Blakely Newsletter - March 31, 2025

Dear Blakely Community,

Maker Faire was a huge success and always a reflection of our staff, students and families. The halls were packed with families and students participating in a variety of activities intended to engage, create and allow for collaboration. These moments are truly a testament to our culture and sense of community at Blakely and truly one of the things that makes our school so special.

Please remember that the bus loop is not intended for drop off or pick up unless you have a child in the preschool program. It creates safety issues with vehicles and buses trying to navigate the same space. District staff have been on site recently to support a new system and train vehicles on where to park. The bus loop is certainly available after buses have left in the am and pm, but not during times when buses are on site.

This past Friday we had The Reptile Man for an assembly and he did not disappoint. The entire student body was completely engaged by the reptiles and snakes on display. Thank you to our PTO for sponsoring this event. The student energy was electric.:)

Finally, tardies and excessive absences continue to be an area our school and district would like to improve. Please have your child to school on time and present as much as possible. If they are sick that is different, but being on time and in class makes a tremendous difference in their educational experience.

Regards,

Reese Ande

The Annual Back-to-school Check-in (ABC) process is now open. This annual process lets us know that your student(s) are returning to our schools for 2025-26 and allows parents/guardians to review annual information. We have had 22% of families complete their ABC Check In so far.

The ABCs must be completed* for all students attending BISD schools in 2025-26, 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 Kyanne Hawkins at KHawkins@bisd303.org or (206) 780-2060. 

NOT RETURNING? If your current K-11th grade student is not returning to BISD schools next fall, please let Kyanne Hawkins know at KHawkins@bisd303.org or (206) 780-2060. 

 

As the calendar turns to April, we know that many students and families are looking forward to a restful and refreshing spring break starting April 7th!

Despite recent challenges with weather and illness, our teachers, students, and families have remained dedicated to learning and staying engaged. We truly appreciate your continued partnership and commitment to our school community.

We look forward to finishing the school year strong as a learning community. Please continue encouraging your student(s) to attend school every day. If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance due to health or mental health reasons, please contact your student's school counselor or principal.

Helpline House, in partnership with Rotary, is offering Kids‛ Pantry Bags during the upcoming Spring Break. These bags are for youth (through 18) needing additional food during the school break.

Each bag contains enough food for one youth for a week.

PICK UP: During the week of Spring Break (April 7-11), bags can be picked up between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any weekday except Wednesday (Helpline is closed on Wednesdays)

LOCATION: 282 Knechtel Way NE, Bainbridge Island

INFORMATION: Helpline House's website

On Thursday, March 27th a team of volunteers working with the Bainbridge’s farm-to-school program led a taste test at Blakely! Students were offered samples of Spanish Chickpea Stew with kale and voted on if they would like to have it offered at school lunch. It was a big hit! Keep an eye for it being offered again on the school lunch menu, and check out the attached recipe if you'd like to try it out with your student. Taste tests are a great way to generate enthusiasm for new and healthy foods throughout the school community, and promote and celebrate a culture of “trying new things" while offering students an opportunity to share their voices and perspectives. This recipe featured local Kale, our harvest of the month vegetable. 

Are you thinking about getting involved but not sure where to start? Recruitment for the 2025-26 PTO has begun - review the open positions here! We promise—it’s easier than you think! No experience? No problem! The PTO is simply a group of parents and caregivers working together to support our school, and any amount of time you can give makes a big impact. Questions or concerns - please reach out to us at blakely.president@bainbridgeptos.org!

As you prepare your family for emergencies, you can help the BISD schools prepare, too! The collective BISD PTOs are holding a fundraiser to restock emergency supplies across all schools. Your purchase will support all BISD schools and PTOs in their efforts to ensure all classrooms have sufficient emergency supplies. The fundraiser runs March 3rd through May 4th. Use the promo code BISD303 when you check out to make sure that our PTOs receive the 30% credit for your purchase. If you have students in more than one school, you will receive the same fundraiser information from each school.

4/4: Popcorn Day

4/4: PTO Meeting @ 8am Library

4/7-4/11: Spring Break - No School

4/21-4/25: KIndness Week

4/24: School Board Meeting @5:45pm