Blakely Newsletter - December 8, 2025

Dear Blakely Community,

As we approach Winter Break, many students are excited to spend time with their families, enjoy traditions, and experience a change of pace. At the same time, transitions can bring mixed feelings. Shifts in routines, changes in sleep schedules, and the emotional highs and lows of the season can sometimes feel overwhelming for children. Here are a few tips to help support a smooth and positive transition into — and back out of — Winter Break:

1. Keep a Predictable (but Flexible) Routine: While a break offers a chance to slow down, maintaining some consistency with bedtime, mealtimes, and screen use can help students feel grounded throughout this time off from school. A little structure goes a long way in reducing stress.

2. Talk About Feelings Before Break Begins: Children may experience a range of emotions, including excitement, worry, or sadness, about being away from school and friends. A quick check-in using questions like, “What are you looking forward to?” “Is there anything you’re unsure about?” can help your child process their emotions and feel more prepared for this transition.

3. Build in Movement and Play: Cold weather can limit outdoor time, but kids still need space to move and decompress. Indoor dance breaks, bundled-up walks, or simple art activities can continue to support emotional regulation and overall well-being.

4. Create Moments of Connection: Busy schedules can sometimes make holidays feel hectic. Even small moments — such as reading together, sharing a meal, or making something as a family — help strengthen connections and ensure students feel secure.

5. Ease Back Into School-Day Expectations: As break winds down, gently reintroducing school routines (earlier bedtimes, packing backpacks, talking about the first day back) can help reduce anxiety and make the return to school feel much smoother.

May these last couple of weeks before break feel fruitful, intentional, and lead us into two weeks of rest, quality time with loved ones, and rejuvenation!

Always here,

Our Lost and Found is overflowing...All items will be donated on the Friday before Winter Break. If your student's name is on an item we will reunite with them.

Thank you to our PTO for funding our beautiful new lost and found in the walkway to the Commons!

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep students and staff safe during winter weather, BISD is introducing a three-hour delay option for school start times. BISD now has the flexibility to start school two or three hours late when winter weather impacts travel conditions.

This additional delay provides more flexibility on Tuesdays through Fridays, allowing extra time for roads to be cleared and for everyone to travel safely to school.

Our team has been working hard behind the scenes to make this a viable option on snow and ice days—ensuring that schedules, transportation, and meals are all ready to go when the weather requires extra flexibility.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate winter weather together. Our goal is always the same: to get everyone to school safely.

For more information, visit our Inclement Weather Info & FAQs.

Seeking 3 volunteers for Popcorn Fridays from January to June. Sign up HERE!

The PTO needs 2 volunteers to meet at the Commodore Loading Dock on December 12 to help unload and organize emergency supplies. If you're available, contact Elli Koskella ellikoskella@gmail.com

Show your talent by designing the 2025-26 Blakely Yearbook Cover! All submissions must be on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper, vertical/portrait style, and include "Blakely Elementary 2025-26" on the design. Submissions are due Friday, December 19, Ms Hawkins will have a basket in the front office. 

It’s that time of year again! Helpline House, in partnership with Rotary, is providing extra food for youth during school breaks. The “pantry bags” include enough food for one youth for an entire week of breakfasts and lunches. These are available to ALL youth ages 0–18. 

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