Bridges Breeze

Dear Students and Families,

On behalf of the entire school community, I am thrilled to welcome you to Bridges Community School for the 2023-24 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 Bridge 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!

Working Together,

Mrs. Rittmiller

The Back to School Picnic is a Bridges tradition where students and families get to meet their teachers and classmates and reconnect (or connect for the first time!) with one another before the school officially starts. We hope to see many of you at Wheeler Park in North Mankato on Wednesday, August 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Stop by for as long, or as little as you'd like: food will be served until 7:00. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs. Bridges Advisory Committee (BAC) will serve walking tacos (meat or beans), water, and lemonade. We're bringing back an old tradition this year: please bring a dish to share! Families A-L are asked to bring a side dish, while M-Z should bring a dessert. If you are able to help out, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4facaa23a1fac07-back#/

To find out your child's teacher, login to the Parent Portal starting on Monday, August 21st around 8:00 am and click "schedule." Once you have the name of your child's homeroom teacher, please click here to sign up for an entrance conference. If you do not have access to a computer, or if you need help with any of these steps, please call Amanda Robinson in the Bridges Office anytime between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM at (507)387-2800.

Entrance conferences will be held in your student/s classroom. You will receive an entrance conference folder and your child's bus pass during entrance conferences. We will also be having school photos during entrance conferences.

Need to meet with the school nurse? Please sign up for an entrance conference time with the health office (if needed).

Just a reminder that Bridges Advisory Council (BAC), which is our PTO, will be purchasing all school supplies for students. There is no need to purchase any supplies other than a backpack and gym shoes! There is a suggested donation of $30 for school supplies and $70 for snack card for each student with a maximum family amount of $250.00.

We are excited for the school year ahead, and we’re already thinking about the 5th grade field trip. On Sunday, September 24th from 1-5 pm, we are asking all 5th graders to participate in a brand new fundraising event, a 5th Grade Car Wash. For a small fee, community members will be able to visit our students at Bridges in the back parking lot to get their car washed and sip on a lemonade. Our students will be asked to put in the work to raise money toward the 5th Grade Field Trip (May 15-17). A volunteer sign up will be emailed soon. Connect with Katie Boone if you’d like to help.

Look forward to our Heggies Pizza Fundraiser and meetings, but for now, please save the date - Sunday, September 24th. Please let us know if you have any questions!

Thank you!

Katie Boone

Need busing for the 2023-2024 school year? Transportation Registration Forms will be completed online this year. Not sure if your student qualifies for transportation, click here to find out. If your student qualifies for transportation, please complete the form by clicking on this link. If you do not have access to a device you can visit the central registration office at the Intergovernmental Center (10 Civic Center Plaza) to complete a form. All forms are due by July 15th in order for busing to be available on the first day of school.

The BackPack and Power Pack Food Programs are free programs providing students in grades K-8 with weekend food packs containing breakfast, lunch and a snack for each day off of school. As of right now, food packs will be delivered weekly directly to a students backpack while they are at lunch or on break. Sign up today to give your child an additional boost of nutrition.

Backpack link

August:

Aug. 21 - New Teacher Workshop Begins

Aug. 28 - All Teacher Workshop Begins

Aug. 30 - Bridges Picnic - 5:30-7:30 Wheeler Park

September:

Sept. 5 & 6 - Entrance Conferences and School Pictures

Sept. 7 - First Day of School

Sept. 20 - 2 Hour Early Release (12:50)

Sept. 24 - 5th Grade Carwash Fundraiser (1-5 pm)

October:

Oct. 5 - Picture Retake Day

Oct. 6 - Bridges Walk-a-Thon

Oct. 9 - No School - Indigenous Peoples' Day

Oct. 11- 2 Hour Early Release (12:50)

July 21, 2023

Jody Rittmiller, Principal

Amanda Robinson, Administrative Assistant

Email: jrittm1@isd77.org
Website: https://bcs.isd77.org/
Location: 320 Garfield Avenue, North Mankato, MN, USA
Phone: (507)387-2800