Coho Connection 01/21/25

Dear Sakai Families,

I hope you had an enjoyable weekend and took time to honor Dr. King in a meaningful way for your family. 

This Friday marks the official end of our first semester. Conferences are February 12-14, and you will soon hear from your student's teacher about how to sign up. First-semester grades will be available ahead of conferences. 

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

This month the following students were honored for outstanding spirit:

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.  ​​​

COMING SOON! The annual, colossal, gigantic, I can't believe it......Share the love.... COHO COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE!!

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.

The Heart Art is up and so much fun to see the diversity of creativity and craftsmanship.

We will also be making cards for the Holiday meals for Seniors in between our Clay creations. So, the next few weeks the morning group has clay and then we will switch and the afternoon group will have clay. Meanwhile the Non-clay group will be working on a series of small art pieces that will be going into a small accordion book.  

Have a great day!

Maggie Hitchcock

Art Specialist

We are looking forward to our PTO-sponsored Family Learning Night on January 28th at 5:15. This night is for parents and guardians to engage in an insightful discussion focused on the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This evening will explore the growing prevalence of anxiety in today’s youth and offer practical strategies to support children in navigating challenges with resilience and confidence. Together, we’ll discuss key themes from the book, share experiences, and explore tools to foster a positive and supportive environment at home and in school. Whether you’ve read the book or are new to the topic, this event promises valuable takeaways for every parent. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn!

We have several upcoming volunteer opportunities. Thank you for considering signing up to help us out.

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 availabe during recess on "B" or "C" specialist days T-F. We would love one parent volunteer to supervise each of these. Please review the available slots below snag one or more if you are able. Thank you!

Come help with Popcorn Day on Friday, 1/24!

Dress warm, as we may be in the covered area outside, and get ready to bring a little savory joy to our kids! Thank you!

We are needing a 5th grade parent to help with the yearbook. If you are interested, please contact yearbook chair, Annie Graebner, anniegphotography@gmail.com.

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.

There is no school for students on conference days.

Conferences are an important time to further that home to school, and school to home connection that is so valuable in education. It's a time for students to be recognized for their efforts, and a time for students to re-establish their goals and their dedication toward reaching those goals. Families and teachers work together to support the student. In so doing, families and teachers show the caring and teamwork that is a crucial connection in a student's education. 

Teachers will be contacting families to sign up for conferences and are looking forward to conferencing with all of you.  

WHAT: Odyssey Information Night for Incoming 7th Graders 

WHEN: Wednesday, January 22nd, 6:00-7:30 pm

WHERE: Commodore

Information regarding the Odyssey Multiage Program can be found here.

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. 

27: Food Drive Begins

28: Anxious Generation Book Discussion Group, Sakai Library 5:15 pm

1-10: Food Drive

12-14: Winter Conferences - No School

17-21: Presidents' Day and Mid-Winter Break - No School

27: PTO Meeting 9:00 AM

28: Spirit Day - PJ Day