Many likely uneasy as BI schools start up

While excited about in-person learning to start the new school year, Bainbridge Island School District superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen said he understands how staff, parents and students could be uneasy.

“There can be nervousness and jitters about the new school year — especially given the current pandemic,” he said as COVID-19 numbers have increased recently.

He said schools will remain diligent with COVID protocols to create a safe learning environment, including wearing masks and social distancing – even if the student is vaccinated.

“It is my hope that this school year feels more in step with pre-pandemic years with lively conversations, creative problem-solving and joy-filled classrooms,” says in a recent district newsletter.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in May said that all districts must provide full-day, in-person instruction this fall.

School will begin Sept. 1 for students in first- through 12th-grade. Kindergarteners will begin Sept. 3.

Masks must be worn inside and outside at all times, along with on school buses. Frequent hand-washing and sanitizing are required throughout each day. Physical distance is 3 feet in classrooms, but up to 6 feet when eating or drinking because masks are then off.

Frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and water fountains are disinfected each night. Classroom windows are open and HVAC systems are programmed to increase ventilation throughout buildings.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that schools do not conduct daily symptom screening for K-12 students. So, adults are asked to take the temperature of their students daily and keep them home if they have one.

BISD does plan to open a COVID testing site Aug. 25. The Pfizer vaccine can be given to students ages 12-17. Moderna and Johnson and Johnson are for people age 18 and older. For a vaccine appointment go to vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/

Principals

BISD principals had a variety of things to say as students return.

Drew Crandall at Sakai Intermediate said, “With every start to the school year, there comes a range of emotions from nervousness to excitement. With a return to full day learning this year, those feelings may be understandably increased for your child. We recognize this and the need to spend extra time getting students connected and comfortable with their new learning environment. Sakai has always had a focus on the unique social-emotional needs of students at this age, and I assure you this year will be no different.”

Its website also notes that class placement will be open on Skyward Aug. 25 and Aug. 31 there will be tours for new families.

At Woodward Middle School principal Sebastian Ziz said to leave room in hallways for social distancing, students will not be using lockers, but instead will take backpacks room to room.

“So much of middle school is about relationships, our sense of community, and all the extras that go along with an academic education. Bringing back our clubs, sports, and much of the social interaction that occurs during the day will be refreshing,” he says on their website.

“Rest assured that we will be compassionately helping students through this transition back to full-day in-person school.”

New teachers in the district include: Jill Beerman, Shane Miramontez, Emily Saling, Jamie Berg, Heather Maass, Sarah Dukes, Amanda Walker, Michele Hobbs, Katie Brase, Joy Miller, Danny Figgins, Hunter Wood, Emily Browne and Megan Stein.

School hours

BAINBRIDGE HIGH

Monday Early Release: 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Tuesday – Friday: 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

WOODWARD MIDDLE

Monday Early Release: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

SAKAI INTERMEDIATE

Monday Early Release: 8:55 a.m. to 1:55 p.m.

Tuesday – Friday: 8:55 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

BLAKELY ELEMENTARY

Monday Early Release: 7:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.