Coho Connection 01/14/25

Dear Sakai Families,

As you know, I have challenged students to write an essay about how we can live Dr. King’s words at Sakai. I’ve received so many entries with encouraging sentiments such as this excerpt from a 5th-grade student, “Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was a great man and lived a life full of success, and a little defeat, but in the times it was difficult he pulled through it and made most of the things he believed in, come true. In conclusion, ‘We may have all come in on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now’ is an important quote by Martin Luther King Jr. I really encourage you to take time on Monday the 20th to think about this quote (and how you can help our community).” Our students are so wise and I hope we can all follow this advice and dedicate some time on Monday to reflecting on how we can help our community. 

This week our Sakai Arts and Traditions Committee is meeting to begin planning for our Leaving Our Island Day in March. For those of you unfamiliar, each year our 6th grade students study a unit on Japanese Internment during World War Two. They study both local and national stories, including from the Sakai family. It culminates in an impactful day of students hearing first-hand accounts from survivors and families of survivors. I am excited to begin the work of planning this rich experience for our students!

I hope you have a wonderful week, Sakai!

Drew

We are looking forward to our PTO-sponsored Family Learning Night on January 28th at 5:15. This night is for parents and guardians to engage in an insightful discussion focused on the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This evening will explore the growing prevalence of anxiety in today’s youth and offer practical strategies to support children in navigating challenges with resilience and confidence. Together, we’ll discuss key themes from the book, share experiences, and explore tools to foster a positive and supportive environment at home and in school. Whether you’ve read the book or are new to the topic, this event promises valuable takeaways for every parent. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn!

It was so fun to see many of our students at the Mochi Festival, where I was volunteering at the origami station. We will be folding Cranes for the Bainbridge Island Japanese Exclusion Memorial and do not be surprised if your student gets hooked on origami. We will be finishing Heartwork. (Named by a student) and you will receive it during conferences. Coming soon is clay and the start of a variety of art that will be put in a book. 

I am looking for someone who could cut x's in tennis balls for me to replace the tennis balls that currently are on the feet of the art stools. The tennis balls are about 10 years old and starting to fall off. The tennis balls cut down on the noise in the room. This would be an incredible gift that you could do at home if you are looking to help out but can't volunteer at school due to work. Thanks for your consideration! 

Happy New Year!

Maggie Hitchcock

Art Specialist

Please join us at the next Sakai PTO meeting on Thursday, January 16th, at 9:00 a.m. 

You are welcome to attend the PTO meeting either in-person at Sakai in room 223 or via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent to families prior to the meeting. 

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 "B" or "C" specialist days T-F. 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. Thank you!

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.

Community & Staff Meetings Regarding BISD's Budget

Join Superintendent Amii Thompson and Chief Financial Officer Kim Knight for Budget-Centered Focus Groups throughout the month of January. 

Bainbridge Island winter mornings and evenings are dark (and often rainy), making it difficult for drivers to see students walking or riding bikes. Before your student leaves for the day, please be sure they have the proper equipement to make them as visible as possible. For additional information, please review the tips on the Washington State Department of Transportation website. 

16: PTO Meeting 9 am

17: Choir Club Concert at WMS 6:30 pm

20: MLK Holiday - No School

27: Food Drive Begins

28: Anxious Generation Book Discussion Group, Sakai Library 5:15 pm