Coho Connection 08/18/26

Dear Sakai Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! I hope you and your family are enjoying a relaxing and joy-filled summer.

My name is Alison Hook, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Sakai Intermediate School. My family and I are new to Bainbridge Island, and like so many of you, we were drawn here by the outstanding schools, natural beauty, and vibrant community. My husband, Steve, and I have two children, Theo, who starts kindergarten this year, and Dot, who is two. We also have a Goldendoodle named Barry. As a family, we love swimming, cheering on the Mariners and the Kraken, taking Barry for walks, and hosting visiting family. When I get a moment to myself, you can usually find me running, which is a passion I have had since I was a teenager.

This is the first Coho Connection newsletter of the year, and you can expect to receive a new edition every Tuesday. Please take a moment to read these each week, as they will always contain important information about upcoming events and the week ahead.

The start of a new school year always brings a wide range of emotions, from excitement to a few butterflies. Sakai has a strong tradition of focusing on the unique social-emotional needs of students at this age, and I assure you this year will be no different. Our top priority is to create a positive environment where every student feels a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Below are a few key calendar items to note as we get started. Please also keep an eye out for next week's newsletter, which will include the Sakai Family Handbook along with answers regarding arrival and dismissal schedules, lunch routines, and specialist rotations.

Please know that my door is always open. I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or simply to say hello. I am thrilled to get to know our students and become an active part of this wonderful community!

It is sure to be a fantastic school year.

Sincerely, 

Alison Hook, Principal, Sakai Intermediate School

Class placement will be open for families in Skyward Family Access on Friday, 08/21, at 4:00 pm and you will be able to see the classroom placement for your student.

We consider this placement information final. Due to the many accommodations, we have taken into account for all students, and the parent/teacher information we gathered regarding a student's social/emotional and academic needs, there is little opportunity to make further adjustments to class assignments. If you have questions regarding your student's class placement please call Anita Watson - Counselor, Alison Hook - Principal, or Trude Winters - Dean of Students.

As we gear up for the start of another fantastic school year, we have a quick tech update to share with you!

Over the summer, our Skyward system underwent some updates, which resulted in a change to the website address. To log in to your Skyward Family Access account, please use the new link below. Your username and password did not change.

Quick Tip: If you have the old Skyward link saved in your browser favorites or bookmarks, be sure to update it with this new one so you can easily access your student's information! You can also always find the Skyward link on the BISD website, under Popular Links. 

We are excited to welcome everyone back to school very soon. Please don't hesitate to reach out to studentrecords@bisd303.org if you have any trouble logging in.

This annual process lets us know that your student(s) are returning to our schools for 2026-27 and allows parents/guardians to review annual information. 

The ABCs must be completed for all students attending BISD schools in 2026-27, including both new and returning students. Access the ABCs by logging into your Family Access account. It should take about 15 minutes (or less!) to complete. 

If you need assistance with the ABC process (such as translation, accessing technology, or other questions), please get in touch with the office manager at your student's school. 

NOT RETURNING? If your K-11th grade student is not returning to BISD schools this fall, please inform your school's office manager.

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