Inside this Newsletter
- Principal's Message
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Helpful Resources
- Counselor's Corner - Signs of Suicide Curriculum
- Thank You from the WMS PTO
- 8th Grade Banquet Volunteers
- Staying Connected
- November Attendance
- The Woodward Beat - Hear What's Happening Around Campus
- WMS Sports
- PTO News
- Volunteering at WMS
- Calendar
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Dear Wildcat Families & Students,
As a reminder, Woodward students and staff are looking forward to our upcoming Veterans Day Assembly scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Anchored in our school values of Connection, Compassion, and Integrity, this honoring assembly brings us together to recognize and express our sincere gratitude to the courageous men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We are especially excited to celebrate members of our Woodward Middle School community and the military families represented right here in our Wildcat family.
Through student leadership, musical tributes, and formal ceremonial traditions, our students will explore what it means to put community before self and live out our pledge to "Leave it Better". We will be using our AM Assembly Bell Schedule.
A highlight of our assembly is the Veteran Family Slideshow, featuring photos of WMS student and staff family members, ancestors, and friends who have served in the military.
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Action Requested: Please talk with your student and submit photo entries including the veteran's name, branch of service, rank, and connection to your student. Submissions are due by November 4th, and the form can be found here, as well as linked in the WMS student portal.
We cordially invite parents, guardians, and family veterans to attend the assembly with their student(s). If you are able to attend, please join your student for some light refreshments in the staff lounge before the assembly.
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Action Requested: If your student would like to host a family veteran, please RSVP to ensure adequate seating and reception arrangements.
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How to RSVP: Email Principal Miranda Smallwood directly at msmallwood@bisd303.org with your students’ name, the names of attendees, and their military branch affiliation.
Thank you for partnering with us as we teach our students the value of service, sacrifice, and civic responsibility. We look forward to sharing this meaningful morning with you.
In Joy, Love, and Community,
Miranda Joy Smallwood
Principal
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Nov 10: Veterans' Day Assembly
Nov 11: No School - Veterans' Day
Nov 25-27: No School - Thanksgiving Break
Nov 30: PD Release Day (Half Day for Students)
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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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On November 17th and 19th in 7th grade science classes, Woodward science teachers will be teaching Signs of Suicide (SOS), a curriculum that teaches students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. SOS has been used by thousands of schools for over 20 years and is shown to effectively teach students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.
Through the program, students learn:
- That depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
- How to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
- To ACT (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
- Who they can turn to at school for help
Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. Following the video, students will complete a brief depression screening form. This form cannot provide a diagnosis of depression but does indicate whether a young person should seek help from a mental health professional. School counselors will follow up with students as needed and conduct brief meetings with any student asking to talk.
We encourage you to visit www.mindwise.org/parents for information on this program. An announcement will be sent to all 7th grade parents/ guardians on Friday, November 6th that includes information should you choose to have your student opt-out of this program.
If you have any questions regarding the SOS program, please contact your students’ counselor:
Emily Combellick - 7th Grade - ecombellick@bisd303.org
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Dear Woodward families,
THANK YOU! Thanks to your generosity, this year’s Big Give raised about $55,000 for Woodward Middle School. We’re so grateful to every family who gave, at every level. It truly takes all of us.
Your gifts go straight back into our school. They help our students and school thrive by supporting:
- Classroom supplies for our teachers
- Learning materials and equipment
- Club stipends
- Spirit events like Fallapalooza, the 8th grade banquet, field day, and speakers and assemblies
One more way to help: corporate matching! Many employers will match your donation, which can double your gift at no extra cost to you. If your company offers matching, please take a few minutes to submit your match request. You’ll need our tax ID: 91-0977467. Not sure if your employer matches? Check with HR or your company’s giving portal.
Thank you again for supporting our students, teachers, and school community. We couldn’t do it without you!
With gratitude,
Stephanie Chamberlain Pirtle & Lara Deits
Woodward PTO Fundraising Co-Chairs
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The date is set, and now the work begins! Creating a special night for our kids takes many hands, and we’re looking for volunteers who can take the lead on different parts of the banquet. Whether you're interested in volunteering during the event itself, or would like to own a zone or help bring one to life, please indicate your interest here and we'll be in touch.
Want to stay informed?
Did you know? Ticket sales cover nearly all of the banquet’s costs, while community members donate countless hours, skills and supplies to make the night possible. It’s a true community effort, and we’d love to have you be part of it! Let's celebrate the Class of '31 as they head off to BHS!
Save the Date: June 5, 2027 @ Woodward Middle School. Let's party!
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As you may have noticed, we recently updated our school websites to replace direct staff email addresses with secure contact forms. This change was an important step to boost our cybersecurity and protect our school networks from phishing attacks.
Because this is a new process this year, we want to make sure you always know the best way to get in touch with us!
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To reach a teacher directly: Please use the secure contact forms located on your teacher's homepage.
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If you aren't sure who to contact: You can always use the main email address listed at the very bottom of our school’s homepage. This email goes directly to our main office managers, who will make sure your message is quickly forwarded to the right person.
Thank you for your patience as we transition to this more secure system, and for your continued partnership!
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Middle school is all about discovering who you are, building independence, and finding your place. One of the best ways to stay connected and successful is to Show Up and Show Out by attending school regularly and arriving on time!
Keep your momentum going this November:
- Prioritize sleep and create a morning routine that works.
- Charge devices and organize school materials before bed.
- Make arriving on time a daily goal.
- Reach out to a trusted adult if school feels stressful or overwhelming.
Every day you show up is another chance to connect with friends, discover your strengths, and work toward your goals.
No-Miss November is about progress, not perfection. Show Up, Stay Connected, and Show Out!
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Spirit week was a huge success last week! Students showed off their best outfits for twin day, decade day, dress like a teacher day, and costume day! Each day at lunch we had activities like music trivia, twin trivia, and ended the week with a costume contest! Congrats to the winners, and thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate spirit week! |
The Woodward Track & Field teams delivered an impressive showing, filled with first-place finishes, new school records, personal bests, and outstanding teamwork! Congratulations on an outstanding Championship meet last night. The girls finished 2nd of 13 teams and the boys finished 6th of 13 teams!
Ellie R led the girls team with an incredible four first-place finishes in the 100m, 200m, high jump, and javelin, setting three new Woodward school records! Other standout performances included Peyton H, who placed 3rd in the 1600m and 6th in the 800m; Lana E, who took 3rd in the 200m hurdles; Lucy M, who earned 2nd in javelin and 4th in discus; and Maura M, who finished 4th in high jump. The girls relay teams also shined, earning 4th place in the 4x100 and 6th place in both the 4x200 and 4x400.
Anders S led the boys team with two first-place finishes in high jump and the 200m hurdles, setting a new Woodward school record in the hurdles! He also placed 4th in both long jump and the 100m. Additional highlights included Connor J's personal-best performance in the 200m, earning 9th place, and Chase N and Luke M, who both achieved personal bests in javelin, finishing 5th and 8th, respectively. The boys relay teams showed tremendous determination and teamwork, especially as athletes stepped up to fill in for injured or ill teammates.
Congratulations to all our Woodward athletes! With four new school records, numerous personal bests, and strong performances across the board, there is plenty to celebrate. We are proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and team spirit displayed by everyone!
--- Coach Kate & Coach Sara
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Spiritwear Store —
Sport that green and grey, and show your wildcat pride with some WMS gear!
WMS Wishlist —
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 —
- November 18 - 6:00pm
- December 16 - 9:30am
- January 20 - 6:00pm
- February 24 - 9:30am
- March 17 - 9:30AM
- April 15 - 6:00pm
- May 20 - 6:00pm
- June 9 - 9:30am
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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.
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NOVEMBER
10: Veterans' Day Assembly
11: No School - Veterans' Day
18: PTO Meeting 6:00pm
25-27: No School - Thanksgiving Break
30: Half Day - Staff Professional Development
DECEMBER
16: Band Concert
21-Jan 1: No School - Winter Break
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Academic Support & Peer Tutoring – Students can receive free peer tutoring or become a peer tutor themselves and help another student. Sign up for Peer Tutoring.
Free Counseling – BYS also continues to provide free, confidential counseling for youth who would like additional mental health support. Additionally, BYS offers free 30-45 minute Open Support sessions for youth ages 13–21 who could use a little extra support, guidance, or simply a place to talk. Ages 13-21. Sign up here.
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Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to Scouting America and other designated youth groups.
The following employees are designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator:
Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent
Section 504/ADA Coordinators:
Maria Kuffel
Darren Spencer
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