Hyla Stories

Stormy Weather Information

November 12, 2015

Stormy Weather Information: With the season’s stormy weather comes fallen trees, power outages, flooding, snow, and ice. The most important thing to know is that Hyla follows the Bainbridge Island School District when it comes to delays or school closures due to weather.  Should you wonder if Hyla will have school or delay its opening, please listen to your radio (KOMO AM 1000 or KIRO AM 710) for updates about the Bainbridge Island School District. Should the Bainbridge Island middle and high schools close or start on a delayed schedule, Hyla will follow suit. King5 has…

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Ringing the bell

November 3, 2015

  When the bell rings to call the Hyla community in from break or lunch, an amazing thing happens: The frisbee stops flying. The cargo net and ga-ga ball pit are evacuated with a sense of urgency. Groups of kids who have been talking with friends begin walking to their next class. No wonder kids like being the one to ring the bell – such power to move the masses to action. How does this happen? It is the power of a well-established norm. Other positive norms permeate the Hyla experience. Students know when they walk into…

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Electives – Round Two

October 23, 2015

Middle school students thrive on choice and variety. One way we support that need at Hyla is through our elective classes. Every quarter, Hyla students choose a general elective class, and a PE elective class from a diverse set of offerings created by faculty members. The broad range of activities offered speaks to the multi-dimensional skills, talents and passions of our incredible faculty. They bring it all to each class, and invite students to explore new interests, subjects, and possibilities. When students choose an elective, they are often choosing an interest or passion that will stay…

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Gaga Ball: a metaphor for Hyla

October 17, 2015

One of the most exciting additions to our campus in the 2014-2015 school year came from our students. When the 8th grade class came back from their retreat at Camp Indianola, they were all abuzz about a game called Gaga Ball. So excited, in fact, that they took the initiative to bring it to Hyla. Thanks to our 8th grade class, Andrew Lovejoy, an elective, donations from ProBuild and parents, our back field is now home to our very own Gaga pit. “I can see the Gaga Pit out my window,” said Vicki. “It reminds me…

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Electives – Round 1

September 3, 2015

Middle school students thrive on choice and variety. One way we support that need at Hyla is through our elective classes. Every quarter, Hyla students choose a general elective class, and a PE elective class from a diverse set of offerings created by faculty members. The broad range of activities offered speaks to the multi-dimensional skills, talents and passions of our incredible faculty. They bring it all to each class, and invite students to explore new interests, subjects, and possibilities. When students choose an elective, they are often choosing an interest or passion that will stay with them…

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Summer Camp Registration is Open

May 6, 2015

Summer Camp at Hyla is back! This year, we are offering two one-week sessions featuring half-day courses in art, theater, science, sports, and engineering. Families may register for a half-day or full-day option for one or both weeks. When: Session I: June 22-26; Session II: June 29 – July 3 Who: Anyone entering grades 5-6-7-8-9 Cost: $160/week half-day, $320/week full-day How to register: Click here to download the registration form return it to Hyla with a check made out to Hyla Middle School to cover class fees. Return the form to Hyla Middle School, 7861 Bucklin Hill Road, Bainbridge…

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Hyland Games

April 29, 2015

The 2nd Annual Hyland Games features outdoor field and carnival style games, prizes, raffles, live music, food trucks and plenty of family fun! Sunday, May 17th Noon – 3:00 PM Hyla Middle School 7861 Bucklin Hill Road Bainbridge Island, WA  98110   In the spirit of traditional Scottish Highland Games, our “Hyland” games provide a unique combination of Hyla Middle Schools’ culture of sportsmanship, honorable competition, community involvement and old- fashioned enjoyments. We invite the surrounding community of all ages to join us for a festive day featuring some of Hyla’s most beloved traditions. A Scottish…

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Improv at Hyla

March 2, 2015

          Last week our 7th grade students took to an empty stage for Hyla’s annual Improv night. Building on the strong ensemble work from last year, students worked together in a collaborative process, learning the art of adaptation and a new expression for creativity. Through a series of improvisation and mask techniques, students showed us that the essentials of this performance style are skills they will need in all areas of life: concentration flexibility cooperation, and courage Beyond physical and vocal expression, theater at Hyla is a path to self-discovery. For more information about our drama program, click…

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Parent Ed TIP

February 23, 2015

As part of our parent education program, “Parenting Right in the Middle,” we offer online TIPs for busy parents. TIPs stands for “Tools for Intentional Parents.” Here are two great resources for keeping normal tween behavior from setting your hair on fire: Looking for a way to move through reactivity? This short video from Dr. Laura Kastner helps parents access the Learner’s Mindset – home base for effective parenting.   Looking for concrete ways to build better communication with your tween? Here’s a 12 point list, from therapist Veronique Burke, MSW, LICSW, to get you started. You’ve heard…

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Our next round of Electives begins!

February 13, 2015

Just glancing at the list of Electives you get a sense of the fun – experimental cooking, printmaking, debate – to name just a few. But Electives are about a lot more than fun. The broad range of activities offered through Electives speak to the multi-dimensional skills, talents, and passions of our faculty. They bring that passion to each activity and invite students to explore a new activity or subject area. When students choose an Elective, they are often choosing a hobby that will stay with them for life, or an area of study that will guide…

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