Another PTO year...
The Editor:
If you have ever attended the annual Sock Hop at the elementary school, bought or sold cookie dough, or sent your child to school with a bag full of pennies - you have participated in an event sponsored by the Blaine Primary School’s Parent Teacher Organization.
As the end of the 2001-2002 school year approaches, it is an opportune time to acknowledge the effort and accomplishments of four talented and dedicated women who have led the PTO for the past two years: President Jennifer Schmidt, Vice President Tracie Gobbato, Secretary Eydie Berry and Treasurer Janae Hansen. They are all incredibly busy people who have made time for PTO because they believe in its mission to promote and support a quality school environment that captures the needs of all Blaine primary students.
While these four executive board members have served in an official capacity for two years, most have worked in the trenches of the PTO since the primary school opened in 1996. As a result of their long-term efforts and commitment, we have all received enduring benefits, including a dedicated playground, library books and take-home reading books.
Under the board’s guidance, the members of the current PTO have participated in the problem solving, creative planning and fund-raising and appropriations decisions to meet the changing needs of Blaine Primary School students, teachers, and parents during the last two years. Each of these four women have drawn upon their individual expertise, experience and contacts to make great things happen for the children, teachers and parents of the Blaine Primary School. They have created opportunity for positive change and established a solid foundation for next year’s board to build upon.
Jennifer, Tracie, Eydie and Janae, we are committed to honoring your legacy and look forward to your continued participation and support next year.
From the 2002-2003 Executive Board (elect): Jim VanRijswijck, Tami Kohonen, Kelly Stewart and Julie Butschli.
Jim VanRijswijck
Blaine

Blaine schools are tops
The Editor:
I am currently a Senior at Brigham Young University studying Public Relations. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the Blaine School District for the high level of education they can provide to those students who work for it. As a Blaine grad it has saddened me to hear those who constantly criticize our teachers. These underpaid heroes deserve much more praise then they receive. I am currently working as an intern for the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington D.C. The educational training I received from Blaine High School has prepared me for the opportunities currently before me. I was introduced to the great city of Washington by participating in the Close-Up program encouraged by Mr. John Liebert. The opportunities that are provided to students who wish to excel are many and very rewarding. I have been able to learn more about the legislative process and how we can become involved in this age of international connection. I would encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities and learn as much as you can while in school. I would encourage all citizens of Blaine to remain active in the community; for I have seen what citizen participation can do when it comes to influencing the decisions in our nation.
In closing I would like to thank the Blaine school district and the community for supporting the students in the community. More specifically I would like to thank a few teachers and administrators for their concern and dedication to helping myself and other students with me succeed: John Liebert, Terry Thornton, Andy Harmening, Neil Nix, John Freal, Dave Fakkema, Don Lotze, Janell Massey, Bob Gray, . Caroll Liebert, Dolores Holleman, Gary Clausen, and also Dan Newell. Mr. Newell has shown a great love for all students and myself. He bends over backwards to help others when he can and has their good in mind.
Thank you very much for all of the support from the community.
Mariah Blaisdell
Provo, Utah

A fabulous feast
The Editor:
Thursday, May 23, the Blaine Middle School 7th graders celebrated their study of the Middle Ages with a medieval feast. It was a fantastic event of food, music, and entertainment. Our medieval study was truly brought to life. This feast could not have been possible without the support of the Blaine community.
Thank you to the friends and families of our 7th grade students. This feast was an enormous undertaking; however, it was a success due to the generous volunteer efforts of our school supporters.
Several community members and organizations in particular went out of their way to assist us. Cost Cutter helped the teachers place food orders, stored supplies, and simplified the cooking process. Resort Semiahmoo voluntarily baked approximately 150 Cornish game hens. The Society of Creative Anachronism in Bellingham shared their talents through a fantastic volunteer performance. The Blaine Senior Center loaned the middle school supplies. The Bellingham Herald donated paper to help us decorate. Alice Schroeder and Norma Jacobson rescued us from hours of cooking. Thank you all so much!
A special thank you to all who assisted and helped to create a magical memory for 200 middle school students; more importantly, you helped the students’ apply their classroom learning in a meaningful way through the reenactment of a medieval celebration. We could not have created such an opportunity for learning without our many volunteers.
Thank you for supporting your local schools!
Becky Johnson
Blaine Middle School

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