BISD Newsletter - September 26, 2025

Here we are in the midst of week three of our school year-and what a 3 weeks it has been! I am profoundly grateful for the goodness that I see in the everyday actions of our staff and our students. These small, quiet actions give me so much hope for the future, and provide a sense of calm when it feels like there is so much uncertainty in the world around us. 

I want to honor that there is a heaviness right now as we make sense of the divisiveness that is growing each day, and how to best navigate the polarization that is rapidly unfolding across our country. I am unsettled by the swift judgments being made and what feels like the abandonment of discourse and finding common ground for the greater good. 

I certainly do not have all of the answers, but I do have hope that we can come together by holding onto the core values that have come to define who we are as a BISD community:

I also want to offer that throughout history, we have seen time and time again, that the best way to combat hate is through kindness and compassion. Every smile, kind word or thoughtful note puts goodness into the universe, and we need this now more than ever. 

In partnership and hope,

Amii Thompson

Superintendent

Bainbridge Island School District

Every day in BISD, students are challenged to grow through strong academics, creative enrichment, and the support of staff who care for their whole well-being. To maintain stability and protect the excellence our community expects, a Supplemental Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy will be on the ballot this November.

The levy is designed to bridge the gap between what the state funds and what it actually costs to provide the education our community values. This unique opportunity was created to help address that ongoing gap. Passing the supplemental levy allows BISD to continue supporting essential staff and programs that would otherwise remain underfunded by the state.

The cost to property owners will be $0.08 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026, $0.11 in 2027, and $0.13 in 2028. Even with the addition of this supplemental levy, the overall school tax bill for Bainbridge taxpayers will go down due to expiring bond taxes.

On our levy webpage, you’ll find a more detailed breakdown of the cost as well as Frequently Asked Questions.

Learn more at www.bisd303.org/levyinfo

Fall Referral Window: September 29–October 10, 2025

BISD’s Highly Capable (HC) referrals are welcome during our fall window for students new to our district (since February 2025) in grades 1–11. (Referrals for Kindergarten and currently enrolled BISD students will open during our spring window.)

If you’d like your student considered for HC services, please visit our BISD Highly Capable page for the timeline, program details, and the referral form.

Please complete the BISD referral and email documentation (e.g., assessment scores, grades, placement letters) to Whitney Skarbek at wskarbek@bisd303.org.

Deadline: Submit the referral (and any supporting documents, if applicable) by end of day Friday, October 10, 2025.

Questions or need assistance? Contact Whitney Skarbek at wskarbek@bisd303.org.

Farm to School: Fresh Flavors This Fall 🌱🍎

Farm to School is in full swing this fall at BISD! We’re excited to introduce Jason Sacho, who has taken the lead of our Food & Nutrition Services team, and Tony Lombardi, who recently joined the team. Both bring extensive culinary backgrounds and a passion for creating menus with fresh, locally sourced foods from our region—skills they’re eager to put into action for BISD students.

Just last week, our annual squash delivery arrived from Bainbridge Island/Suyematsu Farm. The first boxes featured giant Blue Hubbard squash, which will be roasted and served as a cozy fall soup for students to enjoy.

We’re also thrilled to share that BISD has been awarded the Washington State Department of Agriculture Local Purchasing Grant! This two-year grant will help us continue to bring Washington-grown foods from local farmers and producers straight to our cafeterias.

In addition - look for our redesigned menus highlighting our "Harvest of the Month" and "Made from Scratch" meals!

Stay tuned—our team will be sharing monthly Farm to School updates throughout the year.

👉 Learn more about the BISD Farm to School program here!

Our district is participating in the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey this October. The survey will be administered on the following dates:

The Healthy Youth Survey includes questions related to physical activity, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, interpersonal relationships, school experiences, risk and protective factors, and access to school-based services. Survey results are used by schools, communities, and State agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risks. Participation in the survey is voluntary and steps are taken to ensure student privacy. There are no names or codes used to link a survey back to a student.

Please read this very important document with frequently asked questions and information about the survey: Healthy Youth Survey for Parents & Youth 

To opt your child out, please call your child’s school. 

9: School Board Meeting

30-31: K-6 Conferences (No School)

30: School Board Meeting

4: Election Day

11: Veterans Day (No School)

13: School Board Meeting

26-28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Looking for things to do around town? Visit our Community Events page for local happenings, classes, and family activities—updated regularly.

Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on what is happening within our school district.