Tygart Media

Tag: North Mason

  • North Mason Schools: Ratings & Programs

    North Mason School District serves about 2,800 students across three main school sites: Hawkins Middle School, Sand Hill Elementary, and North Mason High School. If you’re new to Belfair or weighing the district against Shelton or Central Kitsap schools, here’s what you need to know from someone who lives here.

    The Schools: What You’ll Find

    Sand Hill Elementary (791 NE Sand Hill Rd, Belfair) is the starting point for K-5 students. The building has been through upgrades in recent years, and focuses on early literacy, STEM integration, and arts. Teachers here tend to know families by name. The school holds family engagement events like Future Cougar Night and Fall Fest. After-school care is available through the Theler Wetlands Center.

    Hawkins Middle School (1775 NE Hawkins Rd, Belfair) takes students in grades 6-8. This is where band, choir, and electives start. Hawkins runs a strong athletics program with volleyball, basketball, and cross country teams competing across the Olympic League. The school has a technology lab and library that feels like the heart of the building.

    North Mason High School (14550 Belfair-Allyn Rd SW, Belfair) sits on a sprawling 60-acre campus. Home of the Bulldogs, NMHS is a full-service high school with nearly 1,100 students. You’ll find college-prep tracks, vocational programs, sports, performing arts, and strong AP offerings. Phil Pugh Stadium hosts Bulldog football and track, and the school is known for quality athletes and musicians.

    Enrollment & Recent Changes

    The district has faced headwinds. Enrollment dipped from about 3,100 in 2018 to roughly 2,800 today. This decline has forced budget squeezes. In 2026, the district proposed a $5.5 million annual replacement levy for the fourth time in recent years, after voter rejections in November 2025 and February 2026. The levy funds music, athletics, after-school programs, and security staffing.

    That said, the district has not cut academic programs. Reading and math scores remain competitive with similar-sized districts in Washington.

    Programs & Extracurriculars

    North Mason offers sports: football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, and track. Music and arts are strong: band and choir at both Hawkins and NMHS, drama productions, and art classes. Visual arts electives include ceramics, painting, and digital design.

    Special education services are available at all three schools, including resource rooms, speech/language pathology, occupational therapy, and counseling.

    Academics & Testing

    Washington State assessments show North Mason performing near the state average. The district maintains partnerships with Olympic College (Bremerton) and Clover Park Technical College for dual-credit programs. The district offers AP courses in English, U.S. History, Biology, and Calculus at NMHS.

    How It Compares

    Compared to Shelton (about 25 miles south), North Mason is smaller and more rural. Shelton has more vocational options. Central Kitsap (Silverdale-area district) is larger with more amenities, but significantly pricier real estate. North Mason’s advantage is community. Your kids’ teachers know your family.

    The School Board & Parent Voice

    The five-member school board meets twice monthly at the district office (14550 Belfair-Allyn Rd SW). Meetings are open to the public. Parent organizations (PTO/PTA) are active at each school.

    Getting Involved

    New families should attend Future Cougar Night at Sand Hill Elementary each spring. The Theler Wetlands Center also offers after-school care and summer camps. Ask your neighbors about the sports teams and music programs their kids love.

    What are the North Mason School District schools?

    North Mason School District has three main schools: Sand Hill Elementary (K-5), Hawkins Middle School (6-8), and North Mason High School (9-12).

    How do North Mason schools compare to Shelton or Central Kitsap?

    North Mason is smaller and more rural. Shelton has more vocational programs. Central Kitsap is larger with higher test scores but significantly pricier real estate. North Mason excels at community connections.

    Does North Mason High School offer AP courses?

    Yes. North Mason High School offers AP courses in English, U.S. History, Biology, and Calculus, plus dual-credit programs with Olympic College and Clover Park Technical College.

    What sports are available?

    High school sports include football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, and track. Middle school has volleyball, basketball, and cross country.

    How do I enroll my child?

    If you live in the district, your child is automatically assigned. New families should attend Future Cougar Night at Sand Hill Elementary in spring or contact 14550 Belfair-Allyn Rd SW.

  • Belfair Events Calendar: Year-Round Happenings

    If you’ve just moved to Belfair or Allyn, you might wonder what goes on around here socially. The answer: more than you’d expect. North Mason has a robust calendar of community events, farmers markets, church gatherings, and volunteer opportunities. Here’s where to find them and how to get plugged in.

    Spring & Early Summer Events

    North Mason Community Carnival typically kicks off in May at North Mason High School. This is the big community gathering—think dunk tank, face painting, local business booths, school clubs, and food vendors. It’s well-attended by families from Belfair, Allyn, Tahuya, and beyond. Check the North Mason School District website in April for the exact date and details.

    Fourth of July Celebration at Theler Wetlands Center includes a parade down Highway 3, live music, fireworks, and family activities. This is a core North Mason tradition. The event usually starts in the morning with the parade, followed by food, crafts, and fireworks at dusk. Arrive early for parade-side seating.

    Farmers Market season runs roughly June through September at various locations. The North Mason Farmers Market operates on Saturdays at the Theler Center (600 NE Roessel Rd, Belfair). Local growers, honey vendors, bakeries, and craft makers set up. It’s a great way to meet neighbors and shop local.

    Fall & Winter Events

    North Mason Holiday Market takes place in early December, typically around the first or second weekend. Local artisans and makers set up booths at the Theler Center or a nearby venue. It’s a mix of holiday gifts, baked goods, wreaths, and handmade items—very much a local-first shopping opportunity.

    Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting is held downtown Belfair (along Highway 3) and usually includes the Belfair fire and police departments, local floats, caroling, and a tree lighting ceremony. This is a smaller, more intimate affair than the Fourth of July parade, but no less heartfelt.

    Holiday Light Displays spring up throughout North Mason in December. Many residents decorate their homes and yards, and the Theler Center often hosts a decorated grounds walk.

    Regular Programming & Community Spots

    Theler Wetlands Center (600 NE Roessel Rd, Belfair) is the heartbeat of community activity. They host classes, workshops, nature walks, and evening programs almost every week. Check their website for the current schedule—offerings change seasonally and include art classes, gardening workshops, nature education, and community dinners.

    North Mason Timberland Library (23081 NE SR 3, Belfair) runs story times, book clubs, computer classes, and kids’ programs. The library is also a bulletin board for community notices and local events. After the remodel completion in spring 2026, expect even more programming.

    North Mason Parks & Recreation offers sports leagues, swimming, fitness classes, and day camps. Their program guide is available at the Theler Center and online. Youth sports are big here: Little League, soccer, volleyball, and basketball leagues run year-round.

    Churches & Faith Communities are active throughout North Mason. Belfair Bible Church, Tahuya Community Church, and several others host Sunday services, potlucks, youth groups, and community service projects. Check local church bulletin boards or ask neighbors for details.

    Volunteer Opportunities

    The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (based at the PNW Salmon Center) regularly hosts volunteer workdays for trail maintenance, planting, and stream restoration. The Theler Wetlands Center also recruits volunteers for events, teaching, and facility maintenance.

    The North Mason School District PTO/PTAs always need volunteers for events, fundraisers, and classroom support. The fire department runs a community volunteer program. And the Belfair/Allyn community service organizations (Lions Club, Rotary) welcome new members.

    How to Stay in the Loop

    Facebook Groups & Community Pages: The North Mason Community Facebook group and Belfair North Mason Residents page are where locals post events, ask questions, and share news. Join these groups to get real-time alerts about gatherings and opportunities.

    North Mason Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber publishes a monthly calendar and partners with the new Visitor Center at the Salmon Center (opening 2026). Stop by or call for a printed events calendar.

    Theler Center Newsletter: Sign up for their email list at theler.org to get advance notice of classes, events, and workshops.

    Library Website & Bulletin Board: The Timberland Library website lists all library programs, and their physical bulletin board is packed with local flyers and event notices.

    School District Website: North Mason School District’s website and calendar have all school events, sports schedules, and community calendar items.

    Local Newspapers & Email Alerts: The Mason County Journal publishes event listings. WSDOT, parks, and the county also send email alerts for major events and closures.

    Seasonal Highlights & Recreation

    Spring: Carnival, farmers market opens, outdoor classes at Theler. Summer: Fourth of July, farmers market at peak, nature camps, swimming at the Theler pool. Fall: harvest festivals, school events, volunteers tree planting. Winter: Holiday Market, Christmas Parade, holiday lights, indoor programs at Theler and library.

    When is the North Mason Community Carnival?

    The North Mason Community Carnival typically happens in May at North Mason High School. Check the school district website in April for the exact date, time, and details.

    What is the Fourth of July celebration like in North Mason?

    The Fourth of July celebration at Theler Wetlands Center includes a morning parade down Highway 3, live music, family activities, food vendors, and fireworks at dusk. It’s a major community event attended by families from throughout North Mason.

    Where is the farmers market in Belfair?

    The North Mason Farmers Market operates on Saturdays from June through September at Theler Wetlands Center (600 NE Roessel Rd, Belfair). Local growers, bakers, and craft makers set up booths.

    What programs does the Theler Wetlands Center offer?

    Theler Wetlands Center hosts weekly classes, workshops, nature walks, art programs, gardening classes, and community events. Offerings change seasonally. Check theler.org for the current schedule.

    How do I find volunteer opportunities in Belfair?

    Volunteer opportunities exist with the Theler Wetlands Center, Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, North Mason School District PTOs, the fire department volunteer program, and service organizations like Lions Club and Rotary. Check Facebook community groups for announcements.

  • Hood Canal Shellfish Season Opens with New 2026 Rules — Tahuya Trail Closure and What’s Coming This Summer

    Spring is here and so is shellfish season along Hood Canal! If you’re heading out to dig clams or harvest oysters, take note of the new 2026 rules that kicked in April 1 — the minimum size for cockles is now 2½ inches, and geoduck limits have dropped to one per person per day. Potlatch State Park’s clam, mussel, and oyster season is open through May 31, so grab your shellfish license and your Discover Pass and get out there.

    Over at Tahuya State Forest, heads up that portions of the Howell Lake Loop Trail remain temporarily closed due to a washed-out bridge. Plenty of other trails are open for ORV riding, mountain biking, and hiking — just stick to marked routes and remember your Discover Pass.

    Looking ahead, the Theler Wetlands trail system is getting a major upgrade this summer. Construction begins on a new pedestrian boardwalk in the footprint of the removed levees, fully reconnecting the estuary trail loop. And Belfair State Park’s Tree Loop campground opens for reservations May 15 — start planning those summer weekends on the water.

    • Shellfish 2026 Rule Changes (April 1): Cockle minimum size 2½ inches; geoduck limit 1/person/day
    • Potlatch State Park shellfish season: Open through May 31
    • Tahuya Howell Lake Loop: Partial closure — bridge washout; other trails open
    • Theler Wetlands boardwalk: Construction starting summer 2026
    • Belfair State Park Tree Loop: Reservations open May 15

  • Belfair Business Beat: Sweetwater Creek Ribbon Cutting April 10, Industrial Development on the Horizon

    Something new is opening in Belfair this week — and it’s been a long time coming.

    The Sweetwater Creek Waterwheel Park holds its official ribbon-cutting celebration on Thursday, April 10 at 1 p.m., hosted by the North Mason Chamber of Commerce. The park sits just off Highway 3, right next to Belfair Elementary School and across from the Theler Wetlands.

    The Sweetwater Creek project was developed through a partnership between the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (PNW Salmon Center) and the Port of Allyn. It features the only freshwater ADA-accessible fishing access in Mason County, along with new bridges, trails, a nature playground built from natural materials like boulders and logs, native plant installations, solar panels, and a small hydropower system. It’s free and open to the public — and opened March 31.

    • Ribbon Cutting: Thursday, April 10 at 1:00 PM
    • Location: Next to Belfair Elementary School, across Hwy 3 from Mary E. Theler Wetlands
    • Developer: Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group + Port of Allyn
    • Admission: Free

    Also on the radar: Puget Sound West Industrial Development at 25400 SR-3 — a Class A industrial project at the Mason/Kitsap county line with up to 1.4 million square feet planned. Watch for leasing news.

  • Sweetwater Creek Waterwheel Park Opens in Belfair — Ribbon Cutting April 10

    Something special is happening right in the heart of Belfair — and if you’ve driven past Belfair Elementary on Highway 3, you may have already spotted it. Sweetwater Creek Waterwheel Park is opening its gates, and the North Mason Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting celebration on Thursday, April 10 at 1 p.m.

    This isn’t just another park. Sweetwater Creek Waterwheel Park is a years-in-the-making community vision brought to life by the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (also known as the PNW Salmon Center, right off NE Roessel Road in Belfair). Tucked just across Highway 3 from the Theler Wetlands, the park features the only freshwater ADA fishing access in all of Mason County — a real game-changer for families and anglers of all abilities.

    The park also includes native plant gardens, a nature playground, solar panels, and interpretive trails connecting people to the salmon that make Hood Canal country so special. It officially opened to the public on March 31 and is free and open to all.

    The Salmon Center has been a quiet pillar of North Mason life for years — running Salmon in the Classroom, hosting story-time events for babies at their Belfair campus, and stewarding Hood Canal’s watershed one stream at a time. This park is their love letter to Belfair, and the whole community is invited to the celebration Thursday.

    Ribbon Cutting: Thursday, April 10 at 1:00 PM
    Location: Sweetwater Creek Waterwheel Park, next to Belfair Elementary, across Hwy 3 from Mary E. Theler Wetlands
    Hosted by: North Mason Chamber of Commerce — Free and open to the public

  • North Mason Schools & Youth Update — April 8, 2026

    The biggest date on the North Mason School District calendar right now isn’t a school dance — it’s April 28. That’s when ballots are due for the district’s replacement levy, the third attempt after voters turned it down in both February and November 2025. The four-year levy would authorize up to $5.5 million per year to fund music programs, middle and high school athletics, school security officers, after-school activities, and help replace the aging community gymnasium roof.

    After the levy failures, Superintendent Kristine Michael told the Mason County Journal the district has been “squeezing every dollar,” with an estimated $1 million-plus shortfall from lower-than-projected enrollment already forcing staff reductions. Ballots should be arriving in mailboxes soon — registration deadline is April 20.

    On a brighter note, your NMHS Bulldogs baseball squad is off to a solid 4-2 start this spring. The ‘Dogs blanked East Jefferson 2-0 in Belfair on Saturday before topping North Kitsap on Monday. Spring sports are rolling, and it’s a great time to get out to Phil Pugh Stadium and cheer on North Mason’s student athletes.

    Looking ahead: Sand Hill Elementary hosts Future Cougar Night on April 14 for families with kids entering kindergarten this fall — a fun evening to meet teachers and tour the school. And mark your calendars for NMHS’s production of Mean Girls on May 29–30 at the Toni M. Smith Auditorium (6:30 PM, $10 w/ASB or $12 general admission).

    • April 20 — Voter registration deadline for April 28 levy election
    • April 14 — Future Cougar Night at Sand Hill Elementary
    • April 28 — NMSD replacement levy ballot deadline
    • May 29–30 — NMHS Mean Girls production, Toni M. Smith Auditorium