Wildcat News - June 10, 2026

To Our Woodward Families, 

As the incoming Principal with our Woodward students and staff, I am excited to introduce myself, share my core values, and tell you how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to serve your students during these critical "middle years". Building friendships and establishing independence during this time is both a huge challenge and celebration. This can't be done in an environment where students don't feel safe or welcome, making these top priorities for me in my leadership.

Although my professional journey has taken me to communities across the country, I grew up right here in North Kitsap and graduated from North Kitsap High School before starting my undergraduate studies at Seattle University . My connection to Bainbridge Island began during high school while working at Café Nola as a server.  This was the start of my chance to learn about the Bainbridge Island community as I got to know my co-workers, learned from local regulars their favorite haunts and community activities, and fielded questions from visitors about what makes Bainbridge so special. 

Before settling back down in Kitsap as an adult, I lived in both the Northeast while completing my Masters work at Brown University, and the Southeast, teaching in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Since returning to the PNW, I've married and adopted a dog with my husband, Ryan, and earned my Principal Certification with UW Danforth. Then we decided to up the ante and have two baby boys! Ryan commutes with our black Lab, Elliott, from Indianola to Bainbridge every day where he runs Smallwood Design and Construction with his Dad, Rob. I am proud to witness the support Islanders provide to small businesses like theirs, one that started out of the back of Rob's truck almost 50-years ago.  

Our two boys, Fletcher and Simon, are finishing 3rd and 1st grade at The Island School, and are so excited to transition into Sakai with their friends when the time comes. When I'm not at school or with my nose in a book about school, you'll find me trying to keep up with this crew on expeditions into the woods, the beach, or the water. I cherish every opportunity to take in the benefits of our thriving arts community, and will never resist a good dance party with live music!

I absolutely love working in schools. Supporting a learning environment where every student is empowered to grow with academic excellence, empathy, and a deep respect for the land, community, and diverse cultures that shape our shared experience is a charge I do not take lightly. This is a dream realized to join BISD.  

I am especially fortunate to serve on an Administrative Team with Danielle Warman, a leader I have had the honor of partnering with as we served the Kingston Middle and High School communities together. 

I can't wait to get to know you and our students more--please don't hesitate to stop me and say "Hello" as we cross paths over the summer!

Miranda Joy Smallwood (she/her)

Principal (Commencing 6/1/26)

Currently seeking enthusiastic and helpful volunteers for Field Day on June 15.

Field Day

Time to turn in those library books, unless they're being used for a class.

Notices of missing books will be sent out on June 15. Please do not pay fines until those final notices are sent.

Medications can be picked up until the end of the school day on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026. Medications that are not picked up will be disposed of. If you plan to have your student take medications at school next year, you will need updated doctor’s orders. BISD health forms can be found  HERE

Heath care plans: If you were unable to sign and return your child’s Health Care Plan to the nurse prior to June 10th, 2026, then you will need to ensure it is filled out and signed by your pediatrician over the summer. We will need to have these turned in by August 26th, 2026, in order to process them and notify all staff of your child’s health condition. Medications with current orders can either be brought during wildcat day or on the first day of school.

Per Washington State law, if your child has a health condition that requires emergency

medication, your child CAN NOT start school without a current 504/ Health Care Plan and

medication in place by the first day of school. Please contact our health room staff if you have questions - wms-nurses@bisd303.org

BISD will not be collecting Chromebooks over the Summer, though they will be locked after the last day of school until the 26-27 school year.

If your student is not returning to BISD, please have them return the Chromebook and charger to the office on Friday 6/12.

Woodward’s Seminar is one of Woodward’s social/emotional learning platforms which takes place every Monday during 4th period. Following are the final lessons of the year for June. 

June 1st – 7th and 8th grade students reviewed the SMART goals that they made earlier in the year and reflected on the progress and successes and participated in a short Seminar survey. 

June 8th – Both grades reviewed their Power of Words lessons that took place earlier in the year and discussed yearbook signing etiquette.

As we near Summer Break, we want to ensure every student in our community stays fueled and ready for fun! Helpline House, in partnership with Bainbridge Island Rotary, is proud to offer the Kids’ Pantry program to provide supplemental groceries for local families. These bags are for any youth (ages infancy-18) in need of additional food during the summer break. Bags contain enough food for 1 youth for a week.

If your family could benefit from extra groceries over the summer, you can stop by for a pick-up -

We know that work schedules and transportation can sometimes make it difficult to get to Helpline House. If you are unable to make it during pick-up hours, Rotary volunteers are available to deliver groceries directly to your home.

Please contact Sarah Frost, sfrost@bisd303.org, to coordinate a drop-off time that works for your family.

As the end of the school year approaches, students and educators are looking forward to time off from the routine of school. There are many opportunities on our island and neighboring communities that provide students an avenue to pursue interests and develop skills outside of the school building through camps, classes, community activities and volunteering.

If you would like to sign your student up for a camp or activity this summer and need scholarship assistance, please contact Woodward School Counselors, Patti Beer/ 206-780-4507 (8th grade) or Sue Constan/ 206-780-4506 (7th grade). We can guide you to possible scholarship opportunities. 

Below is a list of a few local camps, summer classes, activities and volunteer opportunities on our island and neighboring communities.

Creating a culture of reading is a priority at Woodward, and summer is the perfect time to read for pleasure while maintaining strong reading skills. Research shows that reading four or five books over the summer can help prevent a decline in reading proficiency. We encourage students to explore books that match their interests—including audiobooks and graphic novels—and return in the fall refreshed, engaged, and ready to learn.

Our Language Arts Department encourages everyone to take part in the KRL Summer Reading Program.

If you're looking for book ideas that students have enjoyed recently, check out this list curated by the 8th Grade ELA Teachers.

All families must complete the ABC 26–27 process for each student, including returning and new students. If your student will not attend BISD in the fall, please contact WMS registrar Molly Webber at mwebber@bisd303.org.

For new or returning students, you can complete the ABC process by logging in to Family Access and select “ABC 26-27” from the left menu. The process takes about 15 minutes per child and helps BISD plan staffing, class sizes, and student services for next year.

To participate in BHS Summer Sports, athletes/parents must register in Final Forms and have a current physical on file. 

When registering in Final Forms, click the large blue button at the top of the screen labeled “Click to Switch to 2026–27 Registration” to sign up for summer sports. At that time, you can also register your student for specific sports by selecting the box for each season and sport they plan to participate in.

If your summer sport requires a fee, your coach will provide that information.

Questions can be directed to BHS Athletic Secretary Julie Hughes at jlarsonhughes@bisd303.org

Programs planning to hold summer practices and/ or Open Gyms/ Fields are listed below. Please contact the appropriate coach with any questions about locations and times.

BHS Football - Dan Schoonmaker -dschoonmaker@bisd303.org

BHS Boys Basketball - Scott Orness -sorness@bisd303.org

BHS Girls Basketball - Zach Burnham - zburnham@bisd303.org

BHS Volleyball - Holly Rohrbacher -hrohrbacher@bisd303.org

BHS Girls Soccer - Katie Drovdahl -kdrovdahl@bisd303.org 

BHS Wrestling - Dan Pippinger -dpippinger@bisd303.org 

BHS XC - Anne Howard -ahoward@bisd303.org 

BHS Track - Jena Winger - jwinger@bisd303.org

BHS Water Polo - Kristin Gellert - kgellert@bisd303.org

BHS Girls' Flag Football - hjuhl@bisd303.org

The Woodward PTO is looking for volunteers to serve on the 2026-2027 board. PTO volunteers help support classroom needs, teacher grants, school events, fundraising, communications, and community-building throughout the year.

Open roles include 7th Grade Co-President, Secretary, Grants Coordinator, Fundraising, Volunteer Coordinator, Communications, 8th Grade Banquet, and Sustainability.

Interested or want to learn more? Please contact PTO Co-Presidents Laura Fulton or Wendy Corelis at woodward.president@bainbridgeptos.org.

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!