Bridges Breeze

Friday, August 16, 2024

Dear Bridges Families -

On behalf of the entire school community, I am thrilled to welcome you to Bridges Community School for the 2024-25 School Year. We are excited to begin this new academic year filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth and learning.

As the Principal of Bridges Community School, I am committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where each student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our dedicated team of educators and staff are passionate about education and are here to support every student on their journey to success.

At Bridges Community School, we believe in providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond the classroom. We encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities, clubs, and community service opportunities, allowing them to explore their interests and develop essential life skills.

Parental involvement is crucial to a student's success, and we value the partnership between our school and families. We encourage open communication, and our doors are always open for discussions or feedback. Together, we can create a strong support system that empowers our students to reach their full potential. YOU MATTER!

Throughout the school year, we will work together to celebrate achievements, address challenges, and promote a positive and respectful school culture. Our focus will be on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning, which are essential for preparing our students for future success.

To stay updated with school events, academic progress, and important announcements, please make sure to regularly check your email and/or text messages for our newsletter.

Once again, welcome to the Bridges Community School family! I am eager to embark on this educational journey with each and every one of you. Together, let us make this school year one filled with growth, achievement, and lasting memories.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our school office.

Looking forward to an incredible year ahead! Please read the welcome back letter: click here

Working Together,

Mrs. Rittmiller

Back to School Information

Be on the look out for an email on Wednesday, Aug. 21. You will have access to your child's teacher in the Parent Portal. You will also be receiving a link to sign up for Pre-entrance conferences. Bridges School Day begins at 8:20 am and ends at 2:50 pm. Supervision begins at 7:55 on the playground and students enter the building at 8:10. Students are marked absent if they aren't in the classroom ready to start the day at 8:20 am.

Transportation Forms

2024-2025 Student Calendar

School breakfast and lunch menus can be found on Schoolcafe.

Click on the Schoolcafe Menus.
Click on "View Menus (as a guest)."
Select Daily, Weekly or Monthly along the top header

Construction Progress

The old office has been rebuilt to be a fabulous special education classroom ready for this fall 2024. The new office is coming along. Unfortunately, due to the rain and need for changing a couple of things on the plans, the new office is now due to be complete sometime this fall. We will have a temporary office and health office across from our old office to begin the school year.

Choice Schools

Bridges is continuing to dream about Bridges 2.0. Rosa Parks and Jefferson Elementary Schools will be joining us in becoming choice schools for the 2024-25 school year.

What is a “choice” school? A school choice is a program or policy that allows students to attend a school other than their assigned public school. "Choice" schools have a specialized focus or theme.

What will be different next year? While we are always reflecting to improve our practices from year to year, we will be thinking through what is working and what else would make Bridges an attractive school for students, families and staff. We will begin to develop our plan to be ready to execute and implement at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

Will there be an additional "theme" for Bridges? This is still undecided. We may expand what we are currently doing or add a "theme."

Why more "choice" schools in MAPS? During Classroom to Boardroom sessions and input given last year from staff, families and our community, data suggested families desire for choice in education.

Will families have an opportunity to give input? Yes, please provide your feedback in this survey: https://forms.gle/fLgSMVAkS1avei7U6 (This was also sent to families in our Parent Portal through Infinite Campus).

Our goal is to keep everyone informed as we navigate this process. One of the best ways for you to stay informed will be to read The Bridges Breeze newsletters sent out twice a month as well as communications from Mankato Area Public Schools.

Bridges Advisory Council Updates:

Back to School Ice Cream Social

Wheeler Park, North Mankato

Wednesday, August 28, 6 - 8 pm

Bridges families are invited to join us to kick off the school year. Students will get to meet their teachers and connect with their classmates. This is an event for the whole family, including your past and future Bridges Bears. Bridges Advisory Committee (BAC) will be providing a variety of frozen treats. We also encourage you to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets, and if it works for your family, bring a picnic-style dinner. Come and stay for as long as it works for you! Please fill out this survey for the ice cream social: https://forms.gle/FuBpt6h2C4zRtT2Z7

School Supplies & Snack Cart

BAC Asks for a Suggested Donation at Entrance Conferences

To help relieve some of the back-to-school stress, BAC has traditionally taken care of school supplies and snack cart purchases. Your student will receive everything they need (besides backpacks and gym shoes) for the year at entrance conferences. Families are asked to contribute when they come to their entrance conference: a suggested fee will be shared with you soon and, as every year, there will be a suggested maximum per family. Families may also contribute towards Being There Experiences (field trips) at that time.

5th Grade Field Trip Fundraiser

Pampered Chef Fundraiser is on through the End of the Month

If you are looking to update your cookware or purchase gifts for your loved ones, look no further: Pampered Chef will donate 30% from each sale to Bridges Advisory Committee, to be used towards the 5th grade field trip to Northern Minnesota. The link is here: https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/bridgesschool2024 The fundraiser runs through the end of August and items will be shipped to the buyer's address anywhere in the United States.

Family Directory & Email List

Coming Soon!

At the beginning of each year, BAC updates the contact list for all Bridges families so we can ensure that everyone who opts receives information about events, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, and more. Families will be able to enter their information starting around the picnic time. We'll provide QR codes in person and send emails to our current list. Some other communication changes will be coming up, which include newsletters with graphics. Families who no longer attend Bridges will have an opportunity to add their contact to a separate email list so we can reach out and share information about events, volunteer needs, or other opportunities that might interest them.

Kindergarten Park Meetup

Thursday, August 22, 3 - 5 pm
Bridges Community School Playground

Incoming Kindergarteners and their families are invited to the last park meetup from the summer series. We hope to see you there!

BAC Website & Social Media

BAC/Bridges now has a website. There's still work in progress, but you'll be able to find an event and other information here: https://bridgesbears.weebly.com/

If you are not following us on social media, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/BridgesAdvisoryCommittee

Angie Dorn and Ines Wingert

Co-Presidents

BAC - Bridges Advisory Committee

Find us on Facebook |

Click here for past Meeting Minutes

August 21 Parents will have access to homeroom teachers in Parent Portal and sign up for entrance conferences.

August 28 (6:00-8:00) Ice Cream Social (Wheeler Park)

September 3 and 4 - Entrance Conferences and Student Photographs

September 5 - First Day of School

September 16 - BAC fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings (11am-11pm)

September 18 - Early Out at 12:50

September 22 - 5th grade carwash fundraiser (1-5pm)

Septmeber 23 - BAC meeting (6:30-7:30 pm) in Bridges media center

Student reports are live in Infinite Campus.

Student reports are live in Infinite Campus.

What does this mean? You can access your student's test data from the parent portal anytime you log in. Data is updated throughout the year as testing windows close and data is final. Local and State Assessments that your child has taken throughout their time MAPs, are readily accessible as well as available for you to download and print. Please read the following document and video to see how to access your student’s data.