Inside this Newsletter
- From the Principal
- Important Upcoming Dates
- New Bell Schedule
- Registration
- Skyward Access Update
- Welcome Back Wildcat Day
- Student Drop-off and Pick-up
- Counseling Corner
- Health Room Updates
- WMS Attendance
- BISD Food and Nutrition Services
- School Supplies
- WMS Falls Sports - Coed Track and Girls' Fastpitch
- Calendar
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Dear Woodward,
Happy 2026-2027 School Year, Wildcats! To say how proud, joyful, and fired-up I am to lead our students and staff as the new Woodward Principal would be an understatement. I’m also gifted with moments of, “What if I don’t get it right?”, “Every day is so precious and important–how can I make it all count??”, “OMG…what if I say the wrong thing???” Does your middle schooler ever feel like this? If yes, they are in the perfect place! The entire Woodward and BISD staff of teachers, paras, office professionals, administrators, transportation, custodial, food service, grounds & maintenance, student services, coaches, PTOs and other volunteers are here for every single student in our community and are committed to ensuring each student is welcomed with learning spaces and opportunities for them to belong, engage, and thrive (our BISD Strategic Plan commitments). For real. I’ve seen this and felt this as a new Wildcat transitioning in myself.
As I have been on campus unfolding papers, making connections, soaking in the stories, and asking questions, I’ve been awestruck by the depth of service, stewardship and care integrated throughout our students' lives and collective efforts. This led me to a mantra that’s been rolling in my mind the past few weeks: Wildcats: We Leave it Better. Run into a friend? We’re left better through our sharing of love and respect. Face a conflict? We leave it better after leaning in and becoming stronger for it. See a need? We work with our friends and neighbors to support that need. We can apply this in so many ways to our learning together, and I can’t wait to see how this evolves as you and our Wildcats roll in together.
Thank you, Woodward–I am better for being here with you. Let’s rock this new year together! I look forward to seeing you on or before our Welcome Back, Wildcats! day on Friday, 8/28–see the details in our newsletter below.
In Joy, Love, and Community,
Miranda Joy Smallwood
WMS Principal
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Aug 28 - Welcome Back Wildcat Day - Get your schedules, meet teachers, and pay student fees.
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7th Graders: arrive between 9:15 and 9:45; goes until 10:15
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8th Graders: arrive between 10:15 and 10:35; goes until 11
Aug 29 - Student schedules will be live on Skyward
Sept 1 - First Day of School! Track and Field season begins right after school.
Sept 2-4 - Softball tryouts
Sept 7 - Labor Day: No School
Sept 22: Open House for Parents/ Guardians
Sept 25: School Photo Day
Sept 28: Non-Student Staff Development Day - No School
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Woodward Middle School Hours for 2026-2027:
Monday-Friday: 9:00AM - 3:30PM
*** No early release on Mondays
The Daily Bell Schedule can be found on the WMS website.
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All new and returning students attending BISD need to complete the ABC Process by August 24th. This allows us to know that your student will be attending and allows parents/ guardians an opportunity to review annual information.
The ABC's must be completed in order for your student to access their schedule.
You can access the ABC's by logging into your Skyward account. It should take about 15 minutes (or less) to complete per student.
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As we gear up for the start of another fantastic school year, we have a quick tech update to share with you!
Over the summer, our Skyward system underwent some updates, which resulted in a change to the website address. To log in to your Skyward Family Access account, please use the new link below. Your username and password did not change.
Quick Tip: If you have the old Skyward link saved in your browser favorites or bookmarks, be sure to update it with this new one so you can easily access your student's information! You can also always find the Skyward link on the BISD website, under Popular Links.
We are excited to welcome everyone back to school very soon. Please don't hesitate to reach out to studentrecords@bisd303.org if you have any trouble logging in.
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Join us on Friday 8/28 for the Welcome Back Wildcat Day! Please arrive within your designated timeframe and enter through the South Entrance, by the flag pole.
7th Graders: arrive between 9:15 and 9:45; goes until 10:15
8th Graders: arrive between 10:15 and 10:35; goes until 11
At this event, students and families will have the opportunity to:
- Pick up their class schedule
- Do a self-guided tour around the school and briefly meet teachers
- Connect with some of the PTO Board Members and purchase WMS Spirit Wear (cash or check)
- Complete the state required vision and hearing testing (all 7th graders and those who are new to the district)
- Drop off updated vaccination records, medications, and Medication at School forms with the school nurse.
- Add money to your student's lunch account
- Pay school fees
WMS accepts cash, check, or credit card. Fees can also be paid online through your Skyward account at any time.
School photos will not be taken at this event. The WMS photo day will be Friday, Sept 25.
Parents may attend with their student(s), but students are also welcome to be dropped off and picked up.
If families have siblings in multi-grades, they are welcome to come anytime between 9:15 and 11.
What if you can't attend?
We encourage all students and guardians to attend. The event is designed to help students feel confident and prepared for the first day of school.
For those unable to attend, fees can be paid online or at the WMS Attendance Office once school begins. Make-up hearing and vision screenings will be conducted during the school year in the nurse’s office.
We'll see you there!
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Drop-off and pick-up should be in the front of the building only. The back (North) parking lot is expressly used by district transportation and staff.
For drop-off and pick-up, we use a snaking traffic pattern in the South Parking Lot to reduce backup on Sportsman Club Road. The student drop-off/pick-up area is located here, and our top priority is always student safety—while also keeping things moving as efficiently as possible.
Parking on the shoulder of Sportsman Club road directly adjacent to or near the Woodward Campus creates an immense safety hazard for walking students and for buses attempting to navigate the narrow turn from our parking lot. Parking is strictly prohibited in these areas; thank you for doing your part to help keep our students safe.
A few helpful reminders:
- Once in the lot, put your ferry loading skills to work—keep cars close together to maximize space.
- Pull as far forward as you can in the loading zone before stopping to drop off or pick up.
- Students should only enter/exit vehicles at the designated sidewalk area—for safety, no exceptions.
- During pick-up times, our crossing guards may briefly pause traffic to allow buses out. Expect up to a 5-minute delay. Thank you for your patience!
- And finally, a friendly reminder from our neighbors: please don’t park and wait in nearby neighborhoods.
Thanks for helping us to keep things safe, efficient, and neighborly!
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Our office is open to families as of August 17. Below, you'll find contact information for the Counseling Office, along with each counselor's caseload by grade.
Molly Webber - Counseling Secretary/ Registrar
206-780-4503 mwebber@bisd303.org
Emily Combellick - 7th Grade Counselor
206-780-4507 ecombellick@bisd303.org
Sue Constan - 8th Grade Counselor
206-780-4506 sconstan@bisd303.org
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On Monday, August 31st prior to school starting we will be hosting a New To WMS Gathering for all students who are new to the district or are attending WMS for the first time as 8th graders. This will be a laid-back and fun opportunity to meet other new students and get to know the campus a little better before classes begin. Light snacks will be provided.
Who: All new to the district 7th and 8th-grade students or 8th graders attending WMS for the first time (students only)
What: A New Student Welcome Gathering
When: Monday, August 31st from 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Where: Woodward Middle School Library
New students will also be able to pick up their school Chromebook at this event.
We can't wait to meet you and officially welcome you to Woodward Middle School!
Please let Molly Webber, Counselor Secretary, know if you are attending at mwebber@bisd303.org
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Health Care Plans at School
If your student has an Asthma Plan, Allergy/Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan, or a 504 Health Plan that was not completed last spring, it must be submitted before the first day of school.
Per Washington State law (RCW 28A.210, Section 1), students with life-threatening health conditions must have medical orders, required medications or equipment, and a nursing care plan in place before they can attend school. Please make sure all emergency medications and/or equipment are provided by September 1st.
Medications at School
A Medication at School form is required for any medication taken at school, including over-the-counter medications. Medication orders must be renewed each school year.
- Parents must sign the Medication at School form.
- The form will then be completed by their healthcare provider.
- Parents will bring in the completed form and the medication in the original container to the nurse's office. Please bring only the required number of doses to the school and keep the remainder of medication at home.
- Students are not allowed to transport the medication (unless the medication is an inhaler).
TDAP Reminder for 7th Grade
Students must have their Tdap immunization BEFORE the 1st day of 7th grade. To update your student's immunization records at the school, you will need to turn in a medically verified immunization record. Your healthcare provider can print this for you, or you can print it from MyIR, which is a free Department of Health online tool.
Finally, if your student has a medical need, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Woodward Nursing staff in the Health Room at 206-780-4511 or WMS-Nurses@bisd303.org.
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Woodward Attendance Line (206) 780-4579
Absences
Please report absences via Skyward (Attendance - Absence Requests) or by calling the Attendance Message Line (206-780-4579) on or before the day of an absence.
Leaving Early
If your student needs to leave school early, you can excuse them by:
- Calling the attendance line in advance
- Enter the information into Skyward in advance
When excused to leave early, your student will receive a pass to be excused, where they will then sign-out at the Attendance Office and meet you outside by the flagpole at the designated time.
Arriving Late
Students arriving late to school must sign-in at the Attendance Office as soon as they arrive and receive a late pass. Guardians may excuse late arrivals by calling the Attendance Line or signing in with your student.
Last Minute Changes
Phone messages and Skyward entries are checked frequently in the mornings and then periodically throughout the day. If you need to reach the Attendance Office in the case of a last minute schedule change, you can call the direct line (206) 780-4504.
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Applications for free or reduced lunch are available online or in-person at the Welcome Back Wildcat Day.
If you have any questions regarding your student's account, please contact the Food & Nutrition Services Office at (206) 780-1844.
Funds can be added to your student's account online or in person at the Attendance Office (cash, check, or card). Snacks are available to purchase on Fridays at lunch with funds from student lunch accounts.
Students' lunch code is the same number as previous years. If they need a reminder of their code, they can stop by the Attendance Office.
Meal Prices for 2026-27:
Breakfast $2.25
Lunch $4.50
Juice $1.00
Milk $1.10
Soy Milk $1.50
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Students will not have lockers and will carry their supplies in their backpacks throughout the day. We recommend you keep backup supplies at home and re-supply during the year as needed.
If any assistance is needed in obtaining school supplies, please reach out directly to your student's counselor.
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The following can be paid online or in person at the Attendance Office, either at Welcome Back Wildcat Day or after 9/3.
PE Uniform ($15) - Required for all students enrolled in PE. They are welcome to use a uniform from last year or one they already have on hand.
Yearbook ($25) - Don't miss out of this wonderful keepsake to remember the year! Purchase yours now and it's one less thing to think about in December when sales close.
ASB Membership ($25) - This is required for students participating in sports, clubs, and activities around the school. The ASB memberships help to pay for club stipends, recess equipment, assemblies, and activities throughout the school.
Band -
Instrument Work Book ($10) - Needed for all band students.
Class Fee ($45) - This helps to purchase new music for the band and helps to keep our band program thriving!
Rental Maintenance Fee ($75) - For those borrowing a school instrument to help cover inevitable repair costs (Can be paid once classes begin).
Science Lab Fee ($15) - For all 7th and 8th Grade Students taking science. This fee helps to purchase needed science supplies for the class.
Studio Art ($25) - For all students enrolled in Art this year. This helps to offset some of the costs of materials for the class.
Sports Participation Fees ($175) - Track and Field is a no-cut sport and fees can be paid upfront. Softball participation fees can be paid after tryouts.
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Secondary student Chromebooks (grades 7–12) will be reactivated on Monday, August 24. |
Woodward offers 2 Fall sports: Girls Softball and Co-ed Track and Field. Registration, sport physicals, and Final Forms signatures must be completed in order to participate.
Girls' Softball -
- Tryouts are from 9/2-9/4 @ 4:00 @ BHS
Please make sure you register on Final Forms and visit the Woodward Softball page for info related to the team and season.
Co-ed Track and Field -
- Practices begin on 9/1 (the first day of school)
Track & Field is a no-cut sport available to anyone in 7th and 8th Grade.
Please contact Kristin Gellert (kgellert@bisd303.org) in the main office with any registration issues.
Go Wildcats!
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AUGUST
28: Welcome Wildcats 9:15-11:15
SEPTEMBER
1: First Day of School!
1: Track and Field Season Begins
2-4: Softball Tryouts
7: Labor Day (no school)
10: School Board Meeting
22: Open House for Parents/ Guardians 6:30-8:00pm
24: ELA Field Trip (Kooistra)
24: School Board Meeting
25: School Picture Day
28: Non-student Staff Development - No School
OCTOBER
1: ELA Field Trip (Longridge)
8: School Board Meeting
12: Indigenous People's Day Celebration
26: Non-student Staff Development - No School
29: School Board Meeting
30: Picture Retakes
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Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Kristen Haizlip, Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Compliance Officer 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; 206-780-1058; khaizlip@bisd303.org BISD: All Are Welcome
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