Wildcat News - November 10, 2026

Dear Wildcat Families & Students,

We are sending our newsletter a day early knowing that we are celebrating Veterans Day tomorrow and will not be at school. Thank you again for all of your participation in honoring our community veterans. Family pictures and honors shared by our students have been curated into a video that you can view here. We want to thank our students for providing the art for our assembly program (see below). Thank you to all!

November is also a time to recognize Native American Heritage Month. We celebrate and honor the indigenous people who have cared for the people, lands, and waterways of our region since time immemorial.  In recognition of Veterans Day, we also highlight that “[according] to the U.S. Department of Defense, about 19% of Native Americans have served in the military, compared with about 14% of all other ethnic groups. Native people have served with distinction in every major U.S. conflict since the Revolutionary War, often motivated by deep cultural values of service, community, and protection of their homelands.”*

We encourage our students and families to honor, celebrate, and learn more together regarding our local Sovereign Nations. Kitsap Regional Library has shared many resources and curated book lists to help support! You may also learn about events hosted by both The Suquamish Tribe and The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe by visiting their official government websites and following their social media posts and invitations!

In Joy, Love, and Community, 

Miranda Joy Smallwood

Principal

*https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/celebrating-veterans-day-native-americans-serve-in-the-military-at-the-highest-rate-of-any-group/

Nov 11: No School (Veterans' Day)

Nov 25-27: No School - Thanksgiving Break

Nov 30: PD Release Day (Half Day for Students. WMS dismissed at 12:00)

Dec 16: WMS Band Concert

Dec 21-Jan 1: Winter Break 

Mon-Fri: 9:00-3:30

We were thrilled to have some of our Woodward community join us today as we honored Veterans in our assembly. The students, staff, band, choir, Scouts, and presenters all make the moment so much more meaningful. 

A special "Thank you" to Captain Brandon Bryan, US Navy Retired, for being the keynote speaker at today's event. 

BISD will be conducting a routine test of our emergency alert system on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m.

We use this system to quickly notify staff and families about weather-related closures and emergencies via phone, text, and email.

Thank you for helping us ensure our emergency communications are running smoothly this year.

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.

Add woodward.banquet@bainbridgeptos.org) to your contact list and follow us on socials (Facebook & Instagram) to stay up to date on important banquet information. 

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!

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!

Thank you for your patience as we transition to this more secure system, and for your continued partnership!

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!

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!

Come cheer on the Wildcats at their home games this season!

11/18 vs Mountainview

11/20 vs Poulsbo

11/30 vs Fairview

12/2 vs Poulsbo

12/9 vs Kingston

8th Grade games start at 4:00. 7th Grade starts at 5:15. 

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 — 

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.

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.