Inside this Newsletter
- From the Counselor
- Music Concert
- Library - End of Year
- Lost & Found
- PTO Happenings
- Grad-O-Grams
- Bainbridge Schools Foundation
- Blakely Calendar
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Counselor Connection
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
As we continue to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to share some ways you can support your child’s mental health at home as a family. Families play a vital role in fostering a child’s emotional well-being. While school counselors are here to provide guidance and support, a strong partnership with families can make a world of difference. Here are some simple, yet effective, ways you can help support your child’s mental health:
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Create a Safe Space for Conversations: Encourage your child to talk openly about their feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What made you feel happy or worried today?”
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Establish Routines and Consistency: Consistent routines provide a sense of security. Set regular times for meals, homework, and bedtime to help your child feel grounded and reduce anxiety.
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Model Healthy Coping Strategies: Show your child how to manage stress by using calming techniques like deep breathing, taking a walk, or writing in a journal. They learn by watching you!
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Monitor Screen Time: Encourage breaks from screens and engage in offline activities such as reading, playing games, or spending time outdoors.
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Stay Connected with the School: Reach out to your child’s teacher, or me, if you notice changes in behavior, mood, or academic performance. We’re here to help!
Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. By creating a supportive and understanding environment, a family unit can help a child build resilience and thrive. If you have concerns or need resources, feel free to contact me anytime.
Together, we can work to ensure every child feels seen, heard, and supported. 💜
Always here,
Amanda Keller (she/her), M.Ed.
School Counselor
Blakely Elementary School
206-780-2076
akeller@bisd303.org
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IMPORTANT LIBRARY DATES
LAST DAY FOR STUDENT CHECK OUT - THURSDAY, MAY 29
ALL STUDENT ITEMS DUE - MONDAY, JUNE 23
Weekly notices of student checked out items will be sent to family emails beginning Thursday, May 29th. Lists will also be given to classroom teachers.
The KRL Summer Learning Program begins June 1st. Bainbridge Library youth librarians will be in the library all day Wednesday, May 28 to share information about the program. They will also bring student booklets for classroom teachers to distribute.
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Don't forget to have your student look at lost and found for any missing items! It is overflowing...We are able to return items that are labeled. Everything left on the last day of school will be donated.
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Mark your calendars for the LAST PTO meeting of the year - Friday, June 6 @ 8AM in the Blakely Library |
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Blakely PTO is looking for leaders! Do you have fresh or innovative suggestions to improve our kids' education? Are you a parent who wants to participate in growth and change for the better? Do you love socializing and making new friends? Consider joining the Blakely PTO for the 2025-2026 school year! Check out open positions with details here and feel free to email us with any questions or to express interest: blakely.president@bainbridgeptos.org.
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Blakely’s Field Day is coming - Friday, June 20 @ 12:30-2PM
THE GREATEST SCHOOL DAY OF THE YEAR IS ALMOST HERE! After all of their hard work, our kids deserve a fabulous Field Day!
Extraordinary PE Teacher Alec Grimm and Field Day Coordinator Scott Covey are planning this spectacular event. We will need volunteers to help with set up, games, water balloons and face painting so keep an eye out for sign ups (which will be opening up very soon!).
Reach out to Scott Covey at scottcovey@gmail.com with any questions.
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Do you know students graduating from the Class of 2025?
Grad-O-Grams are special notes, memories, and/or congratulations you can send to students as they head off to new adventures. This is an excellent way for family, friends, neighbors, community members, etc. to show support to graduates!
Completed grams are due by June 5. Shh! This is a secret and grads will receive them the day before graduation.
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We need your help now more than ever to maintain the integrity of Bainbridge Island public schools. State and federal education funding only covers 78% of the cost of a high quality education. Our incredible community via local levies, bonds and your donations through BSF make up the rest.
Bainbridge Schools Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that exists to bridge the substantial education funding gap that exists despite government funding and PTO support.
BSF works in close partnership with the Bainbridge Island School District to ensure its funding reaches 100% of BISD students, kindergarten through 12th grade. Our outstanding public schools consistently rank among the top in the state despite receiving significantly less funding per pupil than Mercer Island, Seattle, North Kitsap, and Bremerton. BSF bridges this gap at the elementary, middle, and high school levels district wide.
This year, our district’s shortfall has never been greater, so we’re focused on funding the critical programs and educators that make our island’s public schools exceptional. Will you join us?
Click here to see how your donations were distributed for the 2023/2024 school year.
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May
29: 1st/2nd Grade Concerts (5:30pm for 1st grade, 6:30pm for 2nd Grade)
June
6: Popcorn Day
6: PTO Meeting 8:00am
5: Kindergarten Artist and Author Night 6-7pm
19 - No School for Juneteenth
20: Field Day (PM)
23: Last Day of School 10:50am dismissal
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SCHOOL INFORMATION
K-4 School Hours
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Monday: 7:50-12:50
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Tuesday-Friday: 7:50-2:20
Preschool Hours:
Tuesday-Friday
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AM: 7:45-10:15
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PM: 11:45-2:20
Phone Numbers
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Main office: 206-842-4752
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Attendance: 206-780-2046 or blattend@bisd303.org
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After-school Transportation: blabus@bisd303.org
Helpful Links
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Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Kristen Haizlip, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator and Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; 206-780-1058; khaizlip@bisd303.org BISD: All Are Welcome
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