Bridges Elementary Newsletter
May 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 Bridges’ Families and Guardians,
What a wonderful April we had at Bridges! Your children are amazing! The Earth Day coin collection for our Outdoor Learning Environment brought in over $500.00. Exactly one year ago we were meeting with experts to begin the OLE project. Now one year later, we are enjoying the outdoor elements and watching flowers and trees bud and bloom. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support! We will be celebrating this extension of our school the week of May 30th. Stay tuned for more celebration information and a chance to order a t-shirt.
Thank you also for filling out the Parent Survey again at this time of the year. This survey gives great insight into your thoughts and provides worthy feedback for the upcoming school year.
We know at Bridges that raising the next generation is a shared responsibility. Working together with our families and communities brings even greater success for our children and the entire community benefits. In addition to working together, we love celebrating together with you. Here is a list of the common celebrations and family events that many of you partake in during the school year.
*Supply Drop Off
*Parent Night
*Youth Art Show
*Singin’ and Swingin’ (music and gym) for Kindergarten
*Music Informance night for Grade One
*Grade 2 Music Concert
*Gym Night
*Math night
*Literacy Night
*Field Day Event in June
*Donuts and books
*Parent/Teacher Conferences
*Classroom volunteering
*End of the Year Volunteer Picnic
In addition to the above events, many classrooms invite you in to the classroom for special presentations and field trips. I would also like to thank our dedicated Bridges’ staff for giving of their time to make these events happen each year. We know how important they are for our students and families!
Lastly, even though we have a few weeks left, you can be assured that learning will be happening in the classrooms right until the end, which is June 6th. The month of May is full of learning, assessments, and capitalizing on the wonderful community each classroom has built.
As always, please feel free to contact me with positives, questions, or any concerns.
Have a marvelous May!
Chanda Kulow, EdD
Principal, Bridges Elementary
SAUK PRAIRIE SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
In classroom guidance for May, we will finish up the year with a few more points about getting along with others. With the freedom of less layers of outerwear and the excitement of being able to run free, there has been an increase in student-to-student disagreements. In an effort to help students understand how to handle these situations, we are going to review the different levels of hurtful behavior.
· When people have different ideas about something and no one’s feelings are really hurt, that’s a DISAGREEMENT.
· When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful and they do it once, that's RUDE.
· When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they do it once, that's MEAN.
· When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they keep doing it—even when you tell them to stop or show them that you're upset—that's BULLYING.
We are also going to review the size of problems.
· When it’s a tiny problem – no big deal and kids can handle these problems on their own, it’s a WIND problem.
· When it’s a small problem, such as not getting along with a classmate, sometimes kids can handle them on their own, sometimes they need help from an adult, it’s a RAIN problem.
· When it’s a medium problem, such as being VERY upset or needing help changing behavior, kids often need help from an adult, it’s a THUNDERSTORM problem.
· When it’s a BIG problem, such as an emergency where someone is getting hurt and feeling unsafe, an adult needs to help right away, it’s a TORNADO problem.
School Board Meetings
Monday, May 8, 7:00pm
Location: District Office
Monday, May 22, 7:00pm
Location: District Office
GSPIE Culvers Share Night
Monday, May 8
5:00 - 9:00pm
Kindergarten Concert
Tuesday, May 9, 6:00pm OR 6:30pm
Bridges Elementary Gym
Kindergarten Singin' and Swingin'
Last Day of Summer School Registration
Thursday, May 11
GSPIE Meeting
Monday, May 15, 6:15pm
Grand Avenue Elementary School
Early Dismissal
Wednesday, May 17
Elementary @1:30pm
MS & HS @ 1:50pm
*No K4 or PM Early Childhood
No School
Monday, May 29th
Memorial Day
Outdoor Learning Environment Community Open House
May 30 - June 1
3:15 - 4:00pm each day
Last Day of School for K4 Students
Monday, June 5
Regular Dismissal Time
Last Day of School for K-2 Students
Tuesday, June 6
Elementary at 11:10am
Middle/High School at 11:30am
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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Penny Wars
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Outdoor Learning Environment Community Open House
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HIVE TIME
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BRIDGES PHOTO GALLERY
BEE Lunch
Kindergarten Bee Lunch
First Grade Bee Lunch
Second Grade Bee Lunch
Bridges Outdoor Learning Environment
** do not pick the plants
** respect the trees, plants, gardens and structures
** do not allow pets to roam in the area.
** supervise any children playing in the OLE.
2nd Grade Concert
Egg Drop Challenge
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Bridges Elementary Music
Music is an important part of the elementary educational experience. It provides many successful experiences for all children. It gives student a chance to shine and excel above and beyond the usual opportunities. Music is inherently fun! At Bridges Elementary School we want the students to enjoy music class so much that they don’t notice they are learning about and internalizing music. Positive musical experiences early in life can lead to a lifetime of interest and involvement in music.
We believe music:
· is an important part of our daily lives
· promotes motivation, creativity, community, and literacy
· gives a sense of accomplishment that encourages positive self-esteem
· uses all three domains; cognitive, affective, and psychomotor
· is a form of language, communication & expression
Each year students experience age & developmentally appropriate experiences:
· live music experiences (SPHS, SPMS, Grand Ave. and River Arts Inc. performances, 2nd graders-Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra field trip)
· professional and non-professional guest performers in our classrooms (We welcome any musical parents or guests)
· African drumming unit with each student using their drum in solo and group experiences.
· Kindergarten- informal performance opportunities with smaller groups of students and smaller audiences that encourage student involvement:
o Singin’ and Swingin’ Night (This is a combined evening venture between our music and phy ed departments which includes singing and dance.)
o Holiday caroling throughout the building to individual classes
o Volunteer picnic performance
· 1st Grade-informal performance opportunities with larger audiences that continue to encourage involvement and use of instrumentation:
o Informance Night (An evening of showing what we do in our classroom including singing, drumming, instruments, and movement)
o Holiday caroling throughout the building to individual classes
o Volunteer picnic performance
· 2nd Grade-formal performance opportunities with full audience with student written and led choreography & instrumental accompaniment.
o Evening Spring Concert (Includes all 2nd graders experiencing a large choir performance with a large audience including part singing & riser choreography)
o School Assembly Concert (performance for their peers-modeling what they will do in following years)
o Holiday caroling within our building and administration building
o Volunteer picnic performance (often accompanying other grades)
This progression of experiences leads directly to their concert opportunities at Grand Avenue where they will be doing concerts by grade level including mini-musicals with minimum costuming and choreography.
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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.
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LOST AND FOUND
Thank you!
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2017 SUMMER SCHOOL
4 Week Classes - June 26 - July 20 (no classes July 4)
Two Week Classes - July 24 - August 4
Families should always keep their family information in Family Access up to date. If you do not know your login or password, email susan.oneil@saukprairieschools.org or call the Community Center.
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
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 susan.oneil@saukprairieschools.org o llame al Centro Comunitario.
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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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.
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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
- 1400 AM; 104.9 FM; 102.9 FM
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/families/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.
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 susan.oneil@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 Susan O'Neil, (608) 643-5984 or susan.oneil@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 Susan O'Neil, Student Records secretary at (608) 643-5984 or susan.oneil@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.
The CDC states, “Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.” Additionally, lice are not likely to be spread in a classroom setting as usually they are spread by direct head-to-head contact. Regular screenings at home can help prevent the spread of head lice. Please check your child weekly for head lice. When lice are discovered, please contact your child’s physician or a pharmacist regarding treatment. Following a treatment, it is important to comb through the hair for 7-10 days. 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.
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, May 8 - Culvers Share Night from 5:00 - 9:00pm
Monday May 15 at 6:15pm at Grand Ave.
Mark your calendar!
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Current nondiscrimination language (Policy 2260):
Sauk Prairie School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including transgender status, gender expression, gender identity, and gender nonconformity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes") in any of its student program and activities.
Lenguaje Actual sobre la No Discriminación (Política 2260):
El Distrito Escolar de Sauk Prairie no discrimina en base a la raza, al color, la religión, la nacionalidad de origen, los ancestros, el credo, el embarazo, el estado marital, el estado de los padres, la orientación sexual, el sexo (incluyendo el estado transgénero, la expresión del género, y el género de no conformidad), o por una discapacidad física, mental, emocional o de aprendizaje (“Las Clases Protegidas”) en cualquiera de las actividades y programas del estudiante.