Bridport Community Newletter
October 12, 2025
Howdy BCS Families!
I hope this newsletter finds you well as we continue through a productive school year!
We had a great week at BCS, and have really gotten into our academic flow. Students have been working so hard, and are feeling successful AND the sense of productive struggle as we learn new things
Many joyful things happened last week including:
4/5 went to Martime Museum to learn about Lake Champlain's ecosystem, and went canoeing on the lake! They were amazing role models for our community, and were SO excited to share what they had learned upon returning to school.
2/3 has settled into their math groups and rotations. Walking into Ms. M's classroom is a delight as students from both grade levels are working on concepts that meet their strengths and stretch their skills. Ms. Samantha, Ms. Walker and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Ms. Bain are helping facilitate engaging learning experiences for our students.
K/1 have been digging into Geodes texts, and showing what they know about decoding words. They are building amazing background knowledge and vocabulary all while practicing the spelling patterns and letter sounds they are working on in Fundations.
Finally, PreK has had an AMAZING week together and are loving crafts, art projects and celebrating fall. The laughter and joy coming from PreK is so special, and we love having the littlest learners as part of our school community.
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather!
Jenny
Dear Bridport community,
I wanted to let you all know that I’ll be moving on from my position at BCS at the end of October. This community has brought so much joy, laughter, and purpose to my days, and I’ll always be grateful for the time I got to spend with you all.
Thank you for making me feel so welcome as a member of the BCS team. I’ll carry so many happy memories (and probably a few mud stains!) with me wherever I go.
With so much appreciation,
- Ms. Connar
(As an aside- we will be looking to fill Ms. Connar's position- if you are interested, or know someone who is - please reach out!)
Take a Break and Buddy Classrooms
As part of our commitment to fostering a positive and productive learning environment, our school uses the Responsive Classroom approach. This philosophy is based on the belief that for children to do their best academic work, they must also be explicitly taught social and emotional skills. This month, I want to highlight two specific strategies you may hear your children mention: "Take a Break" and "Buddy Classrooms."
Both of these strategies are non-punitive tools designed to teach students self-regulation—the crucial ability to manage their own emotions, actions, and attention. This is a foundational skill for becoming an engaged, ready-to-learn student.
"Take a Break"
In every classroom, we have a designated, safe, and easily accessible "Take a Break" spot.
It is not a punishment. It is a space for a student to voluntarily go, or to be directed by a teacher, when they are showing signs of frustration, distraction, or being "off-task."
The goal is to restore focus. Students are encouraged to use a calming strategy—like deep breathing or simply sitting quietly—to get back in control of their emotions and behavior.
It teaches self-awareness. By using this tool, students learn to recognize the early signs that they are losing focus before their behavior escalates. The ultimate goal is for students to learn to choose to take a break on their own, demonstrating remarkable self-control.
"Buddy Classrooms"
When a student is having trouble calming down in their own classroom's "Take a Break" space, or if they need a complete change of scenery to reset, we use the Buddy Classroom system.
A "next step" for support. This involves a brief, structured visit to a pre-arranged classroom with a "buddy teacher."
A fresh start. The change of location helps the student separate from the immediate situation and gives both the student and the primary teacher a moment to reset.
Consistency and support. This system shows students that the expectation for respectful behavior is consistent across our school, and that all adults are here to help them regain control so they can rejoin their learning community ready to succeed.
We believe that by proactively teaching and consistently using tools like "Take a Break" and "Buddy Classrooms," we are helping our students develop the essential skills of self-control and self-regulation. These skills are just as important as reading and math, and they are what allow every child to be present, focused, and truly ready to learn.
2025-2026 Music Concerts
This year, our elementary schools will partner in new ways to host family concerts. There will be two combined evening concerts for families to attend to celebrate our student musicians. Mrs. Cunningham will plan two concerts for her students with the Bridport & Cornwall communities. Ms. Metcalf will plan two concerts for her students in the Salisbury, Shoreham, and Weybridge communities. We’re excited to showcase the students' growing music and performance skills at these evening events! We will share the dates of our concerts as soon as they are planned.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales is about a young mother and child who migrate from Mexico. It is a story about finding your way through life and new beginnings. This book celebrates diversity, migration, family and self-identity. Morales captures the beauty of diversity and dreams. The book follows the mother and child through their adventure of migrating to a new world and the experiences and challenges presented throughout their journey. Dreamers is a true celebration of the beauty, hopes and dreams migrantes bring to a new environment.
These resources are helpful to learn more about Yuyi Morales:
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