Coho Connection 03/10/26

Dear Sakai Families,

After concluding a unit on Japanese American internment during World War Two, last Wednesday, we held our annual Leaving Our Island Day for 6th-grade students. It’s an immensely impactful day in which students hear from survivors and survivors' families. If you have a 6th-grade student, I hope you have already discussed with them what they learned and their reflections. Our students were well prepared with questions and were very engaged and attentive. If your family hasn't visited the Japanese Exclusion Memorial recently, it’s a good time to visit with the 84th anniversary of the forced removal of Japanese Americans from Bainbridge Island coming up on March 30th.

This week, 6th graders are hearing about elective options for next year from Woodward counselors. Your student will be bringing home a yellow sheet to fill out and return to school by Friday. The presentation they are seeing will be shared with you on Wednesday.  

This week is Education Support Professionals Week. At Sakai, we have such an amazing team of office staff, custodians, paraeducators, recess and lunch supervisors, crossing guards, technology support, bus drivers, maintenance staff, and food service staff all working to support our kids. Our classified staff are the backbone of our school and we are so grateful for them! The Family Dare this week is to identify a classified staff member who serves your student and send them a message of gratitude (student-made letters are priceless).

Have a great week, Sakai!

Drew

WHAT: Sakai Choir sings at Mariners vs. White Sox game

WHEN: Monday, May 18th, 6:40 pm

  

WHERE: T-Mobile Park

Tickets are being sold at a discounted rate of $25 plus $5.41 for taxes and fees. Part of the proceeds go to supporting our choir program. We hope to see you at the game on May 18th, Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox! Use the QR code or fevo link below to get access to the discounted tickets. Deadline to purchase is May 15th.

Students singing in the choir do NOT need to purchase a ticket via the link below.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Ms. Gibbs via email. kregan@bisd303.org. 

Go Sakai, Go Mariners, and GO CHOIR!

This spring, our schools are focusing on “Spring Into Attendance”—a positive reminder that growth happens when students show up. Each day in school helps students build skills, strengthen connections, and continue blooming academically and socially.

Just like plants need consistent care to grow, students thrive with consistent attendance. Arriving at school on time and ready to start the day is just as important, helping students begin the morning with their classmates and not miss important learning time. Showing up each day and being on time supports learning, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

Together, we can help our students grow, learn, and bloom this spring! 🌱

Greetings past participants of GEMS!

 

We are excited to bring this event to life again this year and hope your student can join us on Saturday, March 21st. You can register your student at this link and we’ll be in touch with additional event information as we get closer to mid-March. Registration will close the evening on March 15th. There is a flyer attached that you can print and share with friends!

 

We have a concurrent parent/guardian workshop this year: Strength Based Parenting and Future Planning

Description: This 3-hour interactive workshop helps parents and caregivers feel confident supporting their youth’s future planning — whether that path includes college, trades, workforce, or other post-secondary options. Participants will complete a Strength-Based Parenting assessment (book included), starting with their own strengths, then learn how to recognize and grow their child’s strengths to build hope and resilience. Together, we’ll explore how to plan with your child instead of for them, approaching next steps as a human journey shaped by identity, curiosity, and growth. You’ll leave with practical tools to encourage motivation, direction, and confidence at home.

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