Bridges Elementary Newsletter
February 2017
Bridges Elementary
Attendance Line: 608-643-1847
Fax: 608 643-1849
Email: questions@saukprairieschools.org
Website: saukprairieschools.org
Location: 1200 Broadway St, Prairie du Sac, WI, United States
Phone: 608-643-1800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgesElem/
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Dear Families/Guardians at Bridges Elementary,
Happy February! Can you believe we are halfway through the academic year?
Thank you to all the Bridges’ families who showed up for the Literacy Night last night. The night was a success! It was fun watching so many families enjoying literacy and learning together. We hope you enjoyed your time at Bridges. We want our students to celebrate successes with their families and also for it to be informative to parents. Please do reach out and share your experiences with attending the events or how we can improve the events.
Parent/Teacher conferences are coming up soon on February 23 and 24th. Spring conferences are by invite only or as requested by a parent. Your child will receive more information from their teacher. As always, if you do not receive information to set up a conference, and you would like to meet with your child’s teacher, please contact the teacher to set up a time to meet. Communication is a large and critical part of your child’s schooling years.
The above opportunities are just two ways that your family can be involved at Bridges. Research shows that the most effective forms of family involvement are those in which parents actively work directly with their children in the home on learning activities, such as reading, math, and homework activities. We know at Bridges, that the earlier parents become involved at our school, the greater effect it has on student achievement.
Here are other ways families can be involved at Bridges:
Positive parenting by expressing expectations about students’ education, limited TV and computer viewing, teaching children attitudes, beliefs, social skills and discussing interests together.
Communicating frequently from school to home about progress, and academic achievement.
Volunteering in the classroom/school, reading to the class, having lunch at school, or supervising on a field trip.
Attending school activities, such as the Math or Literacy Night offered in Fall and Spring.
Participating in our parent-teacher-student organization - GSPIE. We meet every other month for a short period of time.
Fill out the Parent Survey that will be sent in late February, to share what we are doing well and what we can improve upon at Bridges.
Please know you can always give me a call to share in conversation as well. Collaboration makes the home-school connection effective.
Sincerely,
Chanda Kulow
Principal of Bridges ElementarySAUK PRAIRIE SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
February 6-10 is National School Counseling Week. In this month of love, I want to share one of my loves with you . . . I love school counseling! Thank you for trusting me with your most loved possession . . . your children. As always, I will continue to do my best to help all children grow and thrive as they learn.
To a child, love is spelled T-I-M-E . . . Tips to Show The Meaning of Love
- · Express "I love you" in words and notes. A note with, "I love you," under a pillow, in a backpack/lunch bag can remind a child you love her, even when you're apart.
- · Spend meaningful time with your children. Turn the electronics off and talk; talk about your day, your friends, take turns asking "what would you do if..." questions.
- · Make something with your child for Valentine's Day. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Keep it simple: do crafts together; make up a song; or cook a meal together.
- · Celebrate your child's best efforts rather than focus on achievements. Consider when your child was an infant learning to walk. Similarly, use encouraging words to recognize your child's efforts, even if they don't result in winning.
- · Dream with your child. Simple conversations can spark the imagination, plant a seed of curiosity, or begin a dream. So hang out and dream with your child.
- · Let go, listen, and laugh. Our schedules have become so hectic and our commitments so plentiful that we often become rigid in our routines and focused on what needs to get done rather than enjoying the present. Show your kids you love them by committing to slow down, even if only once a week, and let the schedule go.
- · Model and teach your child about love, friendship, kindness, and inclusion. Being a conscious role model is as important as any other teaching strategy. Show your child what it means to be a good friend, to include others, and to share kindness.
- · Express your love, gratitude, and compassion for the community. Giving and expressing love can be very powerful for both the giver and receiver. Think of ways to show gratitude, compassion, and love for the world and community.
RESOURCES
Grandparents and Relative Caregiver Resource Support Group
If you are a grandparent or relative helping to raise a child and are looking for a place to talk, the ADRC is hosting a once-a-month support group for you.
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Sauk Prairie Community Center
730 Monroe Street, Sauk City
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Simplify and Unify: How to Deal with Stress as a Family
Are you overscheduled? Do you want some tips on dealing with stress in your family? Come to this FREE class and learn how to find balance, build positive routines and rituals and clear out the “clutter” that stresses us emotionally and in our home.
Date: Monday, February 6, 2017
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Location: Sauk City Library
515 Water Street, Sauk City
FREE CHILDCARE is available for children under 7. Activities and then family discussion time for children 7 and older.
Register NOW, space is limited: www.makingservicepersonal.org/learningforlife
OR call/text (608) 658-4700
OR call Anne Uphoff, Bridges school counselor, at 643-1842
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Freezer Cooking 101 - Cook 10 Meals Ahead and Freeze Them for Later
Join us in a group cooking adventure! By cooking ahead and freezing food, you are freeing up your evenings to be calmer while still eating healthier and inexpensively.
Date: Saturday, March 11, 2017
Time: 8:00 AM - Noon
Location: St. John’s
100 Oak Street, Prairie du Sac, WI
Cost: $20 (Scholarships available)
All food and supplies for meals are provided.
FREE Childcare provided for the first 20 children registered.
Register NOW, space is limited: www.makingservicepersonal.org/learningforlife
OR call/text (608) 658-4700 (Deadline is March 3)
OR call Anne Uphoff, Bridges school counselor, at 643-1842
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
NO SCHOOL - Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, February 23
Friday, February 24
Parent Teacher Conferences:
Thursday, February 23, 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Friday, February 24, 8:00am - 11:30am
School Board Meetings
Monday, February 13 , 7:00pm
Location: District Office
Monday, February 27 , 7:00pm
Location: District Office
Please go to http://www.saukprairieschools.org/district/HR/2016-17%20calendar%20final.pdf to see all important dates such as early release dates, school start and dismissal times, etc.
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FREE CLASSES OFFERED ON TAX PREPARATION!
FREE Childcare is available as well.
Tuesday, February 7 (1:00 - 2:30 or 6:30 - 8:00 PM) at Sauk Prairie Chamber Building. Get a FREE "second look" at your personal taxes from a tax expert.
BONUS basket including stress relief items, a coupon toward tax service and more if you attend both classes!
Register by contacting Anne Uphoff at 643-1842 or online at: http://www.makingservicepersonal.org/site/makingservicepersonal/learningforlife/l4lclasssignup.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 1st GRADE MUSIC "INFORMANCE" NIGHT!
5:30-6:00pm: Ryan Berahn's, Amanda Moseman's AND Nicole Volp's classes
6:30-7:00pm: Sarah Brings & Nyree Larson AND Laura Moher & Janea Sailing's classes
BRIDGES TRAFFIC CHANGE
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SAFE ARRIVAL / ATTENDANCE
If your child is late to school or will be leaving early, it is necessary for you to come to the office to sign your child in/out for the day. Also if your child arrives at school after the bell has rung, please bring them to the office through the front doors of the school.
BEE LUNCH
Kindergarten Bee Lunch
First Grade Bee Lunch
Second Grade Bee Lunch
Literacy Night
Hive Time
4 YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
To REGISTER for the 4K program, complete the necessary forms by either:
- Visiting the district web-site, printing the required forms and submitting them to the district office. Go to http://www.saukprairieschools.org/families/4-year-old-kindergarten.cfm and then look to the right side of the page and scroll down to Forms (print from here). View additional info regarding the 4K program under Information. The forms need to be returned to the district office by February 10th.
- Stopping in at the district office and picking up a 4K packet. Office hours are 7:30am - 4:00pm.
- Calling Cathy Stowers at 643-5585 to request that a packet be send to you.
You will also:
- Complete the mandatory Annual Online Registration which begins July 22. (You may choose an optional in-person registration event on August 1st if you need assistance with the Annual Online registration process. This will be held at Bridges Elementary from 5:00pm - 7:00pm).
The 4K attendance calendar follows the school district calendar. Attendance in the 4K program is not mandatory. Your child may not attend 4K more than one year.
If you have further questions, please contact Jeff Wright at 643-5590 or Cathy Stowers at 643-5585.
2017 SUMMER SCHOOL
Semester 1 - June 26 - July 20 (no classes July 4)
Term 3 - July 24 - August 4.
The summer class catalog will be distributed to 4K-5 students the week before Spring Break. You can also find it online; pick one up in any school office or at the Community Center.
Families should always keep their family information in Family Access up to date. If you do not know your login or password, email Jane.wood@saukprairieschools.org or call the Community Center.
Beginning March 20, you may log on to Family Access and open the SUMMER SCHOOL tab to complete forms to request rural bus services, put a hold on your Food Service Account for summer, or inform us that you do not wish for your child's picture to be used in school publications.
Arena Scheduling (registering for classes) begins online Thursday, April 6 at 6 pm and will close on Thursday, May 11 at 10 pm through Family Access.
Open Lab - Thursday, April 6 from 6 - 8 pm at Sauk Prairie High School, Room 18.
Watch our website for updated information.
If you have questions, stop by the Community Center, or call 643-8386, or email community.center@saukprairieschools.org
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Escuela de verano 2017
Semestre 1-Junio 26-Julio 20 (no habrá clases el 4 de julio).
Termino 3- 24 de julio - 4 de agosto
El catálogo de las clases de verano será distribuido para los estudiantes de 4K-5 grado la seman anterior a las vacaciones de primavera. Ud. también puede encontrarlo electrónicamente, pasar por uno a la oficina de la escuela o en el Centro Comunitario.
Las familias siempre deben mantener la información de su familia actualizada. Si Ud. no conoce su clave de usuario y contraseña, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a Jane.wood@saukprairieschools.org o llame al Centro Comunitario.
Comenzando el 20 de marzo, Ud, podrá entrar a su acceso familiar y abrir en SUMMER SCHOOL (ESCUELA DE VERANO) para completar las formas para la solicitud de los servicios del autobús, revisar la cuenta del Servicio de Comida para el verano, o informarnos que Ud. no desea que la foto de su hijo (a) sea usada en las publicaciones de la escuela.
Ud. podra programar las clases electrónicamente (registrarse a las clases) a partir del jueves, 6 de abril a las 6pm y esto cerrará el jueves, 11 de mayo a las 10 pm a través de su Acceso familiar.
Laboratorio de computación: jueves, 6 de abril de 6 -8 pm en la Escuela Preparatoria de Sauk Prairie, en el salon 18.
Busque en nuestro sitio de internet para información más actualizada.
Si Ud. tiene preguntas, por favor visite el Centro Comunitario, o llame al 643-8386, o por correo electronico en community.center@saukprairieschools.org
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
*PLEASE NOTE: THE ATTENDANCE LINE PHONE NUMBER IS 608-643-1847*
WINTER REMINDERS
DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE AN EXTRA SET OF CLOTHES AT SCHOOL?
If your child has any clothing from the school please wash and send back to school the next day. We are completely out of boy's pants and underwear. Any donations would be appreciated.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS/EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
School closings will be announced as early as possible via Skylert to families and staff members, posted on the District’s webpage, and on local television and radio stations. Information will also be available by calling the school closing line at 643-5990 #2 for a recorded announcement.
WISC Channel 3
WKOW Channel 27
WMTV Channel 15
1070 AM; 104.1 FM; 1310 AM; 101.5 FM; 96.3 FM
1400 AM; 104.9 FM; 102.9 FM
94.9 FM; 105.5 FM; 105.1 FM
98.1 FM; 94.1 FM; 106 FM; 93.1 FM; 1670 AM; 1550 AM
The local police department and bus contractor may be involved in the decision to close. Principals will also be involved in decisions to dismiss school early for emergency reasons. In the absence of the Superintendent, the decision to close school will be made by the Superintendent’s designee.
DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION/DISMISSAL PROCEDURE
Please go to http://www.saukprairieschools.org/family/transportation.cfm for all general information regarding transportation to and from school. At Bridges Elementary, it is vital that we have your child's dismissal plan in Skyward and if there are any changes that it is updated there and we are made aware of it at Bridges. We follow the dismissal plan that is in Skyward. Students will have tags on their backpacks showing their dismissal plan so the aides can easily check if there is any question. This year, the district is requiring a form that parents need to complete if there are any changes in a student's dismissal plan. This is to eliminate hand written notes and call in changes. Here are some examples of when a form is required:
If Jane is invited to a birthday party on Wednesday and she needs to ride a different bus than what she usually does, a form needs to be sent in to the office.
- If Jane is being picked up on Thursday instead of riding the bus like her dismissal plan states, the form needs to be sent in to the office.
- If Aunt Kathy is picking Jane up on Friday instead of her normal dismissal plan a form needs to be sent in to the office.
- If Jane's normal dismissal plan is that she rides the Grasshopper Bus home, but today she is riding Cherry Bus to Grand Ave, the form needs to be completed and sent to the office.
- Jack's normal dismissal plan is that he rides the Snail Bus to his home. Today he is to ride the Snail Bus to his Aunt's house down the road. Jack would need a form completed and sent in to the office.
- If your child is scheduled to be a Pick Up and someone other than you is going to be picking them up, the form needs to be sent with your child ONLY If that person IS NOT listed as an emergency contact. Please update your emergency contacts in Skyward to eliminate any confusion.
The form is accessible on the link above or below as well as in the office at Bridges. The bus driver will collect the form and will not allow transportation without one. If it is a last minute change at the end of the day you can certainly call the office and we can fill out the form for you. If you have a rotating schedule please let the office know in advance what the plan is for your child. For instance, if every month or week is different, please send in a calendar with the correct dismissal plan. Remember to mark your calendars for early dismissal dates as well. The dismissal plan for those days in addition to emergency release days, can be marked in Skyward.
LOST AND FOUND
Thank you!
VOLUNTEERING AND APPLICATIONS
SKYWARD UPDATES
If your child has two households or even if you would like multiple people in your own household to receive general email notifications from the school, such as the monthly newsletter and lunch menu, please log in to Skyward and click on the Skylert link on the left hand side. On that page, you can now add other phone numbers, emails or text message numbers for those who would like to receive emergency messages. If you have additional questions about how to manage your Skylert notifications or need to change your log in and password, please contact Stephanie Tarnutzer at 643-1844 or stephanie.tarnutzer@saukprairieschools.org .
Each guardian has their own Family Access Skylert account. Skylert is used for:
- Emergency: bomb scares, gas leaks, etc.
- General: School schedule changes such as late start, closing early, snow day, etc.
- Low Balance: Food Service account balance is $15 or below
- Negative Balance: Food Service account balance is below $0
How do you edit your Skylert contacts?
1. Log in to www.saukprairieschools.org
2. Click on For Parents/Students
3. Click on Skyward Student/Family Access Link
4. Enter your guardian login and password
5. Click on Skylert
6. Make the appropriate changes
7. Click on Save
8. Click on Exit
Note: Each guardian will need to change their Skylert .If you need assistance, contact Jane Wood at 643-5984 or at jane.wood@saukprairieschools.org
FAMILY/PERSONAL INFORMATION CHANGES
FAMILY MOVES - TO OUTSIDE THE SAUK PRAIRIE SCHOOL DISTRICT
When a family moves from within the Sauk Prairie School District to outside the district, students may continue to attend the school where they are currently enrolled if they qualify for a Tuition Waiver (obtain from District Office). Students who qualify for a Tuition Waiver (remainder of Current School year, Additional year, Current Year/Additional Year, or Current Year Permissive) are entitled to continue their enrollment through the waiver period. However, they are required to apply for open enrollment at the next possible time (February-April application period) that the application process is available to remain in the District for the present school year and beyond. See our website at www.saukprairieschools.org for more information or call Jane Wood, (608) 643-5984 or jane.wood@saukprairieschools.org. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
FAMILY MOVES - WITHIN SAUK PRAIRIE SCHOOL DISTRICT
When a family move occurs within the Sauk Prairie School District please notify your school office or contact Jane Wood, Student Records secretary at (608) 643-5984 or jane.wood@saukprairieschools.org with your new address. Parents may request that their elementary child attend a school other than the one in their attendance area in writing to the District Administrator. When families relocate from one attendance area to another within the District during the school year, the children affected may continue their education at their original school if approval is granted by the District Administrator. Transportation can be provided through existing bus routes or parents will provide transportation to/from school.
GUIDELINES FOR RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER ILLNESS
- Fever- Temperature should be less than 100 degrees for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication) before returning to school.
- Vomiting/diarrhea- Please keep your child home if he/she has vomited or had diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
- Strep throat- Student should be on prescribed medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Pink eye- If your child has red eye(s) and has discharge, he/she will be sent home and asked to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Student should not return to school for 24 hours or after having used three sets of prescribed eye drops.
- Head lice- We monitor students for itching of the scalp and will check for them if we are concerned. Please notify your child’s school office if you have discovered lice and treated your child.
- Pertussis (whooping cough)- Student will be isolated from school for 5 days if confirmed case while on prescribed antibiotics.
**These are general guidelines to help promote the health and safety of our students. Please follow the recommendations of your child’s healthcare provider.
District nurses are on call for health concerns. We routinely visit each school and will visit as needed for consult. If you have concerns regarding your child’s health or changes in their health, please contact Pam Frey 643-5509 or Martha Allan 643-5628.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
According to the Sauk Prairie School board, certain criteria must be met in order for any medication to be dispensed at school. Before any medication can be dispensed, an Authorization for Medication Administration (AMA) must be completed and returned to the school office. This form is necessary for both over-the-counter and prescription medications and requires both a parent and physician signature.
For example, if your child suffers from migraine headaches, we will NOT be able to
distribute medication to him/her without an AMA on file. Many parents picked up the AMA form at district registration. Additional forms are available at the Grand Avenue
office or online.
In order for medication to be distributed, pills must be in a prescription bottle with proper labeling. Students may carry inhalers with them, however, an AMA form must be on file in the office.
If you have any questions regarding medication distribution, please contact Pam Frey, RN for the district at 643-5509.
FOOD ALLERGIES
Food allergies are becoming a more frequent health concern in our classrooms. As a result, parents notify teachers of their child’s allergies, and the teachers use that information to provide a safe snack list to be followed for the year in their classroom. We ask parents who received a safe snack list at the beginning of the year to monitor the shared snacks they are sending to their child’s classroom. If you are unsure, please contact your child’s teacher.
We also realize that many times children may want to share lunches and snacks in places other than just the classroom. For this reason, we are asking parents to talk with their children about the safety of this “sharing”. Please let your child know that some children could get very ill if they eat food that they are allergic to, and they may not even be aware that a certain ingredient that they are allergic to is in food accepted from a friend or acquaintance.
This same message may also be good to repeat when you are supervising a field trip as a chaperone. Remember, it takes a community to raise a child. Thank you for your help in this matter!
If you need access to a safe snack list, or have other questions, please contact me: Pam Frey, School Nurse pam.frey@saukprairieschools.org (608) 643-5509.
Thank you!
Pam Frey, RN School Nurse
HEAD LICE
Lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed. They are usually light brown but can vary in color. They move quickly and shy away from light, making them difficult to see. It helps to use a magnifying glass and natural light when looking for lice. Nits (eggs) are tiny, yellowish-white oval droplets attached to hair shafts; they do not come off easily and have to be combed out with a special comb or manually removed. Nits can be found throughout the hair, but are most often located at the nape of the neck, behind the ears, and frequently on the top of the head.
When lice are discovered, a head lice treatment is needed before returning to school. It is important to comb through the hair for 7-10 days following a lice treatment. During this time lice can be removed manually or with a special comb. A second treatment may be necessary if nits or live lice are still found. If you have any questions about treatment please contact your child's physician or pharmacist.
Regular screenings at home can help control the spread of head lice. Please check your child weekly throughout the entire school year. It is also important to talk with your child about not sharing items such as combs/brushes, hats, and hair accessories. Please contact Pam Frey, district nurse at 643-5509 if you have any questions regarding head lice.
GSPIE UPDATES
Click here - (GSPIE) for the link to the GSPIE website. See a list of exciting events that are coming and how you can volunteer! The meeting dates for 2016-2017 are as follows:
Monday March 13 at Bridges Elementary
Monday May 15 at Grand Ave.