Year in Review: Blaine school district

It is always interesting as a school superintendent to reflect on a calendar year, because the world of education works on a school year that spans from the end of August to the beginning of June. While the rest of the world is thinking about starting things anew, the school year is in full swing, and in January we reflect on where we are in the current school year, and begin planning for the next school year.

The last calendar year was full of highlights for our Borderites. We saw students compete at the state level in basketball, wrestling and swimming, as well as academically in chess, knowledge bowl and technology (Technology Students Association). Our student musicians were not to be outdone, with spectacular showings at the San Juan Music Educators Association competitions. We held commencement for the graduating class of 2022 in June and welcomed a brand new class of little Borderites to campus – the class of 2035 – in August. We look forward to graduation for the class of 2023 in June.

Last year, I wrote to you about the work we had been doing around the focus of positive student outcomes through collaboration and instruction. This year we have continued to engage in work that ensures a guaranteed and viable curriculum is implemented in all classrooms. We have continued our professional learning in the areas of social emotional needs of students and staff, and done meaningful work in regard to educational equality, asking not only, “What can we do for our students?” but also, “What perspectives should we consider?” This work began in the summer and led to an intentional decision to frame our work and success for each student, each day. All of this work must remain ongoing and ever evolving in order for it to be impactful, and we are committed to keep this at the forefront of our decision-making.

As we look ahead to 2023-24, we have a tremendous amount of work to consider for the future of our district and its students, staff, families and community. We hope that as many of you as possible will engage in collaborative opportunities to inform our decision-making processes. One of these opportunities will come later this month with a request for volunteers to serve on a Superintendent’s Advisory Committee. Watch for my weekly community newsletter on our website for details.

On behalf of the board of directors and the entire Blaine school district staff, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the collective communities of Point Roberts, Birch Bay and Blaine for your support in making great things happen for all students. We wish you all the best in the year to come.