Bridges Community School
Dear Bridges Bears Families,
It's hard to believe we're already twelve days into the school year! Thank you for a fantastic start. It has been wonderful to see so many smiling faces eager to learn and reconnect with friends and teachers.
To ensure our school day continues to run smoothly for all students, please remember to say your goodbyes at the designated drop-off points each morning. When students enter the building on their own, it helps them develop independence and gets them ready to start their day right on time.
As a reminder, our staff is busy helping students get settled and begin their morning routines starting at 8:10 a.m. daily. If you are a parent volunteer, please stop by the main office to sign in and get a visitor's badge. This helps us ensure the safety of everyone in the building.
Thank you for your continued support in making this a successful school year!🐻
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.
Site Council Minutes - We are looking for more site council parent reps
Click here for the site council minutes.
I am the Speech-Language Pathologist at Bridges! I help students of all ages work on their speech and language skills.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, going on hikes with my dog, and spending time with my friends and family. I have read 95 books so far in 2025!
This year, I am most excited about meeting all of my speech students and families. I am new to Bridges, so I am looking forward to learning more about the awesome community that makes up our school!
What is your job at Bridges? School Psychologist
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy gardening and spending time outdoors. You might find me walking on local park trails or state parks.
What are you the most excited about as you start your year at Bridges this year? The opportunity to develop relationships with the students and staff at Bridges.
What is your job at Bridges?
- Special Ed Para in Mrs. Reichel’s room!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
- I spent the last 12.5 years as a full-time photographer, and while I’m transitioning into a different path now, I still love taking photos for families and weddings. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, Chris, and our kids, August and Madelyn. We love traveling, going up north to our cabin in Lutsen, MN, and attending MSU events. My husband is a coach at MSU, so we love supporting his team—Go Mavs!
What are you most excited about this year at Bridges?
- I’m so excited to be in a school setting and around kids! I especially love being in the same school as my son, who just started kindergarten. I’m also planning to go back to school for my master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2026, which makes this role an even more meaningful step for me.
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. 15 - BAC Meeting (6:00)
Sept. 18 - Fall Bus Evacs (K-5)
Sept. 23 - Vision and Hearing Testing
Sept. 23 - 5th grade parent/student meeting for the 3 day field trip - come to door 2. The meeting is in the auditorium.
Sept. 24 - Buffalo Wild Wings/BAC Fundraiser 11AM-11PM
October:
Oct. 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day
Oct. 8 - 2 Hour Early Release (12:50 pm)
Oct. 9 - History Fest (4th gr)
Oct. 10 - MSU Hockey (Grades 3-5)
Oct. 13 - No School