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Blakely Newsletter - October 14th, 2024

Posted Date: 10/14/24 (10:43 AM)

Blakely Elementary School
October 14th, 2024
Inside this Newsletter
  • From the Principal
  • Unity Day
  • Conference Sign Ups
  • Hearing and Vision Screening
  • PTO Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser
  • PTO Happenings
  • Order School Photos
  • Blakely Calendar
Ms. Pool
From the Principal
Dear Blakely Families,

Well here we are in October and the beautiful weather continues! It is so much more pleasant for us all to be together when it is dry. The hard work of learning is in full swing as is the making of new friends. October 18th is Unity Day. This is a districtwide day of recognition of Anti-Bullying month. On Friday, students and staff may wear orange to symbolize our community joining with others to unite for our shared values of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Tap Root Theater will present at an all school assembly. This theater group has performed at Blakely for some years. They are wonderful and present a unity lesson in just the right tone for our elementary students.

I’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Blakely PTO for so many reasons. The Jog A Thon activities are in full swing and donations are coming in. Thank you so much to those of you who have donated, we will put your dollars to good use. However, we need everyone's assistance to reach our fundraising goal. Your contributions play a vital role in enabling our students at Blakely to participate in a wide range of supplemental programs. These programs greatly enhance their educational experience, and your generosity goes a long way in making this possible. PTO is currently working hard on organizing the after school clubs I mentioned above, as well as restocking emergency supplies. As if that wasn’t enough, PTO will be providing delicious and healthy lunches for teachers on those long conference days.

That is it for now. Enjoy Fall,

Kathleen
 
Unity Day
Unity Day
In honor of  National Bullying Prevention Month, Blakely Bulldogs will celebrate Unity Day on Friday October 18, 2024.

What does this entail?

  • On Oct. 18th, Blakely students are invited to join national efforts and wear something ORANGE to send one, large, universal representation that we are united against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. The color orange provides a powerful expression of solidarity for bullying prevention. 
  • Back by popular demand, Taproot Theater will perform for a whole school assembly. This year’s bullying prevention play, Rocks! By Melanie Godsey, is brand new and takes place at Camp Obsidian!
  • Teachers will augment the day with books and lessons on the topic.
 
Fall Conferences
Conference Sign Ups
Conferences are around the corner!

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1 both in-person and via Zoom.

Please Sign-up for Conferences through Skyward Family Access.

NOTE: There is no school on October 31 and November 1 due to Fall Conferences.

If you need assistance signing-up, please contact your student's teacher or Kyanne Hawkins @ 206-780-2060 or KHawkins@bisd303.org.
 
Health Supplies
Hearing and Vision Screening
It’s that time of year again! Student hearing and vision screening is scheduled for October 17th and 18th.

Vision and hearing screening for students in grades K-3 will take place on Thursday and Friday, October 17th-18th. 4th grade students are not routinely screened, but we can include them by parent request.

Parents/guardians will be notified if the health screening results indicate a health care provider follow-up is recommended. 

If you want your 4th grade student included OR if you want to opt out of the screening for your K-3rd grade student, please contact the health room at 206-780-2074 or email mcollins@bisd303.org
 
Bulldog Logo
Blakely Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser
Blakely Jog-A-Thon is 11 DAYS AWAY!
Fundraising for the Blakely Jog-A-Thon is at 34% of the way toward our goal with THIRD GRADE in the lead and KINDERGARTEN hot on their heels!  

You may have seen our emails and know that our teachers count on PTO funding.  Give anytime before Jog-A-Thon on Friday, October 25th so we can continue to have Jog-A-Thon be our SOLE fundraiser for the year! 
  • Ensure your teachers have funding to cover the costs of supplies for their classroom.
  • Provide enrichment opportunities via field trips, guest speakers, assemblies, author visits, and after school activities!
  • Contribute to the “Good Neighbor Fund” so every student has access to spirit wear, school pictures, and supplies - giving teachers and staff the ability to ensure no student is left out.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Do you own or work for a company interested in supporting Blakely while also getting great visibility in our community? Jog-A-Thon sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Elli Koskella for more information: ellikoskella@gmail.com.
 
PTO
PTO News and Events
After School STEM Club with Ms. Muir and Ms. Titos: STEM Club will provide a six session, project-based learning experience, focused on fundamentals of ecology and conservation. Students will explore topics including the interdependence of plant and animal life on earth, plant and animal respiration, the water cycle and solar energy, as they seek to answer the question: "What would we need to create a self-sustained garden on the moon?"

  • When: Mondays, October 28 – December 9 (no club on November 11); from 12:50 – 2:30 pm                             
  • Cost: $120/student (Please make a check payable to Blakely PTO with STEM Club/Student name in memo; checks may be dropped off to Kyanne Hawkins or brought to the first day of STEM Club). 
  • STEM Club is limited to 16 students - please limit one student's name per sign-up slot. More information and registration is available here

Call for Volunteers
  • Bingo Night Volunteer Opportunities: Blakely’s Bingo Night is one of the most exciting events of the year! Scheduled in the winter (after the break) - it is a wonderful community event, but to ensure its smooth operation, we are in need of volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Kelsie Thurrott at blakely.president@bainbridgeptos.org.
Pictures are ready
Time to Order School Pictures
School photos taken last week are now available for parents to view and order online via the Jostens website

  • Blakely Event Code is FE167624
  • You will also need your student’s ID number (on Skyward as other ID)
  • Preview your pictures before you buy
  • Choose your background
  • Photos ship directly to home

Picture retakes will be on Tuesday, October 29th in the morning.​
 
Calendar
Blakely Calendar
OCTOBER

17-18: Hearing and Vision Screenings
18: Unity Day - Wear Orange (Taproot Theater Performance)
25: PTO Jog-a-thon
29: Picture Re-takes (AM)
31- Nov 1 : Conferences (No School)

NOVEMBER

8: Popcorn Day
8: PTO Meeting 9am in the Library
11: Veteran's Day (No School)
27-29: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
 
Non-Discrimination Statement
Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Kristen Haizlip, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator and Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; 206-780-1058; khaizlip@bisd303.org