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District

Blakely Newsletter - January 20, 2026

Posted Date: 01/20/26 (08:20 AM)


Blakely Elementary School
Bulldog - In this newsletter

January 20, 2026

Inside this Newsletter

  • From the Counselor
  • Kindergarten Information Night
  • Conference Sign Ups
  • Family Bingo Night
  • 2026-2027 School Year Information Nights & Events
  • PTO News
  • Bainbridge Schools Foundation Gala
  • January Attendance Note
  • Blakely Calendar
  • Helpful Information/Links
  • Community Events
 
Children of Divorce

From the Counselor

Hello, Blakely Community! 

This week, I’d like to provide some information about our upcoming Changing Families Group, planned to start the week of February 23rd, just after Mid-Winter Break.

Our Changing Families group is suitable for students experiencing family separation or divorce, regardless of the time elapsed since the event. I typically try to run three separate groups – one for Kindergarten and 1st grade, another for 2nd and 3rd grade, and a third for 4th grade (though this depends on the number of students we have signed up each year). Each group will meet in my office for 30 minutes each week, for a total of 8 sessions.

This group will use evidence-based materials from The Children's Institute– their Children of Divorce Intervention Program will be used to facilitate these groups.

The goals of this particular group are to provide a supportive group environment, normalize the sense of being "the only one" who has a separated or divorced family, provide opportunities to express feelings related to a changing family structure, teach relevant coping skills, teach communication skills, teach problem-solving skills, and enhance positive perceptions of themselves and their families.

This group has been a wonderful opportunity in years past for students to build connections, foster a sense of pride in their family, and develop skills to reduce stress and increase resilience.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in this group or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Always here, 

Amanda Keller (she/her), M.Ed.
School Counselor
 
Kindergarten Information Night

Kindergarten Information Night

Families with a rising kindergartener are invited to learn more about kindergarten options in Bainbridge Island School District. Join us for our general kindergarten information night and program-specific events to explore both neighborhood schools and choice programs.

General Kindergarten Information Night
Thursday, January 22 | 6:00 p.m.
Blakely Elementary
4704 Blakely Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Learn about kindergarten from representatives of all BISD elementary schools and get answers to your questions. More information at www.bisd303.org/kindergarten. Let us know about your rising kindergarten student by completing this form.

Enrollment is now open!
 

Conference Sign Ups

Winter Conferences will be held on Wednesday-Friday, February 11-13 both in-person and via Zoom.

Sign-ups for conferences open next Wednesday on January 21 at 3:00 pm through Skyward Family Access.

If you need assistance signing-up, please contact your student's teacher or Kyanne Hawkins @ 206-780-2060 / KHawkins@bisd303.org

NOTE: There is no school on February 11, 12 or 13 due to Winter Conferences.
 
Bingo Night

Family Bingo Night

Bingo Night is on Friday, January 30th from 5:30-7:00 pm. Our Emcees for this fun family evening are Blakely dads, Joe Slowick and Hans Juhl. This year promises to be another fun evening of games, laughs, pizza and prizes!

We need volunteers to help set up, clean up, serve pizza, and give out prizes.  Please sign up below!


 

Girls on the Run - Coaches Needed!

Coaches are needed for the Blakely Girls on the Run team! No coaching or running experience is required. All the tools, training, and support needed to lead a team through an amazing 10-week session are provided! Share 4 hours a week to make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

Girls on the Run is a place where caring volunteer coaches give 3rd-5th grade girls a space to laugh, move, and grow. Through our new curriculum Hello, Bold Heart!, coaches lead girls in learning to share what's in their hearts, cheer each other on, build confidence, and reach goals at their own pace. Each practice blends movement, connection, and fun - helping girls grown strong in body, mind, and heart. 

Learn more or sign up to coach at www.gotrws.org. Questions? Contact Leslie at 360.265.1031 or email leslie.hughes@girlsontherun.org
 

Bainbridge Schools Foundation Gala

Join Bainbridge Schools Foundation for our annual Gala event on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Kiana Lodge. This fun and impactful evening includes dinner, an inspiring program featuring student speakers, a live auction, raffles, and more!

Funds raised during the event directly support all BISD schools and help build strong, connected learning communities for students and educators. Registration closes January 22; gather your friends and register today at bsfgala.org.
 
2026-2027 School Year

Save the Dates: 2026–27 School Year Information Nights & Events

The 2026–27 school year will be here before we know it! We look forward to welcoming families to a series of information nights and transition events this winter and spring. Please save the dates below—February & March events will include additional details and times in our upcoming Community Newsletters.

Commodore K–8 Information Night
Tuesday, January 27 | 6:30 p.m.
Commodore Options School

Mosaic K-8 Information Session
Wednesday, January 28 | 1:00 p.m.
Commodore Options School

Incoming Woodward Middle School 7th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night
Tuesday, February 3rd | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
 Woodward Middle School

Eagle Harbor High School Information Night
Tuesday, February 10 | 6:30 p.m.
Eagle Harbor High School

Future Freshman Night (BHS & EHHS)
Wednesday, February 11 | 6:30 p.m.
 Bainbridge High School

New-to-BISD (Grades 9–12)
Monday, February 23 | 2:15-3:15 p.m.
Bainbridge High School
 *Sign-up information will be shared in January

Incoming Sakai 5th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night
Tuesday, March 24 | 6:30 p.m.
Sakai Intermediate School
 

New Year = New Learning: Every Day Counts!

As we start the new year, coming to school each day helps our elementary students learn, grow, and feel connected. Being at school gives children the chance to build friendships, practice social skills, and take part in hands-on learning that can’t be replaced.

Regular attendance also helps teachers notice early if a child needs extra support, so we can work together before small challenges become bigger ones. If your family is facing barriers to getting to school, please reach out—we’re here to help.

Let’s make this a year full of learning, connection, and confidence for our students!
 
Calendar

Blakely Calendar

JANUARY:
21: Sign Up for Conferences @ 3pm via Family Access
22: Kindergarten Orientation 6:00pm Blakely
26: Second Semester Begins
30: Bingo Night @ 5:30pm in the commons

FEBRUARY:
11-13: Winter Conferences (No School)
16-20: Presidents Day & Mid Winter Break (No School)
26: Incoming Kindergarten Visit/Bus Ride 9:00am
 
Helpful LInks

Helpful LInks


SCHOOL INFORMATION

K-4 School Hours
  • Monday: 7:50-12:50
  • Tuesday-Friday: 7:50-2:20
Preschool Hours:
Tuesday-Friday
  • AM: 7:45-10:15
  • PM: 11:45-2:20
Phone Numbers
  • Main office: 206-842-4752
  • Attendance: 206-780-2046 or blaattend@bisd303.org
  • After-school Transportation: blabus@bisd303.org
Helpful Links
 

Community Events

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

Non-Discrimination Statement

Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The BISD provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. 

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator:
Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent
206-780-1058

Section 504/ADA Coordinators:
Annalisa Sanchez, Director of Student Services
206-780-1069

Maria Kuffel
206-780-1088

8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110