Staff Newsletter - October 8, 2025

I hope this newsletter finds you doing something that brings you joy—whatever that may be! Over the past few weeks, I’ve been consciously taking a moment (sometimes less than 30 seconds) to pause, look around, and notice something that makes my day feel even the slightest bit lighter. Here are a few things I’ve recently noticed—and might have missed if I weren’t seeking a bit of joy:

Speaking of joy, I’m so happy to share our first-ever Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. This year, I have the absolute pleasure of working alongside a group of exceptional 9th–12th-grade students to build a direct connection with our student body and to honor and elevate their voices around issues that matter most to them. We had our first meeting this week, and I can already tell I’m going to learn much more from them than they ever will from me. To join this group, students either applied or were nominated by a BISD administrator, and they represent a variety of grade levels, experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We will meet monthly, and I’ll incorporate feedback and ideas from these meetings as part of my Superintendent’s Report at Board meetings—be on the lookout for students to join me in sharing these reports as well.

What a gift it is to spend time with these students—and wow, does it renew my hope for the future!

Don’t forget to look for those little sparks of joy this week. You may never know it, but you yourself could be a light or a spark of joy for others!

Take care,

Amii

Join us on Monday, October 13, from 3:30–5:30 PM at Woodward Middle School for Bainbridge Island’s annual community celebration.

Enjoy an afternoon filled with music, food, vendors, and community connection as we honor Indigenous Peoples Day. The event will include a welcome song, a community potluck, and a special presentation by Suquamish weaver Danielle Morsette, whose renowned work is featured in museums across Seattle and Portland. Morsette also designed the popular Salish Sea Kit for the Seattle Sounders.

Come celebrate Coast Salish traditions and connect through art, culture, and community. All BISD staff, students, families, and community members are welcome!

Take care of your health and learn more about your benefits — all in one convenient stop.

Date: Monday, October 27, 2025

Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM (come whenever it’s convenient)

Location: BISD Board Room – Commodore Campus (inside the Commodore Gym building between BHS and Commodore)

Cost: Free for all BISD employees, including coaches

While you’re there, visit our mini Benefits Fair and connect with:

Information will also be available about Premera, Kaiser, and UMP plans (note: representatives from these insurance providers will not be present).

HR staff will be on-site to help employees navigate the Benefits 24/7 platform and answer general benefits questions.

Helpful resources are available on the BISD Portal – Payroll Forms & Guides page to make understanding your pay a little easier.

October is Disability History Month—a time to center disability histories, voices, contributions, and the systemic barriers that persist.

Focusing this month can help schools: increase understanding of disability as part of diversity; counter stigma and stereotypes; amplify disabled voices (especially youth); foster belonging and self-advocacy; and ensure disability history isn’t sidelined.

A ready-to-use resource is One Out of Five: Disability History & Pride Project from the Office of the Education Ombuds, created with Rooted in Rights and local educators. It offers five 30–45 minute lessons for grades 3–12 (modifiable) on: an introduction to disability, intersectionality, U.S. and Washington State disability history, and allyship/anti-ableism—plus slide decks, posters, worksheets, differentiation, extensions, and adaptations for elementary and virtual settings.

Access the curriculum on OEO’s website: One Out of Five: Disability History & Pride Project.

SEBB Annual Open Enrollment: October 27, 2025 – November 24, 2025

This complimentary event welcomes all local education professionals — teachers, administrators, paraeducators, librarians, and more — for an inspiring gathering at BARN. You'll enjoy delicious catered food and refreshments while touring our facility, connecting with fellow educators, and discovering how BARN enriches our community through creative opportunities for youth. Plus, learn meaningful ways for educators to get involved!

Registration is required to ensure we have plenty of food for everyone, but spots are limited! So secure your spot today and prepare to be inspired by the power of creativity in education.  

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Note: In a time-sensitive situation, the district can override notification settings to ensure everyone receives critical information.

To learn more:

Stay informed! For a quick, high-level overview of the most recent school board meeting, check out the Board Brief.

Want to dive deeper? The Board Brief also includes links to past meeting agendas and full recordings.