Halilts Newsletter: March 2, 2026

Posted Date: 03/02/26 (09:36 AM)

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March 2, 2026

Inside this Newsletter

Note from the Counselor
x̌alilc PTO Happenings
Highly Capable Referral
Hidden in Plain Sight - Virtual Event
Calendar
Helpful Information/Links
Community Events

Note from the Counselor

It’s time to move along in our pursuit of positive character traits. Our new focus is cooperation. One way to think about cooperation is working together to reach shared goals. We are having lots of discussions at school about cooperating, especially when it is challenging. We’d love to have you partner with us on the home front.

As a family, talk about how this definition applies to how you work together at home. What are some goals you share?

We know modeling impacts a child’s skill development. At home, this may be demonstrated by:

Listening carefully so you can fully understand what others are saying.
Compromising when you have a conflict.
Doing your part of a shared task and doing the best you can.
Sharing or taking turns when more than one person wants the same thing.

Lastly, here is a “PurposeFull Pursuit” you can complete together! This week, plan a time where everyone needs to work together to accomplish a shared goal like cleaning up the space you live in or making a meal together. Make sure everyone has a role to play with specific tasks. When the project is complete, discuss and celebrate how each person’s part was important to the end result.

All the Best!

Katie

P.S. A simple google search will yield many book suggestions on this topic! Have fun growing cooperation skills by reading and discussing.

x̌alilc PTO Happenings

Operation Orca - New After School Activity

Join the Operation Orcas after school on Tuesdays and discover how numbers can power everything from cool puzzles and logic games to creative challenges. This is about exploring, collaborating, and building skills. Whether you already love math or just want to get better and have fun doing it, this is your chance to challenge yourself, make new friends, and find out how math makes magic. Come be part of the excitement!

Day: Tuesdays
Dates: 3/10 - 4/14 (no meeting 4/7) 5 week session
Club time: 2:20 - 3:45 pm at Halilts
Open to: 3rd & 4th graders (20 participants max)
Cost: Free

Register Here!

March Library Volunteers!

Come volunteer at the Halilts library!

Bring a book to read aloud and help students find a just right book. Any help shelving returned books is very appreciated!

Volunteers need to be approved by BISD. Sign up here to help!

Questions? Please email PTO Library Coordinator, Heather Tartar, at heathertartar@gmail.com.

Highly Capable Referral Window

The Highly Capable Program referral window is open from February 23 through March 6. Families are invited to refer students in grades K–1, 3–4, and 6–12 who demonstrate advanced academic potential.

Students in grades 2 and 5 will be universally screened and do not need a referral.

The link to the referral form will be posted on our HC page of the BISD website on February 23rd.

Hidden in Plain Sight Virtual Event

Please join Jennifer Dorsett on March 12th from 6:00–8:00 PM for Hidden in Plain Sight.

This is a free virtual event designed for parents, caregivers, and other adults to learn about current substance‑use trends, recognizing common warning signs, and beginning important conversations with youth.

Substance‑use trends are emerging earlier than many adults realize, and helping families build awareness early can make a meaningful difference.

Jennifer Dorsett consistently delivers engaging, and informative sessions. Jennifer started a career in Chemical Dependency while attending college in 2002. She holds an AA degree in Human Service and an AAS in Chemical Dependency, is a State Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor and Nationally Certified Prevention Specialist. Jennifer is passionate about her community and making her area a safe place for her children to grow up.

BusRight App Launched

Please consider signing up! This system is NOT the old system. This is a new app with MUCH BETTER systems. If your student rides the bus, I highly recommend it!

You should have received an email to sign-up. If you cannot find or did not receive the email, please reach out to the Transportation Department at 206-842-4641.

Questions?

If you have questions about your child’s route or the BusRight app, please contact our Transportation Department at 206-842-4641.

Introducing the Parent App

Presentamos la aplicación para familias

x̌alilc Calendar

MARCH:

4: Pacific Science Center Visit

12: Hidden in Plain Sight - Virtual Event

12: School Board Meeting @ 5.45 pm in Board Room

13: PTO Meeting @ 9:00 am in Library

24: Sakai Incoming 5th Grade Parent/Guardian Night

26: School Board Meeting @ 5:45 pm in Board Room

30-31: Great Kindness Challenge

APRIL:

1-3: Great Kindness Challenge

6-10: Spring Break

17: PTO meeting @ 9:00 in Library

30: School Board Meeting @ 5:45 pm in Board Room

MAY:

7: Orca Splash @ 5:30-7:00

13: SBA Testing Begins

14: School Board Meeting @ 5.45 pm in Board Room

15: PTO meeting @ 9:00 am in Library

28: School Board Meeting @ 5.45 pm in Board Room

JUNE:

9: School Board Meeting @ 5.45 pm in Board Room (Special Day!)

16: Last Day School - School out at 10:50 am

19: Juneteenth Holiday - No staff in building

25: School Board Meeting @ 5.45 pm in Board Room

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

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

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

khaizlip@bisd303.org

Section 504/ADA Coordinators:

Annalisa Sanchez, Director of Student Services

206-780-1069

asanchez@bisd303.org

Maria Kuffel

206-780-1088

mkuffel@bisd303.org

8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110