Christina T Henry

Christina T Henry is a freelance journalist reporting on local news from the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond. Chris lives in Port Orchard and formerly wrote for the Kitsap Sun. Her beats have included education, local government and that quirky and capricious grab-bag we call community news. She enjoys our beautiful PNW trails, open water swimming and cycling.

Peninsula School District sticks with plan to curtail Chinese program

May 17, 2022

Despite efforts by Chinese language students to save Chinese 1 in the upcoming school year, Peninsula School District is going through with its plan to cut the entry-level course because enrollment fell short. Students organizing the campaign hosted a social media push and website, garnering testimonials from former and current students about the relevance and

‘Digital citizenship’ a key part of the curriculum at Peninsula schools

May 12, 2022

Time was, the job of an IT director was all about making sure students had enough devices and that everyone could get online. These days, Kris Hagel, director of digital learning at Peninsula School District, spends his time supporting teachers instructing students about “digital citizenship,” informing parents of ways to monitor and evaluate their child’s

Water circulation problem closes Gig Harbor High School pool

May 06, 2022

The pool at Gig Harbor High School is closed because of a mechanical failure in the water circulation system. Problems with the electrical system and pump led to the temporary closure, Patrick Gillespie, director of facilities, said Thursday. An electrician addressed the electrical issue. Now the district is working with a contractor to check out

Students rally to save Chinese language program at Peninsula School District

Apr 28, 2022

Students in Peninsula School District’s Chinese language classes are joining forces to raise awareness about impending cuts they say will spell an end to the program. District officials have already made the decision to offer classes only at Gig Harbor High School next year, ending instruction at Kopachuck Middle School and Peninsula High School. According

Inside Gig Harbor’s (Nerf) War zone

Apr 27, 2022

Ryan Pickles and Isaac Gary got lucky on opening day of Nerf Wars 2022. “The very first night, me and Ryan, we were hunting this one team called Moctezuma’s Revenge. So, we know where one of them lives,” Gary said. The team member has a twin sibling also playing the game — a long-standing tradition

Gig Harbor Dance Team boogies away with a state title

Apr 14, 2022

Members of the Gig Harbor High School Dance Team held hands and squeezed their eyes shut, praying, hoping. When second-place Shorewood was announced, “we started just immediately crying because we knew that the team that got second, it was an amazing team,” said Ashlyn Francisconi, Gig Harbor’s co-captain. Gut instinct told them they were about

Want a say in Peninsula schools’ future? Here’s how to weigh in on the district’s strategic plan

Apr 13, 2022

Peninsula School District’s draft Strategic Plan 2022-26 is open for public comment through May 6

Chinese language students from Gig Harbor connect with school in Taiwan

Apr 11, 2022

Peninsula School District will phase out middle school Chinese classes next year. Low enrollment cited.

Learning, construction happening simultaneously at Peninsula middle schools

Mar 17, 2022

Kopachuck Middle School students ran in from recess on March 10 along a walkway bordered by a tall chain-link fence. On the other side, the metal framework of a large, new structure was taking shape day by day. The building, destined to become the new school entrance and administrative wing, is part of a $33

Covid masks come off in Peninsula schools … or not

Mar 14, 2022

Gig Harbor High School students streamed into the commons Monday, most of them going without Covid-19 masks at school for the first time in almost two years. “I feel really good,” freshman Max Potashnick said. “I feel like I don’t have to worry about not bringing a mask. I feel a lot more free, if