- Message from Superintendent Thompson
- IMPORTANT: Update on Next Year’s Release Day Schedule
- Attendance Matters: Every Day Counts
- BISD Schools Recognized by Washington School Recognition Program
- Farm to School Update
- ABC - Skyward Registration
- Family Math Nights: Thank You Rotary
- Spartronics Competes on the World Stage
- Mark Your Calendars: Key Dates Ahead
- Local Community Events
- Stay Connected: Follow Us on Social Media
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Before I share a message for Staff Appreciation Week, I want to encourage all families to review the important scheduling update in the next section of this newsletter regarding changes to next year’s release day schedule.
As we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to share my sincere gratitude for the incredible people who make our schools thrive.
In the constant busyness of the school year, it can often feel as though the work sustaining our district happens entirely behind the scenes. I want to assure you that these contributions are never taken for granted.
Whether it is maintaining our facilities, ensuring our daily operations run seamlessly or supporting a student’s personal growth, the work of our staff is the essential heartbeat of BISD. While their efforts are often quiet, the impact they have on our community is immense.
I am truly honored to work alongside such a resilient group of professionals. They show up every day for our students and for each other, and they are deeply appreciated. Please join me this week in recognizing the hard work and heart that goes into making BISD a wonderful place to learn and grow.
With gratitude, Amii Thompson Superintendent |
BIEA (Bainbridge Island Education Association) and BISD Bargaining Teams met last evening and reached a tentative agreement to adjust the day of the week for release days in the upcoming school year.
Taking to heart the perspectives shared by our staff, students, and families, we have moved all full and half-day releases to Mondays instead of the previous mix of Mondays and Wednesdays. We heard clearly that having a consistent day of the week makes it much easier for families to manage childcare, work schedules, and family time, and we are glad to make this shift to support that.
Please save the following finalized release dates for the 2026–27 school year:
Full-Day Release Dates (No School for Students) September 28 October 26 January 25 March 22 May 17
Half-Day Release Dates November 30 April 26 June 7
Please note that we will be continuing with the half-day conference schedule for the upcoming year.
We appreciate the patience and partnership of our staff, students, and families as we worked through this process to best support our school community. |
By May, it’s normal for students to feel tired, unmotivated, or simply “done.” The end of the school year can be a challenging stretch for students, families, and staff alike. But continuing to show up consistently each day makes a real difference for learning, maintaining routines, staying connected to peers and teachers, and finishing the year feeling proud of the effort that was put in.
We’re in the home stretch, and every day still counts. Small moments of perseverance now can have a lasting impact as students wrap up the school year strong.
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We are grateful to share that several Bainbridge Island schools have been recognized through the Washington School Recognition Program for student achievement and growth during the 2024–25 school year.
🏫 Capt. Johnston Blakely Elementary School — recognized for achievement in ELA, Math, and attendance rate
🏫 Odyssey Multiage Program — recognized for growth for students receiving special education services
🏫 Sonoji Sakai Intermediate School — recognized for achievement in ELA, Math, and attendance rate
🏫 x̌alilc Elementary School — recognized for growth for low-income students and achievement in ELA, Math, and attendance rate
This recognition reflects the daily work happening across our district to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. We are proud of the dedication, care, and collaboration shown in every BISD school and classroom each day. |
Spring has arrived on the island and gardens are popping! The Halilts school garden was prepped with a PTO-led volunteer party, and the Ordway garden had a fruit tree delivery and the Woodward culinary arts garden planted snap peas and strawberries. Halilts and Ordway have launched after-school garden clubs which are very popular with students.
Spring greens are planted in gardens across the district. Speaking of greens, Ordway also hosted a taste test featuring spinach, the Harvest of the Month product. Students were excited to taste palak paneer and naan and voted a big “YES!” to have it featured on the menu again. You can find this recipe on the BISD Farm to School website here. |
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We are at 28% registration for the 2026-27 school year! If you haven't registered yet, please take a moment to complete your child's registration. Having an accurate headcount is essential for us to determine staffing, class sizes, and building capacity.
- Attending Next Year? Log in to your Family Access account, select ABC 26-27 in the left menu, and complete the process ASAP. It takes less than 15 minutes! (Note: This is required for ALL students, including those in Running Start. For students with more than one household, only the Primary Family can complete this step).
- Not Returning? Please contact your school office or email studentrecords@bisd303.org with your educational plans so we can update our records.
For more details, guidance for split households, and step-by-step instructions, please visit: bisd303.org/enrollment |
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Thanks to a generous grant from the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island to the Bainbridge Schools Foundation, our K–4 schools are able to host engaging Family Math Nights filled with hands-on games and activities for students and families.
These events create joyful opportunities for families to explore math together while helping students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of belonging around math. Through playful learning experiences, students are encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes, and see math as something collaborative and fun.
We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island and the Bainbridge Schools Foundation for supporting meaningful learning experiences that bring families together and strengthen math learning across our elementary schools. |
Last week, Bainbridge High School’s Spartronics robotics team traveled to Houston, Texas to compete at the FIRST Robotics World Championship — the largest and most prestigious high school robotics competition in the world.
After an incredible season of innovation, teamwork, and perseverance, Spartronics won their Millstein Division and advanced to compete among the top teams in the world on the biggest stage in high school robotics.
We are so proud of our students for representing Bainbridge Island with excellence, creativity, and gracious professionalism throughout the competition. Congratulations to the entire Spartronics team on an unforgettable accomplishment! |
MAY SBA Testing for grades 3-8, 10 - look for school specific dates and times in your child's school newsletter 14: Community Meeting @ 4:30 to address intentional technology use in classrooms | Board Room 25: Memorial Day (No School)
JUNE 16: Last day of school |
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Looking for things to do around town?
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Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on what is happening within our school district.
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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 206-780-1088 mkuffel@bisd303.org
8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 |
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