Bridport Community Newletter

Hello, BCS Community!

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many amazing things we share as a school community. This time of year offers us an opportunity to express gratitude for the support, kindness, and dedication that make our school such a special place.

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I encourage everyone to take time to appreciate the many gifts in our lives—big and small. Whether it's the love of family, the joy of learning, or the simple moments of connection we share with one another, taking time to pause to reflect on what we are grateful for builds our capacity.

I hope you all enjoy a restful and joyful holiday with those you hold dear. I look forward to continuing our journey together when we return to school.

Warm regards,

Jenny

PS- Check out this month's all school read aloud, for links about teaching the true story of Thanksgiving.

Our staff has been working together this fall to think about our shared values, and how they will help us work towards our common goals. Using the work from Brene Brown, we chose four core values that will be our guiding star as we move through the year.

They are:

Belonging

Integrity

Kindness

Safety

The next steps are to create shared definitions, and what they look like and sound like in our community. Thats where you come in! If you have time, to fill out this survey to share your definitions, or thinking around these values- that would help us tremendously.

Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/ogTa91pNPFBEnmBU6

This picture book autobiography tells the triumphant story of Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas. Sharice always liked to talk and she liked to learn by listening to others. Sharice wanted to use her voice to make a difference. Sharice knows that everyone deserves to have a voice.

If you'd like more information- check out these links:

• Teaching Guide by Pride and Less Prejudice

• An interview with Congresswoman Sharice Davids by Growing Readers Podcast

• Sharice’s Big Voice Book website and video

• Sharice Davids: National Book Festival 2021

• Congresswoman Sharice Davids on LGBT+ Activism in Education

• Read aloud by US Representative Sharice Davids

• A Racial Justice Guide to Thanksgiving

• Exploring Native American Activism: Teaching Ideas for We Are Still Here! from The Classroom Bookshelf

• Native Knowledge 360° from Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (Be sure to explore the Educational Resources for online lessons!)

Thursday November 21st- Thanksgiving Luncheon

3-5 begins at 11:30, PK begins at 11:45, and K-2 begins at `12:00

November 25-29th- No School

Please join the Addison Central Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and Superintendent Wendy Baker to discuss the important topic of home-school communication for students that have IEPs and 504 plans. ACSD administrators are actively working on finding solutions that address the concerns of both families and school staff. If you have a student on an IEP or 504 plan, please join this conversation and help shape solutions moving forward. Your perspective and voice are important!

Wednesday, November 20th

6:00 – 7:30pm

MUHS library (virtual option: https://meet.google.com/gjk-ymhg-drj)

Learn more about the SEPAC at ​​https://www.addisoncentralsepac.org/.

Sign up for SEPAC updates here.

ACSD is working toward joint accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and International Baccalaureate (IB). NEASC and IB are independent nonprofit organizations that support schools with best educational practices, guidance, and resources. They each offer their own process to evaluate schools. (Read more details here). Now we are in the assessment and evidence gathering phase of accreditation. We are seeking parent and community involvement! There are two main actions this year:

1. Evidence gathering: We will assess the ACSD community on 5 of NEASC’s Learning Principles. Our teachers and staff will submit evidence toward the 5 Learning Principles. Later this year we will also introduce opportunities for students, caregivers, and community members to submit evidence.

2. Learning PrincipleTeams. We will create 5 Learning Principle Teams made up of ACSD teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members. They will assess the evidence that is submitted and present back to the ACSD community how we are doing toward each standard. They will meet from December-April. All team members will be compensated $40/hr. If you are interested in joining a Learning Principle Team, please fill this form out by November 30th, 2024.

As a reminder, all children are entitled to free breakfast and lunch!