Bridport Community Newletter

February 15th, 2026

Hello!

We had a BUSY week filled with joy, learning and play. It was so fun to celebrate the 100th day of school on Tuesday and all the amazing work that we've done. Our K/1 class dressed in style as if they were 100 years old- and even Mr. B and Ms. Way got in on the fun!

This upcoming week we have the Vermont Symphony Orchestra coming on Friday for a Big Brass performance, and I can't wait to experience the music with our students.

We have lots of fun things planned for the second half of the year, and if you'd like to be part of planning logistics, events or transportation - please reach out to me by Friday.

Stay Warm,

Jenny

2/20- VSO Concert 1:00PM

2/21- 3/1- Mid-winter Vacation- No School

Mark your Calendars!

Combined Band & Chorus Concert- 3/25 - 6:00 - Wilson Hall @ Middlebury College

K-5 Open Houses

Tues, Feb 10, 5:30-6:30: Mary Hogan
Thurs, Feb 12, 5:30-6:30: Salisbury Community
Mon, Feb 16, 5:30-6:30: Cornwall Elementary
Weds, Feb 18 5:30-6:30: Weybridge Elementary
Thursday February 19th- 5:30-6:30- Bridport- rescheduled!

Join us to plan ahead!

We would like to invite you to join our collaborative planning groups as we prepare for the upcoming transition of Bridport and Shoreham students. Your input is vital in ensuring a seamless experience for our students and families.

We are seeking volunteers for two focused committees:

Transportation and Afterschool: Working alongside Principal Sells, this group will review transportation routes and develop a proposal tailored to the needs of our community.
Logistics and Events: Working with Principal Urban, this group will plan joint events and coordinate operational details, such as arrival and dismissal procedures.

How to Join

If you are interested in participating in one or both of these groups, please email Jenny and/or Lashawn by February 20, 2026. Meeting schedules will be established once the committees are finalized.

Thank you for your dedication to supporting a successful transition for our students.

This week we had FOUR awards to give out as I was absent the previous Friday. It is so fun to celebrate our students in this way- and they look forward to cheering eachother on and congratulating one another for their accomplishment. As I told the students, its getting harder and harder to pick each week, as everyone is showing their best self and looking for ways to give back to our community.

Check out our recipients below!

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table

Will Allen is no ordinary farmer. A former basketball star, he’s as tall as his truck, and he can hold a cabbage, or a basketball, in one hand. But what is most special about Farmer Will is that he can see what others can’t see. When he looked at an abandoned city lot he saw a huge table, big enough to feed the whole world. No space, no problem. Poor soil, there’s a solution. Need help, found it. Farmer Will is a genius in solving problems. In 2008, the MacArthur Foundation named him one.

These resources are helpful to learn more about Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Jacqueline Briggs Martin’s Website

Audio Name Pronunciation

Author’s Interview

Here are some videos of Will Allen:

Will Allen: The Urban Farmer

Urban Farmer Starting His Own Revolution | SuperSoul Sunday | Oprah Winfrey Network

We celebrated Global Day of Play on Friday- which according to their mission: "During Global School Play Day, participants are encouraged to allow students ample time for free play without the use of screens, structured games, or adult direction. The idea is to let children explore their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions in an unstructured and spontaneous environment"

Check out some photos of our day... its the best day ever!

https://globalschoolplayday.com/about

Winter Reading Challenge

K-5 students have recording sheets for our whole school winter reading challenge! We are challenging students to do a combination of reading books and listening to others read to complete the challenge. Students who read or listen to 10 different books, write them on the record sheet and turn them into Ms. Abby will get to pick a prize from the prize bin!

*Please note two changes toi the Open House schedule below*

The ACSD Board recently revised Board Policy C30, School Assignment and Intra-District Transfer, to offer more flexibility to ACSD families when choosing an elementary school for their child(ren). If you are interested in having your child attend a different K-5 elementary school, please read more about the policy and the application process here. To apply, use this form or visit your school’s front office or the ACSD District Office for a paper application. The application window opened January 30th, and all applications must be received by March 2nd, 2026.

There will be a second information session to learn more, ask questions, and get support filling out the application: Weds, February 18: 8:30-9:30am: at the Superintendent's Office (49 Charles Ave, Middlebury)
Schools have scheduled open houses for all interested families.

Thurs, Feb 12, 5:30-6:30: Salisbury Community
Mon, Feb 16, 5:30-6:30: Cornwall Elementary
Tues, Feb 17, 5:30-6:30: Mary Hogan
Weds, Feb 18 5:30-6:30: Weybridge Elementary

Thurs, Feb 19 5:30-6:30 Bridport Elementary

SEPAC Meeting February 18th

The SEPAC invites all families and caregivers of ACSD students with disabilities to join them on Wednesday, February 18th.

Please join the Addison Central Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) on Wednesday, February 18th. We will be joined by Dr. Sonya Oefelein, ACSD Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Restorative Practices. Sonya will introduce herself and share her goals for the year. We will also hear from Megan Hendee of the MUHS Best Buddies Club.

Wednesday, February 18th
5:30 – 7:00 pm
MUHS Library (virtual option: https://meet.google.com/gjk-ymhg-drj)

Do you have young children birth to 5? We are expanding our early childhood offerings and want to hear from you! Share your hopes, needs, and ideas for building strong childhood care and education for our community. Find the survey link here. Survey is open 2/6-2/20.