Halilts Newsletter: January 20, 2026

Dear Orca Families,

January is a month of reset, and assessment in elementary schools. We have been reviewing and resetting our Three Be Expectations, rebuilding stamina for learning and thinking, and are starting to work on our winter assessment round. We are excited to see the growth our students have been making and will be looking at that data in depth as we finish up in the next couple of weeks.

I have been receiving some wonderful emails, phone calls, and comments from families about our amazing teachers and staff. I love that! Keep them coming, they all love to hear that I received a positive email or comment from parents about how wonderful they are! Thank you so much!

Warmly,

Rhonda Walton, Principal

Kindergarten registration is open! Go to www.bisd303.org/kindergarten to enroll your new student!

Families with a rising kindergartener are invited to learn more about kindergarten options in Bainbridge Island School District. Join us for our general kindergarten information night and program-specific events to explore both neighborhood schools and choice programs.

Let us know about your rising kindergarten student by completing this form.

Blakely Elementary: 4704 Blakely Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Learn about kindergarten from representatives of all BISD elementary schools and get answers to your questions. More information at www.bisd303.org/kindergarten.

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

Sign-ups for conferences opens on Wednesday, January 21 at 3:00 pm through Skyward Family Access.

If you need assistance signing-up, please contact your student's teacher or Sheila Jakubik @ 206-780-3010 or sjakubik@bisd303.org.

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

Childcare Reservation Required! Contact Josh Herrera at jherrera@positiveplace.org or call 206-840-1336.

We’re excited to invite you to a schoolwide Family Bingo Night—an evening of fun, laughter, and community for students and their families! Join us for pizza, prizes and fun - we can’t wait to see you! 

The 2026–27 school year will be here before we know it! We look forward to welcoming families to a series of information nights and transition events this winter and spring. Please save the dates below—February & March events will include additional details and times in our upcoming Community Newsletters.

Commodore Options | 9530 High School Road

Kindergarten Information Night

Kindergarten Information Night

* Lottery note: Applications for Odyssey and El Velero are due Thursday, February 12 at 9:00 a.m.

Sakai Intermediate School

Commodore Options School

Commodore Options School

We look forward to connecting with you and supporting your student’s transition into the 2026–27 school year!

Join Bainbridge Schools Foundation for our annual Gala event on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Kiana Lodge.

This fun and impactful evening includes dinner, an inspiring program featuring student speakers, a live auction, raffles, and more!

Funds raised during the event directly support all BISD schools and help build strong, connected learning communities for students and educators.

Registration closes January 22; gather your friends and register today at bsfgala.org.

As we start the new year, coming to school each day helps our elementary students learn, grow, and feel connected. Being at school gives children the chance to build friendships, practice social skills, and take part in hands-on learning that can’t be replaced.

Regular attendance also helps teachers notice early if a child needs extra support, so we can work together before small challenges become bigger ones. If your family is facing barriers to getting to school, please reach out—we’re here to help.

Let’s make this a year full of learning, connection, and confidence for our students!

21: Conference Sign Ups open via Skyward

22: Kindergarten Orientation @ 6:00 pm at Blakely Elementary

22: x̌alilc 4th Grade Music Concert @ 6:15 pm in Halilts Commons

30: BINGO Night @ 5:30 pm in Commons

11-13: Winter Conferences (No School)

16: Presidents' Day (No School)

17-20: Mid-Winter Break (No School)

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.