News & Notes
BRIDGE VALLEY'S NEWSLETTER
November 15, 2019
Dates to Remember
The following are quick reminders for upcoming events:
- Friday, November 18th - 22nd - American Education Week
- Tuesday, November 19th - Home & School Chipotle Fundraiser
- Tuesday, November 19th - Spirit Day - Super Hero
- Friday, November 21st - AM/PM Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast
- Tuesday, November 26th - Turkey BINGO
- Wednesday, November 27th - No School
- Thursday & Friday, November 28th - 29th - No School; Thanksgiving Recess
- Wednesday, December 4th - Early Dismissal - K-6
- Monday - Friday, December 9th - 13th - Holiday Boutique
Honoring our Veterans and Service Members
Social Emotional Wellness Highlighted at BVE HSA Meeting
On Wednesday night we held the November Home and School Association General Membership meeting. This meeting highlighted the important work of our student support team. Our team is made up of our two counselors, our psychologist, reading specialists, nurse, and special education team. The goal of this group is simple, it is to provide each child with the necessary supports, services and care they need to be successful. Mrs. Applegate, Miss Melberger, and Mrs. Wine discussed their role on the team and the important work they do with our children each day. As we all know, success looks different for every child. The challenges they face and their ability to cope with those challenges impact their academic, social, and emotional well-being. At Bridge Valley we take this very seriously.
Miss Melberger is our primary grade counselor. She discussed her work around the Zones of Regulation. This strategy is used to help students identify their feelings and learn how to refocus their energy and "get in the green zone." She shared strategies and tools that students have access to during the school day to allow them to self regulate and be at their best.
Mrs. Applegate, our intermediate grade counselor, dove into the world of social media. She shared her knowledge of various apps and the social pressures that come with group chats and posting pictures. She spoke about the importance of regularly monitoring social media accounts and helping children leave a group chat or craft a response to hurtful message. Our students still need support in learning how to communicate over social media and dealing with the stressors that come with it.
Mrs. Wine, our school psychologist, echoed these thoughts as she spoke about the high levels of anxiety children face on a daily basis. She discussed the importance of mindfulness strategies and techniques, for students and adults, and the power they have to help calm and center us in a difficult moment. Mrs. Wine also shared the process our team takes to help identify and support students with various learning, social, or emotional needs.
It was a very powerful discussion for everyone. We are proud of the work our Student Support Team carries out each day. If you have questions or concerns around the topics we discussed, please reach out to our team at Bridge Valley, 267-893-3700.
P.S. Below we have provided the links to two articles that can assist you as a parent in helping your children to develop emotional wellness.
Spotlight on Support Staff
This week we introduce Mrs. Kelly Tuman. Mrs. Tuman is an Educational Assistant helping students with writing and math skills. This week marks Mrs. Tuman's one year anniversary here at Bridge Valley. She is married and has two children, Joe and Erin. They spend a great deal of time at cross country meets and soccer games. Mrs. Tuman loves to travel with her family. Although Disney World is their favorite place to get away, they are really looking forward to visiting California this year. Mrs. Tuman feels the best part of her job is working with students from all the different grades. She loves listening to their stories. Mrs. Tuman comes to work each day so students have someone they can count on for help. Helping each student academically or socially is important to her. The best part of her job is when a student unexpectedly says, "Thank you". It reminds her of why she chose to be and Educational Assistant. We are happy to have Mrs. Tuman as part of the Bridge Valley family. We thank her for being someone our students can count on.
Safety of the Month
Celebrate Education Week November 18th - 22nd
Blazer Blessings Food Drive
Dear Bridge Valley Families:
During the Holiday Season, the staff and students of Bridge Valley Elementary School will be supporting our families in need. The act of caring, helping and giving encouragement to each other builds strong families and community.
In the past, we had requested that families donate food items. This year we are requesting that each student donates $3.00 to our holiday food drive. We will be using all the donated money to purchase gift cards to local food stores for our families in need. the families can use the gift cards to purchase food and items needed to enjoy their holiday and family traditions.
In addition to this donation, we will continue our tradition of the Holiday Giving Tree. More information and a permission form will be coming home next week that will allow your child to take a tag from the Holiday Giving Tree.
Car Line Courtesy
Drop Off and Pick Up can be very busy times at BVE. We ask that you follow a few, very important guidelines for the safety of our students & staff.
- Follow the speed limit, it is posted at 5 mph.
- Please do not pass stopped cars on the left, follow the flow of traffic.
- When picking up at dismissal, please pull all the way up to the last orange cone.
- Please remain in your car as you wait for your student.
- Only park in designated parking spots; do not park along the railing or in the fire lane.
TOYS FOR TOTS
Bridge Valley is a Toys for Tots Site. Please look for the bins in our main office, front lobby and by the green doors.
The last day for donations will be Thursday, December 12th.
Your donations are greatly appreciated!!
Boomerang Youth Recognition Award
The Asset being recognized for the November Boomerang Award is #24 - Positive Peer Influence. Young person best friends model responsible behavior. If you’d like to nominate a student, please send an email to Katie Melberger at kmelberg@cbsd.org including the student’s name, grade, teacher, and why you believe this student models this asset. Please try to include two to three concrete examples that show the asset in action.
Principal - Kevin Cochran
Assistant Principal - Stacey Pedersen