- Message from Superintendent Thompson
- Attendance: Every Day Counts
- Parent & Guradian Nights
- Bainbridge Schools Foundation: Stronger Together
- National Merit Semifinalist: Ella Baker
- HC Information
- Skyward App Troubleshooting
- Student Speaking Opportunity
- Mark Your Calendars: Key Dates Ahead
- Local Community Events
- Stay Connected: Follow Us on Social Media
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We have reached the end of our first full five-day week! While these early weeks can certainly be tiring, they are crucial for setting a positive, supportive tone for the entire school year. Over the last 13 days, it has been a joy to observe so many incredible examples of community and belonging being fostered throughout our district. Thank you to our dedicated staff and to all of our families for helping create such caring, welcoming environments for our students and school communities.
As the school year gets underway, I would like to highlight our upcoming Monday Release Days. Please note that our first full-day Monday release is scheduled for September 28, 2026. There will be no school for students on this day.
Our staff will spend the day participating in collaborative professional development. Key areas of focus for the day include:
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Advancing Strategic Plan Goal Area 5: Strengthen Instruction by Providing Educators with Focused Professional Learning and Advanced Tools.
- Following up on short- and long-term goals centered around The Four Laws of Learning.
- This work builds directly upon the session featured during our August Professional Development Days with guest presenter Jennifer Gonzalez from the Cult of Pedagogy. (Special thanks to the Bainbridge Schools Foundation, whose generous support makes it possible to host such renowned speakers!)
- These four core instructional strategies are versatile across all grade levels and departments, empowering educators to refine their practice and create even more engaging, meaningful learning experiences for students.
Providing our staff with this dedicated learning time is essential as we continuously strive to maintain the highest standards of instructional excellence.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and dedication. I look forward to a wonderful year filled with care, connection, and learning!
Take care,
Amii Thompson
BISD Superintendent
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As we gear up for a new school year, we want to take a moment to highlight the importance of something simple—but incredibly powerful: showing up.
Why Attendance Matters
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed academically, feel connected to their peers and teachers, and build strong habits that support lifelong learning. Research shows that students who miss fewer than nine days of school each year are significantly more likely to stay on track with grade-level expectations and graduate on time. While we celebrate the strong attendance at many of our schools, we know there's always room for growth—and that every missed day is a missed opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
A Routine for Success
One of the best ways families can support student success is by creating consistent morning and evening routines that support being on time and ready to learn. Set out clothes and supplies the night before, aim for early bedtimes, and talk with your child about what they’re looking forward to at school.
Together, We Can Make Every Day Count
Our message to families is simple and supportive: Your child’s presence matters. Every day in school is a new opportunity to explore, ask questions, build friendships, and discover strengths. Let’s work together to make attendance a priority and ensure every student has the chance to thrive.
Here’s to a great year of growth and learning—one day at a time.
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Connection drives student success! Parent/Guardian Nights give families a direct line to teachers, classroom expectations, and student resources. We have a few more happening this week for families at Woodward, BHS, and Eagle Harbor—see the listing below to find yours!
Woodward Middle School
Parent & Guardian Night
📅 September 22, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Bainbridge High School
Parent & Guardian Night
📅 September 23, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
**9th & 12th Grade Meetings begin at 6 p.m.
Eagle Harbor High School
Parent & Guardian Night
📅 September 23, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
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Strong schools are built together!
Bainbridge Schools Foundation (BSF) works alongside BISD and our school PTOs to help ensure every student has access to an excellent public education. While PTOs build community and enrich the experience at individual schools, BSF raises funds for critical district-wide staff and programs serving students across all seven BISD schools, including academic intervention, educator support and professional development, and library resources. Learn more about how these organizations work together, and how you can support our schools, at www.bainbridgeschoolsfoundation.org.
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Join us in celebrating senior Ella Baker on being named a National Merit Semifinalist! This prestigious recognition places her among the top academic performers in the entire nation.
Top 1% Nationwide: Chosen from more than 1.3 million high school juniors across the country who took the PSAT/NMSQT.
Having one of our students recognized on both a state and national level is an extraordinary honor for our entire district. Please join us in congratulating Ella on this remarkable milestone!
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Fall Referral Window: September 21–October 9, 2026
BISD’s Highly Capable (HC) referrals are welcome during our fall window for students new to our district (since February 19, 2026) 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.
Previously in HC/Gifted elsewhere?
Please complete the BISD referral and email documentation (e.g., assessment scores, grades, placement letters) to Drew Crandall at dcrandall@bisd303.org.
Deadline: Submit the referral (and any supporting documents, if applicable) by end of day Friday, October 9, 2026.
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If your Skyward app stopped working after our summer link update, it is likely still trying to connect to our old server address. You can get back up and running with two quick steps:
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Delete and Reinstall the App: Uninstalling and redownloading the Skyward app fixes connection errors 99% of the time.
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Update Your Account Link: If reinstalling doesn't immediately solve it, open the app, select Edit or Add Another Account, and search for Bainbridge Island School District to create a fresh link.
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The city is offering a unique and meaningful opportunity for our students to engage in civic life and practice their public speaking skills!
Students are invited to open upcoming City Council meetings by reading the Suquamish Land Acknowledgement. This is a powerful way for our youth to step into leadership, honor the history of our region, and participate in an important community tradition.
The Details:
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When: Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.
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Time: 6:00 PM.
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Location: City Hall (Council Chambers).
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Process: If your student is selected, a City staff member will reach out to coordinate the specific date and provide all necessary details.
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SEPTEMBER
28: PD Full Day Release (No School for students)
OCTOBER
26: PD Full Day Release (No School)
27-30: K-6 Conferences (Half Days)
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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, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender 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 and provides equal access to Scouting America and other designated youth groups.
The following employees are designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator:
Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent
Section 504/ADA Coordinators:
Maria Kuffel
Darren Spencer
8489 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
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