High school students in Bellingham to return to classroom in March

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham Public Schools announced Wednesday that it will begin bringing back high school students to the classroom beginning in March.

Students will gradually return for in-person learning between March 8-19.

The district stated on its website that it is ready to take the step because:

• “We have developed safety protocols based on the advice of aforementioned institutions and by working closely with our local health department.
• “Here is an overview of our safety protocols, which include key mitigation strategies: mask-wearing, physical distancing, hand washing and staying home when sick.
• “Our district has a comprehensive contact tracing process if/when needed, which is also a key component in risk mitigation and is led by our COVID safety team in partnership with the Whatcom County Health Department.”

Officials with the district stated there have been several programs and classes held in high schools with staff and students “effectively” following safety protocols to mitigate risks.

The district also stated it has been watching and learning from other districts in Whatcom County, as well as the state, that has returned students to the classroom.

The school district reported that the county’s health department dashboard shows COVID-19 case rates have been decreasing since January.

Hybrid schedule

Grades 9-12 will follow a hybrid schedule, which means a combination of remote and in-person teaching and learning, with most students coming to school two days per week. The district will continue to have options for families who wish to stay remote.

Starting March 8, the high school class schedule will change for both in-person and remote students (see high school section, hybrid schedule). Classes will continue to begin at 8:30 a.m. and will now end at 12:30 p.m.

Cox Media Group