From the Principal
ear Alumni, Grandparents, Parishioners, and Families,
We are pleased to share with you our theme for this year, from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This beautiful scripture resonates deeply with us all, reminding us of God’s unwavering trustworthiness. He guides us through challenges and encourages us to embrace new adventures, whether it’s tackling algebra, writing book reports, or enjoying kickball.
This past year has been filled with meaningful changes, accomplishments, and growth, all made possible by your generous support. We are happy to announce that we have once again increased our student enrollment, with most classes reaching full capacity and several having waiting lists. Additionally, we’ve enhanced our support for our kindergarten to fifth grade students with more aides and focused reading assistance. Our music program has also expanded to offer band, choir, and orchestra for all middle school students, alongside our engaging electives in Spanish, drama, engineering technology, and photography.
Our extracurricular programs have thrived this year as well. Holy Hoops is celebrating its ninth year,with record participation and continued engagement from our student alumni, all supported by our wonderful community sponsors. We are proud to have participated in the Archdiocese of Seattle Catholic Junior High Academic Decathlon for the first time, where our team excelled, earning second place in the logic competition and third place overall.
Thanks to our successful Fund the Need campaign at the auction in March, we were able to remodel three classrooms and introduce new technology in three others. We also completed essential updates to our cherished old school, including replacing the gymnasium windows.
As we work to foster an even more vibrant Catholic community, this year we invite all our students to participate in “Spirit Sundays” by wearing their dress uniforms to Mass. This not only builds school spirit but also showcases the bright and talented students whose growth your contributions support.
In this annual report, you’ll find a glimpse of our past year and an overview of our aspirations for the future. We are grateful for the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our partners, the hard work of our faculty, the support of our family community—and, of course, our incredible students.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.
Gratefully yours,
Karen Evans, Interim Principal
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Evans for taking on the role of principal this school year. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, she dedicates two periods each day to teaching middle school math. Her commitment to service and her strong faith are invaluable assets, and we deeply appreciate her contributions as we strive to fulfill our mission.
Lesson Legends from
“May goodness and mercy follow each precious teacher all the days of their long, healthy lives. Lord, bless them and keep them. Make Your face shine upon them, and be gracious to them. Lord, lift up Your countenance upon them and give them peace.”
Mrs. Paige McClurg
Mrs. Paige McClurg began her teaching career at Assumption in 2001, dedicating 23 years to our school. Throughout her time here, she taught both kindergarten and first grade, showcasing a remarkable gift for helping children learn to read. She has guided hundreds of students on their reading journeys! Her beloved traditions of recognizing students with “Roscoe Rewards” (followed by Remy, pictured) and her "store" have become legendary. Many families
Mrs. Kerry Thomas
Mrs. Kerry Thomas devoted 18 years to Assumption and an impressive 28 years to Catholic education. She selflessly postponed her retirement twice to ensure our current sixth grade students received the support they deserved in fourth and fifth grades. Last year, she took the initiative to learn the fifth-grade curriculum, demonstrating her commitment to her students' growth. Throughout her career, she was consistently a passionate advocate and cheerleader for her students. Without fail, Kerry went the extra mile to be sure each of her kids felt seen and supported in her classroom. We look forward to seeing Mrs. Thomas in the hallways again as a substitute (and anything else we can think up to have her around)!
„Add to the calm, not the chaos!
„
-Mrs. Kerry Thomas
fondly recall clearing out their toy boxes to donate items, only to see those very treasures return when Mrs. McClurg opened her store! Kerry and Paige, your retirement marks the end of an era, but your legacy as teachers and mentors will live on. You've touched so many lives, and we're grateful for all the hard work, dedication, and inspiration you brought to our classrooms. Thank you for sharing your talents and faith with us!
SAYING GOODBYE TO A REMARKABLE LEADER
With equal parts sadness and gratitude, the Assumption Catholic School and Whatcom Family parishes bid goodbye to Mr. Dan Anderson in June after eight years of selfless service as our principal. As expected, he is already thriving in his new position as superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Monterey in California. His family, including his mom and kids in college, are together again in the state he hails from. We are thrilled for them and want to take a small part of this year’s report to recognize what a gift he has been to our community.
A school principal, particularly a Catholic school principal, is many positions rolled into one: educator, spiritual leader, manager, financier, therapist, community liaison… the list goes on. It was a huge responsibility that Dan made look easy and a vocation that he obviously treasured and took very seriously. During his tenure, he was the heart and soul of our school, leading with unparalleled dedication and warmth. His welcoming spirit, calm nature, and genuine kindness touched the hearts of every single member of our Assumption family.
Under his guidance, our school flourished. When Dan took the reins in the summer of 2016, the school had been through some pain. Our enrollment that year was just 147 K-8 students and Assumption was just getting by financially. By
fostering an environment where every child and family felt valued and through the dedication of our teachers and staff, we are beginning the 202425 school year very differently: 228 K-8 students are enrolled (a 55% increase), much-needed repairs and improvements to our aging building have been made, our teachers are making a more liveable wage, students are enjoying an enhanced curriculum that includes band, orchestra, and extra reading support by highly-qualified teachers, and many other beneficial changes. Dan would say this is through the tireless work of our teachers, volunteering families, and generous donors. All true! But his leadership and warmth have been integral to inspiring so many people to love and care for this school.
Mr. Anderson was an exceptional leader who held himself to Christ’s example in his interactions with every person he encountered. His legacy will live on in our community for years to come. As we reflect on the remarkable journey we've shared with Dan, we can't help but feel immense gratitude for his unwavering commitment to making Assumption Catholic School a place filled with laughter, learning, and most importantly, LOVE
Our farewell assembly honoring Mr Anderson
The Andersons at daughter, Evelyn’s, graduation from Bellingham High School
“HIS LEADERSHIP AND WARMTH HAVE BEEN INTEGRAL TO INSPIRING SO MANY PEOPLE TO LOVE AND CARE FOR THIS SCHOOL.”
2024 Growing Great Kids Auction & Gala
Our incredible Parent Teacher Club (PTC) truly outdid themselves with a Growing Great Kids Auction and Gala that will be remembered for years to come! The atmosphere was filled with love, and guests were both enthusiastic and generous. We are so grateful for you!
Enormous thanks to our
2024 auction leaders, Torry Dechert and Krissy Abbey (top left)
HE’S BACK, BABY
Mr. Jeff Ziels
ELEVATES OUR AUCTION TO NEW HEIGHTS
The auction is always a special night, but this year was extraordinary! This success is largely due to Mr. Jeff Ziels’return to the microphone, where he delivered our most successful event ever. His engaging and dynamic personality just makes people want to buy whatever he is selling! We are incredibly grateful for his passion for Assumption Catholic School and for sharing his talents with us. We view this as a calling that Jeff is answering to help make Assumption affordable and accessible for all children. Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your time and talent, and creating treasure for our beloved school!
ANNUAL GIVING 2023-24
Assumption Catholic School gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the individuals and organizations who invest in building our educational tradition. Our deepest thanks to all who gave to our Annual Fund, Foundation, Fund the Need (Auction), Fun Run, or sponsored any one of our events. Your contributions made all the difference!
This report represents financial contributions (non-purchases) made from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list of donors. In the event you should notice an error or omission, please accept our apologies and notify Dayna Dennis in the Development Office (ddennis@assumption.school).
[$10,000 +]
Anonymous Anonymous
Anonymous
James & Jean Gibson
Carol Grumney †
Patricia Kust
Gerald & Barbara Millman
Robert & Sara Rush
[$5,000– $9,999]
Mary Rose Diefenderfer
John & Anna Getchell
Neal & Rafeeka Kloke
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Soy House Restaurant
Lance & Deborah VanderHoek
[$2,000– $9,999]
Christopher & Krissy Abbey
Melissa Alves
Bill & Mary Chambers
Cruisin' Coffee
CSD Attorneys at Law
Dan & Katherine Deets †
Financial Plan, Inc.
Fujisan Sushi
Fr. Albert Grasher
Craig & Melissa Hanson # Hard Drive Marine
Jeff Holmes & Gita Rabbani
Janicki Industries, Inc.
Scott & Carolina LeTellier
Steve & Chris Mura #
Warren & Jan Ochs †
PeaceHealth Medical Center
People's Bank
Joseph & Kathy St Hilaire
Evan & Elisabeth Stark
James Sturdevant
John & Erica Van Mieghem
Matt & Jill VonFeldt †#
[$1,000– $1,999]
Seth & Susan Anderson
Ralph Bachmeier
Anne Birch
Clarence & Grace Bob
Richard Budzich
Jesse & Alicia Cantu
Cascade Oral Medicine
Lee Chaffee-Birnbaum
Joe & Lilianna Deck
Kyle & Dayna Dennis # Enfield Farms
Manny & Chris Eusebio #
David Gavareski
Hayes Development Group
Nick Hertlien & Nicola Repanich
Inn at Lynden
Mark & Staci Johnson
Lawrence & Rita Kerstiens
Jack & Michele King #
Kingworks Structural Engineers
Kirk Dechert Farmer's Insurance
Andrew & Angela Krzysiek
Randy Lahote
Dakotah & Jessica Lane
Mike & Karen Moore
Fr. Jeffrey Moore #
Mura Family †
Prodigy Plumbing
Andrew Remien & Marijoyce
Leynes
RJ Group
Joseph & Judy Serkes †
Michael & Sara Shoff
Shoff Orthodontics
Patrick & Rebecca Skaggs |
Judith Smith
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ferndale
Philip Tenkhoff
Gabriel & Jaimee Twining
Nathan & Lisa Twining #
Sean & Carrie Veldman
Walter Wang & Amy Sheng
Westford Funeral Home
Devin & Stephanie Wolf
Carollyn Yorkston †
Brian Zender & Paula
Martin-Zender † #
Larry & Jan Ziels †
[$500– $999]
Clairene Almond
Dan & Hana Anderson #
Eric & Aimee Bachmeier
Scott & Jessica Baldwin
Alan Chang & Kim Koyamatsu †
Li fu Chen & Maioyu Zhen
John & Jane Chmelik
Mary Ann Coughlin
James & Nancy Deasy
Eric Wenzel DDS PS
John & Linda Farmer †
Feller Heating & Air Conditioning
Anne Freeman }
Michael & Lauren Gastauer
Linda Gill
Douglas Head
Greg & Devon Herrling
Alex & Anna Higgins
John & Katie Janicki
Michelle Jones
Ryan & Angie King † #
Jack & Lynette Machinski
John & Deborah McConaghy †
Mt. Baker Imaging
Northwest Foot & Ankle Institute
Petz Real Estate
Janice Roehl
Roy Finkbonner Trucking
Stephen & Jennifer Serkes †
Dr. Mark Sheafor, DPM
Skagit Valley Casino
Liberty Sponek † #
Nicholas & Patricia Stigliani
Paul & Melissa Stoddard
Robert & Diane Trunek, Trunek Family Trust
Matt & Courtney Twining
Ulrich Family
Richard & Anne Van Kolken †
Whatcom Educational Credit Union
Ben & Katie White #
Michael & Judith Yeend
Zervas Architects
Jeff Ziels
† In memory of Steve Mura
In memory of Camille Skaggs
In memory of Jim & Beth McCrackem
§ In honor of Antonio Lee Castrejon
In honor of Corinne O’Brien
[$200– $499]
Brian Agnew † Virginia Anderson
William & Chris Attebery #
Belcher Swanson Law Firm, PLLC †
Judy Bornstein Rodriguez
Michael & Tam Bratt
Patrick Buckley
Paul Campbell
Antonio & Madison Castrejon §
Chuckanut Financial Services
Kerisha Crutcher & Don Greear
Diane Curry
Dawson Construction
James & Mary Eastwood \
Gordon Adrian & Gretchen
Ellsworth
Kris Ewald
Riechelle Fishwild
Stephanie Fox
Keith Harrell
Robert Hausen & Rosemary
Berkery
Denis Hayner
Tim Healy
Gregory & Kalyn Hendry
Tom & Gerri Hiestand
Che Hill
Brad & Holly Kerstiens
John & Deborah MacFarlane †
Kenji & Claudia Maeda
Kevin & Paige McClurg #
Gary & Bartley Metcalf
David Morse
George & Patricia Mroczko †
Rose Norton Nader
Joseph & Anne Patelli
Thomas Piasecki
Precision Physical Therapy
+ In memory of Michael C. Emmett
John & Lynda Purdie
David & Barbara Ralston †
Brady Ruck
J.T. & Tiffany Schuman
Colin & Karen Serkes †
Robert Serkes †
John & Susan Shuhler
Lacey Sutton
Carol Terrell
Eugene & Maureen Thomas
Nathan & Jane Town #
Phoebe Vanderboom †#
Valerie Voss Evans †
John & Michelle Yengich
Shannon Zebrowski #
William & Penny Zehnder †
Gerry & Cynthia Zmolek
[Up to $199]
1 Stop Interiors
John & Linda Allen †
Constantin & Claudia Anton
Dorraine Asparro †
Andrew Balog
Kent & Jina Barber
Anna Barci
Patricia Bennink
Helen Birchall
Joanne Bonoan
David & Teresa Burt †
Harold & Joyce Carr †
Dorothy Courtis
Artemio Diaz & Olga Vargas
Mark & Maria Divinagracia
Judith Dodd
Virginia Emmett +
Andrew & Tia Entrikin
David & Karen Evans #
Henrietta Farr
Matthew & Janice Fetzner
Jeff & Lisa Ford †
Christopher Freeman
Gary & Julia Gage
Peter & Sharon Gilligan
Beverly Glick
Kay Gougeon
Paul Griemsmann †
David & Mary Haberman
Mike & Jennifer Harbick
Tamra Heide
Kathryn & Eleanor Hogan
Lorraine Holcomb †
Audrey Jabbora
Phat Khong
Allen & Ruth Kihm
Paul & Susan LeTellier
Tom & Ann Lockhart
James & Maria Losiniecki
Ronald & Charlene Lukes ¦
Marybeth Lundy
Charles Lundy
Brian McGuire & Janie Salas
Margaret Mehta
Theresa Meurs
Bryan & Margaret Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sharon Missiaen
Dagmar Moothart †
Clarence & Maureen Mrosla
Linnet Murray †
Michael Nelson †
George & Dorothy Oliveira †
Stephen & Katrina Padilla
Anonymous
Kenneth & Jean Pfannenstiel
Nettie Post ‡
Luzmelinda Quayle
John & Geradine Reed
Susan Rogers
James & Maryanne Schultejans †
In memory of Jean Wilford
David & Georgi Schuman
Marc & Mary Shaner
Kevin Simmons
Pauline Simo
David Smith *
Gerald Spatz
Nita Stevens
Thomas & Nancy Strassburg †
Sonny & Paula Strobl
Rose Textor
Bernardo Torres & Meryluz Duque
Robert & Carmen Viggers
Ashley & Veronica Vincent
David & Kathy Vincent
Rosalie Vincent (student)
Tyler & Holly Vincent
Brad Walterskirchen
Donna Warren
David & Sandra Warrey
Ann Welch †¦
Maria Williams
Alex & Anna Wittmershaus # Wiztronics Inc. ‡
Delbert Wolf
Donald & Phyllis Wolfe
Marina Wu (student)
Julian & Claudia Wu
Margaret Wu
Holly Zech #
Our enormous gratitude to Justin Dalton (graphic design) and Ross Roberts (photography) for lending us their talents for this report. It would be terribly boring without them!
In memory of Savannah Smith # Current or former ACS Staff
In
memory of Bill Attebery
THANK YOU FOR SAYING YES TO ACS!
Your prayers, support and gifts make so many things possible for the children and families we serve. Thank you for raising $142,866 for our Annual Fund in 2024 and meeting our goal!
Our newly-named Bright Futures Annual Fund is a school initiative that raises funds to cover the difference between the actual cost to educate a student at Assumption and the tuition charged to our school families –a difference of over $3,000 per student for the 2024-25 academic year.
Your Bright Futures gift directly covers this year’s operational expenses and helps Assumption maintain a balanced budget and promote the sustainability of our school.
Unlike tuition payments, gifts to the Bright Futures Annual Fund are tax deductible.
Please consider giving to the Bright Futures Annual Fund this year. Every contribution – toward our $140,000 goal – goes toward keeping Assumption affordable for another family and creating another BRIGHT FUTURE!
TO GIVE, SCAN THE QR CODE OR GO TO
In loving memory & gratitude
Steve Mura, Class of 1964, had Assumption Catholic School deeply embedded in his family's legacy. He was the second generation to attend Assumption, where his parents first met in the eighth grade. He and his wife, Chris, ensured that their four children also received their education at our school, and currently, two of their granddaughters are students here. Chris, a beloved teacher for 26 years, continues to contribute by substituting in classes and sharing her expertise with our current faculty.
Steve supported the school in numerous ways, most notably by playing a key role in the establishment of our school Foundation, formally created in 1985. Many remember the difficult times in the 1970s when the school faced the threat of closure. The Foundation was established to provide a financial safety net during difficult times. Today, its account has grown to over $900,000, maintained in perpetuity, with the accrued interest utilized each year to assist families with tuition support. Steve's involvement was pivotal, ensuring that generations of children would benefit from the transformative gift of an Assumption education.
In his professional life as a lawyer and later as a judge, he served his community with distinction. He epitomized the spirit of an Assumption student—one who goes forth to make a lasting difference in the world. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to his family for sharing him with us and for the enduring impact he had on our school. Rest in peace, Steve.
Bill Attebery served as an administrator in Special Education for the Seattle School District for ten years before taking on the role of Director of Student Services at the Bellingham School District for two decades. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to utilizing his God-given talents to serve others. After retiring, in 2015, he was approached by the then-pastor, Fr. Scott Connolly, who asked if Bill could "do him a favor." Little did he know, this favor involved stepping in as interim principal for one year following the unexpected departure of the school's principal that spring. True to form, Bill answered the call. His wonderful and selfless wife, Chris, noted that he thoroughly enjoyed leading the school during that time. He held a strong belief in an education that incorporated faith and found joy in the vibrant environment at Assumption.
After transitioning the role to permanent principal Dan Anderson in 2016, Bill continued to support leadership as a trusted sounding board and remained an active member of our School Commission for several years. Whenever change was proposed, his guiding question was always, "Tell me why it's good for kids?". This principle was at the heart of everything he chose to support.
We are eternally grateful for Bill's leadership, wisdom, and deep love for Assumption Catholic School. His spirit will forever remain with us.
Assumption Catholic School wishes to thank everyone who donated to our school Foundation in memory of these exceptional men. Your act demonstrates that they were inspirational and highly regarded in their community.
Classroom Makeovers!
Thanks to this year’s Fund-the-Need initiative and the generosity of our donors, we enjoyed another productive summer! With the completion of the school window replacement project, we were able to undertake the following improvements:
- Replaced flooring and refreshed paint in four classrooms
- Installed three Smart TVs to replace outdated interactive whiteboards
- Refinished the gym floor
- Completed the gym roof and replaced the walkway roof
- Upgraded the middle school by replacing 40+ year-old lockers with new wood cubby systems
These enhancements will significantly benefit our students and learning environment! Our deepest thanks to all who donated and to Brenna Sebens, School Commission member, dedicated parent, and coordinator for these projects.
Congrats ACS class of ‘24
We celebrated our 112th graduating class in early June. This fall, these new alumni are attending six different Whatcom County high schools as critical thinkers and servant leaders who are highly prepared for the new academic challenges they will face. We have so much pride in these graduates and look forward to witnessing thelasting difference they will make in the world!
“The mixed emotions of graduation”
3RD ANNUAL ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
During our final prayer service on June 12th, we had the honor of recognizing these outstanding recipients, Assumption Class of 2020 alumni Noah Chen and Evan Rush. Each received $1,000 to support their future educational endeavors.
In addition to being exceptional students, both of our winners are deeply committed to service. Between them, they regularly volunteered with the Agape Service Project and Hope House, offered free swimming lessons to children in need, and engaged in numerous other charitable activities during high school. Unlike Assumption middle school students, they did not receive "credit" for service hours, as it was not a requirement for any class. Most of their teachers and classmates were likely unaware of the work these young men undertook to assist others in their spare time. That personal value of altruism is what we aspire for all Assumption graduates- to do good for others even when no one is watching.
We are immensely grateful to our alumni partners for sponsoring this program; the Ziels and Twining/Wolf families. They understand firsthand the value of an Assumption education and are choosing to give back by investing in the next generation of students.
Our scholarship committee is learning as we go during these first three years of the program and would like to expand our efforts to reward hard-working alumni who choose paths other than college. Stay tuned!
Our scholarship committee is learning as we go during these first three years of the program and would like to expand our efforts to reward hard-working alumni who choose paths other than college. Stay tuned!
SAME
We consistently look at our branding and work to update the style guide so that it is current and reflects our Catholic identity and culture. Based on feedback we received and suggestions from students, parents, and staff, we made the decision to update the school’s mascot logo.
FUN FACT: After finalizing the new design, we learned that long before we were Eagles, the Crusaders were Assumption’s original mascot. Although we weren’t aware at the time, turns out the new design incorporating a shield is a nod to the original. The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways!
This logo will adorn all future sports apparel and the middle school hoodies as of the current school year.
GO EAGLES!
Welcome, New Teachers!
As the 2024-25 school year commenced on August 28th, we were excited to welcome three new teachers and two classroom aides to our team! They have quickly settled in and received a warm embrace from the Assumption Catholic School family. If you encounter these wonderful educators around our campus, please take a moment to make them feel welcome. We invite you to enjoy some of the insights they’ve shared about their new roles.
I APPRECIATE THE COMMUNITY AT ASSUMPTION AND ENJOY AN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT WHERE GOD IS PRESENT.
I COULD NOT ASK FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY TO WELCOME ME TO TEACHING IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND BELLINGHAM!
“ “
“ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “
MY GOAL IS TO SPUR MY STUDENTS ON TO DO GREAT THINGS AND ALL THAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR THEM!
I FEEL EMBRACED AND ACCEPTED.
SOMANY PARENTSAND TEACHERS HAVEHELPED ASISETTLED INTOMYNEW ROLE.
I WAS DRAWN TO ASSUMPTION BY THE WARM AND INVITING STAFF WHO I SAW STRIVING FOR MY OWN CHILD’S GROWTH AS A WHOLE PERSON.
“
I AM LOVING WORKING AT ASSUMPTION BECAUSE OF THE SUPPORTIVE, KIND, AND THOUGHTFUL STAFF AND PARENTS.
“ “
THE ATTENTION TO CARE IS WHAT TRULY SETS ASSUMPTION APART FROM OTHER SCHOOLS.
Mrs. Maria Morris, (RIGHT) PHOTOGRAPHY
Mrs Cami Ene, AIDE (LEFT) & Ms. Holly Zech,
Mrs. Kat Alex,
Mr. Kyle Rosetta,
360.733.6133
Assumption Catholic School 2116 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham,WA 98225
school.assumption.org
theoffice@assumption.school
@assumptioneagles
ANNUAL FUND
Simply put, the Annual Fund provides essential, day-to-day operating support to the school. Tuition does not cover the full cost of an Assumption education, thus the school relies upon the Annual Fund to help bridge that gap, approximately $3,000 per student.
Your gift goes to support a specific program or expense of your choosing. Examples are:
• Tuition assistance
• Technology upgrades
• Sponsor a student’s musical
• instrument or class trip
• Building repairs & improvements
FOUNDATION
Your gift has an impact over the life of the school, supporting our students now and into the future. Only the interest earned from the fund is spent annually, leaving the principle to grow in perpetuity.
@assumptioncatholic By including Assumption Catholic School in your will, trust, or other estate plans, you are leaving a lasting legacy.
For questions or more information, contact Dayna Dennis ddennis@assumption.school