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Coho Connection 01/06/26

Posted Date: 01/06/26 (11:28 AM)
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Sakai Masthead

Coho Connection 01/06/26

Inside this Newsletter
  • Principal's Message
  • Health Room Clothing Need
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Kindergarten Information Nights & Choice Program Dates
  • Save the Dates: 2026–27 School Year Information Nights & Events
  • Young People's March for Peace and Kindness on MLK Day, January 19th, 2026
  • Sakai Calendar
  • Community Events
 

Principal's Message

Dear Sakai Families,

Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone for the gracious gifts, cards, and well-wishes heading into the break. I hope you and your family had a nice winter break, enjoying quality time together. From what I’ve heard from students, it sounds like there were a lot of fun get-togethers for the New Year. 

Today, I introduced our annual Martin Luther King Day Essay Challenge to our students. This is an optional assignment available to all students that can be found in our Accelerated Learning class. I will ask a few students to share their essays with their classmates at our Martin Luther King Day assembly. Please encourage your student to participate. As we honor Dr. King, I also encourage you to talk with your student about equity and hopes for the future. Ask them questions, listen intently, and provide opportunities for them to help their community.

With the support of the amazing staff at Sakai, I look forward to seeing all the ways our students continue to grow this year! Have a wonderful week, Sakai.

Drew
 

Health Room Clothing Need

Our health room provides dry clothes for students who need a change of clothes. With the recent wet weather, our supply of leggings and sweatpants has diminished.

Thank you to all that have already donated gently used leggings or sweatpants. We are still in need of larger sizes, 12-14. Please consider donating them to the health room. We would appreciate it!  
 
Volunteers Needed

Volunteer Opportunities

Game Room Volunteers for January/February
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 available during recess on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We would love one parent volunteer to supervise each of these. Please sign up for the available slots if you are able. 

Please remember that all volunteers who help in the classroom, on field trips, and other various activities must be cleared by the district: Volunteering with BISD. The approval process can take up to two weeks. Once approved, you are ready to volunteer and your approval is valid for two years.

Please bring your driver's license or id each time you sign into any school in the district.
 

Kindergarten Information Nights & Choice Program Dates

Families with a rising kindergartener are invited to learn more about kindergarten options in Bainbridge Island School District. Join us for our general kindergarten information night and program-specific events to explore both neighborhood schools and choice programs.



General Kindergarten Information Night
Thursday, January 22 | 6:00 p.m.
Blakely Elementary
4704 Blakely Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Learn about kindergarten from representatives of all BISD elementary schools and get answers to your questions. More information at www.bisd303.org/kindergarten. Let us know about your rising kindergarten student by completing this form.

Enrollment will open in early January 2026.

Choice Program Information Nights
Along with traditional kindergartens at BISD neighborhood schools, BISD offers choice programs (meaning families choose to enter them through a lottery). Attend these program-specific information nights to learn more!

Odyssey Multiage and Mosaic Home Education (COS)
Tuesday, January 27 | 6:30 p.m.
Commodore Options | 9530 High School Road
Kindergarten Information Night

El Velero (Spanish Immersion)
Wednesday, February 4 | 6:00 p.m.
Ordway Elementary School | 8555 Madison Ave North
Kindergarten Information Night

* Lottery note: Applications for Odyssey and El Velero are due Thursday, February 12 at 9:00 a.m.
 

Save the Dates: 2026–27 School Year Information Nights & Events

The 2026–27 school year will be here before we know it! We look forward to welcoming families to a series of information nights and transition events this winter and spring. Please save the dates below—February & March events will include additional details and times in our upcoming Community Newsletters.


Commodore K–8 Information Night
Tuesday, January 27 | 6:30 p.m.
Commodore Options School

Incoming Woodward Middle School 7th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night
Tuesday, February 3rd
Woodward Middle School

Eagle Harbor High School Information Night
Tuesday, February 10
Eagle Harbor High School

Future Freshman Night (BHS & EHHS)
Wednesday, February 11
Bainbridge High School

New-to-BISD (Grades 9–12)
Monday, February 23
Bainbridge High School
Sign-up information will be shared in mid-January

Incoming Sakai 5th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night
Tuesday, March 24
Sakai Intermediate School

Additional details, reminders, and links will be shared in district publications as we get closer to each event. We look forward to connecting with you and supporting your student’s transition into the 2026–27 school year!
 

Young People's March for Peace and Kindness on MLK Day, January 19th, 2026

The Young People’s March for Peace and Kindness, an opportunity to practice service in the spirit of MLK and Day will happen this year on Monday, January 19th. Children of all ages, their families, and community members, are invited to gather for letter writing between 10:30-11:15 at the Bainbridge Island Library. At 11:15, we will march together to the Winslow post office to mail our letters. Bring signs, banners, friends, and your own stamp. Addresses and inspiration provided. Dress appropriately for the weather. We will joyfully be walking rain or shine!

This event is held with thanks to Bainbridge Island School District, Kitsap Regional Library, the BISD Multicultural Advisory Council and with support from our sponsor, Charter Real Estate.
 
Important Upcoming Dates

Sakai Calendar

JANUARY
15: PTO Meeting 9:00 am
19: MLK Holiday - No School
26: Second Semester Begins
26: Food Drive Begins

 

Community Events

Check out the Community Events Page for fun and engaging activities around the island!
 

Non-Discrimination Statement

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