Ordway Weekly Newsletter - March 31, 2025

Inside this Newsletter

Dear Ordway Families,

Can you believe April is finally upon us? Full disclosure - I have spring fever starting in February so I am thrilled to see everything blooming - all that PNW rain pays off with spectacular green springs! With improved weather, children here are excited and some even skip their beloved ‘Game Room’ with Mrs. Fay, to enjoy spending time with friends outdoors. Thank you for all of the games you have donated to our amazing Game Room and special appreciation to Mrs. Fay for her willingness to add this to her countless tasks! 

At this time of year, there is also an annual review of the upcoming budget which will include reductions due to the significant deficit. I have heard from numerous parents and I want to assure folks that we are not discussing this with children, nor letting it impact our work with your children. On a couple of occasions when the topic was raised by a child, we assure that child that the ‘grown ups are figuring it out’ and that this is a conversation for grown ups. By June we will know the complete picture and will be able to honor and express our deepest gratitude to any staff impacted. (Please also know, there is a recall process and things could improve over the summer as well.)

In the meantime, thank you for your words of kindness and continued support during this challenging time.

Best,

Debra

Ordway's Science & Maker's Fair is coming - date and time TBD in the Ordway Gym. This is one of our favorite days of the year and we can't wait to see the creativity the kids bring this year!

PTO will be providing trifold boards the week of April 1-4 to all students interested in participating in the fair. One board per project please. If your child is working with a partner or in a group, please only request one board. If possible, we encourage families to re-purpose their boards from last year! 

*The book fair will also be happening the same night in the Ordway library.

 

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. Items will be donated on April 4th.

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.

Helpline House, in partnership with Rotary, is offering Kids‛ Pantry Bags during the upcoming Spring Break. These bags are for youth (through 18) needing additional food during the school break.

Each bag contains enough food for one youth for a week.

PICK UP: During the week of Spring Break (April 7-11), bags can be picked up between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any weekday except Wednesday (Helpline is closed on Wednesdays)

LOCATION: 282 Knechtel Way NE, Bainbridge Island

INFORMATION: Helpline House's website

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.

If you have not already registered your incoming kindergarten sibling in Skyward - please do so as soon as possible. Your diligence helps us with classroom planning for the new school year. Tell your friends to do the same! 

If you are feeling overwhelmed by having to do this task just now, start with an email to Sarah Dunstan, sdunstan@bisd303.org, letting me know to expect an enrollment for your Kindergartener in the near future.

Also (per the ABC section above) let me know if you are planning to move out of the district at the end of the school year- this too will help us with planning out next year.

07: SPRING BREAK

14: PTO MEETING

15: SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

17: SCIENCE MAKER FAIR