Coho Connection 01/07/25

Dear Sakai Families,

Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone for the gracious gifts, cards, and well wishes heading into the break. I hope you and your family had a nice winter break enjoying quality time together. From what I’ve heard from students, it sounds like there were a lot of fun get-togethers for the New Year. 

In alignment with our District Improvement Plan around Equity, Ms. Watson, one of our school counselors, and I have been delivering a series of mini-lessons to students on the broadcast relating to the power of words. We have focused on the impact of labels and stereotypes and how those can lead to discriminatory language. Just before break students built on previous lessons on courage to explore ways to have courageous conversations with their peers when comments that are rooted in stereotypes or discrimination are made. Some classes created a pocket guide to use as a resource to create an inclusive and kind community. I encourage you to discuss these lessons with your student.

Today, I introduced our annual Martin Luther King Day Essay Challenge to our students. This is an optional assignment available to all students that can be found in our Accelerated Learning class. I will ask a few students to share their essays with their classmates at our Martin Luther King Day assembly. Please encourage your student to participate. As we honor Dr. King, I also encourage you to talk with your student about equity and hopes for the future. Ask them questions, listen intently, and provide opportunities for them to help their community.

Yearbook cover entries are due this Friday, January 10th.

Community & Staff Meetings Regarding BISD's Budget

Join Superintendent Amii Thompson and Chief Financial Officer Kim Knight for Budget-Centered Focus Groups throughout the month of January. 

Bainbridge Island winter mornings and evenings are dark (and often rainy), making it difficult for drivers to see students walking or riding bikes. Before your student leaves for the day, please be sure they have the proper equipement to make them as visible as possible. For additional information, please review the tips on the Washington State Department of Transportation website. 

16: PTO Meeting 9 am

20: MLK Holiday - No School

27: Food Drive Begins