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Bridges Community School

Bridges Community School
Bridges CommunitySchool

Bridges Breeze Bridges Breeze

1/9/26 1/9/26

Bridges Office Phone Number 507-387-2800

Secretary (Amanda Robinson)

Health Assistant (Holly Kelly)

Principal (Jody Rittmiller)

Message from the Principal Message from the Principal

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Dear Bridges Families -

A Year of Growth! 🌟

Parents, we are so proud of the life skills your children have mastered this year! From Team Building and Active Listening to learning to be Trustworthy, Caring, and doing their Personal Best, our school culture has been stronger than ever. We’ve focused heavily on being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe, while ensuring No Put Downs allowed.

We also traveled the world! 🌍 Students enjoyed intro slideshows on Spanish, Korean, Chinese Mandarin, Swedish, and Fanti cultures. Thank you for supporting these lessons at home!


As always we continue to create a school that is safe, inclusive and celebrates everyone! Please take a moment to provide feedback for our building and site council. Click here


Partners in Learning,

Mrs. Rittmiller

Dr. Monte Junker - Connection to Antarctica Dr. Monte Junker - Connection to Antarctica

Monte has lived all over the world, helping people of all walks of life. He was a teacher for 7 years, but most notably has been a dentist for 28 years. He served 2 terms during the Antarctic summers living and working in Antarctica. We were honored to have him share his story with our students on Friday, Jan. 2.

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Early Release - Wednesday, January 14th Early Release - Wednesday, January 14th

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Please complete this form to let us know what your plans are for early release. School will dismiss at 12:50. This form needs to be completed every month for staffing purposes.

https://forms.gle/ALjSx5rvRS2C4vsbA

Global Studies Update Global Studies Update

Classrooms have completed their first Global Unit of Study! Take a look below at what each grade has learned this fall and what they will learn in the spring of year 1!

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Science Fair - Grades 3-5 - March 18, 2026 Science Fair - Grades 3-5 - March 18, 2026

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Please click on the link below for information presented to students below!

Click here

Students can work independently or with 1-2 other students. We believe students can have 3 in group when they get to regionals.

You Matter - Students and Staff are recognized each week! You Matter - Students and Staff are recognized each week!

Tuesday, December 9 Tuesday, December 9

Breckan A. - K, Nathan T. - K, Safia R. - 1, Pixie M. - 1, Cora B. - 2, Axel O. - 2, Madi T. - 3 (Not pictured), Cooper C. - 3, Bryant D. - 4, Esme M. - 4, Grayson M. - 5, Gabby M. - 5
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You Matter Staff You Matter Staff

Mr. Burger (Physical Education Teacher) and Ms. Baily (Art Teacher)

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Student Safety Reminder: Drop-off & Pick-up T

To keep our students safe, please follow these rules during arrival and dismissal:

  • Pull to the curb: Never stop in the middle of the street to let students out. Please park on the side of the road or wait for a spot to open.

  • Keep Bus Lanes Clear: Do not park or idle in the designated bus lanes at any time.

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Grade 5 Information Grade 5 Information

🛑 TRIP INFO MEETING

  • What: Student/Parent Meeting for the Field Trip

  • When: April 16 @ 6:00 PM

  • Where: Auditorium

🌲 THE BIG TRIP

  • What: Up North Minnesota History Field Trip (Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Duluth)

  • When: April 29 – May 1

🎉 THE PARTY

  • What: 5th Grade Celebration

  • When: May 14 @ 1:30 PM

  • Where: Gymnasium & Cafeteria

We look forward to seeing you there!

Bridges and Focus School Lottery Process Bridges and Focus School Lottery Process

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  • Families who are interested in applying to a MAPS focus school can review the important dates and information listed below. Please read carefully to stay informed throughout the application and lottery process.

    Key Dates

    January 12, 2026
    Explore Outdoor and Nature Based at Jefferson, start time 4:30
    Explore STEAM at Rosa Parks, start time 5:45

    These include a short presentation, time for questions, and a tour of the program.

    January 15, 2026
    Explore Global Studies at Bridges, start time 4:30
    This includes a short presentation, time for questions, and a tour of the program.

    October 1, 2025
    The application window opens for all MAPS focus schools.

    January 23, 2026
    The application window closes. All applications must be submitted by this date.

    February 13, 2026
    The notification process begins for families who participated in the application lottery. Every family in the lottery will receive either an offer or a waitlist notification. Families who receive an offer must accept or decline the seat within one week from the date the offer was sent. It is important to respond within the required timeline so the district can move through the placement process efficiently.
  • Please read this document for more information regarding the lottery process for Bridges Community School. Click here
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Winter Weather Information

Snow season is just around the corner! In preparation, here is an important resource that is available on the ISD77 website for your review:


Weather Related Information - includes details on where to find out about weather related closings and late starts. Please note the MAPS Notification Line: 507-387-6046.

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Mental Health Hub

The Greater Mankato Mental Health Hub has launched! This hub was developed by Greater Mankato Area United Way's Youth Mental Health/Suicide Prevention Committee and is hosted by the Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The hub is meant to be a tool for parents and caregivers to easily find information on crisis support, local mental health services, parent education, and more.


Find more information HERE.

Save the Date! Save the Date!

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January:

Jan. 14 - Two Hour Early Release (12:50 Dismissal)

Jan. 15 - Bridges Tours/Lottery Information (4:30)

Jan. 16 - Bridges Showcase (1:30-2:30)

Jan. 19-20 - No School

Jan. 26 - Literacy Night at Blue Earth County Library (4:00-5:30)

Jan. 30 - Bridges Spelling Bee (12:30)

Jan. 30 - Bridges Carnival (6:00)

Looking for a way to connect to MAPS? We strive to connect our community to our district and schools. Subscribe to this newsletter to get the current information and links to events.

Follow MAPS Facebook and Instagram for student celebrations:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISD77MAPS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isd77maps/

MAPS Website: https://www.isd77.org/

Bridges BAC Website: BAC website link: : https://bridgesbears.weebly.com/faq.html

Communications
http://www.isd77.org/
10 Civic Center Plaza

Mankato, MN 56001

507-387-1868

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