Inside this Newsletter
- Principal's Message
- Counselor's Corner
- PTO News - COHO Run, PTO Family Event & More
- Sakai Spirit
- Art News
- Yearbook Cover Art Contest
- School Photo Retakes
- Fall Conferences
- Volunteers Needed
- Bainbridge Youth Services - Sakai Peer Tutoring
- Bike to School & Win Prizes!
- BISD Community Survey
- Learn More about the EP&O Supplemental Levy
- October Attendance Focus: Building Habits & Routines
- Come Cheer on Your Spartans
- Sakai Calendar
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Dear Sakai Families,
We are headed into the last week of the COHO Run. Thank you to everyone who has donated. We are 84% of the way and looking forward to our spirit run on Friday. Funds raised go to enhancing the educational experience of our students and we are so appreciative of your support. How do these funds make a difference? Here are a few testimonials from Sakai teachers:
“The PTO Grants help supply all of our FUN, hands-on, learning so that we can continue to learn by doing and experiencing real-world applications of Science!”
-Heather Lindgren, 6th Grade Teacher
“The PTO grants enable me to customize lessons to meet the diverse needs of students. With these funds, I can purchase materials that help students gain a deeper understanding of the curriculum, facilitate reteaching, present concepts in new ways, or offer enrichment activities.”
-Nicki Highlander, Resource Room Teacher
“The PTO grants help to enrich the Art Program at Sakai. Without their support, engaging projects like silk screening t-shirts, maintaining the kiln for clay, or buying gelli plates for printing would not be possible. I am so grateful for all the support our community gives to make things possible for our students.”
-Maggie Hitchcock, Art Teacher
“The PTO grant money has been instrumental in enhancing our classroom experience. With these funds, we were able to purchase new books that spark student interest and foster a love of reading. Additionally, we acquired a class set of headphones to support individual learning and cushions to make student chairs more comfortable. The grant also allowed us to provide food and prizes for special classroom celebrations, making these moments even more memorable for the students. Thank you to everyone who supports students at Sakai!”
-Jill Stoknes, 5th Grade Teacher
Thank you again for your support, Sakai. I feel so fortunate to have such a strong and caring community for our kids. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Drew
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Celebrating Unity - Reminder UNITY DAY is WEDNESDAY 10/22
Last Monday, our entire school came together for the Unity Day Assembly—a celebration of connection, belonging, and kindness.
We were educated and inspired by two Sakai speakers, Parker Juhl and Charley Hill, along with three Bainbridge High School students, Averie de Guzman, Stella Saleh, and Julian Roger. Each speaker encouraged our students to turn words and lessons into meaningful action.
Mr. Crandall also led a powerful “Rise Up” activity, reminding everyone that each of us plays a role in creating unity. The assembly was a truly moving experience for our school community.
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Here’s an excerpt from one of the student speeches:
“...you can’t grow if you can’t admit where you’ve gone wrong. Being reflective—taking the time to recalibrate and see yourself through the eyes of others—is key. Maybe you’re curious about what I see when I look at myself through this mirror. I see someone who is highly energetic but just as sensitive, someone who cherishes friendships yet longs to support others in the same way they support her. My grandmother says friendships are like flowers—they need to be nurtured to grow. So ask yourself: how will you bloom? How can you lift someone up? How can you make unity not just a theme for today, but a habit for every day after? I don’t know the full answer, but I know it starts with you today.”
Finally, on Wednesday, October 22, we invite all students to wear ORANGE in honor of Unity Day. Wearing orange shows that we stand together—against bullying and for kindness, connection, and belonging.
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The COHO Run, Sakai PTO's biggest fundraiser of the year is here! We will conclude the fundraising period with a run for kids on Friday, October 24 at the Woodward track. The event will also feature a “spirit day” where homeroom classes compete for the most class spirit by dressing up in costume. Funds raised by the COHO Run will help support enrichment and educational resources such as teacher grants, grade-level assemblies, student clubs, classroom and teacher supplies, field trips, subscriptions, educational programs, and community events/parent resources.
Your PTO is committed to funding experiences and events to foster a strong sense of engagement and community among all. Our goal is to collectively raise $80,000 (about $180 per student), though donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. We are truly grateful for any financial support you can provide at this time. Our goal is 100% participation, and no donation is too small! Donations can be made online or by check/cash (details below).
Contests/Prizes
- Most Spirited top 5th and top 6th grade homeroom will enjoy a pajama day with a fun treat
- Extra recess for the top 5th and 6th grade class for most earnings
- Everyone will be entered into two weekly drawings for gift cards from local businesses
- School wide ice cream party donated by Island Cool if our goal is met!
- AND a surprise school-wide prize to celebrate a 100% participation goal!
How to register your student:
Step 2: Click on Register My Student.
Step 3: Click on Register Student.
Step 4: Select the number of students you wish to register and click Add to Cart.
Step 5: Click on Check out now.
Step 6: Select your student’s class: This is listed as optional but we strongly recommend it. We won’t be giving prizes based on individual student fundraising, but we will be celebrating class and grade level fundraising. By associating your student with their class you are guaranteeing their class level and grade level receive credit for your donation.
Step 7: Fill in your student’s information and fundraising goal: This section will be seen on your student’s personal donation page.
Step 8: Personalize your link: This allows you to change how your link reads. Add your student’s name or nickname for easier sharing. Click Next.
Step 9: Fill in Your Information. Click Next.
Step 10: Review and confirm. Click Submit.
Step 11: Spread the word to family and friends that it is quick and easy to support your student’s fundraising effort! Every donation makes an impact!
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How to Collect Online Donations
or use the QR code
● “Search for a Student” to find your student's name or homeroom teacher.
● Click donate and select flat amount.
● Enter the amount you wish to donate and add to cart.
● Proceed to checkout to complete your donation!
● Please note there is a prompt about tipping that we are unable to remove, but tips are not required. Simply select “custom” and set the amount to $0.
● Your donation may be tax deductible 501(c)(3) organization/Federal Tax ID No: 91-0977467
Online donations will be open through Friday, October 24 at 11:59 pm.
Cash or Check: Today your student received a COHO tracker envelope from their homeroom teacher to collect cash or check donations. Please return this printed envelope with all cash and checks collected; return to your student’s homeroom teacher. Make checks payable to Sakai PTO. All donation envelopes are due by Friday, October 24 at 3:25 pm.
Corporate Matching: Many employers offer corporate matching programs for charitable donations. Be sure to check with your employer to help boost. our student's fundraising efforts. Instructions for initiating a corporate match are below in the FAQs. Contact us and we will credit your student’s account with the match amount while your company processes the request.
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Supporter FAQ
Q: I can’t find the student(s) I want to donate to.
A: This is likely because the student has not yet been registered. That’s okay! We can still make sure they get credit for your support. Simply click “Can’t find the student you’re looking for?” and enter the student’s name. Then complete your transaction and Rally Up will prompt our administrator to assign your donation to your student.
Q: I can’t see student last names. How can I make sure I’m donating to the right person?
A: For privacy, some families opt to only display first name and last initial. It’s very helpful if you know the teacher’s name so you can confirm you have found the right student. Reach out if you need help by clicking the “contact organizer” button.
Q: Oops! I accidentally donated to the wrong student.
A: No worries! Send us a message alerting us to the issue and we can reassign your donation to the intended student.
Q: I’m not sure my donation went through.
A: After completing your donation you will see a “donation confirmed” screen. If you do not see this message, you have not completed checkout.
Q: My employer has a matching gift program. What do I need to do to have my employer match my COHO Run donation?
A: Most large companies offer formal donation matching as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme, and many smaller ones will be happy to offer to match donations if you approach them and let them know about your fundraising.
Requesting a matching gift is normally a quick and easy process which must be initiated by the donor. You can do this by filling out and submitting a paper match form provided by your employer or through an electronic submission process.
Your employer will need the following info:
● Tax ID #: 91-0977467
● Name of Organization: Bainbridge Island Parent Teacher Organization Coordinating Council
The Bainbridge Island PTOCC is the 501(c)(3) organization for all district PTOs. They will receive the matching funds and designate them to Sakai PTO. Please let the Sakai PTO know that you have sent a matching gift by emailing sakai.fundraising@bainbridgeptos.org. We will make sure it’s attributed to your student!
Thank you for supporting the Sakai PTO and our school community!
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PTO Sponsored Family Event!
🎈 Inflatable Kickball is Coming!
We’re sending off the first half of the semester in style—with an Inflatable Costume Kickball Game! Students will take to the field in oversized inflatable outfits for a hilarious and lighthearted game of kickball. It’s the perfect way to kick off fall break with fun, teamwork, and school spirit!
📅 Date: 10/30 (Fall Conferences, no school!)
🕒 Time: 2pm
📍 Location: Sakai field!!!
✅ Inflatable costumes encouraged but not required—Halloween costumes are welcome too!
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VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED!
We still need a few volunteers for our biggest, most fun volunteer opportunity on Sunday, October 26th! But SHHHHHHHH! It’s a secret!
***We also need help with easy take down on Thursday, October 30th! Give us an hour while you are at Sakai for conferences – kids welcome to help!
HELP FEED OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF
Parent-teacher conferences are coming up! The Sakai PTO is organizing a Soup & Salad lunch (Thursday, October 30th) and brunch (Friday, October 31st) to thank and support our teachers during conference days. Please sign up to bring a dish or ready-to-serve item using our SignUpGenius link
Thank you for helping us show appreciation for our teachers — every contribution makes a difference!
With gratitude,
Sakai PTO
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This month the following students were honored for outstanding spirit:
- Diego Veeraraghavan
- Edelawit Fleming
- Zoelle Garcia
- Alexander McLean
- Aurelia Durbin
These students invited a friend to attend a pizza party with Mr. Crandall. Thank you to That's a Some Pizza and PTO for sponsoring our student incentive program. The nominations are made in reference to Sakai's Four R's: Responsible, Respectful, Reasonable, Reliable.
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Dear Parents and Friends,
I want to extend an invitation to BIMA's Day of the Dead celebration. There are two dates to note.
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Saturday, Nov. 1 is the public celebration, two sessions, at 11 am and 3 pm. It is free but Registration is absolutely required.
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Sunday, Nov. 9th, 3 - 6 PM we will have a Special Open House Reception for the students, families, and teachers from all of the participating classrooms. Rsvp is appreciated. Here is a video clip from last year.
In our classroom, 5th grade we are creating a fun multimedia "Monster in the city" scene and in 6th grade we have begun silkscreening our t-shirts. Anyone interested in helping T,W, Th. afternoon 12:45-3:35 with silkscreening. It would be appreciated as we can get more printed during the class.
Maggie Hitchcock
Art Specialist
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Design artwork to be displayed on the cover of this year's yearbook. Your illustration should convey Sakai spirit, school themes, or show our school’s heritage. Flyers are available in the office.
Submissions are due no later than Wednesday, October 29th!
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School photo retakes are scheduled on Wednesday, October 29th, at 9:00 am.
If your student did not have their picture taken on school photo day or your student would like to have their photo retaken, please be sure to have their picture taken on retake day.
Please read the Picture Day Flyer for information and instructions regarding school photos and online ordering.
Highlights for this year:
- No paper ordering envelopes.
- A few days after picture day, ordering will be available online via the Jostens website, Sakai Event Code is FE249425
- Preview your pictures before you buy
- Choose your background
- Photos ship directly to home
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Thursday, October 30th and Friday, October 31st are Fall conference days.
There is no school for students on conference days.
Conferences are an important time to further that home to school, and school to home connection that is so valuable in education. It's a time for students to be recognized for their efforts, and a time for students to re-establish their goals and their dedication toward reaching those goals. Families and teachers work together to support the student. In so doing, families and teachers show the caring and teamwork that is a crucial connection in a student's education. Teachers are looking forward to conferencing with all of you. If you have not yet heard from your student's teacher about signing up for a conference, you will soon. When you do, please act quickly to sign up for the conference time that works best for you.
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- Help Feed Our Teachers and Staff
Parent-teacher conferences are coming up! The Sakai PTO is organizing a Soup & Salad lunch (Thursday, October 30th) and brunch (Friday, October 31st) to thank and support our teachers during conference days. Please sign up to bring a dish or ready-to-serve item using our SignUpGenius link.
Thank you for helping us show appreciation for our teachers — every contribution makes a difference!
Sakai’s all-school book discussion groups takes place on Thursday, November 6th. This year’s theme is Expanding Perspectives. For more information and if you would like to lead a discussion group, please click here.
- Game Room Volunteers for October/November
As the weather gets colder and a little less outdoor-recess-y, our awesome Sakai staff would like to provide a game room alternative during lunch recess! Game Room will be availabe during recess on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We would love one parent volunteer to supervise each of these. Please review the available slots below snag one or more if you are able.
- CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!!!
We are looking for volunteers for our biggest, funnest, volunteer opportunity on Sunday, October 26th. But SHHHHHH! It's a secret! Clink on the sign up link below to learn all about our super fun event. Grab a friend and sign up to help!
Please note: You must be cleared by the District as a volunteer to sign up!
Thank you for volunteering at Sakai!
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Get rewarded for biking to school! Now through the end of October, each time you bike (or walk!) to school, you’ll be one step closer to winning cool prizes. Use your punch card to track your progress and stop by the front office to collect your rewards.
Prizes include:
- Reflective sticker
- Reflective t-shirt
- Bike water bottle or tote bag
Safety Tips for Riders & Walkers:
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Be predictable: Signal your turns, follow traffic laws, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
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Be visible: Wear reflective gear, use front and rear lights, and travel with friends when possible.
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Be aware: Watch for turning traffic and road hazards like loose gravel or wet leaves.
Ride safe, have fun, and earn rewards along the way!
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Your input matters! BISD is planning for the future, and we invite families to share their perspectives in our short Community Survey. The feedback we gather will help guide district priorities and goals for the next five years.
Survey closes Friday, October 31 at 5 p.m.
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This levy helps bridge the gap between what the state funds and what it actually costs to provide the education our community values—supporting strong academics, creative opportunities, and the well-being of every student.
Proposed rate: $0.08 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026, $0.11 in 2027, and $0.13 in 2028. Even with this addition, overall school taxes will decrease as older bond taxes expire.
Zoom Information Session:
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This month we’re highlighting the importance of healthy routines that support regular attendance. Families play a key role in helping students arrive at school ready to learn.
💤 Sleep Matters
- Children and teens need 8–10 hours of sleep each night.
- A regular bedtime helps students wake up rested and focused.
🍳 Start the Day with Breakfast
- Breakfast gives students the energy they need to learn.
- Even something small — fruit, toast, or yogurt — makes a big difference.
⏰ Create a Morning Routine
- Pack backpacks, lunches, and clothes the night before to reduce stress.
- Consistent routines make mornings smoother for everyone.
🏫 Arrive On Time, Every Day
- Showing up on time builds confidence and connection.
- Missing just 2 days a month adds up to nearly a month of lost learning in a school year.
👉 Every day counts! When students come to school rested, prepared, and on time, they build strong habits for life.
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Tickets
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.
Game Day Guidelines
Our school district is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all fans. Please review these game day guidelines especially those impacting our kindergarten through eighth grade families.
- Students in grades K–8 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.This is especially important for grades 5–8—students will not be admitted to the game without an adult.
- No re-entry once leaving the stadium.
- No in-and-out privileges.
- No outside food or beverages.
- No student backpacks allowed inside the stadium.
- All bags are subject to search.
Come out and support our Spartans this fall—see you under the lights!
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OCTOBER
21: Vision and hearing screening
22: Unity Day - wear orange
23: BI Historical Museum Field Trip
- de Guzman/Rose 10 - 1
- Mann/Berg 11-2
24: BI Historical Museum Field Trip
- Speerstra/Sitzenstock/Livingston 11 - 2
- Stoknes/Walter 12:30 - 3:20
24: PTO COHO Run Celebration
29: School photo retakes in the AM
29: Field Trip - Evans to Pickleball Kingdom 10:30 am - 1:45 pm
30 - 31: Fall Conferences - No school
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Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The BISD provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator:
Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent
206-780-1058
khaizlip@bisd303.org
Section 504/ADA Coordinators:
Annalisa Sanchez, Director of Student Services
206-780-1069
asanchez@bisd303.org
Maria Kuffel, Director of Student Services
206-780-1088
mkuffel@bisd303.org
8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
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