Bridges Community School

Bridges Office Phone Number 507-387-2800

Secretary (Amanda Robinson)

Health Assistant (Holly Kelly)

Principal (Jody Rittmiller)

Dear Bridges Families,

As Quarter 1 wraps up, I want to share my deepest thanks for your incredible partnership. We are so proud of the growth and progress our students have already made this year!

We know that success truly happens when we work together.

Our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences are the perfect opportunity to celebrate your child's achievements and see their growth firsthand. You'll discuss their progress, identify next steps, and strengthen the crucial link between home and school.

We can't wait to connect with each of you!

Warmly,

Mrs. Rittmiller

Our Health Office is running low on essential items for our younger students. We would be grateful for donations of the following new or gently used items:

👶 Health Office Urgent Needs

• Pants (K–3): Specifically for boys and girls (no jeans, please).

• New Underwear & Socks (K–3): All sizes for our younger grades.

❄️ Winter Gear

• Snow Pants: A high-priority item for all elementary ages!

• Winter Coats (K–4): All sizes.

• Boots and Gloves/Mittens: Any size pairs are appreciated.

Thank you so much for helping us ensure all students are comfortable and prepared for the winter months ahead!

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!

THANKS TO BAC for our beautiful new field trip shirts! We will start wearing our new t-shirts for all field trips and Fridays are Bridges gear days!

Please complete this form to let us know what your plans are for early release. School will dismiss at 12:50. This form needs to be completed every month for staffing purposes.

https://forms.gle/nykrTvFkhrokemG39

In our commitment to fostering global citizenship, our students will be learning about the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in specials and Spanish this week.

• What it is: Celebrated primarily on November 1st and 2nd, it is a vibrant, joyous holiday where families honor and remember deceased loved ones. It is a celebration of life, remembrance, and the continuation of the family bond.

Enjoy a few fun photos!

On Monday, our staff worked on their next global unit for spring 2026! It was great to hear the conversations and creation of our social studies (core knowledge) and reading and writing coming together for our students. We have units from Animals across the world to presidents! We can't wait to continue showing off our learning!

Kaylee J. - K, Immanuel G. - K, Savannah G. - 1, Carter S. - 1, Thomas R. - 2, Finnley M. - 2, Sophia Cline - 3, Lilly F. - 3, Scarlett G. - 4, Lukas D. - 4, Aubrey E. - 5, Belle K. - 5

Andi B. - K, Jackson S. - K, Jackson B. - 1, Sutton S. - 1, Ayla S. - 2, Charlee L. - 2, Sophia G. - 3, Alianna D. - 3, Yeoul J. - 4, AJ D. - 4, Abigail S. - 5, Ellie S. - 5

Ms. Mary (cook), Mr. Olson (grade 4 teacher), Mrs. Nickels (grade 1 teacher) and Mrs. Conetta (grade 3) - not pictured

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.

Please click here to sign up for conferences if you haven't already done so.

BAC will have the book fair set up on the gymnasium stage during conferences

Bridges conference date/times:

Tuesday, November 11th 3:20-8:30

Thursday, November 13th 3:20-8:30

Monday, November 17th 3:20-7:00 *Please note that the Book Fair will close about an hour early on the final conference night

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