Dear Bainbridge Island School District Families,

Welcome to the 2017-18 school year!

This is my favorite time of year. In addition to the smell of ripened blackberries in the air, fall is a time of great optimism and excitement. Across the Island, I have witnessed students and parents excitedly share their hopes and dreams about the new school year. Some students are excited to learn a new instrument in 5th-grade band, some students are excited for STEM lab in our elementary schools and many students cannot wait to reunite with their friends. Overall, kids, parents and staff are ready for a successful launch of the school year.

I also recognize that in addition to excitement, there can be some nervousness and jitters about the new school year. To every student and parent, please be assured that our staff members are here to ensure that students feel safe, welcomed and respected at school. From our bus drivers to our kitchen staff to our teachers, Bainbridge Island School District staff will work hard to support each and every student in our system. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s experience, I encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor, or principal for assistance. If after reaching out at the school level you believe you need further support, do not hesitate to contact my office at 206-780-1052.

I am proud of my BISD colleagues who have been hard at work preparing for the new school year. Our custodians, grounds and maintenance crews and technology staff have worked throughout the summer to ensure our schools are clean, updated and ready for the new year.  In addition to our year-round employees, our school staff members are back in their buildings and are taking extra care to prepare classrooms and organizing opening-day events to ensure a smooth and welcoming return for our students. Please join me in thanking the many hardworking staff who have been preparing for our first day of school and beyond.

I will be visiting all the schools during the first week and look forward to celebrating the new school year with students, staff and parents. In addition to my regular school visits, I will be holding open office hours (see details in the newsletter below) and the Bainbridge Schools Foundation is sponsoring Coffee with the Superintendent events throughout the year. This is a great opportunity for me to connect with the community.  

Enjoy your last few days of summer, and join me in an enthusiastic count-down to the first day of school.

Warm regards,

Peter Bang-Knudsen, Ed.D
Superintendent