Halilts Newsletter: September 15, 2025

Hello x̌alilc Families! 

If we have not met, my name is Katie Brase and I’m happy to be starting my 10th year as a school counselor and my 5th year at x̌alilc. It is such a privilege to work with all Orcas during my classroom lessons (rotating Wednesdays), and via small groups or one-on-one sessions for some. I enjoy playing a part in helping students develop positive social & emotional skills. From time to time I’ll share resources and information here regarding specific counseling related topics. 

One thing that I would like to spotlight today, is the kick-off of our first of 9 character traits that we will focus on as a school body: the character trait of RESPECT. As in previous years we utilize Character Strong’s curriculum, PurposeFull People. 

We love when families partner with us by focusing on the same trait on the home front. 

One way to think about respect is “seeing value in all people and things & treating them with care.” Many people feel respected in different ways. We hope you’re inspired to have more discussions with your family about what respect means to you and how you can practice it together! 

Very Warmly,

Katie Brase

Come and meet your student's teacher! x̌alilc Back to School Night will be held on one night for 1st-4th Grades. Kindergarten families will not be participating in our Parent/Guardian night due to the WA Kids conference and parent meeting held the first week of school. 

Adults of 1st -4th grade students will meet in the commons and then go to the classrooms.

Boys and Girls Club @ Halilts has offered to provide childcare for only $15.00 per child. Please fill out the attached form if you would like to reserve your spot!

If you have a student at x̌alilc, you are a member of the PTO! We encourage anyone interested in learning more about our amazing school community, as well as learning about volunteer opportunities, school and district information, and all other important information, to please join us at our monthly PTO meetings!

This is an opportunity to say hello, meet one another and learn more about how the PTO supports our students and staff!

Please reach out if you have any questions! 

Annalisa ALberti

Lisa Sipprell

x̌alilc (Halilts) PTO co-presidents

The Halilts PTO is hosting Harvest Festival on Friday, September 26th!

Join us for this free family event as we celebrate the harvest and welcome the start of the new school year. This event is open to all Halilts families on September 26 from 4:30-6:30 pm.

Hands-on learning stations will be outside, such as pumpkin painting, face painting, grain grinding, a photo booth and much more! 

BISD Food and Nutrition services will provide a limited harvest menu in the commons featuring items inspired by our own school garden! Ingredients will be sourced from local farms--like Suyematsu farm down the street!

Join us and kick off the season of fall fun!

Sign-up to join Coach Henry for the next round of HALILTS After-School Multi-Sports. The first session starts Tuesday, Sept. 16ht and the next session will begin in November!

Students will meet Coach Henry outside the front office immediately after school and then head to the gym together. 

Students will play different sports each week. Sports include: basketball, baseball, tennis, football, pickleball, court hockey, and volleyball, among others. All sports equipment is provided and made of soft materials. 

PTO is looking forward to offering chess again this year on Wednesdays after school! 

Club size: up to 24 students

Club time: 2:20-4pm

Location: Covered area under the Library

Cost: $120 per session

Sign-up Here 

Our photographer is scheduled to take school photos the morning of Wednesday, September 24th.

Please read the Picture Day Flyer for information and instructions regarding school photos and online ordering.

Picture retakes will be on Thursday, October 23rd.

One day, one student, one choice at a time.

Like many schools across the country, Halilts has seen a rise in chronic absenteeism. WE ARE TAKING ACTION.

BISD is launching a campaign that encourages students to “Show Up and Show Out” in class, take pride in learning, and build positive, healthy habits together.

Halilts had a chronic absenteeism rate of 17.4% during the 2024/2025 school year.

Our goal is 90% of Halilts students will attend school 90% of school days!

The first BHS varsity home football game of the season kicks off tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. when the Spartans take on Tumwater High School.  

Check out the Fall Sports Spartan Schedule and upcoming events!

All tickets must be purchased online through Hometown Ticketing. Tickets for football and volleyball home games are now available through our online box office. We will no longer accept cash at the gate or door.

Come out and support our Spartans this fall—see you under the lights!

Our food services team is excited to develop new recipes that are healthy and tasty for kids. We are working hard to prepare as many meals as possible here in our kitchens. Please see the monthly menu for daily meal choices that outline options that are cooked by scratch. 

Breakfast served daily from 7:35 am - 7:45 am

Grades K-4: $2.25

Grades K-4: $4.00

Milk: $1

Soy Milk: $1.50

Juice (Grades K-8): $1

Every BISD student has a student meal account where funds can be held to pay for lunch. Funds for student meal accounts can be made by cash, check, or online. The most secure way to pay is via the online system. Students who bring checks or cash to school, should bring it directly to the front office to Sheila or Andrea.

Free and reduced-price lunches may be obtained by any student -- at any time during the school year -- whose family income falls within the guidelines set by the US Department of Agriculture. Families are encouraged to apply. For assistance, call (206-780-1844) or email:  NutritionServices@bisd303.org.

 

This is a one-stop resource for all the information you need about Bainbridge Island School District:

This information is also available in the Family Handbook section on our website, where it can be translated into the language of your choice.

18: Back to School Night 1st & 4th at 5:15pm

18: Back to School Night 2nd & 3rd at 6:30pm

24: Picture Day!

26: Harvest Fair from 4:30pm-6:00pm