Point Roberts Primary School

As 2014 draws to a close, the staff and students of Blaine school district have many accomplishments to celebrate.

District staff members have risen to the challenge of meeting complex new state mandates for Washington schools. New systems are being implemented for testing student achievement and for evaluating teacher and principal performance. We are embracing higher academic standards at all grade levels as we transition to these new systems and we anticipate seeing a higher level of overall success for students.

The 2014-15 school year began with two significant schedule changes: The school day for all students now begins at 8:20 a.m., which adds 50 minutes of daily instructional time (150 hours annually) for kindergarten through grade five.

Additionally, nine late-start days have been scheduled throughout the school year to provide instructional staff with the opportunity to engage in more extensive levels of training specific to the new performance evaluation system and new Common Core State Standards.

After many months of determining the urgent needs of our district, a $45M Capital Projects Initiative is ready for voter approval in February 2015. Close to 90 percent of the proposal is for new construction and upgrades at Blaine High School. We have waited to bring this measure to voters as the existing bond expires, thereby assuring a stable tax rate for property owners.

Community members are invited to connect to their schools. Please visit the district’s website for regular updates and a calendar of student activities. We hope you will find an opportunity to attend events that showcase the hard work and talents of students in each of our schools.

Thank you for your continued involvement in and support to your school system. We are proud to be an active part of making a positive difference for all students.

Ron Spanjer, Ed.D.

Superintendent