Bridges Community School
October 2019
Mark Your Calendars:
Sept. 27 - No All School Meeting
Sept. 27 - DIBELS Testing
Oct. 2 - National School Custodian Appreciation Day
Oct. 4 - Walk-a-Thon
Oct. 8 - Two Hour Late Start
Oct. 9 - North Mankato Taylor Library (3rd Grade)
Oct. 11 - History Fest (4th Grade)
Oct. 15 - Picture Retake Day / Class Picture Day
Oct. 17-18 - No School / MEA Break
Oct. 22 - Science and Nature Conference (Grades 3-5)
Oct. 31 - Viktor's Quest to STOP Bullying School Assembly
Nov. 7 - MN Landscape Arboretum (3rd Grade)
Nov. 8 - No School
Nov. 12 - Two Hour Late Start
Nov. 14 - Fall Conferences / Book Fair 3:30-8:30
Nov. 15 - Guthrie/A Christmas Carol (5th Grade)
Winter Weather Information
Please know your family plan in case of a weather related early release. School closing and early dismissal notices will be announced on several websites, radio and television stations, or you can call the District HELP Line at (507) 386-4777 for a recorded message.
Stuff-A-Truck
The class with the most tickets wins a traveling trophy for their class.
Let's have fun filling the Mankato Area Food Shelf!
Contest begins November 11th and ends November 22nd. This is our first community service project of the year.
Monday, Nov 11, 2019, 08:00 AM
Bridges Community School
Morning Arrival:
Business hours for parents are 8:05-2:15 with the back parking lot and security entrance available right off the parking lot, door 3. Students arriving between 7:35 and 8:00 will be allowed in the front entrance, door 1, at 7:50am. Supervision is provided on the playground from 7:35-7:50. Please keep school arrival to 7:35a.m. Students may not be dropped off without parent supervision prior to 7:35. School start time is 7:50a.m. - 8:00a.m. Door 1 off Garfield Avenue is open 7:50a.m. - 8:00a.m. Students arriving after 8:00 should be checked in at the office by a parent. Drop off in the morning can be done on Garfield Ave. avoiding the bus drop off area for incoming buses. Thank you! Your children’s safety is important to us.
After School Pick up:
Breakfast:
Students arriving for breakfast should enter Door 2 off the playground between 7:35-7:50. All kindergarten students are offered a free breakfast if you would like. Students can stay for breakfast in the cafeteria until 7:50am and will then go to class for the day.
Lunch:
Parents are welcome to eat lunch at any time. Please let the office know by 9:00a.m. on the day that you plan to eat. Lunch for parents and visitors is $3.85. We do not have any cash in the office so please bring correct change. Parents and siblings may not use student pin numbers.
School lunch times:
Kindergarten - Lunch 11:00-11:20 Recess - 11:20-11:40
First Grade - Lunch 11:20-11:40 Recess - 11:40-12:00
Second Grade - Lunch 11:30-11:50 Recess - 11:50-12:10
Third Grade - Lunch 11:45-12:05 Recess - 12:05-12:25
Fourth Grade - Recess 11:40-12:00 Lunch - 12:00-12:20
Fifth Grade - Recess 11:50-12:10 Lunch - 12:10-12:30
Late Start Days:
Bridges Specialist Teaching Staff
Mr. Richardson - Media
Hello, my name is Chris Richardson.
I am excited about teaching Media at Bridges this year. Here is a little bit about me:
This is my 7th year teaching, but FIRST year teaching media (6 years of 4th Grade at Eagle Lake).
I have two daughters, Camryn (2.5 years old) and Vivian (7 months old).
I live in Mankato with my wife, who is a nurse at the Mayo Health System!
Classes that will have me in Media this year include: Every class at Bridges!
If you need to get ahold of me, please e-mail me at cricha1@isd77.org or contact the Bridges office!
Ms. Carlson - Phy Ed
Hello, my name is Mykel Carlson.
I am excited about teaching PE at Bridges this year. Here is a little bit about me:
This is my 2nd year teaching in Mankato. I travel between Bridges and Kennedy. I have a new puppy (Remi) and a cat (Stewart). I enjoy fishing, hiking, and spending time with my friends and family.
Classes that will have me in PE this year include:
Mrs. Hagedorn, Mrs. Larson, Mrs. Hatlestad, Mr. Olson, Mrs. Townsend, Mrs. Ertman, and Mrs. Reed
If you need to get ahold of me, please email mcarls1@isd77.org
Mr. Burger - Phy Ed
Hello, my name is Jeremy Burger.
I am excited about teaching Physical Education at Bridges this year.
Here is a little bit about me: I have been teaching in Dist. 77 for 19 yrs. I have taught at Bridges for four years and it has been a great experience. I enjoy getting to know the new people in the building each year and continuing to build relationships with others. I also teach over at Monroe and coach Football and Wrestling in the district. I have three kids Maxwell (11), Zachary (8), and Whitney (3). My wife’s name is Andrea. As a family we love to be active and get outside to hike, camp, and fish. We also love art and try to draw as a family when we can.
Classes that will have me in Physical Education this year include:
Mrs. Shaw, Mr. Olson, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Hatlestad, Mrs. Sletten
If you need to get ahold of me, please email jburge2@isd77.org
Ms. Knigge - Art
Hello, my name is Heather Knigge
I am excited about teaching ART at Bridges this year! This is my first year teaching in Mankato - I teach at Bridges and Franklin. Previously, I taught K-5 art in Minnetonka. Ceramics and printmaking are two of my favorite mediums. The best part about my job is when students create art that they are proud of! When I’m not teaching you can find me reading, enjoying a good cup of coffee, exploring new trails and hanging out with family and friends.
Classes that will have me in Art this year include:
Ms. Hagedorn, Ms. Sletten, Ms. Miller, Mr. Hatlestad,
Ms. Townsend, Ms. Ertman
If you need to get ahold of me, please email me at hknigg1@isd77.org
Ms. Halverson - Art
Hello, my name is Sam Halverson
I am so excited about teaching Art at Bridges this year! Here is a little bit about me: This is my second year teaching in District 77 at Monroe Elementary School and first year at Bridges. I have also taught Art in Saint Peter, Cleveland and Lyle, MN. My favorite materials to use in Art are clay and oil pastels. When I’m not in the classroom I might be kayaking, watching a movie, eating sushi, bowling or traveling.
Classes that will have me in Art this year include: Ms. Hattlestad, Ms. Shaw, Mr. Olson, Ms. Copleand, Ms. Larson, Ms. Reed
If you need to get ahold of me, please email me at shalve1@isd77.org
Mrs. Payne - Music
Hello, my name is Sarah Payne.
I am excited about teaching music at Bridges this year. Here is a little bit about me:
This is my second year teaching in Mankato - I teach at both Bridges and Monroe Elementary! I previously taought private voice and piano lessons and also taught K-5 music in Waseca. I have a daughter, Brynn, who is a second grader in the district and my husband, Matt, teaches at Roosevelt. I love to read and play the piano, and my family loves to camp and spend time outside. I’m excited to be a part of Bridges again this year!
Classes that will have me in music this year include: Mr. Hatlestad, Ms. Miller, Ms. Sletten, Ms. Shaw, Mr. Olson, and Ms. Reed.
If you need to get ahold of me, please email spayne1@isd77.org
Mrs. Luntsford - Music
Hello, my name is Keira Luntsford.
I am excited about teaching music at Bridges this year.
Here is a little bit about me:
This is my first year teaching in the district after a ten year break to be at home with my three children, Tobias (10), Levi (8), and Clara (2). My husband, Jeremiah and I enjoy playing and writing music together. I love to sing, perform in theater, and go on nature walks with my family. I’m also teaching at Jefferson Elementary; and I look forward to a great year!
Classes that will have me in music this year include: Chelsea Copeland, Ashley Larson, Sandy Hatelstad, Kirsten Ertman, Neely Hagedorn, and Teri Townsend
If you need to get ahold of me, please email me at klunts1@isd77.org
Mrs. Rittmiller - Mentor Coach
Hello, my name is Jody Rittmiller.
I am excited for the opportunity to be the Mentor Coach at Bridges this year.
Here is a little bit about me: I have taught kindergarten, second grade, library media to K-6, and a mentor for the past 3 years. I have 2 sons, Ethan (18) and Sam (15) and my husband’s name is Ben. We enjoy the outdoors and eating good food!
I will be working in all of the classrooms this year to support the staff with their students.
If you need to get ahold of me, please email jrittm1@isd77.k12.mn.us.
Bridges Walkathon and Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Decorate a pumpkin at home and bring it to school on Friday, October 4th. Please drop off pumpkins by 8:00am in front of the school. Pumpkins MUST go home at the end of the day. Guest judges will award prizes!
Complimentary "VIP Gold Card" to experience Mankato Area Public Schools concerts and events
For more information about this news release contact Todd Waterbury, East High School activities director, at 507-207-3628; or Joe Johnson, West High School activities director at 507-207-3921.
Mankato-Mankato Area Public Schools’ complimentary “VIP Gold Card” is exclusively for seniors—age 62 plus—who live within school district #77. It’s a great way to enjoy no cost admission to enjoy concerts, athletic and academic events, plays and planetarium shows. To obtain a “VIP Gold Card,” simply contact Mankato Area Public Schools’ central office at 507-387-1868; or the activity offices at East High School 507-207-3628, or West High School 507-207-3921.
Students benefit from audience attendance, intergenerational and community involvement. Quality schools positively influence quality of life, economic development and home values.
Illness:
If your child has had a fever or has been vomiting, we ask that you keep them home 24 hours after symptoms are gone without medication. Please call the school office attendance line: 207-5204 if your child is ill. If you let your child’s teacher know through email, please email Holly Holmbo as well at hholmb1@isd77.org
Head Lice: Please report so the office is aware of it. District Policy states parents are notified if three cases are in one classroom. A request to treat is made by the school nurse. Parents are not mandated to pull their child from school for treatment but it will be advised.Community Group and All School Meeting:
Bridges Community School
320 Garfield Avenue, North Mankato
Phone: 507-387-2800 / Fax: 507-387-3143
Lead Teacher: Robin Courrier
Secretary: Amanda Robinson
Nurse: Holly Holmbo