Bridport Community Newletter

Dear BCS Community,

Happy New Year & Welcome Back!

Actually, it is strange to be welcoming you all back, when I'm the one who has been away for an extended time. That being said, I'm beyond thrilled to be BACK! I am so appreciative of the BCS staff for coming together during my absence, for the help of our leadership in Middlebury, and especially for Tracey Harrington and Laura Nugent for being at BCS to support our students during my absence. Finally, I hope you will joing me in thanking Jenny Urban for her outstanding leadership in both schools during my absence. She is a gem and I feel so fortunate to be working with her this year!

Jenny and I have decided that for at least the next 6 weeks (until February break), I will focus on supporting BCS and Jenny will primarily be in Shoreham. This will provide consistency to for both schools. Fridays will be a little different so that we both stay connected to both school communities, and we will continue to collaborate daily to support all learners.

I also want to thank Breaya Walker this week. Breaya is a rockstar of a parapofessional, and has been part of our BCS community for many years. For the remainder of this school year, Breaya has been asked to support students in Shoreham. When I asked her to move to Shoreham to support students there, she quickly adjusted to the request and has been doing a fantastic job in her new role at SES. I also want to welcome Tracie Moore to BCS! Tracie is new to ACSD, but is a seasoned paraprofessional and will be supporting our K-2 students in her new role. Tracie has hit the ground running and we are so happy to welcome her onboard!

Thank you for your patience and support as I worked through things last month. As hard as it was for everyone, it was necessary for my family, and we are all grateful.

Once again, Happy New Year, enjoy today's snow, and we'll see you tomorrow!

Respectfully,

Matthew Brankman

Principal

Taiko Drumming Residency will happen 1/18-1/24! More info will go home early next week!

Our amazing 1st and 2nd graders are currently working on a research project about leaders in history. Students have been listening and reading books on epic about leaders like Sacagawa, George Washington, Amelia Earhart, Ben Franklin, Helen Keller, and Jackie Robinson. We have been collecting facts about the leaders and will be creating reports to share with our school community.

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.