BISD Newsletter - January 16, 2026

At the beginning of every School Board meeting, we have a time called Students at the Center, when staff and students visit to share something that they are working on, proud of, or just want our community to know about. Last week, Blakely 2nd and 4th grade students were our Students at the Center. The 2nd grade students shared their learning about traditions after reading a story about the Sts’ailes people, a sovereign Coast Salish First Nation in British Columbia. Students learned about Sts’ailes traditions, and then learned about the ways in which classmates celebrate their own traditions. The 4th grade students shared about the ways that they spread kindness throughout the Blakely Community by being a part of the Kindness Committee. If you are looking for a little light in your day, watch the video here, beginning at the 2:33 mark!

Students at the Center is by far the BEST part of each School Board meeting, and it is a direct reminder of the “why” of our work-we are a community with heart, who centers on our students. We have had visits from our Developmental Preschool Staff, ALP (Adult Living Program) Students, BHS Band, BHS Theater, Sakai Coho Ambassadors, BHS Linkcrew, Spartronics, WMS Student Newspaper student writers, and our Food Nutrition Services Staff, to name a few!  

When I feel overwhelmed by the heaviness that seems to have enveloped our world right now, I find hope by thinking about the work that I see every day in our schools, and every two weeks when we have the great joy of learning from our Students at the Center presenters. I am also inspired by the ways in which I consistently see our BISD community wrap their arms around students, staff members and families when they need it most. Thank you for being a community that demonstrates the love and concern that we have for one another. 

Take good care,

Amii Thompson

Superintendent

Kindergarten registration is open! Go to www.bisd303.org/kindergarten to enroll your new student!

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.

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.

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!

Commodore Options | 9530 High School Road

Kindergarten Information Night

Kindergarten Information Night

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

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with BusRight, a school transportation technology company, to improve safety, efficiency, and communication in our bus system. The BusRight Parent App allows parents and guardians to track their child’s bus route in real time — right from their phone.

Parents of bus riders will be able to create an account to view live bus locations, stop arrival time estimates, route details, and more.

We’re currently setting up BusRight behind the scenes. Families will receive an email the week of January 26th with simple instructions on how to activate their account and begin using the app. The system will officially launch on February 2nd.

We’re looking forward to providing families with greater visibility and peace of mind in our student transportation system.

As we begin the new year on Bainbridge Island, new learning starts with being present. Regular school attendance supports students academically, socially, and emotionally—helping them build relationships, practice social skills, and stay engaged in their learning.

Consistent attendance also helps schools and families notice early when a student may need extra support. If your family is facing barriers to attendance, please reach out—we’re here to help.

Together, let’s make this a year of growth, connection, and success for every student. 

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 in our upcoming community newsletters.

Tuesday, January 27 | 6:30 p.m.

📍 Commodore Options School

📍 Commodore Options School

📍 Woodward Middle School

📍 Eagle Harbor High School

📍 Bainbridge High School

📍 Bainbridge High School

🔗 Sign-up information will be shared in January

📍 Sakai Intermediate School

We look forward to connecting with you and supporting your student’s transition into the 2026–27 school year!

19: MLK Day (No School)

21-23: Finals at BHS & EHHS (Half Days for BHS & EHHS students)

21-23: 7-8 Woodward Conferences (No School for Woodward students)

26: Second Semester Starts

29: Board Meeting

11-13: K-6 Conferences (No School for K-6 students)

11-13: ODYSSEY K-8 Conferences (No School for Odyssey students)

16: Presidents’ Day (No School)

17-20: Mid-Winter Break (No School)

Looking for things to do around town?

Visit our Community Events page for local happenings, classes, and family activities—updated regularly.

Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on what is happening within our school district.