Coho Connection 09/15/26

Dear Sakai Families,

What an exciting milestone to reach our first full week of school! Yesterday marked our very first Monday together, and our entire community was able to jump right into our first COHO sessions of the year.

For those new to our school, COHO time is our dedicated social-emotional learning block where we use the CharacterStrong curriculum. Yesterday’s lesson introduced students to the foundational structures and frameworks we will be using throughout the year. I had the privilege of joining in on the fun by participating in a 6th-grade lesson and facilitating a 5th-grade session myself. It was inspiring to witness firsthand just how open and reflective our Sakai students are. COHO time is truly going to be a highlight of our week as students work on strengthening their social skills, setting goals, and reflecting on the people they want to become.

COHO time is just one of the many traditions that make Sakai such a special place, and another is our incredible parent community! Our amazing PTO is hosting its first meeting of the year this Thursday at 9:00 AM. Whether you can join us in person or hop on the video call, we would love to have you join us. We truly have the best students and families, and this meeting is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents and learn about meaningful ways to support our school's work.

Thank you for your continued partnership and energy as we kick off a fantastic full week of school!

Sincerely,

Alison Hook

Principal, Sakai Intermediate School

Please join us for back to school Parent/Guardian Night. 

Fifth grade Parent/Guardian Night is on Tuesday, September 15th from 5:15 - 6:30 pm, starting in the gym. 

Sixth grade Parent/Guardian Night is on Wednesday, September 16th from 5:15 - 6:15 pm, in your student's homeroom classroom.

Our photographer is scheduled to take school photos the morning of Friday, October 2nd.

Please read the Picture Day Flyer for information and instructions regarding school photos and online ordering.

Picture retakes will be on Wednesday, October 28th.

Fall Referral Window: September 21–October 9, 2026

BISD’s Highly Capable (HC) referrals are welcome during our fall window for students new to our district (since February 19, 2026) 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 Drew Crandall at dcrandall@bisd303.org.

Deadline: Submit the referral (and any supporting documents, if applicable) by end of day Friday, October 9, 2026.

Questions or need assistance? Contact Drew Crandall at dcrandall@bisd303.org.

A new school year means new teachers, new friendships, new challenges, and new opportunities. One of the most important things students can do to start the year strong is simple: show up every day and be on time!

Fifth and sixth grade are important years for building independence and preparing for the transition into the secondary grades. When students attend regularly, they are more likely to:

Missing just 10% of the school year—about two days each month—can add up quickly and make it harder to keep up.

At this age, students can begin taking more responsibility for getting themselves ready for school. Families can support that growing independence by helping students:

There may be mornings when students feel tired, stressed, worried, or simply don't feel like going to school. Showing up on those harder days is part of building resilience and strong habits.

At the same time, we know there can be real barriers to attendance. If your child is beginning to struggle with getting to school, please reach out early. We want to work together to understand what's getting in the way and help your student stay connected.

Fifth and sixth graders may be asking for more independence, but they still need their families to set expectations around school attendance. Continue to make school a priority, ask about their day, celebrate their successes, and remind them that being at school matters.

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