Bridges Community School
Dear Bridges Bears Families,
It was a fantastic first week of school! We're so excited to have your children back in the classrooms, and we're incredibly proud of how well they've adjusted. It's a joy to see their smiling faces and hear their laughter filling our halls once again.
This week, we focused on getting to know each other, establishing classroom routines, and diving into some fun introductory activities. The students did a wonderful job of making new friends, reconnecting with old ones, and showing their readiness to learn.
A huge thank you for your support in making this week a smooth transition. Your partnership is invaluable, and we look forward to working together throughout the year to ensure your child has a successful and memorable school experience. We value your input and want to hear your delights and concerns about the start of the school year. Please take a minute to fill out this survey for our Site council to look through for our first meeting: click here.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Here's to a great school year ahead! 🐻
Warmly,
Mrs. Rittmiller
ISD77 Policy on Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices
As we settle into another school year, we wanted to send a friendly reminder about our school district's cell phone and electronic device policy. We understand the desire to stay connected with your children throughout the day, especially in cases of emergencies, and we truly understand that mindset. However, our primary goal is to maintain a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment for every student. This policy is in place to protect student privacy, prevent cyber bullying, and ensure a positive, productive academic setting.
ISD77 Policy on Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices
All student mobile phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal electronic devices must be kept silent and out of sight whenever students are on campus on days school is in session.
This means devices should be put away in a backpack or locker from the moment the school day begins until the final bell rings. We ask that parents and caregivers please refrain from texting or calling your child during the school day. We ask for your support with this policy for a few key reasons:
Privacy and Safety: Students and staff have a right to privacy. The policy strictly prohibits taking photos, videos, or recordings of other individuals without their consent. This is especially important in private areas like restrooms and locker rooms.
Focus on Learning: When devices are put away, students are better able to engage with their teachers and classmates without the constant distraction of notifications or messages. This allows for deeper learning and more meaningful interaction.
Academic Integrity: This policy helps prevent cheating and ensures that all students are completing their work honestly and independently.
It’s also important for families to know: The school and school district are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged phones and personal devices that students bring to school.
We know that emergencies can happen. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 507-387-2800. Our staff will make sure your message is delivered to your child promptly and securely.
Your partnership in upholding this policy is essential to our school community. Thank you for helping us create a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for all of our students.
Morning Drop Off
*7:55-8:10 - Parents and busses will drop students off at Door 2.
*Students will have supervision ourdoors and can head down to the cafeteria for breakfast.
*8:10 - Students will line up on their lines when staff blows the whistle and head inside to their classrooms.
*8:20 - All students should be in classrooms (students will be marked tardy if not in classrooms at this time).
**Please do not park in the yellow marked spots (this is for busses) and/or in the middle of the street. Please wait patiently so all students are safe.
After School Pick-Up
2:50 - Teachers will walk classes outdoors to line up on their designated lines on the playground.
*Students that ride the bus home, the YMCA, or My Place will get on the bus or van transportation.
*Students that go to ACES will head down to the cafeteria.
*Students that get picked up will let their teacher know when they see their parent and teachers will send them with parents.
*If your after school pick up changes, please notify the office before the end of the day so we can ensure staff and students know the plan.
**Please do not park in the yellow marked spots (this is for busses) and/or in the middle of the street. Please wait patiently so all students are safe.
Hello everyone! I am so excited to be teaching 1st grade this year at Bridges. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and playing with my dogs. I also enjoy visiting my family cabin on German Lake and traveling to Florida to visit family. I am very excited to meet more Bridges families and dive into what makes Bridges so special! I am also overjoyed to be in the same building as my daughter, Sylvie.
What is your job at Bridges?
I am the school social worker.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my partner Casey and rambunctious cat, Tigger. I also enjoy going to my parent’s camper in Wisconsin Dells.
What are you the most excited about as you start your year at Bridges this year?
What is your job at Bridges?
I am the new School Counselor for Bridges Community School.
My job:
I listen when students need to talk.
I help students to solve problems with friends.
I help students on how to handle big feelings.
I teach lessons on many awesome topics!
I work with teachers and families to help students do their best.
I make sure all students feel safe, heard, and included.
What do you enjoy doing outside or work?
I love traveling! My family and dog travel a lot; domestically and internationally! Fun fact: my dog travels in my backpack. So, if you see a dog in a backpack here in town, most likely that is me and my dog and please say hi! Another thing that I love is food! I enjoy cooking and trying out different food from different cultures.
What are you the most excited about as you start your year at Bridges this year?
I cannot wait to meet all the students and work with them this year! I am looking forward to having fun as well as having a great school year together with Bridges Community.
Global Studies Update
This week all students met Ms. Olsen, our Spanish Teacher! We are excited to start our lessons on Tuesday, Sept. 2. All students will have Spanish for 25 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. Ask your students what they are learning! Classrooms will also be learning about Spanish through our Spanish families in slideshows that were created!
A little Hola message from Ms. Olsen
I am the Spanish teacher at Bridges. I enjoy spending time with my family, going to sporting events and reading. I am most excited about meeting all of the students and sharing my love of Spanish with them.
It appears the transportations are still working through some scheduling of routes as the bus has been late the first couple of days. If you have transportation questions? Contact Tricia Ries by email tries2@isd77.org or call (507)507-387-5949.
Mental Health Hub
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.
September:
Sept. 1 - No School/Labor Day
Sept. 9 - Picture Day
Sept. 10 - 2 Hour Early Release (12:50 pm)
Sept. 15 - BAC Meeting (5:30)
Sept. 18 - Fall Bus Evacs (K-5)
Sept. 23 - Vision and Hearing Testing
October:
Oct. 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day
Oct. 8 - 2 Hour Early Release (12:50 pm)
Oct. 9 - History Fest (4th gr)