Dear Woodward Families,

Have you ever wondered what your student may be encountering as they navigate new friendships, social situations, and experiences? As our middle school students begin spending more time with peers and a little less time under direct adult supervision, they may come across situations that involve risky behaviors or difficult choices. The world they are growing up in changes quickly, and even when we feel informed, there is always more to learn.

With that in mind, I would like to invite you to a helpful parent learning opportunity called Hidden in Plain Sight on March 12 from 6:00–8:00 PM. This free virtual presentation is designed for parents and other adults (21+) who work with or support youth. The presentation will be led by Jennifer Dorsett, who has worked extensively with schools and communities on this topic. She is known for delivering engaging and informative sessions that audiences consistently find helpful and practical.

I had the opportunity to attend this presentation in person last spring and found it incredibly informative. It provided valuable insight into current trends and concerns related to substance use and offered practical guidance for recognizing warning signs and starting important conversations with young people. 

Join us in the Woodward Commons tonight at 7:00 to enjoy the sounds of our 7th Grade, 8th Grade, and Jazz Bands as they perform and prepare for their competition next week.

Spring Sports are just weeks away and it's time to register and submit paperwork in time for the start of the season!

Visit the WMS Athletics Page to register.

Questions: Contact Kristin Gellert in the front office - kgellert@bisd303.org / 206-780-4501

3/16 - Season begins

Coach: Judy McLaughlin - jmclaughlin@bisd303.org

3/23-25 - Tryouts

Coach: Shaine Schramling - sschramling@bisd303.org

If you participated in Track and Field this Fall and still have a team jersey lying around, please return it to the front office as soon as possible. These will need to be used for WMS Cross-Country this Spring. Thank you!

This spring, Woodward is focusing on “Spring Into Attendance”—a reminder that students grow when they show up. Regular attendance helps students stay connected to teachers and peers, build confidence, and keep learning on track. Arriving on time and ready for class is just as important, as it allows students to start the day with their classmates and not miss key instructions or learning activities.

Middle school can be a big transition, and routines matter. When students attend consistently and arrive on time, they build habits that support learning, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. Together, we can help our students grow, learn, and bloom this spring—one day at a time.

Girls in grades 5-8 who are interested in math and science can check out this free event on Saturday, March 21 at the Olympic College - Bremerton campus.

There is also a concurrent parent/guardian workshop: Strength Based Parenting and Future Planning

This 3-hour interactive workshop helps parents and caregivers feel confident supporting their youth’s future planning — whether that path includes college, trades, workforce, or other post-secondary options. Participants will complete a Strength-Based Parenting assessment (book included), starting with their own strengths, then learn how to recognize and grow their child’s strengths to build hope and resilience. Together, we’ll explore how to plan with your child instead of for them, approaching next steps as a human journey shaped by identity, curiosity, and growth. You’ll leave with practical tools to encourage motivation, direction, and confidence at home.

Work directly with the BHS Football staff to build speed and power to elevate your game and prep for your future as a Spartan!

More information and registration can be found on the WMS website. All forms, including an updated physical, need to be completed in order to participate.

If you're an 8th Grader who is filled with school spirit and wanting to share that with others, register by March 13th for BHS Cheer Tryouts!

Tryouts are March 16-19 in the BHS Gym.

For girls looking to build strength, confidence, and learn a new and exciting sport, check out the three week introduction to water polo series! 

Ages 10-18

3 Fridays in March

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Week 1: March 13, 6-8 PM - Skills + Drills

Week 2: March 20, 6-8 PM - Skills + Drills

Week 3: March 27, 3:30-6 - Scrimmage + Pizza Party

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Cost is $75 for all 3 weeks.

Woodward Builder's Club is holding a Hygiene Drive for Women's Shelters. Dates are March 19-April 2, 2026. They need a wide variety of items. Some items needed (but not only these items) are listed below. We thank you in advance for helping others who need a little help right now. 

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, & floss

Shampoo (full size or travel), conditioner, bar soap

Feminine Hygiene, maxi pads, tampons

Deodorant

Baby diapers

Razors & shaving cream

Women's and children's underwear

Eighth Grade Banquet planning is well underway and our Top-Secret theme is generating lots of excitement among our volunteer parents. If you haven’t signed up yet, but still want to be part of the fun, there’s still time to join our team! 

Please click this link to see the specific roles that we would like to fill this Spring. 

Over 100 volunteers work for a year to transform the school. If you don’t have the time, but still want to participate, please consider sponsoring a zone, a food item, a student ticket or a prize, or make a general contribution towards keeping costs manageable for our community. 

If you are a 7th Grade parent and interested in taking on a leadership role for next year's banquet and would like to start learning the ropes, please reach out to our event chairs Laura and Jen at woodward.banquet@bainbridgeptos.org to discuss. 

Thank you to our many volunteers and contributors! 

The next PTO meeting is:

March 25, 2026 - 6:00 pm, Conference Room

Online meeting: https://meet.google.com/rhc-poeu-zvn

Phone access: 1 262-682-3694‬ PIN: ‪337 801 443‬#‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Be sure to follow the PTO Instagram for fun images and friendly reminders.

If you are looking to contribute to the school year, check out the WMS Wishlist!

From caffeine for staff to Health Room supplies, we'd love your help to restock some shelves with commonly used items.

Check out the Community Events Page for fun and engaging activities around the island!