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Newsletter: December 15, 2025

Posted Date: 12/15/25 (12:48 PM)
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Halilts Elementary
In This Newsletter

December 15, 2025

Inside this Newsletter
  • Note from the Principal
  • BISD Winter Spirit Week
  • Taste Test at Halilts
  • x̌alilc (Halilts) PTO
  • Lost and Found
  • Winter Break Pantry Bags
  • Calendar
  • Helpful Information/Links
  • Community Events
 
Rhonda Walton

Note from the Principal

Happy Winter, Orca Families!

As we head into our last week of school for 2025, I want to wish you and your families a safe and joy filled winter break and Happy New Year!

One of our school improvement goals focuses on strengthening writing by adding elaboration and evidence, while also ensuring that students receive the support they need through our system for monitoring academic, social, emotional, and behavioral progress.

Our staff are amazing educators! They care deeply about the success of each student both individually and collectively. Staff is approaching our goals with creativity and great intention. I am so grateful for their dedication.

There is so much to celebrate as we watch our Orcas grow into the learners and people for whom we have such high hopes and dreams!

Please be safe and enjoy time with your children and family! I am looking forward to seeing you all in 2026! Happy New Year!

Rhonda Walton
 
Winter Spirit Week
 
Taste Test

Taste Test at x̌alilc

Halilts students were treated to a fun lunchtime taste test on December 11th as part of BISD’s push to feature more local, scratch-cooked recipes on the menu!

Our BISD Farm to School December Harvest of the Month feature is winter squash. Volunteers served students a roasted pumpkin couscous and quinoa salad for this taste test. After trying this dish, students voted on whether they'd like to have it on the lunch menu again. 

Why have a taste test?
  • Allow students an opportunity to taste something they haven’t already tried
  • Provide opportunity for authentic student input into the menu
  • Highlight a local farm and product-pumpkin!
  • Engage students and staff in the BISD farm to school program

What was decided?
Students were very engaged in the taste test, voting yes or no for if they'd like to see the recipes on the menu in the future. Students voted YES!

For those that would like to try it at home, you'll find the recipe here, on the BISD farm to school webpage.
The vote
The volunteer crew
 
After School Activities

x̌alilc PTO News

Afterschool Sports with Henry:
2nd to 4th Graders are invited to sign-up to join Coach Henry for the next round of Halilts After-School Multi-Sports. 

Session Information:
  • Day: Tuesdays
  • Dates: 1/13 to 2/24 (6 wks - no club 2/17)
  • Club time: 2:20-3:45 pm in the Halilts Gym
  • Open to 2nd - 4th graders
  • Cost: $125 per session
Registration is through Island Hoops. Visit www.IslandHOOPS.org for more info. 


The Coding Crew:
Join the Coding Crew! This is a free after school activity organized by the PTO for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders interested in coding and game design.

Session Information:
  • Day: Wednesday
  • Dates: 1/14 to 3/4 (6 wks - no club 2/11 & 2/18)
  • Club time: 2:20-3:30 pm in the Halilts Library
  • Open to 2nd - 4th graders
  • Cost: Free
Register Here for the Coding Crew.


January Library Volunteers
Click here for the sign-up list to support our classes during January in the library. All volunteers must be a BISD approved volunteer.
 
Lost and Found

Lost and Found

Our Lost and Found is overflowing!

Please have your student check the lost and found, or try to swing by the school and check for any missing items.
 
Helpline House

Winter Break Pantry Bags

Helpline House, in partnership with Rotary, is providing extra food for youth during school breaks.

The pantry bags include enough food for one youth for an entire week of breakfasts and lunches. These are available to ALL youth ages 0–18.
Winter Break Pantry Bags
 

New Payment Option Now Available in the Office!

We are excited to share that our school office now has a credit card machine! Families can now conveniently pay fees, fines, and—most importantly—lunch balances right at the front desk.

Keeping lunch accounts current helps our food services staff source local ingredients, and this new payment option makes it easier than ever. We encourage families to check their child’s lunch account and take care of any outstanding balance before winter break. As always, families can pay online and we still accept cash and checks, but at school credit card payments provide another quick and secure way to take care of school-related costs.

Feel free to stop by the office anytime to make a payment or check on your child’s account balance. We’re happy to help!
 
2025-2026 Calendar

x̌alilc Calendar

DECEMBER
15-19: BISD Winter Spirit Week
22-31: Winter Break - No School

JANUARY
1-2: Winter Break - No School
5: School Resumes
19: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - No School

 
Helpful Links

x̌alilc Information & Links

SCHOOL INFORMATION
K-4 School Hours
  • Monday: 7:50-12:50
  • Tuesday-Friday: 7:50-2:20

Preschool Hours:
Tuesday-Friday
  • AM: 7:45-10:15
  • PM: 11:45-2:20

Phone Numbers
  • Main office: 206-842-4411
  • Attendance: 206-780-3050 or halattend@bisd303.org
  • After-school Transportation: 206-780-3002 or halbus@bisd303.org

Helpful Links
 
Community Events

Community Events

Looking for things to do around town? Visit our Community Events page for local happenings, classes, and family activities—updated regularly.
 

Non-Discrimination Statement

Non-Discrimination Statement
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, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or 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 by a person with a disability. The BISD provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. 

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator:
Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent
206-780-1058

Section 504/ADA Coordinators:
Annalisa Sanchez, Director of Student Services
206-780-1069

Maria Kuffel
206-780-1088

8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110