Blakely Newsletter - September 15, 2025

Hi Bulldog Families, 

I want to share a big thank you to our students, staff, and families for helping us launch such a positive start to the school year. The energy and support you bring to our community makes all the difference. This past week, classrooms leaned into “doing hard things”—practicing perseverance, taking risks, and learning that it’s okay to struggle when challenges come our way. In each classroom and every hallway I saw students trying new things, taking a chance, and doing something hard all while being supported by our staff.

Looking ahead, we have Parent Night this week on 9/18. Doors open at 5. 1st and 4th grade will be from 5:15-6:15, 2nd and 3rd will be from 6:30-7:30. I will welcome families and say a few words in our commons area before teachers share classroom specific information in their rooms. Please note- this event is for parents and guardians only and is a valuable opportunity to learn more about Blakely and hear how we support students both academically and socially. 

Finally, a quick note on attendance—one of our building goals this year is to maintain strong and consistent attendance for all students. We know that showing up each day matters, and we are off to a great start: our attendance rate over the first nine days of school has been over 98% (meaning- 98% of our students are coming to school each day)! Thank you for helping us build positive habits that will carry forward all year long.

Thank you, Bulldogs. I can't wait to see you this week! 

Sam Cameron

SCameron@bisd303.org

(206) 780-2050

Please join us for Parent/Guardian Information Night on September 18th. We will start in the Commons for 15 minutes and then head to your student's classroom.

Together we strengthen our 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.

Blakely had a chronic absenteeism rate of 18.5% during the 2024/2025 school year.

Our goal is 90% of Blakely Bulldogs will attend school 90% of school days!

Picture Day is coming on Friday, September 26th in the morning. Retakes will be on Tuesday, October 28th.

Please don't wear green as they will be using a green screen for the background.

More information about ordering an dour school code to come!

BISD uses ParentSquare to share district and school communications (such as this newsletter) with our families, staff and the community.

All parents/guardians with a student in our school system can set up their ParentSquare account using the same email address listed in Skyward/Family Access. This document walks you through the necessary steps.

Our food services team is excited to develop new recipes that are healthy and tasty for kids. We are working hard to prepare as many meals as possible here in our kitchens. Please see the monthly menu for daily meal choices that outline options that are cooked by scratch. 

Breakfast served daily from 7:35 am - 7:45 am

Grades K-4: $2.25

Grades K-4: $4.00

Milk: $1

Soy Milk: $1.50

Juice (Grades K-8): $1

Every BISD student has a student meal account where funds can be held to pay for lunch. Funds for student meal accounts can be made by cash, check, or online. The most secure way to pay is via the online system. Students who bring checks or cash to school, should bring it directly to the front office to Sheila or Andrea.

Free and reduced-price lunches may be obtained by any student -- at any time during the school year -- whose family income falls within the guidelines set by the US Department of Agriculture. Families are encouraged to apply. For assistance, call (206-780-1844) or email:  NutritionServices@bisd303.org.

 

Save the date: Blakely’s 3rd annual Jog-A-Thon will be held Friday, October 17th!

Do you own or work for a company interested in supporting Blakely while also getting great visibility in our community? Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Elli Koskella for more information: ellikoskella@gmail.com

The Blakely Chess Club is designed to introduce students to the game of chess, and participants will learn the basic strategies and tactics of the ancient game. The Club is coached by Mark Cohen, who has coached chess on Bainbridge Island since 2004. Club members will meet immediately after school in the Commons. (Max 24 students)

Session: Tuesdays (9/23 - 10/28) from 2:20pm - 4:00pm

Cost: $120

- We need lunchroom volunteers! Come for a short 1-hour shift, and help manage the lunchtime rush! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044EA9AF29AAFA7-58279092-lunch

- Popcorn Friday is coming back! Pick a window to help pass out a favorite treat. Sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044EA9AF29AAFA7-58613597-popcorn 

- PTO Openings: the PTO is looking for a an After School Club Coordinator. If you're interested please contact our co-presidents Elli Koskella and Becky Juhl at blakelyptopresident@gmail.com

- The next PTO Meeting will be held on October 3 at 9am in the Blakely Library. All are welcome!

We love our Volunteers! In order to volunteer in the classroom or chaperone a field trip you must be on the Approved Volunteer List. Here is the link to complete the process. Please note it can take approximately 2 weeks to process but then you will be an approved volunteer for 2 years.

Check out the Fall Sports Spartan Schedule and upcoming events!

All tickets must be purchased online through Hometown Ticketing. Tickets for football and volleyball home games are now available through our online box office. We will no longer accept cash at the gate or door.

Come out and support our Spartans this fall—see you under the lights!

18: Back to School Night 1st & 4th at 5:15pm

18: Back to School Night 2nd & 3rd at 6:30pm

26: Picture Day!

3: PTO Meeting 9:00am Library

3: Popcorn Day

17: Jog-A-Thon (Morning)

28: Picture Retakes

30-31: Conferences (No School)

Helpful Links