Halilts Newsletter: February 9, 2026

Happy February, Orca Community!

Thanks so much for the birthday wishes last week as I celebrated my 60th birthday! It was filled with fun, love, friends, family, and a lot of Orca students serenading me when I popped in their rooms! Maybe I will turn 60 again next year!

We have been assessing and learning and diving back into routines here at x̌alilc. We've had great attendance and our Orcas are showing up ready to learn and find joy in their community.

February is a challenging month to keep that momentum going with conference days and then mid-winter break. Teachers are working hard to keep moving forward in instruction and taking the data we have gathered from our winter assessment cycle to refine instruction and reset interventions. You will hear all about that at your students' conferences next week.

Part of being an effective system for learning is ensuring that students that are demonstrating they need extra support, get that right away. The system and process we follow, directed by Washington State Laws, is called Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

At x̌alilc, we have been working hard this year to review our MTSS process and make it more impactful and meaningful for teachers, which means students get the support they need. It also means that our MTSS team is constantly looking at student data and performance on assessments and daily work to ensure we can support staff in next steps and best practice.

We are seeing the fruits of our efforts and are excited about the processes we are putting in place!

I hope that whatever plans you have for your family over our mid-winter break are full of joy and time together. I am ready for my staycation for rest and to get some things done.

Have a great couple of weeks! We appreciate you!

Rhonda

Winter Conferences will be held Wednesday-Friday, February 11-13 both in-person and via Zoom.

If you did not sign up for a conference, please reach out to your student's teacher or Sheila Jakubik at 206-780-3010 to schedule a conference.

NOTE: There is no school on February 11, 12 or 13 due to Winter Conferences.

Our lost and found is full! Please be sure to check the lost and found during Conferences. All unclaimed items will be Donated on February 23, 2026.  

Remember to label coats and jackets, as well as lunch boxes. We’d love to be able to reconnect your child with their misplaced gear. Sharpies are a great option as are purchased clothing stickers from online vendors. Save yourself time and money and label their gear. 

Plan ahead for your commute during the last week of February! WSDOT has scheduled cleaning for the SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge.

Work schedules and travel impacts can be found on the WSDOT work webpage.

11-13: Winter Conferences (No School)

16: Presidents' Day (No School)

17-20: Mid-Winter Break (No School)

23-27: Agate Pass Bridge Delays

27: Incoming Kindergarten Visit & Bus Ride 9:00 am

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