Bridport Community Newletter

As part of the updated progress reporting system, the spring parent-teacher conference window opens March 22. The goal of this conference is to be in person, as teachers plan to share student work and current progress toward the standards. Your child's teacher will be reaching out in the near future with a conference schedule.

Dear BCS Community,

March is a time of change. The light and warmth are returning and suddenly the school year seems to be coming to an end! Despite having three months remaining, the feeling in the school is hurried and that can lead to anxiety for both students and adults!

Next week our 3rd-5th graders will be completing the VTCAP (state testing) in Math & ELA. This testing requires a pretty massive amount of coordination to support all learners. This year, we scheduled the testing as early as possible so that we can get it over with! Although the results of the test are slightly useful, the testing itself is a burden on our entire school. Our teachers and other staff will support our students through this process and we will provide lots of movement, snacks, and rest as everyone tries their best.

As always, thank you for supporting our school and our community!

Respectfully,

Matthew Brankman

Principal

This year, ACSD is partnering with Dr. Rebecca Eunmi Haslam of Seed the Way LLC to advance our commitment to equity and justice. Dr. Haslam’s focus is on understanding the impact of racial and bias-based harm in our schools. Her work is designed to inform ACSD’s policy and procedures, increase more inclusive classroom practices, and leverage decision-making in meaningful ways. We hope this work will increase the restorative and reparative experiences for students, staff, and faculty in the ACSD community.

Dr. Haslam has completed the first phase of her work at MUMS and MUHS which included meeting with students and staff directly. She is now set to begin phase two which will focus on students and staff in ACSD’s elementary schools. The complete announcement and plan for phase two will be shared with all ACSD K-5 families in March, with a phase two completion date of June 30th. Please be on the lookout for the invitation to participate in this work.

Upon completion of both phases, Dr. Haslam will share findings with incoming Superintendent Dr. Wendy Baker in preparation for ACSD’s implementation of the ACSD Strategic Plan for Equity.

All school meals will be free again for ALL students.

But, it's still VERY IMPORTANT to complete the free and reduced meal application form. Our district gets $475,000+ each year based on the % of students who qualify for free/reduced meals. So, if you fill out the form, you help us qualify!

A paper application will come home with your child, or apply now online.