Coho Connection 01/28/25

Dear Sakai Families,

Our annual food drive started yesterday! In COHO, we discussed the importance of being a positive citizen who gives back to our community and heard from an employee of Helpline House on how critical this drive is to them to serve Bainbridge Island community members. It is so heartwarming to see our students excited about giving back to this community service project. There are two ways students can donate. They can simply bring a bag of items to their classroom. Or, they can volunteer for a shift at one of our local businesses.

If your student would like to volunteer for a shift, they will need your permission. Here is some information for you to know:

All donations will be delivered to Helpline House on Monday, February 10th. Let’s help our community!

Have a great week, Sakai!

Drew

IT'S HERE! The annual, colossal, gigantic, I can't believe it......Share the love.... COHO COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE!!

Each student is encouraged to bring items to help us fill the shelves at Helpline House. This is part of our Coho program which includes community service.

Food donations may be dropped off outside in front of the school at the drop off/pick up loop. Please place food donations under the covered canopy. Please write the student's homeroom teacher on all bags and boxes.

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!

A special thank you to Monica Gerlach, who cut x's in all of the new tennis balls that are on all of art stool feet.  

We have started clay in the morning group and pointillism in the afternoon group. We are also learning about the elements of art and providing cards for Island Volunteer Caregivers' Valentines packages. Hope you have a great week!

Maggie Hitchcock

Art Specialist

We have several upcoming volunteer opportunities. Thank you for considering signing up to help us out.

Conference time is just around the corner, and we’d love your help keeping our teachers and staff fueled and happy to show our appreciation for all they do! 

Click here to sign up and contribute something delicious!

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!

We are needing a 5th grade parent to help with the yearbook. If you are interested, please contact yearbook chair, Annie Graebner, anniegphotography@gmail.com.

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.

There is no school for students on conference days.

Conferences are an important time to further that home to school, and school to home connection that is so valuable in education. It's a time for students to be recognized for their efforts, and a time for students to re-establish their goals and their dedication toward reaching those goals. Families and teachers work together to support the student. In so doing, families and teachers show the caring and teamwork that is a crucial connection in a student's education. 

Teachers will be contacting families to sign up for conferences and are looking forward to conferencing with all of you.  

The middle and intermediate school Bainbridge Wrestling program (Affiliated with USA wrestling) is a free after school program held at the Bainbridge High School wrestling room for 5th through 8th grade students.

To sign up, please contact Dan Pippinger (danpippinger@gmail.com), fill out the information below and email it in or bring it on the first day of practice.

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. 

27-31: Food Drive

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

1-10: Food Drive

12-14: Winter Conferences - No School

17-21: Presidents' Day and Mid-Winter Break - No School

27: PTO Meeting 9:00 AM

28: Spirit Day - PJ Day