Wildcat News - September 30, 2026

Dear Wildcat Families & Students,

Today is Orange Shirt Day, also known as the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”.  The following is shared from the Orange Shirt Day legacy project:

“The Orange Shirt Day – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Indian residential schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects and legacy of the schools, a discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for truth & reconciliation.

September 30th was chosen for Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters because it is the time of year in which children were historically taken from their homes and their families to Indian residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It is an opportunity for Indigenous peoples, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.”

We shared information with our students during Wake Up Woodward last week about this important day and recognition, and many of our staff and students participated by wearing Orange Shirts to school today.

I am continually honored to be part of a community of staff, students, and family who are committed to understanding what it means to be a school where all students belong, are centered and cared for, and challenged to be their best selves. Thank you for sharing your students with us!

Thank you to all our families able to attend Open House last week–it was so great to have you in the halls and walking your students schedule.

Please take a few minutes to share any feedback you have for our 2027-2028 Open House planning purposes!

E-Bikes have arrived at Woodward in force!  Each day we have seen between 15-30+ students riding their e-bikes to and from school, and we have quickly recognized that we have an important role to play at school to help ensure rider safety, as well as ensure our students are in compliance with state and COBI laws.  The information shared below will help educate you if you currently have a student riding, or are considering this mode of transport for your student:

State law requires every legal e-bike to have a permanent, prominent manufacturer label stating its class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.  Please check your students’ e-bike to ensure they a.) have a properly labeled bike, and 2.) are in legal compliance with the guidelines below.

Under Washington State law (RCW 46.04.169), e-bikes are categorized into a three-class system. Because 7th and 8th-grade students are under 16 years old, their legal options are limited to:

● Class 1 E-Bikes (ALLOWED): Pedal-assist only (motor assists only while pedaling) with a top assisted speed of 20 mph and a motor rated at 750 watts or less.  There is no minimum age requirement under state law.

● Class 2 E-Bikes (ALLOWED): Pedal-assist or throttle-powered with a top motor-assisted speed of 20 mph and a motor rated at 750 watts or less. There is no minimum age requirement under state law.

● Class 3 E-Bikes (PROHIBITED FOR WMS STUDENTS): Pedal-assist bikes that reach speeds up to 28 mph. Washington state law strictly mandates that riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. Middle school students are legally prohibited from riding Class 3 e-bikes.

● E-Motos & Unlocked/Modded Vehicles (PROHIBITED): Under Washington’s updated SB 6110 law (effective June 2026), any vehicle whose motor alone pushes it past 20 mph, exceeds 750W, or is designed to be easily unlocked/reconfigured beyond class limits is excluded from the legal e-bike definition. These devices are classified as mopeds or electric motorcycles and legally require a driver's license, vehicle registration, title, and insurance—making them illegal for middle school students to operate.

In Joy, Love, and Community, 

Miranda Joy Smallwood

Principal

Now-Oct 16: PTO Fundraiser

Oct 26: Staff Professional Development - No School for Students

Oct 30: Picture Retakes

Mon-Fri: 9:00-3:30

We’re jumping for joy over the incredible generosity of the Rotary Club! Their meaningful support helped our Athletics Department purchase new high jump pits, providing our student-athletes with the equipment they need to train, compete, and soar safely and confidently. This support truly raises the bar for our track and field program, and we are tremendously grateful to the Rotary Club for investing in the health, safety, and success of our Wildcats. Thank you for helping our students reach new heights!

Woodward Families,

We're off to a great start! Thanks to the generous families who have already given, the Big Give has raised almost $15,000. That's nearly a quarter of the way to our $65,000 goal!

Now we need the rest of our Woodward community to help us close the $50,000 gap by October 16th. Remember, this is the PTO's one-and-done fundraiser: one ask, once a year, and that's it. The sooner we reach our goal, the sooner we stop filling your inbox!

 PRIZES FOR STUDENTS: Every donation enters your student into our Friday prize drawings. The earlier you give, the more drawings they're eligible for, so don't wait!

Your gift keeps Woodward awesome by funding:

Suggested gift: $170 per student, roughly what PTO programming costs per student. Gifts of every size add up, and every family that participates brings us closer!

How to give:

Thank you for helping make this a great year at Woodward!

Stephanie Chamberlain Pirtle & Lara Deits

Your PTO Fundraising Chairs

Questions? Email woodward.fallapalooza@bainbridgeptos.org

Fall Referral Window: September 21–October 9, 2026

BISD’s Highly Capable (HC) referrals are welcome during our fall window for students new to our district (since February 19, 2026) in grades 1–11. (Referrals for Kindergarten and currently enrolled BISD students will open during our spring window.)

If you’d like your student considered for HC services, please visit our BISD Highly Capable page for the timeline, program details, and the referral form.

Please complete the BISD referral and email documentation (e.g., assessment scores, grades, placement letters) to Drew Crandall at dcrandall@bisd303.org.

Deadline: Submit the referral (and any supporting documents, if applicable) by end of day Friday, October 9, 2026.

Questions or need assistance? Contact Drew Crandall at dcrandall@bisd303.org.

With recent news about neighboring districts adjusting early grade screen time, we want to reassure you that Bainbridge Island School District is already ahead of these trends. Our K–2 classrooms rely on shared sets of iPads or Chromebooks used strictly for targeted, teacher-led activities or assessments. As a result, typical daily screen time ranges from just 0 to 15 minutes for Kindergarten and 1st grade, and 0 to 30 minutes for 2nd grade. Hands-on learning, physical reading and writing, direct connection, and play remain the true foundation of our instructional day. Looking ahead, our newly established Technology Advisory Council—made up of parents, staff, and community members—is actively working to evaluate digital tools and set clear, evidence-based guidelines across all grade levels. To learn more about our balanced approach, please visit the Instructional Technology page on our BISD website!  

Calling all aspiring chefs, makers, and creative minds! Culinary Club is the place to cook, sew, create, and connect while building skills that go far beyond the kitchen.

Students will have the chance to put their talents to work through hands-on, real-world experiences, collaborate with their peers, try new things, and grow as leaders along the way. Whether you already love to cook and create or you’re simply ready to learn something new, there’s a place for you at Culinary Club!

Mark Your Calendars! Culinary Club will meet on the following Tuesdays:

September 22 — First meeting! 🎉

October 6 & 20

November 3 & 17

December 1 & 15

January 12 & 26

February 9 & 23

March 9 & 23

April 20

May 4 & 18

Come ready to roll up your sleeves, get creative, and have some fun. We can’t wait to see what you cook up!

Our ASB Officers headed off on a leadership retreat filled with learning, connection, and growth! They spent the day diving into ASB law, strengthening their leadership skills, and building stronger bonds as a team.

A huge thank you to Wardwell Farms, Ms. Melvin, and Ms. Warman for helping make this meaningful day of learning, activities, and growth possible!

Boys’ Basketball tryouts begin November 2nd from 3:45–5:15 p.m., and online registration is now open!

All students planning to try out must complete the online registration and have a current Medical Eligibility Form signed by their doctor on file. Medical Eligibility Forms are valid for two years.

We're looking forward to a great season! Go Wildcats!!

Spiritwear Store — 

Sport that green and grey, and show your wildcat pride with some WMS gear!

If you are looking to contribute to the school year but don't have the availability to volunteer your time, check out the WMS Wishlist! These items range from basic classroom necessities, like tissues, to student incentives.

Upcoming PTO Meeting Dates — 

Get ready for an unforgettable night just for our 8th grade students! For one special evening, our school will transform from familiar hallways into festive scenes inspired by a TOP-SECRET theme.

There will be many opportunities to help around the school whether it's in the classroom or at afterschool events like the Fallapalooza and 8th Grade Banquet. If you're interested in helping out, please check out the BISD volunteer page with steps on how to get cleared. 

Not sure if you're still cleared? Email or call Kristin Gellert at the front desk - 206-780-4501.