Coho Connection 09/02/25

Welcome to the new school year at Sakai! I'm thrilled to welcome both returning and new students to our community.

I'm honored to be the full-time school counselor at Sakai. This is my third year here, and for the past two years, I worked part-time alongside Beth Hebert, who retired last spring. I have over 20 years of experience as a counselor and teacher.

On a personal note, I'm a mom to a high schooler and a middle schooler. I also have two wonderful doodle dogs, one of whom, Dotty, works with me as a therapy dog here at Sakai. We make a great counseling team!

The core of my work is to ensure every student has a successful academic and social-emotional experience. This year, we're continuing with our social-emotional curriculum, CharacterStrong, which will be delivered during our dedicated social-emotional learning time, COHO, every Monday morning. Each month, I'll write a counseling update for the COHO connection to highlight our monthly themes and provide resources for supporting social and emotional well-being. The theme for September is Community.

An essential part of my role is providing students with a supportive space to overcome challenges. By working with teachers and families, I help students develop strong problem-solving skills, recognize their strengths, and build resilience. This helps them confidently face challenges, learn from mistakes, and grow.

During the first week of school, I will visit classrooms to introduce myself and explain how students can access counseling support. I am eager to witness the growth and positive experiences this new school year promises.

Please don't hesitate to reach out and say hello. I welcome the opportunity to partner with families.

Warmest regards, 

Anita Watson 

awatson@bisd303.org 

206-780-6506

It is important that students have consistent attendance and arrive to school on time. If your student must be late or absent, please notify our office each day of your student's absence.

Instructions for reporting absences can be found on our website.

Our automated phone system will call to confirm your child’s absence if you haven’t called our attendance line by 9:30 am.

If a transportation change occurs during the school day and your student is not aware of the change, please call our office at 206-780-6500 to inform us of the change. We will write a note to your student that will be delivered to their classroom at the end of the day. 

For example, student usually rides the bus but will be picked up today instead and the student is not aware of the change.

If the student is aware of the change before school starts, the office does not need to be notified.

Students may not use the office phone to arrange after school plans with friends. We request that this be taken care of before coming to school.

Please see additional information regarding bus transportation in the 2025-26 BISD Family Handbook.

Please note, transportation is limited to a student's home or to one of the following locations: Boys & Girls Club, Big Kids / Kids Club, Hazelcreek Montessori. Please contact the transportation department at Transportation@bisd303.org with any questions.

Bus routes can be found on the district's Transportation website.

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