Coho Connection 08/19/25

Dear Sakai Families,

It was wonderful to hear from many of you over the past week. I am so excited for school to start. It’s going to be a fantastic year!

5th and 6th graders are at such a fun and unique time in their life. At Sakai, we understand students at this age and their needs. Our goal is to cultivate a strong sense of belonging, foster student voice, and address their individual needs. Our amazing teachers are trained and dedicated to ensuring this time is one of connection and growth. You will be able to meet your student’s teachers at our Ice Cream Social on August 28th from 12:30-2:00. However, Sakai is full of educators who will be supporting your student. I would like to introduce a few other staff members that will be working closely with you and your student this year:

Bridget Lockett is our Dean of Students. Bridget brings a wealth of experience to her role having been a teacher at Sakai for many years and also having served as our Highly Capable and English Language Learner teacher. Bridget is a positive and student-centered educator and is distinguished at meeting student needs. 

Iris White is Sakai’s Office Manager as she has been for the past ten years. Iris knows just about everything there is to know about Sakai. If you have a question, Iris knows the answer. She is a kind and caring staff member and truly is the heartbeat of our school!

Annette Salmon works next to Iris in the office and is often the smiling face greeting you when you arrive. She is Sakai’s registrar and also who you will speak to when calling in absences. 

Anita Watson will be our full time counselor this year. Anita is dedicated to ensuring students are getting their emotional needs met. Anita has many years of experience working with students in this age band.

Be sure to stop in and introduce yourself at our Ice Cream Social. One of the exciting things about a two-year school is that each year we have many new families. To help ensure you have all the information you need to feel ready for the year, we have a Sakai Family Handbook to answer some frequently asked questions. This includes our schedule and student drop-off and pick-up information. 

Have a great week, Sakai!

Drew

Please join us for our annual before school event where students get to familiarize themselves with the school, meet their teachers and meet the PTO Board. Our wonderful PTO will be serving popsicles and selling Sakai shirts and sweatshirts.

WHAT: Ice Cream Social and Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Friday, August 28th, 12:30-2:00 pm

WHERE: Sakai

Please print the scavenger hunt map and bring it with you. Follow the numbers to get to know the school.  

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Class placement will be open for families in Skyward Family Access on Friday, 08/22, at 4:00 pm and you will be able to see the classroom placement for your student.

We consider this placement information final. Due to the many accommodations, we have taken into account for all students, and the parent/teacher information we gathered regarding a student's social/emotional and academic needs, there is little opportunity to make further adjustments to class assignments. If you have questions regarding your student's class placement please call Anita Watson - Counselor, Drew Crandall - Principal, or Bridget Lockett - Dean of Students.

At Sakai, our mission is to meet every student where they are academically and help them grow. One of the ways we do this is through Flex Time—a dedicated period each day designed to provide the right level of challenge and support for every learner.

Flex Time is not new to Sakai, but each year we refine it to make it even more impactful. During this time, students may:

In addition, all students will:

Flex Time allows us to personalize learning, ensuring that every student is supported, challenged, and inspired. We are grateful for your partnership as we continue to create meaningful learning experiences for all.

The Annual Back-to-school Check-in (ABC) process has been completed for 70% of students. This annual process lets us know that your student(s) are returning to our schools for 2025-26 and allows parents/guardians to review annual information. 

The ABCs must be completed for all students attending BISD schools in 2025-26, including both new and returning students. Access the ABCs by logging into your Family Access account. It should take about 15 minutes (or less!) to complete. 

If you need assistance with the ABC process (such as translation, accessing technology, or other questions), please get in touch with the office manager at your student's school. 

NOT RETURNING? If your K-11th grade student is not returning to BISD schools this fall, please inform your school's office manager.

28: Meet & Greet Ice Cream Social from 12:30-2:00 p.m.

1: Labor Day (BISD Closed)

2: First Day of School

16: 5th-grade Parent/Guardian Night from 5:15 to 6:30 pm.

17: 6th-grade Parent/Guardian Night from 5:15 to 6:15 pm.

23: School photos during the school day