Halilts Newsletter: June 8, 2026

Dear Orca Families,

I just came in from watching the BHS Spartronics Team share their amazing robot at recess. As I watched our K-4 students' faces, I was reminded of how young they are, how much they've grown in a year (or two), and how some of them will be members of the BHS Spartronics Team before we know it! It is exciting to think about all the opportunities that lie ahead for our students as they continue their educational journeys at BISD and beyond.

We just completed SBA assessments for our third and fourth graders. We are so proud of the hard work of the students, and we know, that the results are both a culmination of years of learning and and simply a snapshot in time. The true measure of our students is found in the growth we see every day—in their writing, mathematics, reading, scientific thinking, and in the ways they contribute to our world and community. I hope you see that growth in your student as clearly as we do. Their growth tells us far more than any number on an assessment.

As we quickly approach the end of the school year, we still have important learning and plenty of fun ahead. These final weeks are a meaningful part of our students' experience, so we ask that you help keep them in their routines and at school on time whenever possible. The friendships and connections they have built throughout the year matter, and giving students the opportunity to enjoy these last celebrations and say their goodbyes is important. After all, this school year has been nearly one-quarter of our youngest students' lives—even if I can barely remember what happened in September!

A huge thank you to all of you for all your support, partnership, and engagement in our community and for sharing and trusting us with your students! I love the image of Orcas swimming together as a community out in the Puget Sound and how they work together to support their young, and I think that captures our Orca community, too!

Have a great Orca week!

It’s almost here — the most exciting school day of the year! After months of hard work, our kids are ready to celebrate with a day full of fun, games, and laughter. Thanks to the amazing efforts of PE Teacher Noel Strand, this year’s event promises to be unforgettable. But to make it truly magical, we need your help.

We are looking for parent volunteers who will help lead a fun station activity. There will be two sessions on the morning of June 16th. The first from 8:05-9:10 (3rd, 4th and Pellegrino) and the second from 9:25-10:30 (K-2). Volunteers will receive an email from Mr. Strand on June 15th with specific details about the day.  

Jump in and be part of the fun! Sign up here

Join us Thursday, June 11th from 5:30–7:30pm for a private shopping evening at Wavekelly! Shop owner, designer, and x̌alilc parent Megan Sanchez and her team will be there to help you find perfect pieces and create custom curated looks, all while you enjoy refreshments and great company with fellow Island families.

With Father's Day just around the corner, a limited selection of men's pieces will also be available. Just perfect for picking up something special for the dads in your life!

Wavekelly will graciously donate 15% of sales to the x̌alilc, Ordway, and Blakely elementary school PTOs, so every purchase does double duty!

Can't make it that evening? No problem! Shop in person anytime on June 11th, or order online and pick up in store at your convenience. All sales that day count!

We hope to see you there. www.wavekelly.com

Please sign up here for one (or more weeks) to water the school garden 4 days (or more) a week. We also need a few weekends in June, as the spring has been very dry!

It's all pretty simple, and is a fun way to visit the school playground and enjoy the garden over the summer! 

Thank you to our fantastic school garden volunteers!

Notices of student checked out/missing items will be sent to family emails beginning Monday, May 31. Lists will also be given to classroom teachers.

The KRL Summer Learning Program begins June 1st. This is a fun way to keep your student reading during the summer!.

Come visit the lost and found in the front hall or remind your students to check the lost and found.

We would love to have your family reunited with your belongings!

If you are not returning to BISD schools, please contact the office at 206-780-3010 to inform us of your plans. 

Thank you so much.

MEDICATION PICK UP: Medications can be picked up at the end of the school day on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026, or earlier if needed.

Health Care Plans/504's: Please remember, if you were unable to sign and return your child’s 504/Health Care Plan to me prior to June 10th, 2026, then you will need to ensure it is filled out and signed by your pediatrician over the summer. I will need to have these turned into me by August 26th, 2026, in order to process them and notify all teachers and staff, from food service to bus drivers, of your child’s health condition. Medications can either be brought at that time or on the first day of school.

Per Washington State law, if your child has a health condition that requires emergency medication, your child CAN NOT start school without a current 504/Health Care Plan and medication in place by the first day of school. Please contact me if you have questions.

Pru Zosa, RN & Tara McLean, RN      

206-780-3022         

The end of the school year is an exciting time filled with special projects, celebrations, field trips, and opportunities to reflect on how much students have learned and grown. Every school day in June is important and helps children stay connected to their teachers, classmates, and learning.

Attending school regularly through the last day helps students finish the year with confidence and maintain the routines that support success. Strong attendance in June also helps children return in September ready to learn, reconnect with friends, and start the new school year feeling prepared.

If your student will miss school during these last couple of days, please make sure to request their absence be excused before the final bell rings! Our absolute cutoff for accepting any recent absence notes is dismissal time on the last day of school. 

Thank you for partnering with us to make attendance a priority. Together, we can help every student finish strong this June and start stronger next fall!

9: All Library Books Due!

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

15: Ice Cream Social @ 6:00 pm

16: 4th Grade Clap out at 10:50 am

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

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