Coho Connection 01/13/26

Dear Sakai Families,

As you know, I challenged students to write an essay about how we can live by Dr. King’s words at Sakai. I’ve received so many inspiring entries with encouraging sentiments from our students. One 6th grader wrote, “Dr. King was an extraordinary man who lived a life of success, as well as moments of challenge and defeat. Even during hard times, he persevered and worked to turn many of his beliefs into reality. In conclusion, the quote, ‘We may have all come in on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now,’ is an important message from Martin Luther King Jr. I encourage you to take time on Monday to consider how you can help strengthen our community.” Your kids are very wise, and I hope we all will follow this advice.

 

This week, our Sakai Arts and Traditions Committee is meeting to begin planning for our Leaving Our Island Day in March. For those of you unfamiliar, each year our 6th grade students study a unit on Japanese Internment during World War Two. They study both local and national stories, including from the Sakai family. It culminates in an impactful day of students hearing first-hand accounts from survivors and families of survivors. I am excited to begin the work of planning this rich experience for our students!

I hope you have a wonderful week, Sakai!

Drew

Please join us for our next PTO Meeting!

In person at Sakai or online. The Zoom link will be sent to families prior to the meeting. All are welcome!

Kindergarten registration is open! Go to www.bisd303.org/kindergarten to enroll your new student!

Families with a rising kindergartener are invited to learn more about kindergarten options in Bainbridge Island School District. Join us for our general kindergarten information night and program-specific events to explore both neighborhood schools and choice programs.

Thursday, January 22 | 6:00 p.m.

Blakely Elementary

4704 Blakely Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Learn about kindergarten from representatives of all BISD elementary schools and get answers to your questions. More information at www.bisd303.org/kindergarten. Let us know about your rising kindergarten student by completing this form.

Along with traditional kindergartens at BISD neighborhood schools, BISD offers choice programs (meaning families choose to enter them through a lottery). Attend these program-specific information nights to learn more!

Tuesday, January 27 | 6:30 p.m.

Commodore Options | 9530 High School Road

Kindergarten Information Night

Odyssey Lottery Application

Wednesday, February 4 | 6:00 p.m.

Ordway Elementary School | 8555 Madison Ave North

Kindergarten Information Night

El Velero Lottery Application

* Lottery note: Applications for Odyssey and El Velero are due Thursday, February 12 at 9:00 a.m.

The 2026–27 school year will be here before we know it! We look forward to welcoming families to a series of information nights and transition events this winter and spring. Please save the dates below—February & March events will include additional details and times in our upcoming Community Newsletters.

Commodore Options School

Commodore Options School

Woodward Middle School

Eagle Harbor High School

Bainbridge High School

Bainbridge High School

Sakai Intermediate School

Additional details, reminders, and links will be shared in district publications as we get closer to each event. We look forward to connecting with you and supporting your student’s transition into the 2026–27 school year!

As we begin the new year, we know that getting to school each day can feel challenging for some 5th and 6th graders. Changes in routines, academic expectations, social pressures, or worries about school can make attendance harder—especially during this age of transition.

Being at school regularly helps students stay connected to teachers and peers, build friendships, and participate fully in learning. It also helps students manage their workload, reduce stress from missed assignments, and develop habits that support success in middle school and beyond. Even small steps toward more consistent attendance can make a meaningful difference.

Regular attendance also allows adults to notice early when a student may need extra support, so families and schools can work together before challenges grow. If your child is having a hard time getting to school, please reach out. You are not alone, and we are here to partner with you in finding supportive solutions.

Together, let’s make this a year of growth, confidence, and success.

The Young People’s March for Peace and Kindness, an opportunity to practice service in the spirit of MLK and Day will happen this year on Monday, January 19th. Children of all ages, their families, and community members, are invited to gather for letter writing between 10:30-11:15 at the Bainbridge Island Library. At 11:15, we will march together to the Winslow post office to mail our letters. Bring signs, banners, friends, and your own stamp. Addresses and inspiration provided. Dress appropriately for the weather. We will joyfully be walking rain or shine!

This event is held with thanks to Bainbridge Island School District, Kitsap Regional Library, the BISD Multicultural Advisory Council and with support from our sponsor, Charter Real Estate.

Join Bainbridge Schools Foundation for our annual Gala event on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Kiana Lodge. This fun and impactful evening includes dinner, an inspiring program featuring student speakers, a live auction, raffles, and more!

Funds raised during the event directly support all BISD schools and help build strong, connected learning communities for students and educators. Registration closes January 22; gather your friends and register today at bsfgala.org.

The middle and intermediate school Bainbridge Wrestling program (Affiliated with USA wrestling) is a free after school program held at the Bainbridge High School wrestling room for 5th through 8th grade students.

To sign up, please contact Dan Pippinger (danpippinger@gmail.com), fill out the information below and email it in or bring it on the first day of practice. Forms are also available in the Sakai office.

Check out the Community Events Page for fun and engaging activities around the island!