As the dry days of summer give way to the rainy days of fall, the Bainbridge Island School District superintendent is focused on moments of joy, inclusion and communication throughout the district.

At the Oct. 27 school board meeting, Peter Bang-Knudsen said, “I just love it when we can bring some moments of levity and community for schools, and I think our teachers do an incredible job of finding ways to make that happen.”

Students are taking field trips again. Sakai Intermediate School students went to the Suquamish Museum where they connected with local history and culture and made a visit to Chief Seattle’s gravesite.

On Oct. 19, the district observed National Unity Day when students and staff wore orange to stand up against bullying and harassment and ensure that everyone feels included.

A district survey received more than 700 responses that will be used to strengthen communication with parents and community members with more information to come in early 2023.

In preparation for winter, the district will test its emergency notification system that alerts the community to weather-related or time-sensitive delays and closures. The event will test the system’s phone, email and text notifications.

Staff and families may log in to Skyward to update and verify their contact information. To receive text messages from BISD, text Y to the code 67587. Community members without students in district schools may also opt-in to receive emergency alerts. If a test message is not received Nov. 2, email Erin Bischoff at ebischoff@bisd303.org.

Also, BISD continues to hire as it seeks to fill special paraeducators with salaries starting at $24.75 an hour. Contact Jessica Day at 206-780-1056 or jday@bisd303.org.