Blakely Newsletter - November 3, 2025

Posted Date: 11/03/25 (11:15 AM)

View Original Post

November 3, 2025

Inside this Newsletter

From the Principal
Order Pictures Now
SBA Results
PTO News
Levy Information
Blakely Calendar
Helpful Information/Links
Community Events

From the Principal

Hello Blakely Families!

I wanted to share a deep thank you to all of you for your continued partnership. This was clearly evident last week as we had incredible attendance for our parent teacher conferences. It was wonderful seeing everyone and hearing about all the powerful things our students, teachers and families are doing at Blakely!

As Ms.Keller noted in our newsletter last week, all November our students are learning about the character trait of Gratitude. Similar to responsibility, we talk each morning on our announcements about what these traits mean, what they look like and how we show them as Bulldogs. As we move into November and introduce Gratitude, I have a few topics I wanted to touch on:

-Dismissal:

To help students build Responsibility and Gratitude, we’ve been talking about the beautiful landscaping around Blakely and the incredible work our grounds crew does to keep our campus looking as wonderful as the people in it. While we want students to enjoy our outdoor spaces, we’ve also noticed some plants getting trampled and the Japanese Maple out front being climbed. As a gentle reminder, we’re encouraging students to use the concrete walkways before and after school and to avoid running through landscaped areas. Thank you for helping reinforce this message at home—we appreciate your support!
If you are picking up in the parking lot loop, please do not park your car on the pickup curb and walk to the front doors to wait. This has happened a few times recently and it causes significant backups that extend out to Blakely Ave. If you are using this loop, please stay in your car and pull forward when directed by staff.
We have had changes in some bus route timing and need to ensure our two small buses are able to leave as close to 2:20 as possible. To support this, the inner curb of the transportation loop will be bus parking only starting where the curb is red through all bus spots (please see the map below as a reference- the red line notes bus parking only). Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. As a reminder, the entire transportation loop is open to cars for parking between the hours of 8am-2pm

-Veterans Day: all this week leading up to November 11th we will be sharing our gratitude for Veterans connected to our Blakely community. 4th grade students interviewed family or friends that are veterans and teachers are selecting a few per day to read their interviews on our Morning Announcements. On Friday 11/7, all students and staff will gather around our Flagpole to honor Veterans through song and words. This is something I remember well in my time teaching at Blakely and always has been a powerful moment of recognition, appreciation and connection.

Thank you again for your support and ongoing partnership. Have a lovely week!

Sam Cameron, Principal

SCameron@bisd303.org or (206) 780-2050

Thank you PTO!

A big Thank you to Lee Nathan and our PTO for organizing and providing lunches for our staff during conferences. We are incredibly grateful/

School Photo Retakes

You can still order pictures!

Order pictures via the Jostens website.
Blakely Event Code is FE249125
You will need your student ID number from Skyward
Preview your pictures before you buy
Choose your background
Photos ship directly to home

SBA Results Available in Family Access

If your student was in grades 3 - 8, 10, or 11(science only) in June of 2025, SBA results have been uploaded and are accessible in Family Access.

To access results:

Log in to Skyward: Family Access
On the left side of the window, select: Report Cards and School Info
Click: Spring 2025 Smarter Balanced Score Report
This will download a PDF with both ELA and Math (and science for grades 5, 8, and 11)

If you need assistance, please contact Kyanne Hawkins at KHawkins@bisd303.org or by calling 206-780-2060.

If you have questions about the test, please contact your student's teacher or Mrs. Keller.

PTO News

The next session of Blakely's Chess Club with Mark Cohen starts TOMORROW!

Session: Tuesdays (11/5 - 12/17 (no club on 11/26))

Time: 2:20pm - 4:00pm

Cost: $120

Art Volunteer Needed

Ms Bonanno is looking for a volunteer to help hang up artwork once a month. Email kbonanno@bisd303.org if you're interested.

PTO Meeting

Next PTO Meeting

Our next PTO meeting will be held this Friday, November 7 at 9 am. All are welcome to join!

Follow us on Instagram!

Get the latest on PTO news and Blakely happenings on our Instagram page, follow @blakelypto

Share Your Yearbook Photos!

The PTO collects photos all year long for the yearbook via Google Drive. Share your Jog-A-Thon photos, or any recent Blakely pics (first day of school, field trips, class parties, etc. - we have folders for each grade, drop your photos in!) here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wjeGoeRDTmP3xcch9wcQu9I-A3N67sUf?usp=drive_link

Remember to Vote on Nov. 4th

Supplemental EP&O Levy

Want to understand what BISD’s Supplemental Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy means for our schools and community? Visit our Levy Information Webpage or join an upcoming Zoom information session to get all the details.

Every day in BISD, students are supported by strong academics, creative opportunities, and staff who care for their whole well-being. This levy helps bridge the gap between what the state funds and what it actually costs to provide the education our community values.

The proposed rate is $0.08 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026, $0.11 in 2027, and $0.13 in 2028—and even with this addition, overall school taxes will decrease as older bond taxes expire.

Learn more at www.bisd303.org/levyinfo

Blakely Calendar

NOVEMBER:

4: Election Day

7: PTO Meeting 9an

11: Veterans' Day - No School

26-28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Helpful LInks

Helpful Links

SCHOOL INFORMATION

K-4 School Hours

Monday: 7:50-12:50
Tuesday-Friday: 7:50-2:20

Preschool Hours:

Tuesday-Friday

AM: 7:45-10:15
PM: 11:45-2:20

Phone Numbers

Main office: 206-842-4752
Attendance: 206-780-2046 or blaattend@bisd303.org
After-school Transportation: blabus@bisd303.org

Helpful Links

Community Events

Looking for things to do around town? Visit our Community Events page for local happenings, classes, and family activities—updated regularly.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Bainbridge Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The BISD provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator:

Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent

206-780-1058

khaizlip@bisd303.org

Section 504/ADA Coordinators:

Annalisa Sanchez, Director of Student Services

206-780-1069

asanchez@bisd303.org

Maria Kuffel

206-780-1088

mkuffel@bisd303.org

8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110