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We Are Bremerton: BSD's community e-newsletter (May 2026)

Posted Date: 05/28/26 (03:00 PM)


We Are Bremerton! BSD's monthly community e-newsletter ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
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We Are Bremerton! BSD's monthly community e-newsletter

May 2026

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A message from your superintendent

As we head into June and close out my first year as superintendent of Bremerton School District, I want to simply say thank you.


Thank you to our students, staff, families, board, and greater Bremerton community for the warm welcome, the honest conversations, and the shared belief that every child deserves opportunity, support, and a future filled with possibility. This year has confirmed what I quickly sensed when arriving here. Bremerton is a resilient, proud, and deeply caring community.


Across our schools, I have seen extraordinary work happening every day. Teachers continue to go above and beyond for students. Support staff build strong relationships and create welcoming environments. Principals lead with heart and purpose. Families continue to partner with us through celebrations and challenges alike.


We are building momentum together. We have a clear plan focused on student success, belonging, high levels of learning, and meaningful opportunities for every student. Bremerton is on the rise.


As we look ahead to graduation ceremonies, promotions, performances, and end of year celebrations, I am filled with optimism and above all, gratitude.


As educator Rita Pierson once said, “Every child deserves a champion. An adult who will never give up on them.”


I see those champions across our district every single day.


Finish this year strong and after we get everyone past the finish line, have a wonderful summer. 


Dr. Slade McSheehy

Superintendent


 
Dr. McSheehy with MVMS teacher Lisa Gordon Ramstad and BHS counselor Lisa Lesueur at AVID Recognition Night at BHS.
 
Dr. McSheehy distributed dictionaries to third graders with Bremerton Rotary at Kitsap Lake Elementary.
 
Dr. McSheehy with the Armed Forces Day Ambassadors at the Armed Forces Day Parade. 


Kitsap Lake Elementary and West Hills STEM Academy receive state recognition

Kitsap Lake Elementary and West Hills STEM Academy have been honored by the Washington School Recognition Program for student growth and improvement in the 2024-25 school year. This prestigious recognition was awarded to only 16% of schools statewide this year, highlighting our district's commitment to success and growth for all students!


At Kitsap Lake Elementary, we are celebrating significant academic improvement among Hispanic/Latino students, multi-racial students, and students with disabilities. Simultaneously, West Hills STEM Academy is being recognized for the outstanding growth of its English Language Learners. 


Congratulations to our hard-working students, teachers, and staff for these incredible achievements! Read the announcement here. 



Be Bremerton 2026 was a huge success!

Be Bremerton 2026 was a huge success with nearly 200 volunteers working in teams to clean up litter and pull weeds in downtown Bremerton. Bremerton before the City's annual Armed Forces Day Festival.


The Bremerton community provides tremendous support to our students and schools all year long. Be Bremerton is our way of giving back and saying “thanks!” Thank you to all the volunteers, to local businesses who opened up their restrooms for our volunteers, and to Seaside Church for providing lunch for all volunteers! 



Armed Forces Day highlights

Bremerton School District was incredibly well-represented at this year's Armed Forces Day Parade! It was wonderful seeing so many smiling BSD faces both in the parade lineup and cheering from the sidewalks.


Check out the fantastic photos (online and below) captured by Meegan Reid with the Kitsap Sun, featuring our Kindergarten Countdown bus, BHS NJROTC, the BHS Drill & Dance Team, the combined BHS & MVMS marching band, BHS Cheer (along with their "minis"), and the Armed Forces Day Ambassadors—four of whom are our very own BHS students Evelyn Bevers, Logan Malnar, Keaton Martinez and Quincy Robinson.


BHS's NJROTC BHS also marched in the parade, and BHS Key Club members volunteered to keep the event running smoothly.

 

 
 

Four Bremerton High School students selected as Armed Forces Day Ambassadors

Ambassadors serve as community representatives, actively participating in the annual Bremerton Armed Forces Day Festival events and parade. 


Ambassadors were recognized at the May Greater Kitsap Chamber luncheon this week. (L-R): junior Evelyn Bevers, senior Keaton Martinez, senior Logan Malnar, and senior Quincy Robinson. The fifth Ambassador (far right) is a Central Kitsap graduate.


Thank you, teachers!

May 4-8 was Teacher Appreciation Week—a time to celebrate the remarkable educators who show up every day for the youth in our community.


The impact of a great teacher stretches far beyond the classroom walls. Strong schools build strong communities, and our educators are at the heart of that foundation. Teaching is so much more than lesson plans and grading; it is a profound commitment to shaping the future of our entire community.


Every day, our teachers step up as mentors, innovators, and pillars of support, providing a safe, welcoming environment where every single student has the opportunity to grow.


We want to thank all of our educators for their passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to our students and community's future. We appreciate you!



May 5:  National School Nurse Day

Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize the incredible professionals who keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Today’s school nurses do so much more than hand out ice packs and bandaids. They manage chronic illnesses, support mental health, and connect families with vital community resources. By keeping students healthy and in the classroom, they not only boost academic success but also give parents peace of mind so they can stay at work. We'd like to thank our school nurses for all they do for our students!


Congratulations to all of our retirees!

Spring is a season of celebration in the Bremerton School District as we honor our students, teachers, and staff. Last week, we hosted a special School Board meeting and reception to celebrate a very important group: our 2026 retirees!


We send our warmest congratulations and most sincere gratitude to all of our retirees. Thank you not just for your years of dedicated service to our district and students, but for being our friends, mentors, and colleagues. You will be deeply missed, but you are forever a part of the Bremerton legacy.


📸 Click here to learn more about our retirees and view photos from the retirement celebration and reception.


Bremerton High School earns state accreditation!

Bremerton High School (BHS) has officially been granted accreditation by the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), joining a select group of schools statewide recognized for meeting high standards of quality and continuous improvement.


While not mandated by the state, BHS chose to pursue this rigorous, year-long review process to ensure our students remain highly competitive for college admissions, scholarships, and military academies. The state panel specifically commended BHS for its strong support of military-connected families, its dedication to an inclusive school culture through restorative practices, and the meaningful collaboration between staff and families.


This six-year accreditation is validation of the hard work happening in our classrooms and an investment in our students’ futures. Click here to read the announcement. 


Bond Program Updates

We are making lots of progress on all of our bond program projects! This bond program is not just about buildings; it's about creating modern, safe, and inspiring learning environments that will serve generations of Bremerton students.


  • Armin Jahr Elementary (AJ) & View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy (VR): The construction team is rapidly erecting walls and placing structural steel posts. Both buildings are now two stories! The VR staff got to tour the construction site recently (see highlight video below), and Armin Jahr staff will be touring the AJ site next week!

  • Consolidated facilities: The site development permit has been submitted, and the team is working toward the next milestone of submitting for a building permit by the beginning of July.

  • HVAC Upgrades: Phase 2 bids were received and the final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) has been approved by the School Board. Phase 1 begins this summer with cooling additions to Kitsap Lake, Crownhill, and Naval Avenue Elementaries.

  • Renaissance High School: Preliminary planning has officially begun!

Armin Jahr Elementary School                                       Monthly Update May

Armin Jahr Elementary School Monthly Update May

The month of May has seen some great progress at the Armin Jahr site. The majority of the first floor is fully framed in with the exception of the gym area. Construction of the second floor is progr

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Click to play: Armin Jahr Elementary School with KORSMO Construction_05112026
View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy                                       Monthly Update

View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy Monthly Update

With the arrival of this beautiful spring, construction has progressed quickly. In the last month, the two classroom wings have had their second floors constructed and the roof erected over each wing

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Click to play: VR Staff Tour 5-13-26
BremertonSchools.org/Bond

Bremerton School District Board Highlights for May 2026

Our May 7th meeting began with a wonderful performance by the Armin Jahr Elementary School students. Third grade dual language students performed “This Land is Your Land” by Las Cafeteras, showcasing their talent and celebrating bilingual learning through music.

Following the performance, foreign exchange students from Bremerton High School shared their experiences attending school in Bremerton. Their reflections offered valuable insight into cultural exchange, student life, and the connections being built within our community.

The board then recognized that May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the history, cultures, contributions, and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

They also recognized and approved a resolution proclaiming May 4 through May 8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week in the Bremerton School District.


At the May 21st board meeting, we had the honor of recognizing our retirees with a special reception and presentation.


OTHER NEWS:


 

Foreign exchange students:

Hanna Lovas- Hungary (speaking)

Lois Matthijssen- Belgium

Mizuna Nagano- Japan

Lina Kuball- Austria

 
Armin Jahr third grade dual language students performing with support from music teacher Mrs. Craig and their teacher Mrs. Oviedo.
 

Assistant Principal John Prosser recognized retiree Wendy McPhetres

The next Regular Board meeting will be June 4th

Join us in-person or online!

Questions about board highlights or the board website "Community?" Please contact marlaina.simmons@bremertonschools.org.

Learn more about the Bremerton School District Board of Directors

Celebrating the Class of 2026

West Sound Technical Skills Center Honor Cord Ceremony

Thursday, May 28
West Sound Technical Skills Center

9 a.m. (morning session) / 11:30 a.m. (afternoon session)

More information


Renaissance High School Graduation

Friday, June 5, 7 p.m.

BHS Performing Arts Center

Learn more


Bremerton High School Graduation Ceremony

Friday, June 12, 7 p.m.

Memorial Stadium

Learn more


BSD Summer Meals program begins June 22

Our summer meals program ensures that all students have access to healthy meals throughout the summer. Kids age 18 or under (or students enrolled in the District, up to age 21) can eat meals and snacks during the summer for no cost at schools, parks, and other neighborhood locations. Please visit our website to download the fliers (English & Spanish) and help us spread the word!

Summer Meals delivery schedule

Are you following us on Facebook & Instagram?

Here are just a few highlights from the past month!

Mountain View Middle School’s Squire Singers present Matilda The Musical Jr.! See the post.


Naval Avenue Elementary students take a journey through the life cycle of a butterfly. See the post. 


BHS UNICEF Club raises funds for humanitarian and developmental aid to children in need across the globe. See the post. 


Check out our latest Principal Perspective videos!



What's happening in the PAC

We are gearing up for year-end event season and the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center calendar is booked with school and community events in June! We invite you to visit https://bhs.bremertonschools.org/pac to see what's happening at the PAC!



Look for BSD at these upcoming Juneteenth events!



Class Reunions

BHS, RHS, West High and East High reunion information


Bremerton School District

The Bremerton School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Carol Bailie at 360.473.1026, or the Section 504 Coordinator, Mark Mayfield at 360.473.4702. Mailing address: 134 Marion Avenue North, Bremerton, WA 98312.

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