Bridges Breeze
Friday, November 18, 2022
A Message from Mrs. Rittmiller
Greetings Families,
Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. That is a perfect reflection of what I have experienced during my short time at Bridges Community School. Every day, I am moved and inspired by what I see. Every day, I marvel at the incredible devotion of our staff and their unique ability to teach and inspire our children. Every day, I celebrate the amazing support of our parents and community.
I believe that the success of our school is built on a foundation of mutual respect and inclusiveness. Every day, dedicated teachers and staff nurture a culture of fairness, love and caring, all focused on the goal of providing a safe learning environment for our students and families. Bridges is committed to continuing this focus and supporting our students and families during the school day and beyond.
I am thankful that Bridges Community School continues to strive for excellence in each and every classroom, to grow stronger by our diversity, and to cultivate an open and positive school climate.
During this time of Thanksgiving, I want to share my gratitude and thank you for being such an important part of our children’s lives. This is a wonderful time of the year to get together with friends and family to celebrate and be thankful for all the wonderful people in our lives. On behalf of the Bridges staff, I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you all a safe and happy holiday. We will see everyone on Monday, November 21st and back here on November 28th.
Working together,
Jody Rittmiller, Principal
YOU MATTER! Nov. 8 & 15
Pick up after School
*Also, as the weather is getting colder, please do your best to be here right at 2:50 pm.
Winter Gear
NWEA MAPS Testing Update
Dear Bridges student caregiver,
Our NWEA standardized assessment window has changed from Spring to Winter testing. The testing window is now from December 1- 23rd. During these weeks children in grades K-5 will take a MAP Growth test from NWEA. Students take MAP Growth tests to determine their instructional level and to measure academic growth in math and reading throughout the school year and from year to year. Teachers use this to help diagnose student learning needs and skills to work on for the remainder of the school year.
Sincerely, Mrs. Rittmiller
A note from Mrs. Olivo
During my lessons we focused on the importance of saying what the problem is when solving problems. Kindergarten through third grade students practiced doing this by using a bug and a wish: "It bugs me when _____. I wish ______." Fourth and fifth grade students practiced doing this by using I-messages: "I feel _____ when _____. I wish ________."
Second through fifth grade students brainstormed a number of solutions that can be used to solve small problems: walking away, ignoring, telling the person to stop, going to another game, waiting and cooling off, making a deal, sharing and taking turns and using rock, paper, scissors. We talked about the importance of trying a couple of solutions with small problems if the first solution doesn't work. Students were encouraged to ask an adult for help if the problem isn't stopping after trying several solutions (or if someone is hurt or in danger).
As always, please feel free to reach out with questions, concerns, or if there are ways I can support your student at school. Thanks so much!
Annika Olivo, School Counselor
Feature Teachers
Meet Mrs. Payne - Music
I am currently teaching music!
I love teaching for many reasons-- I love exploring and sharing all types of music (playing, moving, singing, and listening!) with students and seeing the joy found in this creative type of learning. I also love teaching because of the connections I get to make with my students!
A little bit about me: I have been married for 17 years to my husband (also a teacher!) and we have a daughter, Brynn, who is in 5th grade in the district. Completing our family is Penny, our rescue dog who is just a roly poly ball of love, snorts, and cuddles. We love to go camping and hiking and have explored many state and national parks together. I also love to read, listen to music, and play the piano.
Meet Mrs. Hagen - Media
I teach media.
I love being a positive role model for kids. Making connections and building relationships with students to help them learn is the most amazing and rewarding job.
I am married with 2 children, and 8th grade daughter and 10th grade son.
We love spending time at the lake, playing with our dogs or being outdoors. Of course, reading is one of my favorite things to do, but I also love crafting, fixing things and repurposing old items into new!
Meet Mrs. Shaw - Kindergarten
My name is Mandy Shaw and I teach kindergarten at Bridges. This is my 13th year teaching Kindergarten in the district. I love teaching because everyday brings something new and exciting. I enjoy listening to their amazing ideas and watching their love for learning grow.
I am a mom to 3 amazing kids Lawson (9), Ellie (7) and Sutton (4). You can usually find us at the soccer fields or on the ice rink. My husband and I enjoy taking care of our sheepadoodle named Kona and watching Maverick hockey games.
Bridges playground/cafeteria still need you!
We could also use a few more guest teachers! If you are interested, please take a look at our job postings!
Backpack Food Program
The BackPack and Power Pack Food Programs are free programs providing students in grades K-8 with weekend food packs containing breakfast, lunch and a snack for each day off of school. As of right now, food packs will be delivered weekly directly to a students backpack while they are at lunch or on break. Sign up today to give your child an additional boost of nutrition.
Dates to Remember:
November:
7 - No School Students (Prep Day)
9 - 2 Hour Early Release
10 - Fall Conferences/Book Fair (3:20-8:30)
15 - Fall Conferences/Book Fair (3:20-8:30)
17 - Fall Conferences/Book Fair (3:20-7:00)
21 - Read & Feed
22-25 - No School/Happy Thanksgiving!
December:
1 - 5th Grade Field Trip Parent Meeting (6-7)
14 - 2 Hour Early Release
15 - Grade 2 Snake, Rattle & Roll (9:00-11:15)-Music Rm
15 - Grade 3 Viking Age Presentation (12:30-2:30)-Auditorium
15 - Toys for Tots drive ends
16 - (Tentative) Chamber Orchestra (1:00 pm)
19 - Site Council Meeting
19 - BAC Exec Meeting
23 - BAC/Kiwanis Holiday Lights
23-Jan. 2 - No School/Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Past Bridges Breeze Bulletins
Principal & Administrative Assistant
Amanda Robinson, Administrative Assistant
Email: jrittm1@isd77.org
Website: https://bcs.isd77.org/
Location: 320 Garfield Avenue, North Mankato, MN, USA
Phone: (507)387-2800