Ordway Weekly Newsletter - April 14, 2025

Posted Date: 4/14/25 (9:07 PM)

View Original Post

Monday April 14, 2025

Inside this Newsletter

COUNSELOR'S NOTE
SCIENCE & MAKER FAIR - DATE CHANGE
LOST & FOUND /CHANGE OF CLOTHES
ABC PROCESS
ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Counselor's Corner

Welcome back from Spring Break!

I recently re-read a book I first picked up in 2019, before COVID-19. It’s called The Yes Brain by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel. It’s a fantastic read that offers a powerful approach to nurturing students' open-mindedness, resilience, and confidence—instead of allowing them to shut down in the face of fear or stress.

What I especially appreciated about this book is how well it aligns with our current CharacterStrong social skills lessons and the traits our educators teach every day, such as empathy, perseverance, and a growth mindset.

Here are some paraphrased takeaways from the book:

A Yes Brain helps kids stay open to challenges and approach life with curiosity. Challenges are viewed as opportunities to learn and grow.
It's never too early to teach emotional regulation. Helping students recognize healthy coping mechanisms supports long-term well-being.
While academic knowledge is important, it's equally essential to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.
Promoting resilience is key. Teach children how to bounce back from setbacks, and remind them that failure is a valuable learning opportunity.
Practicing empathy and compassion helps students understand others' perspectives and emotions.
When teaching your children, encourage autonomy and independence. Provide age-appropriate responsibilities along with guidance. This supports resilience and personal growth.

Enjoy the spring weather, and as always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Sincerely,

Janette Dodge

Ordway Counselor

Science & Maker Fair - Date Change

The Ordway Science & Maker Fair AND Scholastic Book Fair Family NIght have been rescheduled:

Both events are now on Wednesday April 23th 5-8 PM.

Details on project drop off and volunteer opportunities to follow after Spring Break.

If you are interested in picking up a trifold board after Spring Break - please sign up here!

Yes! My Student Would Like A Tri-Fold Board

Change of Clothes / Lost and Found

Please remember to send a change of clothes with your child to leave in their backpack in the event they slip on the playground. We are outside for recess every day and accidents do happen. Having a change of clothes is good insurance that your child will have something comfortable to change into.

Also - our Lost and Found rack is overflowing. If your child has lost a jacket or sweatshirt - it's probabaly on the Lost and Found rack.

Annual Back-to-school Check-in (ABC)

The Annual Back-to-school Check-in (ABC) process is now open. This annual process lets us know that your student(s) are returning to our schools for 2025-26 and allows parents/guardians to review annual information.

The ABCs must be completed* for all students attending BISD schools in 2025-26, including both new and returning students. Access the ABCs by logging into your Family Access account. It should take about 15 minutes (or less!) to complete.

If you need assistance with the ABC process (such as translation, accessing technology, or other questions), please get in touch with Ordway Office Manager Sarah Dunstan, sdunstan@bisd303.org / 206-780-1397.

NOT RETURNING? If your current K-4th grade student is not returning to BISD schools next fall, please let Ordway Office Manager Sarah Dunstan, sdunstan@bisd303.org / 206-780-1397, know.

*Student class placement/class schedules will not be released in August until the ABCs are completed. But why delay? Go ahead and take care of it today!

Attendance Matters!

As the calendar turns to April, we know that many students and families are looking forward to a restful and refreshing spring break starting April 7th!

Despite recent challenges with weather and illness, our teachers, students, and families have remained dedicated to learning and staying engaged. We truly appreciate your continued partnership and commitment to our school community.

We look forward to finishing the school year strong as a learning community. Please continue encouraging your student(s) to attend school every day. If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance due to health or mental health reasons, please contact your student's school counselor or principal.

Every school day is a valuable opportunity for students to learn, grow, and connect with their peers and teachers.

Ordway Calendar

APRIL

14: PTO MEETING

15: SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

23: SCIENCE & MAKER FAIR / SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

MAY

5: PTO MEETING

16: BIKE TO SCHOOL

20-22: SBA 3RD & 4TH

28-29: SBA 3RD & 4TH

28: SPRING ART FAIR /MUSICAL CELEBRATION

Community Events

This page on the BISD Website publicizes information about community events as a service to non-profit community organizations. These events are perceived as appropriate for students, parents, and families. Interested in submitting news and events? Learn how to do so by visiting our webpage, Distributing News & Events.

Community Events

Non-Discrimination Statement

Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Kristen Haizlip, Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Compliance Officer 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; 206-780-1058; khaizlip@bisd303.org BISD: All Are Welcome