Wildcat News - October 8, 2025

Hello Wildcat families!

I’m Danielle Warman, your Associate Principal. This is my second year at Woodward, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of this incredible community. As an island resident, my husband and I are raising three kids (two in BISD and our littlest just starting preschool) alongside three very spirited dogs! I chose to be a middle school AP because I deeply believe that thriving, healthy middle schoolers are the heart of a strong, safe, and vibrant community.

Now that you know a little about me, I want to share something that makes a huge difference for our students—and it involves you! Our PTO donations directly fuel the programs and resources that make Woodward extraordinary. From academic interventions (IXL), to emergency supplies, assemblies, field trips, student clubs, sound equipment, and even our school values posters—these are all made possible by your generosity.

Unlike typical fundraisers that ask students to sell things, our BIG GIVE fundraiser is all about community participation. Every donation, no matter the size, directly supports engagement, growth, and opportunities for every Wildcat.

We know fall is busy, but taking just a moment to contribute can have a lasting impact on our students’ experiences. We appreciate your support, your generosity, and your commitment to making Woodward the best place to learn and grow.

Thank you for being a vital part of our Wildcat family!

Sincerely,

Danielle Warman

WMS Associate Principal

Wildcat Families,

Your Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) needs your help to fund the programs that keep Woodward great! Every year, your generous contributions fund essential programs like student clubs, engaging school assemblies, and vital classroom grants that directly benefit every student.

If we don't reach our goal of $60,000, we'll have to make cuts to these wonderful programs. We've hit a huge milestone, reaching over 1/3 of our total goal, but we need to get to $60,000 to fully fund everything we have planned!

Please donate today! Click HERE to donate online. 

Cash or check donations can be turned into the office (email us if you need another pledge form). The suggested donation is $150 per student, but all levels of giving are valued!

We're counting on you to help us reach the finish line. A huge THANK YOU to the many generous families who have donated already! 

If you have any questions, please reach out to woodward.fallapalooza@bainbridgeptos.org

Once a month, starting in October, OurGEMS will hold meetings for all interested 8th grade girls. OurGEMS (Girls Empowered Through Mentoring and Service) is the premiere source to empower girls to reach their fullest potential by building skills and resources that cannot be taken away. Through mentoring, OurGEMS promotes self-esteem, the value of education, and the development of leadership skills by the introduction of diverse experiences and perspectives. Interested students will attend an information session this Thursday, October 9th, in the library during 5th period. Students who would like to continue with the program will need a signed permission form from their parent or guardian. OurGEMS will meet during 5th period every 2nd Thursday of the month through May 2026.

Zach Burnham, our community’s K-9 and Community Resource Officer with the Bainbridge Island Police Department, will be leading a discussion group with interested 8th-grade boys beginning in October. Zach will work with students to discuss topics around social media, mental health, how to seek help, and dealing with daily stressors and peer pressure. Interested students will attend an information session on Thursday, October 9th, in Room 206. Students who would like to continue with the program will need a signed permission from their parents/guardians. Zach’s Group will meet every 2nd Thursday of the month.

If you have additional questions about these groups, please contact Patti Beer, 8th Grade Counselor at pbeer@bisd303.org

This month we’re highlighting the importance of healthy routines that support regular attendance. Families play a key role in helping students arrive at school ready to learn.

Every day counts! When students come to school rested, prepared, and on time, they build strong habits for life.

Discover all the fun happening beyond the classroom! Our before and after school clubs offer students a chance to explore their interests and make new friends with peers who share their passions.

Yearbooks are more than just a keepsake—they’re a special part of our end-of-year tradition, where friends and classmates come together to sign and celebrate. Don't miss out on the fun!

If your student would like a 2025-2026 Woodward yearbook, the deadline to purchase is Friday, December 19th.  We will then provide the number of copies sold by that date to the publisher and there will be no extra copies available at the end of the year.

If you're unsure whether you've already ordered a yearbook, please contact Kristin Gellert at (206) 780-4501 or kgellert@bisd303.org. 

If you need financial assistance for a yearbook please click on the following link:  Scholarship Application Form.

Our school is participating in the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey this October. The survey will be administered on the following dates:

The Healthy Youth Survey includes questions related to physical activity, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, interpersonal relationships, school experiences, risk and protective factors, and access to school-based services. Survey results are used by schools, communities, and State agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risks. Participation in the survey is voluntary and steps are taken to ensure student privacy. There are no names or codes used to link a survey back to a student.

Please read this very important document with frequently asked questions and information about the survey: Healthy Youth Survey for Parents & Youth 

To opt your student out, please call the Front Office at 206-780-4501.

Fall Referral Window: September 29–October 10, 2025

BISD’s Highly Capable (HC) referrals are welcome during our fall window for students new to our district (since February 2025) in grades 1–11. (Referrals for Kindergarten and currently enrolled BISD students will open during our spring window.)

If you’d like your student considered for HC services, please visit our BISD Highly Capable page for the timeline, program details, and the referral form.

Please complete the BISD referral and email documentation (e.g., assessment scores, grades, placement letters) to Whitney Skarbek at wskarbek@bisd303.org.

Deadline: Submit the referral (and any supporting documents, if applicable) by end of day Friday, October 10, 2025.

Questions or need assistance? Contact Whitney Skarbek at wskarbek@bisd303.org.

Save the date to join us next Wednesday for our monthly PTO Meeting. You can join in person or online. We would love to welcome you and hear your ideas!

Online meeting access: https://meet.google.com/rhc-poeu-zvn

Phone access: 1 262-682-3694‬ PIN: ‪337 801 443‬#

WMS Wishlist —

If you are looking to contribute to the school year but don't have the availability to volunteer your time, check out the WMS Wishlist! These items range from basic classroom necessities, like tissues and preferred pens, to student incentives.

We are looking for some enthusiastic volunteers to help out with the Eighth Grade Banquet that will take place on May 30th. We are hoping that you could share one of your many talents and contribute in some way. Whether you're a master of decorations, a spreadsheet wizard, or just really good at showing up with a smile, there's a role for everyone. 

Please take a moment and fill out our volunteer form so we can see where your interests lie. 

Thanks for helping us make this night unforgettable (and maybe a little sparkly).

—Your Eighth Grade Banquet Committee

Monday: Early Release/ Seminar Schedule - 9:00AM - 2:00PM

Tuesday-Friday: Regular Schedule - 9:00AM - 3:30PM

9: School Board Meeting - 5:45 @ BISD Board Room

15: Unity Day - Wear Orange

15: Home Softball Game - 4:00 @ BHS

17: Home Track Meet - 4:00 @ WMS

21: Home Softball Game - 4:00 @ BHS

22: PTO Meeting - 6:00pm @ WMS

24: Fallapalooza

30: School Board Meeting - 5:45 @ BISD Board Room