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Blakely Newsletter - March 23, 2026

Posted Date: 03/23/26 (10:23 AM)
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Blakely Elementary School
Bulldog - In this newsletter

March 23, 2026

Inside this Newsletter

  • Maker Faire "Game On" is this Thursday
  • Scholastic Book Fair
  • PTO News
  • Helpline House Pantry Bags
  • Music Concert - 3rd/4th Grade
  • Special Education Parent Survey
  • Blakely Calendar
  • Helpful Information/Links
  • Community Events
 

From the Principal: Maker Faire - "Game On"

Hello Bulldogs, 

It is MakerFaire week! We're excited to spend the week celebrating imperfection, mistakes and persevering through challenges.
My focus this newsletter is in sharing the logistics of MakerFaire with everyone and pertinent details. Please take a peek below- thank you for reading! 

  • MakerFaire will take place during the school day this Thursday, March 26th. 
  • Students will have time during the day to build and create with cardboard, tubes, and other donated supplies. The theme is "Game On, Blakely!" with a focus on building arcade or board games. Thank you for all your donations! 
  • The evening event will be from 6-7:30pm on Thursday, March 26th. 
  • Students must be accompanied by an adult at all times.  
  • During this time, students and families can interact with builds as long as the designer is present! If your child wants to stand by the game they built and let other students play it, that is allowed as long as your child stays with their game. Students can stay at their game for as long or short as they want. Our intent in this shift is to add a bit more interaction to the evening.  
  • As a reminder- we will also have the Book Fair in the library open for evening sales!
  • MakerFaire cleanup: If your child can safely carry their MakerFaire game on their own, they can bring it home on the bus Friday, March 27th. If not, they will need to be picked on 3/27 up to bring it home. All remaining games left at school after 3/27 will be disposed of. 
Thank you for all your support. We look forward to seeing you Thursday evening! 

Sam Cameron, Principal

Scholastic Book Fair

BLAKELY LIBRARY BOOK FAIR is March 23 – March 26: A percentage of all sales go directly to support the Blakely library.

E-WALLETS: Don’t forget to set up your child’s e-wallet! It’s the easy way to pay. Fill your child's e-wallet here: Book Fair Homepage 

Volunteers are needed to make our book fair a success, we have many open slots for volunteer times organized by classes. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044EA9AF29AAFA7-62717813-book

QUESTIONS? Contact Melinda Ackles blakely.treasurer@bainbridgeptos.org

Lunchtime Sales (you can volunteer when your kid’s class is shopping!):
Tuesday: Alder, Claiborne, Claesson, Hoag
Wednesday: Sheehan, Ball, Olsen, Ledbetter
Thursday: Clark, McCassey, Reuling, Tibbals

After School Family Shopping:
Monday (March 23): 12:50 pm – 2:30 pm
Thursday (March 26): 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
 
PTO

PTO Happenings

Maker Faire Volunteers Needed!
The Blakely Maker Faire will be held March 26, we're looking for volunteers to help organize materials and cover various build stations. 

Sign up here! 

Save the Date - Blakely Family Kickball and Picnic!
Blakely Family Kickball and Picnic on Friday, June 5 at 5:30 on the playground. More info to come!

Open PTO Positions for 2026-27 School Year
The PTO will be looking for the following:
  • Spirit Wear coordinator
  • Communications Chair
  • Jog-A-Thon Chair
  • Treasurer in Training
  • Book Fair Coordinator
  • Readerboard Coordinator
 
Helpline House

🍎 Supporting Our Students: Kids’ Pantry During Spring Break

As we near Spring Break, we want to ensure every student in our community stays fueled and ready for fun! Helpline House, in partnership with Bainbridge Island Rotary, is proud to offer the Kids’ Pantry program to provide supplemental groceries for local families.

Pick-Up Information
If your family could benefit from extra groceries during the break, you can stop by for a pick-up:
  • Location: Helpline House | 901 Hildebrand Ln NE
  • Dates: Monday – Friday (April 6-10)
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Delivery Options
We know that work schedules and transportation can sometimes make it difficult to get to Helpline House. If you are unable to make it during pick-up hours, Rotary volunteers are available to deliver groceries directly to your home.

To Register for Delivery: Please contact Sarah Frost sfrost@bisd303.org to coordinate a drop-off time that works for your family.
 
Music Concert
 

Reminder: Special Education Parent Survey

We value your feedback! If you have a child receiving Special Education services, please complete the parent survey. A separate ParentSquare email was sent out on Friday, March 6th with more details.

  • Note: Please submit a separate survey for each child you have in the program.
  • Questions? Email Maria Kuffel at mkuffel@bisd303.org.
  • Survey
 
Calendar

Blakely Calendar

MARCH:
23-26: Book Fair
24: Sakai Incoming 5th Grade Parent/Guardian Night
26: Maker Faire 6:00-7:30pm

APRIL:
6-10 Spring Break No School)
20-24: Kindness Week (more to come....)
22: 3rd and 4th Grade Music Concert (5:30 and 6:30pm)
 
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

Section 504/ADA Coordinators:
Annalisa Sanchez, Director of Student Services
206-780-1069

Maria Kuffel
206-780-1088

8489 Madison Avenue North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110