Inside this Newsletter
- Principal's Message
- Sakai Spirit
- Food Drive
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Kindergarten Information Nights & Choice Program Dates
- Save the Dates: 2026–27 School Year Information Nights & Events
- New Year = New Learning: Every Day Counts
- Bainbridge Schools Foundation Gala
- Wrestling
- Sakai Calendar
- Community Events
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Dear Sakai Families,
I hope you had an enjoyable weekend and took time to honor Dr. King in a meaningful way for your family. We had a very inspiring assembly on Friday, which was designed by and featured our students. Our student speakers did a phenomenal job!
This Friday marks the official end of our first semester. Conferences are February 11-13, and you will soon hear from your student's teacher about how to sign up. First-semester grades will be available for families to view ahead of conferences, on February 6th.
As the first semester comes to a close, I want you to know we are all so proud of our students and everything they have accomplished. Throughout this year they have shown kindness, perseverance, responsibility, and reliability. They have grown as a community, as learners, and as people. We are excited to continue watching them grow next semester.
I also want to express enormous gratitude to the Sakai staff for their dedication and commitment. They are an inspiring and passionate team to work with and I feel so fortunate every day to work alongside them.
And, I want to thank you, Sakai families. Thank you for your partnership and grace as we work together to serve our students. We look forward to meeting with you in February to discuss your wonderful student and a successful second semester.
I hope you have a wonderful week, Sakai!
Drew
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This month the following students were honored for outstanding spirit:
- Isobel Tobin
- Holden Young
- Josephine Chin
- Nathan von Reis Crooks
- Lucas Lincoln
These students invited a friend to attend a pizza party with Mr. Crandall. Thank you to That's a Some Pizza and PTO for sponsoring our student incentive program. The nominations are made in reference to Sakai's Four R's: Responsible, Respectful, Reasonable, Reliable.
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COMING SOON! The annual, colossal, gigantic, I can't believe it......Share the love.... COHO COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE!!
The food drive runs from January 26th through Monday, February 9th.
Each student is encouraged to bring items to help us fill the shelves at Helpline House. This is part of our Coho program which includes community service.
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Contra Dance Event Volunteers Needed!
The Sakai PTO is looking for 1-2 volunteers to help plan the Contra Dance Event scheduled to occur on Thursday, April 23rd.
You will work directly with Sakai teachers Katie Gibbs and Amy Evans to plan this fun, family event, including helping with planning details and coordinating volunteers for the event.
Game Room Volunteers for January/February
As the weather gets colder and a little less outdoor-recess-y, our awesome Sakai staff would like to provide a game room alternative during lunch recess! Game Room will be available during recess on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We would love one parent volunteer to supervise each of these. Please sign up for the available slots if you are able.
Please remember that all volunteers who help in the classroom, on field trips, and other various activities must be cleared by the district: Volunteering with BISD. The approval process can take up to two weeks. Once approved, you are ready to volunteer and your approval is valid for two years.
Please bring your driver's license or id each time you sign into any school in the district.
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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
Choice Program Information Nights
Along with traditional kindergartens at BISD neighborhood schools, BISD offers choice programs (meaning families choose to enter them through a lottery). Attend these program-specific information nights to learn more!
Odyssey Multiage
Tuesday, January 27 | 6:30 p.m.
Commodore Options | 9530 High School Road
Kindergarten Information Night
El Velero (Spanish Immersion)
Wednesday, February 4 | 6:00 p.m.
Ordway Elementary School | 8555 Madison Ave North
Kindergarten Information Night
* Lottery note: Applications for Odyssey and El Velero are due Thursday, February 12 at 9:00 a.m.
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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 | 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 | 6:30 p.m.
Sakai Intermediate School
Additional details, reminders, and links will be shared in district publications as we get closer to each event. We look forward to connecting with you and supporting your student’s transition into the 2026–27 school year!
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As we begin the new year, we know that getting to school each day can feel challenging for some 5th and 6th graders. Changes in routines, academic expectations, social pressures, or worries about school can make attendance harder—especially during this age of transition.
Being at school regularly helps students stay connected to teachers and peers, build friendships, and participate fully in learning. It also helps students manage their workload, reduce stress from missed assignments, and develop habits that support success in middle school and beyond. Even small steps toward more consistent attendance can make a meaningful difference.
Regular attendance also allows adults to notice early when a student may need extra support, so families and schools can work together before challenges grow. If your child is having a hard time getting to school, please reach out. You are not alone, and we are here to partner with you in finding supportive solutions.
Together, let’s make this a year of growth, confidence, and success.
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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.
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The middle and intermediate school Bainbridge Wrestling program (Affiliated with USA wrestling) is a free after school program held at the Bainbridge High School wrestling room for 5th through 8th grade students.
To sign up, please contact Dan Pippinger ( danpippinger@gmail.com), fill out the information below and email it in or bring it on the first day of practice. Forms are also available in the Sakai office.
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JANUARY
26: Second Semester Begins
26: Food Drive Begins
FEBRUARY
9: Food Drive Delivery to Helpline House
11-13: Winter Conferences - No School
16-20: Presidents Day & Mid-Winter Break - No School
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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
khaizlip@bisd303.org
Section 504/ADA Coordinators:
Annalisa Sanchez, Director of Student Services
206-780-1069
asanchez@bisd303.org
Maria Kuffel, Director of Student Services
206-780-1088
mkuffel@bisd303.org
8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
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