Halilts Newsletter: January 13, 2025

Happy 2025 x̌alilc!

Last week we began our 4 week focus on the character trait of empathy. One way to think about empathy is understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings. Empathy is a practice that can help us grow strong relationships. Across grade levels, via PurposeFULL People curriculum, students will be developing empathic skills around perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and leadership.

As adults, we can also work to grow this trait. Last year, I shared two vignettes that I find powerful for broadening understanding around empathy. Personally, a rewatch is always helpful for me, so I wanted to push them out to you again too! I do love the power of a visual vignette to support this type of growth. 

Warmly,

Katie

Kindergarten is a time of great discovery, excitement, and growth; it’s also a big transition — for families and children alike! That’s why when you enroll your child in kindergarten at BISD, your student will receive a high-quality education and gain a team of staff whose main goal is to help your child succeed intellectually, socially and emotionally.

Come and learn about Kindergarten at BISD. Representatives from all BISD elementary schools will be in attendance.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6 pm.

WHERE: x̌alilc Elementary, 12781 N. Madison Ave. NE

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: Please complete this form

For more information, check out our Kindergarten Flyer.

*Note: This event is intended for adults. Incoming kindergarten students will have an opportunity to visit a kindergarten classroom in March

x̌alilc is truly passionate about creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and families. 

To ensure that we are working toward our our district goal of students feeling honored, welcomed, respected, and connected and our building's goal of belonging, there are two staff members who provide valuable support.

Our goal is to ensure that every student receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive, regardless of their background or experiences. We firmly believe in the power of diversity and fairness, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and respected.

Together, we will work to ensure that every student feels seen, respected, and empowered to succeed. Christina and Kelly look forward to collaborating with teachers, staff, students, and families to continue making x̌alilc an even better place for learning, growth, and community.

My name is Kelly Pellegrino and I am the Equity Lead for x̌alilc. As Equity Lead, I collaborate with Ms. Walton, Ms. Tibbals, and the Teaching and Learning Department to plan and implement professional development opportunities for our staff. I also facilitate our building’s staff equity team and participate in monthly district-wide equity meetings with other equity leads. These meetings help me gather valuable insights for my own growth and inform the training I provide to our staff.

My name is Christina Tibbals, I am the Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) representative for x̌alilc. As the Building MAC Lead, I work to foster an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment where everyone—students, staff, parents—feel valued for their unique identities.

MAC and its members help to create a space where diversity is celebrated as a strength, promoting positive interactions and mutual respect. We empower students to embrace diversity and prepare them to become confident, inclusive leaders in a diverse society.

Everyone is welcome! Join us for a fun night at Fletcher Bay Winery in Copper Top this Wednesday, January 15, from 5-7pm!

Bring friends and make new ones with your fellow Orca Parents! We'll have a free raffle for prizes from local businesses!

We hope to see you there!

One day each month the PTO organizes a fun and creative activity for students during their lunch recess!

On January 22, students will use their creativity to make labels for their school items, and we need about 8 district approved parent volunteers to make it happen! No special knowledge or skills necessary other than helping with labels, stickers, decorations, and chatting with our awesome students!

Sign up for a recess shift here!

On January 31 the x̌alilc PTO is hosting a free BINGO night! Join us at 5:00 pm for pizza (while supplies last) and some bingo fun in the x̌alilts commons!

We will start playing at 5:00 pm, and play until we're out of prizes--typically about an hour! Don't miss out on this fun family event!

Join Superintendent Amii Thompson and Chief Financial Officer Kim Knight for Budget-Centered Focus Groups throughout the month of January. 

The purpose of these meetings is to hear what you most value at BISD and learn your ideas for ways to increase revenue and areas for possible reductions. 

Celebrate education, community, and opportunity at Bainbridge Schools Foundation’s 21st Annual Gala!

The Gala, which will be held February 8,2025 at Kiana Lodge, features delicious food, an exciting live auction, and an inspirational program - all while raising vital funds to support academic intervention, educator development, and social-emotional learning initiatives. Your participation helps bridge critical funding gaps, ensuring every student in the Bainbridge Island School District has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow supporters and celebrate the power of education. Register today. 

15: Kindergarten Information Night @ 6:00 pm at x̌alilc (Halilts) Elementary

15: PTO Parent/Guardians' Night Out @ 5:00pm

20: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - No School

22: Conference Sign-ups Open @ 3:00 pm

24: PTO Meeting @ 9:00 am in Library

27-31: Great Kindness Challenge

31: PTO Bingo Night @ 5:00 pm in Commons

12-14: Conferences - No School

17-21: Mid-Winter Break - No School