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BISD Newsletter - February 13, 2026

Posted Date: 02/13/26 (02:00 PM)


Community News
In This Newsletter

February 13, 2026

  • Message from Superintendent Thompson
  • Attendance Matters
  • BusRight App
  • Save the Dates: 26–27 School Year Information Nights & Events
  • Highly Capable Referral Window
  • Hidden in Plain Sight Virtual Presentation
  • Agate Pass Bridge Cleaning Feb. 23-27
  • Mark Your Calendars: Key Dates Ahead
  • Local Community Events
  • Stay Connected: Follow Us on Social Media
 
BHS EMSA Heart

Dear BISD Community,

Dear BISD Community,

These past weeks have felt especially heavy, and there have also been many moments of light. Both can be true at the same time.

I want to express my gratitude to the Bainbridge Schools Foundation for hosting a successful Gala filled with community, joy, and care. I also want to thank our 9–12 EMSA (Ethnic Minority Student Association) for creating a meaningful and courageous space in the BHS Wagon Wheel (the outdoor center of campus), where students shared what they hope to see in the world. Their words were powerful and impactful, inviting students and staff to pause, reflect, and listen to what our young people cared deeply enough to express. It was truly radiant and compelling.

As we head into mid-winter break, my hope for each of you is that you find time to pause, catch your breath, rest, and experience moments of joy and laughter.

Take care,
Amii Thompson
Superintendent
 

Attendance Matters

This February, our attendance focus is “I Belong Here,” as part of our Show Up & Show Out campaign. Across all grade levels, strong relationships with teachers and staff help students feel welcomed, connected, and supported at school.

Simple, everyday actions—greeting students by name, checking in after an absence, and offering encouragement—build trust and help students feel safe and valued. When students feel they belong, they are more likely to show up consistently, engage in learning, and build positive habits that support academic success and well-being.

A sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment, and is protective for mental health. At BISD, EVERY student and EVERY family are valued.

Together, we can create school communities where every student knows they matter—and that we are better when they are here.
 
BusRight App

🚌 BusRight App 🚌

To help families stay informed about daily commutes, we are utilizing the BusRight app. This tool is currently active and available for families of bus riders to provide better visibility into daily routes.

Through the app, you can:
  • Track the Bus: View the bus location on a live map.
  • Arrival Times: See estimated arrival times for your specific stop.
  • Stay Updated: Receive notifications regarding route changes or delays.

Getting Started: Activation emails have been sent to all eligible families. If you haven’t set up your account yet, please check your inbox for those instructions. For any questions regarding your route or the app, feel free to contact the Transportation Department at 206-842-4641.

 
Info Nights & Events

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

The 2026–27 school year will be here before we know it! We’re excited to share a couple of upcoming information nights to help families learn more about our schools and plan for the year ahead.

New-to-BISD (Grades 9–12)
Monday, February 23 | 2:15-3:15 p.m.
📍 Bainbridge High School

Incoming Sakai 5th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night
Tuesday, March 24 | 6:30 p.m.
📍 Sakai Intermediate School

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

Highly Capable Referral Window

The Highly Capable Program referral window is open from February 23 through March 6. Families are invited to refer students in grades K–1, 3–4, and 6–12 who demonstrate advanced academic potential.

Students in grades 2 and 5 will be universally screened and do not need a referral.

The link to the referral form will be posted on our HC page of the BISD website on February 23rd.
 
Hidden in Plain Sight

Hidden in Plain Sight – Virtual Parent Presentation

Parents and caregivers are invited to attend Hidden in Plain Sight, a virtual presentation designed to help families better understand current youth trends and how to recognize potential warning signs of risky behavior. This informative session will provide practical tools for navigating the teen years and tips for starting meaningful family conversations.

Thursday, March 12 | 6–8 p.m. | Virtual Event
Must be 21+ to attend

The presentation will cover:
  • How everyday items may indicate concerning behaviors
  • Popular local youth trends
  • Tools and discussion points for family conversations

Click on this link to join the Zoom: Hidden in Plain Sight

This event is hosted in partnership with local community organizations committed to supporting youth and families.
 

Heads Up: Agate Pass Bridge Cleaning

Plan ahead for your commute during the last week of February! WSDOT has scheduled cleaning for the SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge.

  • When: Monday, Feb. 23 through Friday, Feb. 27.
  • Hours: Work is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Work schedules and travel impacts can be found on the WSDOT work webpage.
 
Calendar Icon
FEBRUARY
16: Presidents’ Day (No School)
17-20: Mid-Winter Break (No School)

MARCH
12: Board Meeting
26: Board Meeting

APRIL
6-10: Spring Break (No School)
 
Local Community Events

Local Community Events

Looking for things to do around town?

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

Stay Connected with BISD

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


 

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
206-780-1088
mkuffel@bisd303.org

8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
 
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