Inside this Newsletter
- From the Principal
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Welcome Back Wildcats! 8/28/26
- Health Room Reminders
- Helpful Resources
- Skyward Access Update
- Counseling Corner
- New to the District Gathering
- Attendance Matters
- WMS Attendance Protocols
- School Fees
- WMS Falls Sports - Coed Track and Girls' Fastpitch
- Girls Soccer Camp
- Calendar
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Dear Team Woodward,
The floors are waxed, the lights are in, the books are stacked…🎶”this is gonna be the best day of my li-eye-eye-fe…🎶 That’s right, this Friday we are opening our doors to kick-off the 2026-2027 School Year with our Wildcats! 🎒Buckle Up and Let’s Go!
Details for the morning are in the newsletter below. This day REALLY helps set our students up for success and hits that “it’s school time” reset button in a real way. The key experience is for your Wildcat(s) to check out Clubs & Activities, get their schedule, and tour their classes to “Meet & Greet” with teachers. This is the first year when we’ve had our “Welcome Back, Wildcats!” when teachers aren’t busy with start -of-year meetings, and we’re so excited to see what new traditions might arise from this special time together 💚
Students can also pre-purchase the 26-27 Yearbook ($25), PE Uniform ($15), ASB Card ($15), and pay any class fees that may be assessed for their schedule.
Our 7th grade students, as well as any new 8th grade students, will also be able to complete their 👀👂Vision & Hearing screening👀👂saving them from missing any critical class time later next month!
*Please note that our Counselors and Teachers are part of the Wildcat Welcome, and then are joining Staff Meetings for the remainder of the afternoon. Unfortunately this means staff will not be available for individual appointments during or after the event. The best way to arrange for private conversations and meeting requests is to email a staff member directly, and practice patience knowing that they may be receiving multiple requests at the same time. This is also the best way to communicate concerns or questions regarding a students’ class schedule.
From our entire Woodward staff to our generous PTO–THANK YOU for supporting our staff as they returned to school this past week. Your generosity helped us build community while we broke bread together, and also helped us complete our ‘fit in our new Woodward Green swag–we can’t wait to show off our new hats embellished with words that are grounding us for the year. From PEACE to STEWARDSHIP, and from the bottom of our hearts: THANK YOU!
All my best to each and every one of you–I’m so excited to be your students’ Principal this year!
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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Welcome Back Wildcat Day - To Do:
- All 7th graders and students who are new to the district: Complete the state required vision and hearing testing. Depending on timing, this may require students to stay a bit later than 10:15).
- Drop off updated vaccination records, medications, and Medication at School forms with the school nurse.
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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SCHOOL HOURS
Mon-Fri: 9:00-3:30
PHONE NUMBERS
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Attendance Message Line: 206-780-4579
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Attendance Direct Line: 206-780-4504
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Main Office: 206-842-4787
HELPFUL LINKS
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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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Welcome back! We are excited to begin another school year with you. Middle school is a journey marked by huge growth, exciting milestones, and continuous change—socially, emotionally, and physically! Supporting our 7th and 8th graders (and their families) through these transformative years is at the heart of what we do. As we launch into this new school year, we wanted to share this article, which offers some insights to help smooth the transition: 7 Back to School Tips for Parents and Teens
Counseling services at Woodward Middle School are available for every student. These services include assistance with home, school and/or social concerns, or any topic a student would like to discuss. We will be going into classrooms the second week of school to introduce or reintroduce ourselves and share with students how they can access our services. We will also have students fill out a ‘Counseling Needs Assessment’ which helps us to determine how we might best support students for the upcoming school year.
As a parent, if you wish to contact us about your student, below is our contact information:
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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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Middle school is a time of big changes—more independence, stronger friendships, new interests, and increased responsibility. One of the most important habits students can build during these years is also one of the simplest: showing up every day and being on time.
Why Attendance Matters
In 7th and 8th grade, classes move quickly. Missing even a few days can mean missing important instruction, assignments, group projects, and opportunities to connect with teachers and friends.
Regular attendance helps students:
- Stay caught up and feel less overwhelmed.
- Build relationships with teachers and classmates.
- Participate in sports, clubs, activities, and school events.
- Develop independence and responsibility.
- Build habits that will help them succeed in high school.
Missing 10% of the school year—about two days each month—can add up quickly. Being at school consistently makes keeping up much easier than catching up.
Take More Ownership
Middle school students are ready to take a bigger role in their own attendance. Families can help students build independence by encouraging them to:
- Set their own alarm and get up on time.
- Charge devices and pack backpacks the night before.
- Keep track of assignments, activities, and schedules.
- Develop a consistent bedtime routine.
- Plan ahead when mornings are especially busy.
Parents and caregivers still play an important role! Continue setting clear expectations that going to school is the default, while helping your student develop the skills to manage more of the responsibility themselves.
When School Feels Hard
Some days, students may feel tired, stressed, anxious, disconnected, or simply not want to go. Avoiding school can feel easier in the moment, but missing school often creates more stress when assignments and responsibilities begin to pile up.
If getting to school is becoming a pattern of struggle, reach out early. We want to understand what's getting in the way and work with your student and family to find solutions.
More Than Just Classes
Middle school is also about finding your people and discovering where you belong. Sports, clubs, music, activities, friendships, and connections with trusted adults can make a big difference.
Encourage your student to show up, get involved, and find something that makes school feel like their place.
Show Up. Get Connected. Keep Growing.
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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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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!
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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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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Sign-up to take part in the upcoming soccer camp hosted at the BHS stadium. This is for girls in grades 3-8 to learn, have fun, and be introduced to the Spartan style of play! |
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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