job. She radiates kindness and she is a good listener. I have
seen her calm frazzled staff as they try to do their best with tired technology. Her presence provides a sense of
calm to the building. Students love Teresa as well as she help them discover books in the library. Teresa always
listens to and helps struggling readers connect with books. She’s irreplaceable. I don’t know if she realizes how
much we all appreciate her…Jennifer Clawson
I would like to thank the Wade King staff for the thoughtful card and delicious food they sent to the
Carl Cozier staff. They have been role models of the One Schoolhouse mindset…Eric Paige
A basket of good apples for Fairhaven Middle School assistant principal Greg Holmgren. Greg supports
a successful middle school sports program that helps develop athletes of all levels. His flexibility in working with
coaches, athletes and parents is appreciated. Greg consistently attends after-school games and meets to encourage
athletes and support coaches. Thanks for your dedication and hard work...Mike Finley
I would like to send a huge armful of apple hugs to our principal Pam Pottle at Northern Heights. Not
only is she an amazing and tireless leader who is highly qualified to lead our team, but she has proven to be kind,
supportive and sensitive during times of adversity. Her love, patience and understanding for her staff have not
gone unnoticed. We are so very lucky and blessed to have her as our fearless leader. I thank her from the bottom
of my heart for all her love and support…Mimi Saunders
I think recognition should go out to all Bellingham High School staff, especially those directly affected
by Options High using part of the building. If you haven’t ever had to teach from multiple classrooms, losing your
classroom for prep, you might not understand the time and energy that is required to keep your classes running
smoothly. So kudos to BHS staff…Jonathan Fleck
Organic, juicy, delicious apples to Birchwood Elementary School principal Matt Whitten, counselor
Breeana Caudill, principal secretary Laura Murdzia, and office assistant Mariangely Gonzalez. Thank you for
your patience, your guidance and for welcoming me during my internship experience this year. Additionally, thank
you to the entire Birchwood staff for allowing me into your classrooms as I learn about leadership and
community. You've got a great thing going, Birchwood!...Minh Nguyen
We would like to present our new school resource officer Bo McGinty with a good apple for his support
of our Shuksan Middle School students and staff. Although he is new to our community, Bo is already developing
relationships with staff and students and responding to calls for support. He is already a valued member of our
team because of his willingness to do whatever is needed to foster a safe and supportive school environment.
A huge barrel of apples for the entire Shuksan staff. We know that working in a middle school is not always an
easy job, but our staff supports each other in order to make it a little bit easier. Our staff is amazing! We appreciate
their positive energy, collaborative spirit and relentless dedication to our kids. We feel so blessed to work with all
of you.
A shiny red apple to director of school safety and emergency management Jonah Stinson for partnering with us
to continuously improve our procedures and protocols around safety, as well as offering support in potentially
difficult situations. Jonah’s knowledge, calm demeanor and patience make him a person that we can count on for
support. Thank you, Jonah!
…Submitted by Tina Allsop on behalf of Shuksan’s administrative team: Amy Carder, Shari Walsh, Jenifer Rolie
and Tina
A delicious, heartwarming Opal apple to our incredibly caring, thoughtful and efficient custodian at
Cordata Elementary School Daylette Hudson. Dayl has worked tirelessly not only keeping our school and
grounds bright, shiny and ice-free, but also has rearranged and organized the innumerable materials littering and
loitering in various odd locales throughout the building, creating a more pleasant and effective space for teaching
and learning. Personally, she has been especially helpful with my space-consuming woodworking equipment,
making possible woodworking instruction for our students. Dayl puts kids first…Alex Brede
I would like to nominate our new custodian in the District Office Adrienne Patrice Sheard for a whole
bushel of red apples. She is upbeat and positive and very hard-working, always asking meaning questions about
our procedures. She is an all-around go-getter and is doing a great job here. Welcome aboard, Adrienne, and thank
you for bringing so much positive energy to this old house. Thank you…Roger Harpine
Edrian Hernandez is the custodian for all of the classrooms in my hall at Sehome High School. He
always does an outstanding job and I am so grateful to him because my room always looks great. He goes above
and beyond every day. My floors are not only swept but all sticky or dirty marks are mopped away. Paper towel
and soap dispensers are always full and sharpeners empty. He sweeps every corner and always asks if there is
anything else he can do. I appreciate his dedication to his job, his great attitude and his willingness to always help
out…Jane Yaude
I am sending out a warm apple pie with vanilla bean ice cream on top to Chip Bergeron, Squalicum
High School’s orchestra teacher. Chip has been spending every afternoon coaching students for our upcoming
regional Solo & Ensemble festival. He gives his time to his kids whenever they need it, and makes himself available
if any should need assistance. He meets kids where they’re at, and works with them in small groups or one-on-one
to take them further, believing they’re capable of more than even they might think.
A basket full of apples, accompanied with a delicious apple crisp, for Squalicum’s choir and drama teacher Jason
Parker. Though his one flaw is that he isn’t good at saying “no,” he is always there to help me when I need it, not
to mention all of his students, colleagues and family. He wears many hats around here, and he does so with an
open mind, a passion for advocating for students, and the drive to make our programs better. He works incredibly
hard. You will find him on a ladder painting the wall of a drama production set, behind our stage curtains fixing
something, up in the rafters changing lights, or running around to set up a microphone for me when I’ve forgotten
to request one. Thank you, Jason. We’re grateful for what you bring to Storm music and drama.
I’d like to give a bushel of apples to Kirstin Doud, Sehome’s orchestra teacher. She has been instrumental (no
pun intended!) at getting our music departments together to discuss budgets, 8-period scheduling, and common
assessments. She also deserves an orchard of apple trees for the incredible program she has built, and all of the
students she has had such a positive, lasting effect on. She gives countless hours to her students, instilling a great
work ethic and the value of taking initiative, and inspiring musicianship and ensemble teamwork from her kids.
She is one of the “rocks” in our district department, and she keeps us grounded and moving forward at the same
time. I love working with her. Thank you for all that you do, Kirstin!
…Kay Reilly
A well-deserved, delicious apple goes to Bellingham High history teacher Bruce Mansfield. He
frequently inquires about his ELL students, requests materials and resources that are appropriate for them, and
differentiates the heck out of his lessons so they are accessible to all. And this is no easy task. Thank you for your
dedication to all students!
Also, many good apples to Bellingham’s counseling office. It is such a pleasure to work with our counselors
Melody Wright, Gayle Copenbarger and Sharon Gilbert. They support our staff and students immeasurably every
day.
…Sarah Spitzer
An apple pie to Bellingham High’s library media specialist and professional development planner Eric
Bachmeier. Eric runs our library, tends to our communication and social media pages, and helps plan our
professional development. He is also our chess club advisor, assistant cross country and track coach, and all
around great guy.
Four caramel apples to our special education teachers Kris Lautenbach, Donnett Brown, Greg Dutton and Liz
Isaly. These folks not only specialize in their own content area but collaborate with staff in all content areas in
order to support all students. Thank you for all your hard work.
An apple pie a la mode to physical education teacher Steve Chronister for taking the lead on bringing back the
Bellingham and Sehome High rivalry basketball game. Under Steve’s leadership, the students organized a
spectacularly fun spirit competition called the Bellinghome Battle that will be remembered for years to come.
…Ryland Huff
I would like to send a bushel of fresh, juicy apples to Squalicum band teacher Kay Reilly. She ceases to
amaze me with how she can manage so many irons in the fire at the same time. She does an amazing job as music
department chair, in addition to teaching Band, Drumline and AP Music Theory. If that’s not enough, she plays
with the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra and occasionally with my own community orchestras. Then she
“masterminds” our Music Department BORCH concerts, and much, much more! Oh yes, and she’s married with
a 4-year old. You are amazing, Kay! Thank you for your endless dedication to our programs and the
students…Chip Bergeron
Special recognition and thanks to Sehome health teacher Graham Gribble, Sehome activity/athletics
coordinator Colin Cushman, Bellingham activity/athletics coordinator Chad Larsen, and Bellingham physical
education teacher Steve Chronister for organizing the “BellingHome” basketball night. It was energetic and good
old-fashioned basketball fun. The student sections were packed with enthusiastic fans and the organized activities
were creative and inspirational. One further thank you goes to Sehome Spanish teacher Dom Ghirardini and the
Sehome Whistling Club. Your rendition of the National Anthem was nothing short of amazing. Well
done!...Martin Atkins
I'd like to send big shiny juicy red apple to substitute teacher Mary Nuckolls. Mary has been like an
angel in my life. She deserves a halo and wings award, but I'm sure a good apple award is a good start at expressing
my gratitude. Mary inspired me to return to teaching, having left when I became a mom ten years ago. Mary
suggested I'd have more time with my daughter if I started subbing this year, and she was so right! We're both
happier with me on the same school calendar, the same days off, and together after school. As my daughter's first
grade teacher last year, Mary also helped my daughter through some emotional times and academic struggles. With
Mary’s guidance and capable teacher, we worked through so much. Her impact on our lives, her love that she
shared with my daughter, and her smile are more appreciated than any words could ever express…Jennifer Gehrke
I would like to give a bucket full of apples to the BRIDGES staff at Squalicum High School. Teachers
Liesl Vial and Laurel Peak, paraeducators Bob Lazzar-Atwood, Mark Hoffer, LaVera Langeman, and
Jeramie Burgoon are an amazing team of educators with big hearts and open minds. Thank you for all you do for
the students in your program and all you bring each day to Squalicum High School. We are truly honored to work
and grow with such an amazing team of committed professionals…Katie Ruthford
I am uplifted and inspired each day I get to work beside my colleague occupational therapist Jenny Brice.
Not only is she a brilliant and creative therapist but her flair for solving problems, confronting issues and
maintaining compassion and grace while doing so is incredible. I feel so lucky to learn from her and to call her my
colleague and friend.
In addition to her kindness and constant positivity, SLP paraeducator Jill Estvold's work ethic, openness and
attention to detail make her the best at her job. She wears many hats and she deserves all my recognition and
thanks for everything she does.
Whatcom Middle School special education teacher Sarah Zeller goes above and beyond for her each and every
one of her students. She is an outstanding collaborator, problem solver, researcher and critical thinker. Her
dedication to her job, along with her great sense of humor, inspire me each day I get to work beside her.
Amie Daniels is a special education paraeducator extraordinaire! Her ability to manage behavior and
communicate with students in an open and constructive way while showing love and kindness is amazing and
should not go unnoticed.
…Juliana De Burgo
Huge appreciation for Kulshan Middle School paraeducator and ASB secretary Jen Newbauer, who is
leaving this month on a deployment to Bahrain. Jen does so well walking that balance between holding high
expectations and always showing unconditional love to our students. We’re going to miss you!...Kevin Terpstra
A huge truckload of apples for Thanh Ho, Dung H, and Julia Fleming, our amazing custodial team at
Kulshan Middle School. They are incredibly responsive and proactive every day. They think about the little things,
make sure our after-school events function, and sprinkle sand or salt on our slippery wintery surfaces. Most
important of all, they love our middle school students. They epitomize our Bellingham Promise.
Sending a big bucket of red apples with Kulshan language arts teacher Maddie Neuman as she heads off to new
adventures in Seattle. We have been so lucky to have you here at Kulshan as a 6th and 8th grade language arts
teacher, along with AVID and Leadership. Your energy, collaboration and creativity is a bright and shiny spark in
our world. We wish you the very best in your journey!
Here is a giant cartload of apples to teacher on special assignment Tommy Lingbloom and our Kulshan Tech
Leadership Team. Your responsiveness, dedication, collegiality, honesty and innovation have been exactly what
we need in our 1:1 journey. We especially appreciate the voices, viewpoints and leadership of the Kulshan students
on our Tech Team and we are looking forward to this ongoing collaboration for many years to come.
…Meagan Dawson
Thank you, Family Engagement team, for your recent support of English language learners at Fairhaven
Middle School. Secretary Becky Vela, family liaison Tanya Rojas and special assistant to the superintendent for
family engagement Isabel Meaker, we appreciate your insight and help with our English language learners.
I appreciate ASB bookkeeper Cathy Moran at Sehome for being a friendly face to our English learners in the
building, especially our new ELLs. Thanks again for the last minute ASB card a few weeks ago.
…Jenn Wood
Thanks! Gracias! Arigato! Xie, Xie! Merci! to the entire Sehome High staff. Sehome is a great place to
be! And much appreciation to Sehome’s power trio principal Michelle Kuss-Cybula and assistant principals
Mike Couto and Marty Atkins for your awesome presence and making the world a better place for students to
come and learn…Belinda Schacht
I want to acknowledge and thank Dung (Young) Ho, custodian from Kulshan Middle School for
helping me after I fell, which left me scratched, bloody and bruised from my forehead, nose, cheek, mouth, lip,
chin, elbows, body and knees. This happened on a Friday evening as I was leaving the Middle School gymnastics
championship meet. Luckily for me, Dung was doing his evening security patrol with his flashlight and heard me
calling for help behind the school. He assisted me to my car, helped to calm me down, plus provided basic first
aid. I cannot thank him enough for being there with me to make sure I was good to go before driving home. He
offered to call an ambulance, but I was not broken, just very wounded. Thank you, Mr. Ho, for being my hero that
night. Kulshan, you probably know what a super guy you have on your custodial team, and now so do I. Thank
you, Dung…Jan Martin
I would love to send a truck of golden apples to journeyman carpenter Jim Stewart for all his hard work
at Happy Valley Elementary. He is always helping out when we need a hand. In addition, a load of great big apples
to network technical BJ Adams, who is a champion when it comes to keeping all our technical issues in check at
Happy Valley. I am also saving some red apples for capital projects manager Curtis Lawyer, who has always kept
a winning smile in everything getting this new school up and running...Dan Kirkman
I would like to recognize Bellingham High Spanish teacher Lori French for her willingness to help our
Alderwood Elementary School community events by working with her students to translate our communications
into Spanish. Gracias!
Thank you, also, to community learning center coordinator Kelly Vogel for your organized, compassionate and
supportive work in our after-school enrichment program. This special chance for kids to shine brightens each day
at Alderwood .
…Micah Smith
I’d like to recommend Amy Cushman, an English teacher at Squalicum High School. Amy has taken over
our English department chair duties, a particularly challenging role this year given our upcoming shift to a 4x8
schedule, a change in school start and stop times, a move towards cross-district curriculum consistency and other
related “new things.” Additionally, she’s coordinated our schoolwide Poetry Out Loud classroom immersion and
competition for the past few years, providing a creative outlet for a number of students. She’s also been a valuable
resource for our “new to school” and new English teachers. Nice job, Amy!...Lin Miltenberger
I would like to extend a short note of sincere appreciation to the staff of Cordata Elementary School.
During my schools visits this winter, I have witnessed many extraordinary examples of accepting, teaching and,
yes, loving many of our most impacted children from early social emotional trauma. You are changing lives…Rob
McElroy
A bushel of apples goes out to our co-teaching teachers for stepping outside of the box in service of
students. Co-teaching is sophisticated and highly complex, so thank you for opening your doors and hearts. Kudos
to Sehome High teachers Monique Carpenter and Steve Terrerri, Craig Nichoals and Bennett Vis, Kevin
Ryan, Kristen Reimers and Julie Ross Buckmaster, and Sonia Bell and Derek Hahn.
A pink lady apple to Sehome counselor Amy Hjelt for her hard work with putting a technology twist into high
school registration. We love your creative energy.
And finally, a golden apple goes to our campus monitor Peggy Fogarty. You are the backbone of Sehome and
you always bring such joy (and humor) to our campus and Sehome family.
…Michelle Kuss-Cybula
A would like to send a boozinga of good apples to the Squalicum High English department:
To Ms. Cushman for stepping up and leading the charge during ‘the year of change.’
To Ms. Thorsen for her innovating classes targeted at students interests (live long and prosperous SCIFI).
To Mr. Miltenberger for stepping up and translating new ideas (project-based learning) into his classroom and
making connections ‘simply elementary.’
To Ms. Pritchard for thinking outside the box (love the masks and ethnic stories).
To Mr. McAuliffe for helping your students interpret themselves (glad you didn’t have to cover all the posters).
To Mrs. Campbell pushing the limits of how we think about Avid (bring on more waffles).
To Mrs. Poortinga the Squalicum teacher’s dance instructor (Pitch Perfect next year?).
To Mrs. Gribble who is the English 9 whisperer.
And, last but not least, Ms. Nelson who is one of the biggest advocates to some of our most challenging students.
I love you all!
…Q (HkwauaQueJol Hollins)
We would like to recognize districtwide technology TOSA (and all around superstar) Brian Pahl. His
endless support, kind heart, and dedication to students using technology creatively and effectively have made
learning more meaningful and fun for us all. We are so happy he is a part of our team...Tim Cosgrove and Jodie
Schoolcraft
I would like to send a very big thank you and pink lady apple to food service assistant Lisa Ammerman
at Sunnyland. As a brand new Food Service employee, she was thrown into the lead position while I was out from
Thanksgiving until the first of the year. She did a fantastic job, learning everything very quickly with only a few
phone calls to me asking for help. So, thank you again, Lisa, for stepping up for me, for your friendship and
prayers…Renee Gugich
A tall stack of apples to Squalicum High School assistant principals Katie Ruthford and Q Hollins, dean
Chris Glass, and security monitor Russ Robinson for their awesome support, incredible patience and continued
support of all our students.
A basket of juicy crisp apples to Shuksan principal Amy Carder and assistant principal Shari Walsh and the entire
Shuksan counseling team for their energy, conversation and coordination around 8th to 9th grade transition to
Squalicum High School. We appreciate you!.
…James Everett
A delicious barrel of good apples to elementary math teacher on special assignment (TOSA) Janie
Overman and secondary math TOSA Chuck DeVange who support teachers, students, parents and
administrators across the district as we continue to implement high quality math instruction. They plan tirelessly to
meet various stakeholder needs. We are incredibly fortunate to have them on our team.
Much appreciation and a good apple thank you to department of teaching and learning secretary Cathy Allred
who has been on our team for a year now. Cathy helps us all earn our clock hours through ProDev, in addition to
many other responsibilities. I am very glad you are on our team, Cathy. Thank you.
A good apple thank you to BHS science teacher Jamie Yoos and TOSA Sarah Walker who are important leaders
as we develop our transition to the Next Generation Science Standards. They are advocates for excellence in
science instruction and are helping us unpack the three dimensional nature of these exciting new standards.
…Charisse Berner
I’d like to send out a basket of apples to elementary school counselors Jessica Haugen, Paula
Stratman, and Regina Twigg. All three of these talented professionals have been so willing and open to
communicating about and aligning our elementary and middle school counseling programs. Students coming to
middle school from their schools are set up for success. Thank you so much, ladies. It’s been great collaborating
with you this year. And, a shout out to all of the other amazing counselors I work with here in Bellingham Public
Schools. I’m proud and honored to be part of this dedicated group, especially with the added challenges we’ve all
had to deal with this year. You are awesome…Beth Bacon
A good apple to the Sehome science department. It is an honor to work with such a professional and
fun group of people. Thank you for all of the planned and impromptu collaboration, humor, support, sharing
supplies and ideas and for making me a better teacher. A big thank you to the entire department for their
dedication to science and kids as we head off with over 200 Science Olympiad students to Seattle in March. Way
to get kids excited and involved in science!…Jane Yaude
A bushel of apples and thanks to the team of executive secretaries Sheri O’Day, Polly Johnson, and
Ruth Rasmussen. They log countless hours supporting a myriad of district initiatives, functions, and everyday
emergencies, while doing so with big smiles and great demeanors. Their constant willingness to problem-solve and
provide a helping hand is really appreciated...Jonah Stinson
Good and delicious apples to our Food Services leaders: executive chef and Food Services director
Patrick Durgan, Food Services director Mark Dalton and director of Wellness Jessica Sankey, who pulled
together hot meals to serve to several higher need areas of our community’s children during the snow days of
February. Thanks for thinking of those families and children who depend so much on our school meals. Thanks
also to the Food Services staff and the army of volunteers who helped prepare and deliver these
meals…Simone Sangster