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Blakely Newsletter - October 28th, 2024

Posted Date: 10/28/24 (11:18 AM)

Blakely Elementary School
October 28th, 2024
Inside this Newsletter
  • From the Principal
  • Conferences
  • Picture Retakes
  • PTO Happenings
  • Feedback RE: BISD's Permanent Superintendent
  • Lost and Found
  • STEM Supplies Needed
  • Blakely Calendar
  • Helpful LInks
 
Kathleen Pool
From the Principal
Dear Blakely Families,

What a few weeks it has been since my last message.  Fall is here, but not the rain, so we continue to enjoy the outdoors together almost every day.  Friday, the Jog A Thon was a huge success.  The children had so much fun and I was so happy to feel our school community gather together to have a great time.  PTO was amazing in organizing this successful fundraiser.  We actually exceeded our goal with a grand total of                dollars raised!  Thank you all for participating.  These dollars will mean more to us than ever during these tough financial times in the district.

Staffing news is that Alec Grimm, our PE teacher, has gone on Paternity leave and Ms. Ketcheside is fully on board.  Congratulations, Alec and welcome, Maddie!  This will be my last newsletter as Reese Ande will be return as Principal on November 12th. 

I had a wonderful time being back in the building surrounded by your delightful children.  The amazing Blakely staff made the assignment feel more like an adventure than work and I want to extend my gratitude to each and every one of them.  Blakely still feels like a big family to me, I really do love this school.

See you later this week at conferences.  I know teachers are eager to spend time with you so that you can share with each other how your child’s year is progressing.

Kathleen Pool
 
Conferences
Conference Sign Ups
Conferences are this week!

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held this week on Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1 both in-person and via Zoom. If you need to make any changes please contact your student's teacher directly.

NOTE: There is no school on October 31 and November 1 due to Fall Conferences.
 
Camera
Picture Retakes - Tuesday, October 29th
Retakes will be taken during the morning THIS Tuesday, October 29th, 2024.

If you would like your student to have retakes you can indicate this on the Jostens website or email KHawkins@bisd303.org.

School photos are now available for parents to view and order online via the Jostens website
  • Blakely Event Code is FE150224
  • You will also need your student’s ID number (on Skyward as other ID)
  • Preview your pictures before you buy
  • Choose your background
  • Photos ship directly to home
 
PTO
PTO News and Events
Congratulations Blakely for meeting our fundraising goal! Blakely owes a big thanks to Jog-A-Thon coordinators Michelle Hobbs & Elli Koskella for their intrepid volunteer work to make the magic happen! Many companies will match your donation. If you are unsure if your company will facilitate a match, we are happy to help. Please feel free to reach out: Ellikoskella@gmail.com

Blakely PTO relies on parent volunteers like Michelle & Elli to implement all of the exciting enrichment opportunities for our kiddos all year, please consider volunteering for one of these essential (and fun!) positions. If any of these positions interest you, please reach out to Becky at beckyclawson1@gmail.com:

  • PTO Co-President: The PTO Co-President helps lead the organization by overseeing the planning and implementation of PTO-sponsored events and programs. They work closely with other PTO members, school staff, and parents to ensure effective communication and collaboration. These roles involve guiding the PTO’s annual activities, chairing meetings, and addressing challenges to support the organization’s mission and goals.
  • BINGO Night Coordinator: The Bingo Night Coordinator is responsible for organizing and overseeing the PTO’s Bingo Night event. This role includes managing event logistics, coordinating with volunteers, ordering supplies and food, securing prizes, and promoting the event to ensure strong attendance and a fun, successful evening for the school community.
  • Parent Night Out Coordinator: Organizes and oversees a quarterly Parent Night Out event. Responsibilities include managing event logistics such as securing a venue and promoting the event to ensure strong attendance. 
  • Teacher Conference Lunch Coordinator: Coordinates meals for teacher conference days, including researching options, placing orders, and managing food pickup and delivery. Typically involves organizing one or two catered lunches and one potluck day where parent volunteers contribute dishes.
Hands raised
  • Kindness Week Coordinator: This position collaborates closely with the school counselor to organize and implement activities for Kindness Week. Responsibilities include planning and managing a helpline house drive (past example “kindness is our jam”, decorating the school stairwell, and hosting a kindness activity during recess. 
  • Bike to School Day Coordinator: Bike to School Day Coordinator is responsible for organizing and promoting the school's Bike to School Day event. Duties include coordinating logistics, ensuring safety measures, and encouraging student participation. This role aims to promote biking as a healthy, eco-friendly transportation option while fostering community spirit and engagement.
  • Teacher Lounge Snacks: Monthly signup to purchase and deliver healthy snacks to our incredible teachers! 

TWO SPACES LEFT in the 3rd & 4th Grade Monday After School Sports Club (11/4 - 12/16)
Children will play different sports each week. Sports include: soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball,
bowling, court hockey, football, and dodgeball. All equipment is provided and made of soft materials. The club will meet immediately after school in the gym, and is coached by Henry Guterson, an Island youth coach since 2004. The goal is for children to get better at sports and have a fun, positive experience.
Mondays, 12:50pm - 2:20pm (11/4 - 12/16 - 6 sessions (no meeting 11/11))

Chess Club Parent Volunteer Opportunity: Chess Club Coach Mark Cohen is in search of parent volunteers for Chess Club every Tuesday (10/29 - 12/10 (no club on 11/26)) from 2:20 - 4 pm in the Blakely Lunchroom. Please consider lending your support by volunteering!  If you are interested in helping please email: blakely.president@bainbridgeptos.org
 
Pictures are ready
Feedback RE: BISD's Permanent Superintendent
In late September, School Board President Mark Emerson and Vice President Kelly Cancialosi shared a message about the hiring process for the permanent BISD superintendent.
The Board wants your feedback! You can provide input through this Parents/Guardians/Community Survey. In addition, a community meeting open to all will be held on November 7 at 5:45 p.m. in the Board Room.
 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found
Lost and Found is overflowing! Please ask your student to check. All lost and found will be donated after Fall Conferences at the end of the day on November 1st. If there is a name we will reunite with its owner.
STEM Supplies
STEM Supplies Needed
STEM NEEDS COOL SUPPLIES
Want to donate supplies to your child's STEM class?
We can use:
  • Toilet Paper Tubes (paper free please) WE'RE IN NEED!!!!! 
  • Sturdy small to medium sized boxes
  • Paper Towel Tubes
  • Craft Supplies
  • Circuit Boards
  • Cool metal bits, pieces and contraptions
  • Feathers
  • Marbles
  • Ping Pong, Tennis, Whiffle or misc Balls
  • Fake Flowers
  • Fabric
  • Old Flashlights
  • Beautiful miscellaneous things taking up space at your house
  • Any other amazing, creative and/or phenomenal building supplies. 
Thanks for all the donations! 
 
Calendar
Blakely Calendar
OCTOBER

29: Picture Re-takes (AM)
31- Nov 1 : Conferences (No School)

NOVEMBER

8: Popcorn Day
8: PTO Meeting 9am in the Library
11: Veteran's Day (No School)
27-29: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
 
Links
Helpful Links
SCHOOL INFORMATION

K-4 School Hours
  • Monday: 7:50-12:50
  • Tuesday-Friday: 7:50-2:20
Preschool Hours:
Tuesday-Friday
  • AM: 7:45-10:15
  • PM: 11:45-2:20
Phone Numbers
  • Main office: 206-842-4752
  • Attendance: 206-780-2046 or blattend@bisd303.org
  • After-school Transportation: blabus@bisd303.org
Helpful Links
 
Non-Discrimination Statement
Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Kristen Haizlip, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator and Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; 206-780-1058; khaizlip@bisd303.org BISD: All Are Welcome