Blakely Newsletter - December 1, 2025

Hello Blakely, 

As we wrap up November, I want to take a moment to share how incredibly proud I am to be part of our amazing Blakely community. Every day, I witness the dedication of our outstanding staff, the enthusiasm of our wonderful students, and the impact of our family support. Your partnership in your child's education makes all the difference, and I am grateful to work alongside such committed families. Below are three areas I want to highlight with December in mind. 

As we move into the winter months, I want to emphasize how crucial daily attendance is for your child's academic success and social development. Our average attendance rate for the year is 94%, however- November has been our lowest average by month (93% compared to 96% in September). Regular attendance builds the foundation for learning that cannot be replicated through makeup work alone. When students miss school, they miss not only direct instruction but also classroom discussions, social connections, and the natural flow of learning that happens throughout each day.

Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to read proficiently by third grade and graduate on time. Even missing just two days per month can add up and impact growth - tardies also play a role in this. Of course, illness and emergencies happen, but we encourage families to prioritize attendance whenever possible. If your child is resisting coming to school for any reason, please reach out and let us know so we can partner with and support you. 

One final note, if you are dropping off your child after 7:50 (when our tardy bell rings) we ask that all students are brought into the front office and signed in by a parent/guardian. This ensures student safety as our arrival outdoor supervision ends at 7:50. Thank you for your help in making this change to support our students.  

December brings unique challenges that can disrupt the consistent routines our elementary students depend on for success. Shorter daylight hours, unpredictable weather, and anticipation of winter break can all impact children's daily rhythms. As a parent myself, I understand how challenging it can be to maintain consistency during this time, but keeping daily routines around sleep, meals, and morning preparations provides the stability children need to feel secure and arrive at school ready to learn with confidence. Thank you in advance for being mindful of this! 

As we move from fall into winter, December is a time to keep our routines steady and finish the calendar year strong. With the holiday season and shorter daylight hours, it’s easy for schedules to get busy — but staying connected and showing up each day helps students maintain their learning momentum.

We also know that life happens — winter colds, darker mornings, and busy family schedules can make it harder to get to school. Please reach out if your family is facing challenges such as transportation, illness, anxiety, or other stressors. We have caring staff, community partners, and resources ready to support you.

Together, let’s make this final stretch of 2025 a time of connection, consistency, and growth for every student.

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep students and staff safe during winter weather, BISD is introducing a three-hour delay option for school start times. BISD now has the flexibility to start school two or three hours late when winter weather impacts travel conditions.

This additional delay provides more flexibility on Tuesdays through Fridays, allowing extra time for roads to be cleared and for everyone to travel safely to school.

Our team has been working hard behind the scenes to make this a viable option on snow and ice days—ensuring that schedules, transportation, and meals are all ready to go when the weather requires extra flexibility.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate winter weather together. Our goal is always the same: to get everyone to school safely.

For more information, visit our Inclement Weather Info & FAQs.

Seeking 3 volunteers for Popcorn Fridays from January to June. Sign up HERE!

Monday After School Sports with Coach Henry (1/12 through 3/2, no class 1/19 or 2/16). Find more info and sign-up here:

Show your talent by designing the 2025-26 Blakely Yearbook Cover! All submissions must be on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper, vertical/portrait style, and include "Blakely Elementary 2025-26" on the design. Submissions are due Friday, December 19, Ms Hawkins will have a basket in the front office. 

The next Blakely PTO meeting will be held Friday, December 5 at 9am all are welcome to join! The coordinating council of all Bainbridge PTOs (the PTOCC) will be holding their next meeting Thursday, December 4 at 9 am Woodward Middle School.

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