Coho Connection 09/09/25

Dear Sakai Families,

Thank you so much for the support in getting your student into the routine of the year. It has been a really wonderful start. Last Tuesday, we had our Opening Day Ceremony, as we do every year, to celebrate the start of school. The highlight was certainly hearing our choir sing and the moving speeches of 6th-grade students, Eleanor and Greta. They spoke eloquently on the theme of fostering a school where everyone belongs, is kind, and feels included. Their speeches were inspirational and set a positive tone for the year. We are so proud of them!

Yesterday was our first COHO lesson. This designated time for Social-Emotional learning will happen each Monday to start the day. Yesterday's lesson was on explaining COHO time as well as introducing the core curriculum we use, CharacterStrong. We also had time for some community-building games. 

One aspect of CharacterStrong challenges students with a “Dare” to try throughout the week. In line with that, there is a weekly “Family Dare”. This week’s Family Dare is to celebrate a kind beginning of the school year. Ask everyone, including adults, in the family to respond to, “What is one way you want to grow in kindness toward others this year?” 

I hope you have a great week, Sakai!

Drew

Please join us for back to school Parent/Guardian Night. 

Fifth grade Parent/Guardian Night is on Tuesday, September 16th from 5:15 - 6:30 pm, starting in the gym. 

Sixth grade Parent/Guardian Night is on Wednesday, September 17th from 5:15 - 6:15 pm, in your student's homeroom classroom.

Our photographer is scheduled to take school photos the morning of Tuesday, September 23rd.

Please read the Picture Day Flyer for information and instructions regarding school photos and online ordering.

Picture retakes will be on Wednesday, October 22nd.

Please join us for our first 2025-2026 school year PTO meeting!

In person at Sakai or Online via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent to families prior to the meeting.

All are welcome!!!!

 

*Please note – going forward, PTO will hold monthly meetings every third Thursday of the month at 9 am.

We are excited to share that all students in grades 6–12 will receive brand-new Chromebooks for take-home use this school year! These updated devices replace the older models that were first issued back in 2021–2022. With this upgrade come a few important changes we want every student and family to understand:

What You Need to Know:

Families no longer need to purchase Chromebook insurance. Instead, every new Chromebook includes a Device Protection Plan that covers accidental damages for the next four years. (This plan is managed by a third-party company, not BISD.)

There is no extra cost for families. The plan was bundled in when the district purchased the new Chromebooks.

Every Chromebook comes with a hard plastic shell. This cover must stay on at all times. Only BISD Technology staff may remove it.

The plan covers accidental damage only. If there is evidence of tampering or intentional harm, fines will apply, even if the shell is in place.

If fines are issued, amounts will depend on the type of damage and current repair costs.

We know that students (and families!) are excited about these new devices. By following these guidelines, we can make sure Chromebooks last and remain protected for everyone.

Thank you for taking the time to carefully review this information—we truly appreciate your partnership in helping students take care of their new tools for learning!

TOGETHER, WE STRENGTHEN OUR SAKAI COMMUNITY!

One day, one student, one choice at a time.

LIKE MANY SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, SAKAI HAS SEEN A RISE IN CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM. WE’RE TAKING ACTION.

BISD is launching a campaign that encourages students to “Show Up and Show Out” in class, take pride in learning, and build positive, healthy habits together.

Sakai had a chronic absenteeism rate of 18.8% during the 2024/2025 school year.

Our goal is 90% of Sakai students will attend school 90% of school days!

11: PTO Meeting 1:30 pm

16: 5th-grade Parent/Guardian Night from 5:15 to 6:30 pm.

17: 6th-grade Parent/Guardian Night from 5:15 to 6:15 pm.

23: School photos during the school day