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Bridges Community School

Bridges Community School
Bridges CommunitySchool

Bridges Breeze Bridges Breeze

3/6/26 3/6/26

Bridges Office Phone Number 507-387-2800

Secretary (Amanda Robinson), Health Assistant (Holly Kelly), Principal (Jody Rittmiller)

Message from the Principal Message from the Principal

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Dear Bridges Families -

As we march into spring, the energy in our hallways is truly contagious! It is hard to believe we are already heading into the final stretch of the school year. I am writing to share some of the wonderful things happening in our building and to give you a sneak peek at the exciting events on the horizon.

Amazing Learning and Blossoming Friendships

First and foremost, I want to celebrate the incredible growth we are seeing in our students. They are diving into amazing learning every single day—tackling complex math problems, exploring new reading genres, and asking brilliant questions.

Just as importantly, we are seeing beautiful friendships blossoming across all grade levels. Watching our students include one another on the playground, collaborate on group projects, and cheer each other on is the absolute best part of my day.

A Gentle Reminder: Practicing Our Lifeskills As we navigate the busy spring season, we are reminding students to lean heavily on our Lifeskills. Whether it is practicing patience during a challenging assignment, showing respect to guest speakers, or using problem-solving during recess disagreements, these skills are the foundation of our school community. We would love your partnership in reinforcing these same lifeskills at home!

A Huge Push for "Being Here" and "Being There" Experiences

We strongly believe that learning extends far beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom. This month, we have a massive push for what we call "Being Here" (special events brought to our campus) and "Being There" (immersive, hands-on experiences) opportunities.

These events are designed to spark curiosity, build background knowledge, and create lifelong memories. Here is what we have coming up:

  • Korean Drumming: Our students will experience the powerful rhythms, movement, and rich cultural history of traditional Korean drumming. Get ready to hear them talking about this high-energy performance and experience in music classes next week in connection with music and our global studies.

  • Children's Theater: We are thrilled to bring the magic of live storytelling to our students. This experience will fosters creativity, imagination, and a love for the performing arts.

  • Young Writers and Artists: We will be showcasing and celebrating the incredible creative talents of our very own students. Our grades 3-5 experienced this on Wednesday.

  • The Upcoming Science Fair: It is almost time for our young scientists to shine! From erupting volcanoes to physics experiments, this is a fantastic "being there" experience where students get to present their hypotheses and discoveries to the community.


Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and for sharing your wonderful children with us.

Partners in Learning,

Mrs. Rittmiller

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Inquiry Based Learning and Global Studies Inquiry Based Learning and Global Studies

Our 1st graders had a virtual field trip to the Zoo regaerding habitats this week! So exciting for them.

All K-5 students will experience Korean Drumming Next Week in Music.

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Welcome New Kindergarten Families Welcome New Kindergarten Families

Last week we welcome our incoming kindergarteners to Cub Connection! What a wonderful way to get to know them and show them around!

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Early Release - Wednesday, March 11th Early Release - Wednesday, March 11th

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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/jA2fz8shWCCARbFU9

Science Fair - Grades 3-5 - March 18, 2026 Science Fair - Grades 3-5 - March 18, 2026

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Please click on the link below for information presented to students below!

Click here

Please make sure your child has their packet of information and is registered. If they haven't let the classroom teacher know their topic, please also remind them to do this! Happy Science Fair! We are in need of Science Fair Judges! If you are able to judge, please let Chelsea Copeland and/or Jody Rittmiller know your availability! Here is the schedule for Wednesday, March 18th.

8:10-8:45 am - Set up projects in the gymansium

9:00-9:30 am - Judges meet to talk through judging, get settled and ready

9:30-11:00 am - Judging of projects

1:00-2:30 pm - Open for family and classrooms to view projects.

2:45 pm - Clean up projects and take home

You Matter - Students and Staff are recognized each week! You Matter - Students and Staff are recognized each week!

Tuesday, February 24 Tuesday, February 24

K - August P., K - Eleanor E., 1 - Mason M., 1 - Ethan W., 2 - Teddy F., 2 - Kelvin N., 3 - Avalon D., 3 - Timothy S. , 4 - Jack W. , 4 - Noah G. , 5 - Lyle D., 5 - Mackenzie S.
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Tuesday, March 3 Tuesday, March 3

Theodore M. - K, Keenan F. - K, Charlie H. - 1, Crawford K. - 2, Parker J. - 2, Adelynn N. - 3, Elena E. - 3, Max R. - 4, Colin O. - 4, Elijah D. - 5, Diego F. - 5
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You Matter Staff You Matter Staff

Ms. Emma and Mrs. Shaw

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Ms. Sarah and Mrs. Fitzloff Ms. Sarah and Mrs. Fitzloff

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Conferences & Book Fair Conferences & Book Fair

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We can't wait to see you for our spring conferences!

If you have not yet signed up for Spring Conferences, please click here.

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


Bridges conference date/times:

Tuesday, March 24th 3:20-8:30

Thursday, March 26th 3:20-8:30

Monday, March 30th 3:20-7:00 *Please note that the Book Fair will close about an hour early on the final conference night

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Student Safety Reminder: Drop-off & Pick-up

To keep our students safe, please follow these rules during arrival and dismissal:

  • Pull to the curb: Never stop in the middle of the street to let students out. Please park on the side of the road or wait for a spot to open.

  • Keep Bus Lanes Clear: Do not park or idle in the designated bus lanes at any time. Cones will be out, please do not park in the designated bus lanes as they need to get in and out. Thanks for your understanding.

Summer ACES Summer ACES

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Grade 5 Information Grade 5 Information

🛑 TRIP INFO MEETING

  • What: Student/Parent Meeting for the Field Trip

  • When: April 16 @ 6:00 PM

  • Where: Auditorium

🌲 THE BIG TRIP

  • What: Up North Minnesota History Field Trip (Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Duluth)

  • When: April 29 – May 1

🎉 THE PARTY

  • What: 5th Grade Celebration

  • When: May 14 @ 1:30 PM

  • Where: Gymnasium & Cafeteria

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Mental Health Hub

The Greater Mankato Mental Health Hub has launched! This hub was developed by Greater Mankato Area United Way's Youth Mental Health/Suicide Prevention Committee and is hosted by the Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The hub is meant to be a tool for parents and caregivers to easily find information on crisis support, local mental health services, parent education, and more.


Find more information HERE.

Save the Date! Save the Date!

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March:

Mar. 11 - Two Hour Early Release (12:50 Dismissal)

Mar. 16 - BAC Meeting (6:00)

Mar. 18 - Bridges Science Fair

Mar. 19-20 - No School

Mar. 24 - Spring Conferences & Book Fair (3:20-8:30)

Mar. 26 - Spring Conferences & Book Fair (3:20-8:30)

Mar. 30 - Spring Conferences & Book Fair (3:20-7:00)

Mar. 30 - Bridges New Family Tours (5:00)


April:

Apr. 2 - Spaghetti Dinner/Kato Ballroom (5:00-7:30)

Apr. 3 - No School/Good Friday

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

Communications
http://www.isd77.org/
10 Civic Center Plaza

Mankato, MN 56001

507-387-1868

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