Bridgewater Bear Tracks

"On Nov. 5, 2024 the Northfield School District will ask voters to consider authorizing bonds to Reimagine Northfield High School. The high school facility faces numerous problems. This referendum will address these problems because the proposal is Safe, Smart, and Sustainable. Go to our website to get additional information regarding the bond referendum. Or better yet, attend a presentation or come to one of our high school tours!"

The next tour of Northfield High School will be held on Monday, October 7th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Enter Door #10 and meet in the Media Center. These tours are the best way to see the high school for yourself and receive valuable information.

Our school will conduct a “duck and cover” drill on Monday, September 23rd, at 8:50 a.m. This drill is intended to prepare students and staff to respond to the exceedingly rare circumstance if an intruder enters the school. The drill includes teachers locking their classroom doors, shutting off all lights, moving people away from windows and doors, instructing students to remain silent, and instructing students to remain out of sight.

Minnesota Statute 121A.038 permits parents to opt their student(s) out of this type of required safety drill. If you would like to opt your student out of the drill, please notify the school office. You can pick your student(s) up 30 minutes prior to the start of the drill and return them 30 minutes after the drill is completed. This absence will be excused and no adverse action will be taken due to their absence.

If your student has experienced violence or trauma that this drill might reactivate, please notify the school office at 507-664-3300.

Welcome back to school, and the return of the BBC Spirit Day. This is a mini fundraising activity sponsored by the Bridgewater Booster Club which allows students to wear hats and special clothing to align with a theme. Recommended donation of $1 to wear a hat, $1 for themed clothing, $2 for both. Money should be turned into student’s classroom teacher. 100% of all money collected will be evenly redistributed to teachers for the purchase of items needed in their classrooms.

The Lost & Found is located inside the front doors at Bridgwater. The "stash" is growing with plenty of light jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters. You may want to drop by and take a peek noting that the building is open until at least 6:00 p.m. each day.

We are happy to have you join your child for lunch. Remember that you are welcome to dine with your child/children and two friends maximum. We also appreciate when you help to clean up the space when you are done since we are busy with the rest of the students. If you bring items to share with your child, please make sure that it is just for your child, not the other students due to food allergies. Thank you!

We are looking for three more tutors for the 2024-25 school year. You can take action in our community by giving your time and talent to help students build their skills and confidence!

Tutors work with students during school hours throughout the school year. No matter if you’re a recent grad, career changer, stay-at-home parent or retiree, you can make a great tutor. With training and on-site coaching, we’ll prepare you to help kids succeed.

Part-time and full-time positions are available beginning in August, October and January. Tutors receive a paycheck every two weeks plus up to an additional $5,100 for college tuition or loans. Tutors 55+ may gift the education award to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child.

Additional openings remain in other schools in Rice County. If you know someone this might be a good fit for, please help us spread the word!

Ready to put your passion in action? Learn more at Join.ReadingandMath.org. Questions can be sent to join@ampact.us or call 866.859.2825.

It is time for our 1st, 3rd, 5th grade free hearing and vision screenings on September 26. Please read the following letter for more information and the option to opt-out.

Please call the Bridgewater attendance line if your child is going to be absent from school. This number can be accessed 24 hours a day. 507-664-3306 is the number and this is at the top of your Bridgewater magnet that you received at your Family Conference. We will place a phone call to families that we don’t hear from by the morning; this is done for the sake of safety. Thank you for your help!

Here is a short video regarding pick up and drop off procedures. Please ignore if your child rides the bus to and from school. Thank you!

It is always best when you establish a consistent routine with your child to follow at the end of each school day. If you have a change in plans, please send a note with your child just in case there is a guest teacher that day. During the day, calls may be made to the Bridgewater Office; please don't rely on sending an email to your child's teacher after noon as teachers don't always have time to check email while they are teaching. Please call before 2:30. If a student does not have a note, they will be sent on their normal route.

Please call the Bridgewater Office (507-664-3300) if you will be late to pick up your child at the end of the school day. Late is arriving after 3:35. We do our very best to be understanding, and yet we have work to complete in the after hours so we may also go home. It is disheartening to have children waiting in the office after 4:00 with no phone call, an apology or a simple thank you. It isn't fair to your child. Just know that we will never blame your child for your lateness, and we will keep them safe.

Please send your child with a bike lock to lock their bike when they ride their bike to school. We have had some bikes stolen in the past, and this is not what I want for your child. Better to be safe. I would appreciate students parking at the larger bike racks on the flagpole side of the building. Bike helmets are also highly recommended.

Project Friendship is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that pairs children in grades 2 - 7 with a student mentor from Carleton College or St. Olaf College for a 2-4 year mentoring relationship. Mentoring has lasting benefits to any child including increased self-esteem, better performance in school, and stronger interpersonal skills. Plus, fun for both the child and their mentor! Click here for more information.

Here are six tips to make this year the best that it can be:

1. Make sure that your child gets plenty of sleep at night.

2. Communicate with your child's teacher.

3. Be positive about the school experience and staff.

4. Ask your child about the best part of his/her day.

5. Expect minor glitches at the beginning of the school year; it takes time to get the routine in place.

6. Speak up if you see or hear something that is questionable; we are all responsible for making school a safe environment.

Community School Registration is NOW ClOSED

Community School offers a comprehensive support system, combining academic instruction with social services, youth programs, and health services to enhance learning and community well-being. We provide clubs from Monday to Thursday, giving students additional opportunities for growth and engagement. Community School will begin on September 30th, 2024, and end on May 15th, 2025."

District-Wide Latinos Family Engagement Night
Join us on October 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the Greenvale Park Elementary Flex Lab for an engaging evening with Dr. Matt Hillmann

Day of the Dead Celebration - anyone can come!
On October 29th, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Greenvale Park Elementary, we invite you to celebrate Day of the Dead with us! This vibrant cultural event will include crafts, games, and more. Bring your family and friends for a night of fun and tradition!

Upcoming Programs at the Northfield Y: Join Us!

· Parent’s Night Out: Friday, September 27th – 6:00-8:00 PM

o Are your kids looking for new fun and activities at the Y – and are you craving a kids-free night as the school year gets started? Register for Parents’ Night Out, a program designed to provide a chance for parents to get some time away while your kids play under the supervision of our caring and enthusiastic staff. Whether you need a night to get some errands and tasks done or simply a chance for some quiet time and relaxation, this program is for you. Kids will be kept busy and engaged with a variety of gym activities, crafts, and a movie throughout the night, all facilitated by Northfield Y Staff Members!

· MEA School’s Out Days: Thursday, October 17th and Friday, October 18th

o Do you want your kids to have fun and stay busy during school breaks like MEA? Join us at the YMCA! Enroll for a fun-filled day of swimming, games, crafts, sports, friends and more! Dropoff runs as early as 7:00 AM and pickup goes until 5:00 PM – register today to secure a spot on our roster!

· Fall 1 Programming: Last Week to Register!

o It’s not too late to sign your students up for our Fall 1 slate of youth programming, which includes incredible programs like afterschool swimming lessons, volleyball, crafts club, STEM club, FLAG Football and more!

o Transportation is provided! For students attending Bridgewater and Spring Creek Elementary, the Y offers free, optional transportation after school to get kids from school over to the Y to begin programs! If interested, please contact our Youth Development Team to learn more.

For more information and to register, visit our website or connect with our Member Services team in person or by phone: 507-645-0088. We hope to see you and your students very soon!

We are still looking for an Educational Assistants to supervise students in the cafeteria during lunch time from 11:00-1:15. Visit the Northfield employment site to view all openings. Here

The lunch menu for each month will be provided in the newsletter.

There are many activities that children and adults may access during the course of the year. Don't forget to check the numerous opportunities from the Northfield Community Education Program: https://northfieldschools.org/communityeducation/

Sept 23 --- Lockdown Drill

Oct 8---Bridgewater Booster Club Meeting 6:00-7:00 pm in the BW Media Center

Oct 10---Dental Clinic for Bridgewater students

Oct 17 & 18---No School, MEA Break

Nov. 1 & 4---Teacher Preparation-End of 1st quarter

Nov 6---Picture Retake Day

Nov 11---Veterans Day Assembly

Nov 12---Bridgewater Booster Club Meeting 6:00-7:00 pm in the BW Media Center

Nov 27---E-Learning Day

Nov 28 & 29---Thanksgiving Break-No school for students

World-Class Learning for Elementary Students, Bridgewater Elementary School, situated on a 14-acre campus just south of downtown Northfield, is a K-5 public school serving approximately 570 students. It serves the neighborhoods on Northfield's southern side, Dundas, and the rural area south of Highway 19 and west of Highway 246. Students benefit from an active parent-teacher organization, Bridgewater Booster Club (BBC) and many parent volunteers.

The staff is intensely dedicated to offering a high-quality, well-rounded education that strives to meet the specific needs of each student. We focus on empowering our students in their academic and social emotional learning along with building a solid foundation for their educational journey in partnership with families.

Main Office Number: 507-664-3300

Attendance Line: 507-664-3306

Address: 401 Jefferson Parkway

Web page: northfieldschools.org/schools/bridgewater-elementary/

Email: nantoine@northfieldschools.org