Bridges Community School

Bridges Office Phone Number 507-387-2800

Secretary (Amanda Robinson)

Health Assistant (Holly Kelly)

Principal (Jody Rittmiller)

Dear Bridges Community School Families,

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we want to share our sincere appreciation for all of you.

A huge thank you for your participation in the recent Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences. Your commitment to your child's education and your willingness to partner with our staff is what makes Bridges Community School so strong. We have definitely felt your support with attendance, sleep and encouraging your child to be a lifelong learner.

We are also incredibly grateful for our dedicated teachers and staff. Their hard work and care create the wonderful learning environment your children enjoy every day.

We are truly thankful for our supportive community—students, families, and staff alike.

We wish you and your family a restful, joyful, and happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Partners in Learning,

Mrs. Rittmiller

If you have a gently used t-shirt or sweatshirt that your child no longer wears, please bring it to school and we will put in lockers separated by sizes for students in need and/or students that may want a new shirt! Thanks for washing it before bringing it to Bridges!

If your child would like a donated t-shirt, you can check the lockers before or after the school day.

Last week we had two nights of tours for potential incoming Bridges students. We wanted to share what Mrs. Chambers, Mrs. Rittmiller and a couple of 5th graders shared with potential families. Please take a minutes to look through the slideshow!

Dakota W. - K, Emma J. - K, Santi J. - 1, Mia M. - 1, Brittyn B. - 2, Lilliana G. - 3, Beau W. - 3, Genavieve O. - 4, Kepler M. - 4, Kahle G. - 5, Lochlan M. - 5

Mrs. Borth (MLL teacher), Mrs. Reed (5th Grade teacher), Mrs. Ehlers (Special education teacher), and not pictured Mr. Reedstrom (Student Support Coach)

Dear Bridges Parents and Guardians,

This December, students across the district will be taking the NWEA MAP Growth Assessment. This assessment is a simple, effective tool that helps us measure your child's academic knowledge and growth in Reading and Math. The scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth and can be used to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students.

Our students will be taking the NWEA assessments online between December 1-18. Each teacher will set aside about an hour for each of the two assessments (Math and Reading). It is not a timed test, so we will make sure each student has the time to complete the assessment at their own pace. If your student is absent during their class’ designated assessment time(s), we will find a time to have them complete the assessment before winter break.

NWEA Growth Assessments are unique and adapt to your child’s responses to measure your child’s knowledge. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of where your child is on their learning journey—regardless of whether they are on, above, or below their grade level.

Since NWEA Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores in similar skills and topics and then plan instruction accordingly.

If you have any questions about this formative assessment, please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or the principal.

Key Dates for 2025-2026:

• October 1, 2025 Application Window Opened

• January 23, 2026 Application Window Closes

• February 13, 2026 The notification process to Families of elected seats through application lottery begins; Everyone in the lottery will receive either an offer or waitlist notification.

• Deadline to Accept or Decline Accepted Applications is one week from the date the offer notification is sent.

Please read this document for more information regarding the lottery process for Bridges Community School. Click here

*We're wrapped up Quarter 1! Please note that missing 4 or more days of school already places a child over the 10% annual absence threshold.

*We celebrate that Bridges achieved 89.3% consistent attendance in October, and our current daily rate is 96%—thank you!

*Every school day is vital for your child's academic success and friendships. Your partnership in ensuring your child attends school when healthy is deeply appreciated! Please continue to bring doctors notes so we have them on file.

Snow season is just around the corner! In preparation, here is an important resource that is available on the ISD77 website for your review:

Weather Related Information - includes details on where to find out about weather related closings and late starts. Please note the MAPS Notification Line: 507-387-6046.

Dear Families,

We want to remind you that our ACES School Age Child Care Program uses the school playground as part of its daily programming. To ensure a safe and structured environment for ACES students, the playground is reserved for their use until the program ends at 6:00 p.m.

After 6:00 p.m., the playground is open to the public. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and supportive space for all students.

If you’re looking for alternative play spaces before 6:00 p.m., the City of Mankato provides a list of parks here, and a map of North Mankato parks can be found here.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

Find more information HERE.

Looking for a way to connect to MAPS? We strive to connect our community to our district and schools. Subscribe to this newsletter to get the current information and links to events.

Follow MAPS Facebook and Instagram for student celebrations:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISD77MAPS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isd77maps/

MAPS Website: https://www.isd77.org/

Bridges BAC Website: BAC website link: : https://bridgesbears.weebly.com/faq.html