Inside this Newsletter
- Principal's Message
- PTO News - COHO Run
- Sakai Spirit
- Volunteers Needed
- Yearbook Photos
- Bainbridge Youth Services - Sakai Peer Tutoring
- Bike to School & Win Prizes!
- Washington State Healthy Youth Survey
- Highly Capable Referral Window Open
- Character Strong Strengths and Needs Screener
- October Attendance Focus: Building Habits & Routines
- Come Cheer on Your Spartans
- Sakai Calendar
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Dear Sakai Families,
A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated and helped their child participate in our COHO Run fundraiser. As of this morning, we are almost 12% of the way to our goal! Please see the information below on how to participate.
Fall conferences are coming up on October 30th and October 31st. We greatly value the home and school connection and look forward to meeting with you during these two days. Please look for a message from your student’s homeroom teacher with directions for scheduling yours.
To help teachers balance their many responsibilities, conferences will be held during these scheduled days; if you are unable to attend in person, a Zoom meeting can be arranged.
Have a wonderful week, Sakai!
Drew
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The COHO Run, Sakai PTO's biggest fundraiser of the year is here! We will conclude the fundraising period with a run for kids on Friday, October 24 at the Woodward track. The event will also feature a “spirit day” where homeroom classes compete for the most class spirit by dressing up in costume. Funds raised by the COHO Run will help support enrichment and educational resources such as teacher grants, grade-level assemblies, student clubs, classroom and teacher supplies, field trips, subscriptions, educational programs, and community events/parent resources.
Your PTO is committed to funding experiences and events to foster a strong sense of engagement and community among all. Our goal is to collectively raise $80,000 (about $180 per student), though donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. We are truly grateful for any financial support you can provide at this time. Our goal is 100% participation, and no donation is too small! Donations can be made online or by check/cash (details below).
Contests/Prizes
- Most Spirited top 5th and top 6th grade homeroom will enjoy a pajama day with a fun treat
- Extra recess for the top 5th and 6th grade class for most earnings
- Everyone will be entered into two weekly drawings for gift cards from local businesses
- School wide ice cream party donated by Island Cool if our goal is met!
- AND a surprise school-wide prize to celebrate a 100% participation goal!
How to register your student:
Step 2: Click on Register My Student.
Step 3: Click on Register Student.
Step 4: Select the number of students you wish to register and click Add to Cart.
Step 5: Click on Check out now.
Step 6: Select your student’s class: This is listed as optional but we strongly recommend it. We won’t be giving prizes based on individual student fundraising, but we will be celebrating class and grade level fundraising. By associating your student with their class you are guaranteeing their class level and grade level receive credit for your donation.
Step 7: Fill in your student’s information and fundraising goal: This section will be seen on your student’s personal donation page.
Step 8: Personalize your link: This allows you to change how your link reads. Add your student’s name or nickname for easier sharing. Click Next.
Step 9: Fill in Your Information. Click Next.
Step 10: Review and confirm. Click Submit.
Step 11: Spread the word to family and friends that it is quick and easy to support your student’s fundraising effort! Every donation makes an impact!
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How to Collect Online Donations
or use the QR code
● “Search for a Student” to find your student's name or homeroom teacher.
● Click donate and select flat amount.
● Enter the amount you wish to donate and add to cart.
● Proceed to checkout to complete your donation!
● Please note there is a prompt about tipping that we are unable to remove, but tips are not required. Simply select “custom” and set the amount to $0.
● Your donation may be tax deductible 501(c)(3) organization/Federal Tax ID No: 91-0977467
Online donations will be open through Friday, October 24 at 11:59 pm.
Cash or Check: Today your student received a COHO tracker envelope from their homeroom teacher to collect cash or check donations. Please return this printed envelope with all cash and checks collected; return to your student’s homeroom teacher. Make checks payable to Sakai PTO. All donation envelopes are due by Friday, October 24 at 3:25 pm.
Corporate Matching: Many employers offer corporate matching programs for charitable donations. Be sure to check with your employer to help boost. our student's fundraising efforts. Instructions for initiating a corporate match are below in the FAQs. Contact us and we will credit your student’s account with the match amount while your company processes the request.
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Supporter FAQ
Q: I can’t find the student(s) I want to donate to.
A: This is likely because the student has not yet been registered. That’s okay! We can still make sure they get credit for your support. Simply click “Can’t find the student you’re looking for?” and enter the student’s name. Then complete your transaction and Rally Up will prompt our administrator to assign your donation to your student.
Q: I can’t see student last names. How can I make sure I’m donating to the right person?
A: For privacy, some families opt to only display first name and last initial. It’s very helpful if you know the teacher’s name so you can confirm you have found the right student. Reach out if you need help by clicking the “contact organizer” button.
Q: Oops! I accidentally donated to the wrong student.
A: No worries! Send us a message alerting us to the issue and we can reassign your donation to the intended student.
Q: I’m not sure my donation went through.
A: After completing your donation you will see a “donation confirmed” screen. If you do not see this message, you have not completed checkout.
Q: My employer has a matching gift program. What do I need to do to have my employer match my COHO Run donation?
A: Most large companies offer formal donation matching as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme, and many smaller ones will be happy to offer to match donations if you approach them and let them know about your fundraising.
Requesting a matching gift is normally a quick and easy process which must be initiated by the donor. You can do this by filling out and submitting a paper match form provided by your employer or through an electronic submission process.
Your employer will need the following info:
● Tax ID #: 91-0977467
● Name of Organization: Bainbridge Island Parent Teacher Organization Coordinating Council
The Bainbridge Island PTOCC is the 501(c)(3) organization for all district PTOs. They will receive the matching funds and designate them to Sakai PTO. Please let the Sakai PTO know that you have sent a matching gift by emailing sakai.fundraising@bainbridgeptos.org. We will make sure it’s attributed to your student!
Thank you for supporting the Sakai PTO and our school community!
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This month the following students were honored for outstanding spirit:
- Anna Scott
- Fox Davis
- Nolan Thompson
- Valerie Kiesler
- Zoe Hammond
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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Game Room Volunteers for October/November
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 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 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.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!!!
We are looking for volunteers for our biggest, funnest, volunteer opportunity on Sunday, October 26th. But SHHHHHH! It's a secret! Clink on the sign up link below to learn all about our super fun event. Grab a friend and sign up to help!
Please note: You must be cleared by the District as a volunteer to sign up!
Thank you for volunteering at Sakai!
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It’s never too early to start thinking about the Sakai Yearbook! We would love to get photos of your student throughout the year to include in the yearbook. That is why we are sending out this QR code to allow you to upload photos directly to the Sakai Josten’s Yearbook site anytime!
You can use this code all year to upload photos of your student participating in any and all activities such as first day of school photos, Halloween, sports and recreation, vacations, school activities and more! Thanks for helping to make this year’s Yearbook amazing!
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Get rewarded for biking to school! Now through the end of October, each time you bike (or walk!) to school, you’ll be one step closer to winning cool prizes. Use your punch card to track your progress and stop by the front office to collect your rewards.
Prizes include:
- Reflective sticker
- Reflective t-shirt
- Bike water bottle or tote bag
Safety Tips for Riders & Walkers:
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Be predictable: Signal your turns, follow traffic laws, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
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Be visible: Wear reflective gear, use front and rear lights, and travel with friends when possible.
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Be aware: Watch for turning traffic and road hazards like loose gravel or wet leaves.
Ride safe, have fun, and earn rewards along the way!
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Our school is participating in the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey this October. The survey will be administered on the following date:
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6th grade students at Sakai — October 17
The Healthy Youth Survey includes questions related to physical activity, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, interpersonal relationships, school experiences, risk and protective factors, and access to school-based services. Survey results are used by schools, communities, and State agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risks. Participation in the survey is voluntary and steps are taken to ensure student privacy. There are no names or codes used to link a survey back to a student.
To opt your child out, please call your child’s school.
Healthy Youth Survey Information for Families and Youth is also available in:
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Fall Referral Window: September 29–October 10, 2025
BISD’s Highly Capable (HC) referrals are welcome during our fall window for students new to our district (since February 2025) 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 Whitney Skarbek at wskarbek@bisd303.org.
Deadline: Submit the referral (and any supporting documents, if applicable) by end of day Friday, October 10, 2025.
Questions or need assistance? Contact Whitney Skarbek at wskarbek@bisd303.org.
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Dear Families,
As part of our district’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, we are writing to share information about one of the ways we support students’ social-emotional well-being.
This year, teachers in grades K–5 will complete the Character Strong Strengths and Needs Screener (new this year) for all students assigned to their class as part of our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This brief screener, combined with other relevant data (such as attendance), helps us gain a clearer understanding of each student’s social-emotional and behavioral needs.
The information gathered from this process allows a team made up of district and school administrators, counselors, and qualified staff to:
- Identify students who may benefit from additional support,
- Monitor the effectiveness of our school-wide (Tier 1) SEB supports, and
- Ensure all students are receiving the resources they need to feel connected, supported, and successful at school.
The offered support may include small group or individual interventions focused on specific social-emotional skills or needs. If your student is identified as a student who could benefit from this type of additional support, you will be notified and provided an opt-out form giving you the option to decline your student’s participation in the intervention. If your student is not identified as a student who could benefit from this type of additional support, you will not receive an additional notification.
If you have any questions about MTSS, this screener, or the support process, please do not hesitate to reach out to your building administrator or our Director of Student Services, Annalisa Sanchez, at asanchez@bisd303.org. We value our partnership and appreciate your continued support in helping all students succeed.
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This month we’re highlighting the importance of healthy routines that support regular attendance. Families play a key role in helping students arrive at school ready to learn.
💤 Sleep Matters
- Children and teens need 8–10 hours of sleep each night.
- A regular bedtime helps students wake up rested and focused.
🍳 Start the Day with Breakfast
- Breakfast gives students the energy they need to learn.
- Even something small — fruit, toast, or yogurt — makes a big difference.
⏰ Create a Morning Routine
- Pack backpacks, lunches, and clothes the night before to reduce stress.
- Consistent routines make mornings smoother for everyone.
🏫 Arrive On Time, Every Day
- Showing up on time builds confidence and connection.
- Missing just 2 days a month adds up to nearly a month of lost learning in a school year.
👉 Every day counts! When students come to school rested, prepared, and on time, they build strong habits for life.
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Tickets
All tickets must be purchased online through Hometown Ticketing. Tickets for football and volleyball home games are now available through our online box office. We will no longer accept cash at the gate or door.
Game Day Guidelines
Our school district is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all fans. Please review these game day guidelines especially those impacting our kindergarten through eighth grade families.
- Students in grades K–8 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.This is especially important for grades 5–8—students will not be admitted to the game without an adult.
- No re-entry once leaving the stadium.
- No in-and-out privileges.
- No outside food or beverages.
- No student backpacks allowed inside the stadium.
- All bags are subject to search.
Come out and support our Spartans this fall—see you under the lights!
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OCTOBER
15: Unity Day - wear orange
16: PTO Meeting 9 AM
17: Healthy Youth Survey - 6th grade
21: Vision and hearing screening
24: PTO COHO Run Celebration
29: School photo retakes in the AM
30 - 31: Fall Conferences - 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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