Hello Bremerton!
My name is Katie Mizak, and I am proud to introduce myself as the new principal of Bremerton High School. As a lifelong learner, I am excited to empower all students to discover their passions and reach their full potential.
I was born in Columbus, Ohio, as the youngest of three. I was fortunate to have parents who modeled curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge; family vacations always involved museums, historical sites, and ranger-led hikes. I also attended a diverse French immersion public school, where I learned to speak nearly fluent French by 3rd grade. (Much of my French knowledge has since shifted to Spanish, but I’ve retained some!).
These formative childhood experiences have guided my work in education in Chicago over the past 19 years, including 11 years as an assistant principal. I believe that when students are curious and engaged, they gain the agency to break barriers and expand their future opportunities. It is my mission to cultivate classrooms that foster these conditions. Learning alongside students from diverse backgrounds has prepared me to create an inclusive environment where every student feels represented and valued.
Since moving to Bremerton in mid-June, I have spent my time learning as much about this school and community as I can. It is already very apparent that this is a vibrant, proud community with a deep history. Everyone I meet seems to have a connection to BHS—whether as an alum, a coach, or a relative of a student or staff member. How wonderful to have such dedicated community support! I can’t wait to meet more of you at games and events this upcoming year.
When not at work, you can find me with my husband hiking, birdwatching, watching movies, exploring Kitsap County, scouring flea markets or reading. My sister, her husband, and my nieces live in Seattle, and we are thrilled to be living closer to them.
As we kick off the new school year, we are focusing on a few key initiatives to set all students up for success in the classroom:
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Mind Over Mobile: Consistently enforcing our existing mobile device guidelines to minimize classroom distractions.
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On-Time Attendance: Getting students to class on time with the help of a new tardy slip kiosk system.
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Digital Hall Passes: Refining and consistently utilizing our digital hall pass system.
We will hold student assemblies during the first week of school to review these expectations, and we will offer an opportunity in mid-September for families to learn more and ask questions. More details are coming soon!
A few other reminders:
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Summer Knight Days: August 24, 25, and 26. We hope students will swing by to pick up class schedules, tour the building, take ID photos and get ASB cards, and collect textbooks before school starts. See graphics below for details.
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First Day of School: Monday, August 31. Please note that this is a 1-hour, 55-minute early release day so BHS will be dismissed at 12:15 pm
