WMS Newsletter - October 9, 2024

Dear Woodward Families,

At Woodward Middle School we place significant emphasis on the development of both individual and collective character within our community. As part of this commitment, we are excited to introduce the CharacterDare Challenge, which comes from BISD’s adopted SEL curriculum “Character Strong” that K-6 schools use. The CharacterDare is like a workout for our hearts and enables us to actively practice and enhance skills such as kindness, patience, and respect.

As a part of our SEL growth, we are going to provide Family CharacterDares throughout the school year for you to do at home. This provides you with the opportunity to engage with your students about their experiences and progress at school and to make connections between school and home. Each week, we encourage you to participate in a family CharacterDare. Our first dares are centered on family stories and connections and are below.

We would also like to extend an invitation to all families to join us in taking up these challenges whenever possible. We are excited to discover the positive impact that these shared challenges can have on our students, families, and community.

Warm regards,

Danielle Warman

WMS Associate Principal

Next week is our Back-to-School Parent/Guardian Night - Tuesday, October 15th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Woodward. This event is for parents and guardians only. Join us at 6:00 pm in the Commons. We will have a few brief introductions and then get you started on your way to follow your student's daily class schedule and meet their teachers to receive an overview of course requirements and goals for the year. We look forward to seeing you!

NOTE: For families new to BISD, there will be a Question and Answer/Meet & Greet in the Library starting at 5:30 pm. We look forward to seeing all our families on that night!

Woodward PTO’s annual giving campaign, Fallapalooza, is a One-and-Done FUN-raiser that will launch this week and culminate with a whole school celebration for students - The Great Woodward Hangout!

Who: Woodward Students

Where: Woodward MS

What: Inflatable Obstacle Course, Games and Activities, Karaoke, Cotton Candy and Snow Cones! Above all, it's a chance for all Woodward students to come as they are and hangout with their friends!

We will roll out this event with a ParentSquare message to families this Friday with more details on the event. In the meantime, here is the Sign-Up-Genius for volunteers needed to make this event happen. If you plan to chaperone at the event, please make sure you are a cleared and current volunteer. Here is the link to become a BISD Volunteer. To check on your volunteer status, contact Kate Carr at kcarr@bisd303.org.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Woodward.Fallapalooza@bainbridgeptos.org.

Fallapalooza Co-Chairs

Twice a month, starting in October, OurGems will hold meetings for all interested 8th grade girls. OurGems (Girls Empowered Through Mentoring and Service) is the premiere source to empower girls to reach their fullest potential by building the permanent skills and resources that cannot be taken away. Through mentoring, OurGems promotes self esteem, the value of education, and the development of leadership skills by the introduction of diverse experiences and perspectives. Interested students will attend an information session this Thursday, October 10th, in the Library during 5th period. Students who would like to continue with the program will need a signed permission form from their parent. OurGems will meet during 5th period on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month through May 2025.

Zach Burnham, our community’s K-9 and Community Resource Officer with the Bainbridge Island Police Department, will be leading a discussion group with interested 8th grade boys beginning in October. Zach will work with students to discuss topics around social media, mental health, how to seek help, and dealing with daily stressors and peer pressure. Interested students will attend an information session on Thursday, October 17th, in the Library. Students who would like to continue with the program will need a signed permission form from their parent. Zach's Group will meet during 5th period on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month in Room 205 through May 2025.  

If you have additional questions about either of these groups, please contact Sue Constan, 8th Grade Counselor at sconstan@bisd303.org.

School pictures taken at Woodward on September 19th are available to view and order online:

If your student missed picture day, make-ups are on October 17th.

In Family Consumer Science, the 8th Grade Culinary Arts students have been busy navigating their current sewing unit. The aprons they made will be used in class as we begin to cook and explore international cuisine!

Marcela Sandoval, FACSE Teacher

Our first Winter Sport, Boys Basketball, begins on October 28th. Details follow:

If you have further questions, please contact Luke Ande, Athletic Director, at lande@bisd303.org.

15: Back-To-School Parent/Guardian Night from 6:00-8:00 pm

17: Picture Make-Up/Retake Day

18: Spirit Assembly

25: Fallapalooza - 3:30-5:30 @ WMS

29: Fall Band Concert - 7:00 pm WMS Commons

8: Veterans Day Assembly

11: Veterans Day Observed - No School

13: PTO Meeting @ 6:00 pm WMS Library

27-29: Thanksgiving Break - No School