Bainbridge/North Kitsap briefs
Published 1:30 am Friday, December 17, 2021
Racism message
The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Council has responded to reports that three Kington High School students used racist language against visiting athletes from Olympic High School earlier this month.
There are several Port Gamble S’Klallam students who play on Kingston teams. They have concerns about the racist behavior of their classmates, the council statement says.
It goes on to encourage the administration, teachers and parents to educate young people about racism.
“As uncomfortable as these conversations may be, they are important for our kids’ social development. It is only by addressing the root of the problem that we can ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all our students,” the statement says.
It continues by saying the incident may seem isolated, but that’s just because it’s so public – it is an “unsettling example of a larger, systematic problem.”
Studies show that kids notice and develop ideas about race at a young age and a “color blind” approach in schools minimizes the experiences of young people of color. “When we don’t address racial differences with honesty and self-reflection, it gives space for harmful ideas and biases to fester and grow,” the statement says.
The administration is investigating, and the council expects it will resolve the situation appropriately.
COVID rising
There has been an increase in COVID-19 cases at the Bainbridge Island School District.
From Dec. 15-16, 13 individuals associated with BISD tested positive for COVID. In addition, 19 were identified a close contact to COVID-positive cases.
There were approximately seven additional COVID-positive cases Dec. 17, and BISD’s COVID-tracers are still collecting information. The district plans to send out notifications to impacted schools tonight. Alerts will be posted on the BISD website.
The combination of holiday gatherings, travel,and Omicron could lead to increased case rates over the next couple of weeks.
To reduce complications:
•Get vaccinated: People ages 5 and older are eligible for a COVID vaccine. This is the best way to avoid catching COVID and/or getting really sick.
•Get a booster shot if eligible, which is anyone age 16 and older. Boosters are especially effective against the Omicron variant.
•Be cautious in group settings. Wear masks and social distance.
Phony threats
School districts across the state responded to a video threat by posting warnings, increasing security and canceling classes Dec. 17.
When Bainbridge Island School District became aware of the TikTok video that called for threats they took it seriously.
BISD public relations officer Erin Bischoff said, “While we do not believe the threat to be credible, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking it seriously.”
Bischoff stressed the impact that threats can have on a community. “Even if they are not credible threats, they can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for our students, families and staff. We ask our families to monitor their children’s social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online.”
If you become aware of any potential threat, notify a school staff member or the BISD website at bisd303-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/
PSE grants
Puget Sound Energy has awarded grants to three Bainbridge Island nonprofits and eight countywide out of 433 applicants to help communities heal from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The BI groups are Bainbridge Prepares, Island Volunteer Caregivers and Peacock Family Services.
Others receiving grants were: North Kitsap Fishline, Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center, Our Gems, Central Kitsap Food Bank, and Kitsap Harvest (Kitsap Community Foundation).
The amount of each award was not given in the news release, but the total amount was nearly $800,000.
Funds will specifically support programs addressing racial inequities, health and welfare insecurities, and focus on immediate needs such as food, childcare, shelter and access to other essential services with nearly 50% of funding designated to organizations that primarily serve communities of Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
Play planned
The Kitsap Children’s Musical Theatre will present “Annie” Jan. 13-23, 2022.
Special performances will be Jan. 13 to benefit Fishline and Jan. 22 to benefit foster children.
Performances will be at Gateway Fellowship, 18901 8th Ave. NE in Poulsbo.
“Annie” tells the story of an orphan who charms everyone’s heart as she maneuvers her way through New York City and ends up in the lap of luxury with Depression-era Oliver Warbucks.
For tickets go to www.kcmt.org/tickets/
Mask changes
Effective Jan. 3, 2022, when school resumes after winter break, students in K-6 will no longer be required to wear masks outdoors on Bainbridge Island School District property.
That rule already is in effect in grades 7-12.
Masks are still required indoors, on BISD school buses and at certain spectator events, per Department of Health guidelines.
Also in January, the BISD will implement a Test to Stay optional program for unvaccinated students who are identified as a close contact to a COVID-19-positive person at school. As long as they keep testing negative they can stay in school in a modified way, rather than be quarantined at home as before, to reduce their time away from school.
Coaches needed
The Bainbridge Island School District is in need of an unusually high number of coaches for the upcoming winter and spring seasons.
Coaches are needed for: Head BHS coach for varsity and junior varsity fastpitch softball; along with JV coaches for volleyball at Woodward, boys tennis and assistant JV coach for girls golf at BHS.
Contact the district for details.
Bus driver dies
Bainbridge Island School District superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen has sent condolences to the family of David Mueller, a bus driver who died recently following an illness.
A driver here for five years, he received a BISD STRONG Award in 2019. His nominator wrote, “His positivity helps my child feel encouraged and happy when she walks off the bus and into the rest of her day. He realized that she enjoys fist bumps and high fives and he remembers to do that as she gets off the bus, leaving her completely delighted.”
This year Mueller drove Route 42 (elementary and secondary schools) and the mid-day preschool route for Wilkes Elementary.
