Halilts Newsletter: June 2, 2025

Dear Orca Families,

We’re now on the final stretch of the school year, which is always a bittersweet time for educators. While we’re all looking forward to a break—time to relax and spend with family and friends—it’s also hard to say goodbye to our students as they move on to the next grade or head off to 5th grade. Teaching is unique in that way: you grow close to your students, and then they move on. It’s truly bittersweet!

Many of you have experienced firsthand the changes and challenges our district has faced this year. It’s starting to feel like things have settled a bit, allowing us to focus on ending the year well with joy and a strong final push for learning.

Thank you for the ways that you have supported your students, their teachers, and the x̌alilc staff as a whole. Your encouragement and kind words and acts have helped sustain us and given us the energy to continue to be focused on your students and progress. 

May was an exciting month with our 3rd and 4th graders taking the SBA tests, the 4th graders attending Outdoor Education at IslandWood, and then visiting Sakai. I even had the chance to stay overnight at IslandWood—it was quite an adventure!

As the days get longer and warmer, your students may stay up later and spend more time outside. Transitions can be challenging for many students, especially as the school year comes to a close. You can help by maintaining a routine. A consistent schedule provides stability and a sense of control, which many students find comforting. It’s normal to face some challenges as the year wraps up—patience, listening, and routine will remind you that “this too shall pass.” Watch with wonder as your child grows and matures right before your eyes. What a gift!

Wishing you many joyful moments with your students as we race through June!

Sincerely,

Rhonda Walton

On Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6, kids will be building and launching paper rockets and airplanes at recess with Ms. Hatleveit and much loved former teachers Mr. Covert and Mr. Pearsall.

These awesome teachers will lead the activities, but they need helpers to make sure the kids get enough support. Could you be one of those helpers? SIGN-UP NOW to help!

The BHS Spartronics program will be on hand on Thursday with some super cool robots as well! These recesses are always a kid favorite. Check out some footage from last year!

Summer volunteers are needed to keep our school garden alive and thriving over the spring and summer!

Please SIGN UP HERE for one (or more weeks) to water the school garden 4 days (or more) a week. There are also a few weekends in June where we also need volunteers! 

After signing up, you will receive a confirmation email with your assignment and watering instructions. It's all pretty simple and is a fun way to visit the school and playground and enjoy the garden over the summer! 

Thank you to our fantastic school garden volunteers!

Questions? Contact halilts.president@bainbridgeptos.org

Kate March & Annalisa Alberti

x̌alilc (Halilts) PTO Co-Presidents

Learn more at: https://bainbridgeptos.org/halilts/

Thanks to your generous donations through Move-a-thon in the fall, we have a fresh five-year food and water supply for every classroom in the x̌alilc building!

In addition, all PTOs in the district received a $13,506 grant from the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club to stock emergency supplies like toileting buckets, radios, blankets and more in every classroom.

Now we need your help to organize and distribute these supplies. We are looking for five volunteers to help us fill the supply tubs and distribute them to classrooms.

Notices of student checked out/missing items will be sent to family emails beginning Thursday, May 29th. 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!.

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.

From kindergarten classrooms to high school programs, Bainbridge Schools Foundation helps fund academic intervention, educator resources, and student well-being programs that reach every school and every student.

This spring, we’re working to raise $100,000 by June 30, and every dollar donated will be matched up to $40,000 by a generous BSF supporter. If you've been waiting to make a donation, now's your chance to double your impact!

Your gift, no matter the size, helps ensure all Bainbridge students continue to have access to the opportunities and support they need to learn and thrive! 

Make your donation today.

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!

We also have several pairs of eye glasses and other small items in the office.

All lost and found from the buses is organized by BISD's Adult Living Program.

 Click here to see a photo gallery of found items and call 206-780-1485 for retrieval.

Portable E @ next to Ordway Elementary school

If you have a student who will be attending Sakai next year or you want to sport some Sakai threads, spirit wear is new and ready for purchase!  

Click on the link to purchase spirit wear before the summer so you are ready for next school year! Quantities are limited and your order must be placed by June 9th. 

Halilts families who order Sakai spirit wear will be able to pick up at Halilts the week of June 16th!

5: Spartronics + Airplanes & Rockets at lunch recess

6: Airplanes & Rockets at lunch recess

10: Special Tuesday School Board Meeting @ 5:45 pm

14: Graduation - Congrats, Class of 2025!

19: Juneteenth - No School

20: Ice Cream Social 6:00 pm

23: Field Day

23: Last Day of School - 10:50 am Dismissal