Bridges Elementary
November 2017 Newsletter
District Website: www.saukprairieschools.org
Facebook: Bridges Elementary Facebook Page
24-Hour Attendance Line: 608-643-1847
Fax: 608-643-1849
Bridges' Office Staff
Chanda Kulow, Principal
608-643-1845 chanda.kulow@saukprairieschools.org
Stephanie Tarnutzer, Secretary
608-643-1844 stephanie.tarnutzer@saukprairieschools.org
Jody Kapp, Secretary
608-643-1843 jody.kapp@saukprairieschools.org
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Happy November!
I hope this finds you all in good spirits. Bridges School has had a great first two months of school! Students are working hard following the school rules, staying Above the Line, and learning. Schoolwide, we spent extra time teaching and practicing what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like in key areas of the school (hallways, bathrooms, playground, bus, and lunchroom). We incorporated video modeling excerpts into our days so that expectations are the same from classroom to classroom and all students are hearing the same message.
We know at Bridges that good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children develop self confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life. A child's physical and mental health are both important. Our whole staff is going through a training this school year, called the Nurtured Heart Approach by Howard Glasser. It is a method to help children (and adults) build inner wealth and to awaken the inherent greatness in each one of us. Please view this five minute introduction to learn more about it Nurtured Heart Approach introduction.
In addition, a new space that was added to Bridges School this year is a room called the Zen Zone. This room can be found on the corner between the two art rooms. It was developed in response to the needs of our children and the alarming statistic that between 10-14 percent of children through age 5 suffer from an emotional or behavioral disturbance. Our innovative staff know that we have a responsibility to help our young students to grow and develop to their fullest potential in academics, and in social-emotional skills. We also know that the foundations laid in our children’s early years are critical for later emotional and mental wellness. Many children struggle with impulsive and inappropriate behavior. Our goal is to build self regulation skills in children. A child who has strong self regulation skills is able to focus his/her attention, control emotions, and manage thinking, behavior, and feelings in different situations.
The Zen Zone has stations with active areas, calming areas, and various types of sensory activities. The types of things in this designated space include oversize balls meant to be bounced on or to help with stretching, a punching bag, a mini trampoline with a crash pad nearby, exercise mats, ropes, a Bilibo rocking chair, special lighting, breathing techniques, and some scents that are helpful to calm. The goal is to teach children techniques to help them through personal challenges. Eventually what we want is as children get older, they will recognize what their bodies need and provide the self regulation for themselves.
If you have any questions or would like to hear more about the topics I described above, please contact me further.
Sincerely,
Chanda Kulow
Principal of Bridges Elementary School
November Calendar
School Board Meetings
Monday, November 13, 7:00 PM
Location: Bridges Elementary School
Monday, November 27, 7:00 PM
Location: Sauk Prairie High School
Daylight Savings Ends
November 5
Picture Retake Day
Monday, November 13, for Bridges and SPNC
**See "Picture Retake Day" article below for further information**
GSPiE Meeting
Monday, November 20
Grade School Partners in Education
6:15 PM @ Bridges
Free childcare is available. Please email gspie2@gmail.com to reserve a space.
Thanksgiving Break
NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, November 22
Thursday, October 23
Friday, October 24
Click here: http://www.saukprairieschools.org/district/HR/2017%2018%20calendar1.pdf to see all upcoming calendar events (early release, school start and dismissal times, etc).
Picture Retake Day
It's Picture Day AGAIN
@ Bridges and SPNC
Monday, November 13
- Want Lifetouch to retake your student's photo? Retakes will be provided no questions asked. The only requirement is that the student must bring their original photo package with them to retakes and the new photo can be taken.
- Absent on the first photo day or new to school? You may have your photo taken on November 13. Place your order online beginning October 30 at mylifetouch.com. Use Picture Day ID: FS147332Q2
- Have a proof sheet & ready to place an order? Students that did not place an order yet will receive a Personalized Order Sheet. This sheet will have a sample of their photo along with ordering instructions and unique ordering codes that must be used to place orders online (this prevents someone from ordering pictures of someone else's children. Parents can, however, choose to share this code with distant relatives, friends, or non-custodial parents, etc., so that they can order pictures. Orders placed in this manner are shipped directly to the family and therefore incur a S/H fee of $3.99
Lunes, 13 de noviembre, 2017
Picture Day ID: FS147332Q2
Obtén una segunda oportunidad par una imagen de una foto perfecta. Estuviste ausente Dia del la Foto? Aún puedes encargar en mylifetouch.com Quieres que volvamos a tomarte la foto? Simplemente envia tu paquete original el Dia de las Nuevas Tomas Fotográphicas.
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FREE Parent Opportunity -- Parent University!
Dear Families,
A FREE parenting workshop opportunity will be offered on Tuesday, November 14 from 6:00 to 7:45 pm at Bridges. FREE childcare (for children over age one (1) is also available during this time! Each participant can choose three (3) topics to attend during the workshop. Five (5) different topics are offered, and are:
**Raising Caring Empathetic Kids
**Making Technology a Privilege, Not a Right
**Mindfulness Strategies
**Literacy at Home - Creating a Love of Reading
**Strategies for Adventuresome Behavior
I am excited to be leading the "Mindfulness Strategies" workshop. If you join in on this session, we'll look at mindful practices you can use with your child to help them calm and fall asleep more easily. We will also review some apps and YouTube videos that you might find helpful for mindful practices that reduce anxiety and improve focus and memory.
Bridges' staff members, Heather Reader, Jen Smith, and Jane Spillane, will also be leading workshops. Heather, will be co-presenting "Raising Caring, Empathetic Kids" with Grand Avenue's Sadie Sutter. Jane and her husband, Rod, will present, "Making Technology a Privilege, NOT a Right."
To sign up for these workshop or any of the other offerings, you can register online at:
http://www.makingservicepersonal.org/learningforlife/l4lclasssignup
Holiday Assistance Programs
The Holiday Season is coming! It may seem early to be thinking about it, but with the holidays comes many extra stressors and expenses. Planning ahead can ease the pressures this time can bring. If your family is experiencing financial difficulties.
- Local Health, Heating and Nutrition Program information may be seen at www.access.wi.gov. Access is an easy and private way to see if there are health and nutrition programs to help you and your family. You can check eligibility, apply for benefits, check benefits or report changes.
- St. Vincent de Paul Caring Tree: If a family is struggling financially, Holiday gifts (from the parents for their children) can be difficult to afford. The Caring Tree may be able to help in such a situation. Parents can start signing up in later October - the deadline is early November. Go in person to the St. Vincent de Paul Community Resource Center, 1906 North Street, Prairie du Sac.
- KOPS FOR KIDS and ”Christmas Elf” are local programs that helps certain families needing assistance to provide gifts for their children. If you would like to be considered for participation in either of these programs, please see below.
- Meals over school breaks: Local individuals with big hearts sometimes have donated money for meals for families needing assistance during school break times, such as Thanksgiving and Holiday Break. (This is separate from the snack backpacks provided by the G.S.P.I.E. It is more like main dish items in a grocery bag. The G.S.P.I.E. snack backpacks are a separate letter.)
If you would like to be considered* to receive a "meals over school break" bag of food for your family or to be included in the KOPS FOR KIDS or "Christmas Elf" programs, please call Anne Uphoff at (608) 643-1842, email anne.uphoff@saukprairieschools.org
or complete the form below:
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Call us!
Attendance
1) Please call the Bridges Elementary Attendance Line
643-1847 by 8:00 AM any time your child will be absent or late to school. This is a 24-hour message line.
2) Or send an email. Please include both office secretaries (jody.kapp@saukprairieschools.org and stephanie.tarnutzer@saukprairieschools.org) when emailing your child’s teacher about absences, health concerns, or any issue that needs immediate attention. There are times when a teacher may be absent / unable to receive your message, and it will not be received in a timely manner unless both office staff are included as well.
3) In keeping with our safe arrival policy, the school will contact you if your child is absent and we have not received a call or note from you concerning your child’s absence.
Late Arrival
Students will be marked as TARDY if they arrive after 8:10 AM. If your child arrives after the bell has rung, please bring them to the main office, located at the front doors of the school. All other exterior doors to our building automatically lock when the first bell rings at 8:00 AM.
Dismissal/Early Pick-up
Please phone the school or send a note with your child if you will be picking them up early. If your child will be leaving before dismissal, it is necessary for you to come to the office to sign your child in/out for the day.
Excused Absence
If your student is absent due to a professional appointment, the absence can be excused so that it does not count against your child's attendance. To excuse these absences, please provide the school with an appointment card or note from your appointment. Professional appointments include doctor, dental, counseling or other similar appointments. See pages 22 and 23 of the Sauk Prairie School District handbook for more detailed information about what constitutes an excused absence.
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Daily Schedule
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
School begins at 8:00 AM. Please arrive on time.
*Anyone arriving after 8:10 AM will be considered tardy.*
When students come late to school, even if it's only a few minutes late, they are missing important parts of the morning. We also would like to eliminate as many interruptions in the classroom as possible once school begins.
4-Year-Old Kindergarten:
Morning: 8:00 to 10:50 AM
Afternoon: 12:15 to 3:05 PM
K-2 Lunch:
Kindergarten
Lunch: 11:10 AM to 11:40 AM
Recess: 11:40 AM to 12:00 PM
First Grade
Lunch: 11:45 AM to 12:10 PM
Recess: 12:10 PM to 12:30 PM
Second Grade
Lunch: 12:15 PM to 12:40 PM
Recess: 12:40 PM to 1:00 PM
K-2 Daily Recess:
Kindergarten: 10:00 AM to 10:20 AM
1st Grade: 1:25 PM to 1:45 PM
2nd Grade: 1:50 PM to 2:10 PM
Dismissal:
3:05 PM for walkers/pick-ups and pink bus bell
3:08 PM for After School Club students and blue bus bell
Do you Know this Sweater?
Expiring School Meal Benefits
Meal and/or milk benefits expired after 30 days of operating school days. If you have not received a letter stating you are eligible for Free or Reduced benefits, please fill out a F/R application as soon as possible. Applications are available at each school, the District Office or online at www.saukprairieschools.org . Please call Tammy at 643-5983 or email tammy.smith@saukprairieschools.org with any questions.
Thank you,
Tammy
Tammy Smith
Food Service Secretary
Sauk Prairie School District
440 13th St. Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
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Bridges Photo Gallery
Fire Prevention Week
Teamwork!
Lunch & Learn
Sweet Week
History in the Making
Show & Tell
Growth Mindset
At Bridges in October, students and staff worked on developing a GROWTH MINDSET. People in a growth mindset believe anyone can be good at anything, because our abilities our entirely due to our actions. The opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed one. People in a fixed mindset believe you either are or aren't good at something based on your inherent nature, because it's just who you are. A growth mindset allows students to grow through challenges--empowering them to seek out the unique time and resources they need.
Model a Growth Mindset
A lot of how our students (or kids) pick up on a growth mindset from observing and listening to how adults communicate with them. To continue learning at home, adults can show kids how to recognize fixed mindset thoughts by replacing them with growth mindset thoughts.
Try Replacing
"I'm so stupid"....with "What am I missing?"
"I'm awesome at this"...with "I'm on the right track."
I'm not good at math (or any other subject/activity)...with "I'm going to train my brain in math."
"This is too hard"...with "This is going to take some time and effort."
"I'm jealous--she's so smart!"...with "I'm going to figure out how she is doing it."
"I give up!"...with "Ill use some of the strategies I've learned."
"I made a mistake."...with "Mistakes help me improve."
"It's good enough."...with "Is this really my best work?"
Praise the Process
Parents and teachers tend to think that praising kids’ intelligence builds confidence and motivation to learn. While this type of praise may give the student a brief boost in confidence, this kind of praise leads to a fixed mindset – one that is more concerned with looking smart and keeping the parent or teacher’s admiration than on actually working hard to learn. Parents and teachers do better to focus on praising the process or personal effort and any effective strategies used, which fosters motivation by placing value on what students have done and what they need to do to continue to be successful.
Here are some ideas to phrase your feedback in a way that develops more of a growth mindset to get you started:
- I see that you have been trying so hard at …
- You are becoming more confident at ….
- Good job taking on such a hard task …
- You are taking on harder tasks and that must make you feel confident.
- I like the way that you ….
- You must have tried really hard at this.
- I see that you are trying again, great thinking.
- You remembered to use the procedure for ….
- It must feel good to follow those steps you have taken.
- What a brilliant way to approach the task.
- I noticed you are thinking through the steps we discussed.
- You were confident with the task and I know you will be with the next step.
- I am watching the way you’re approaching this and I think your effort is outstanding.
- The steps you took must have really helped you…
A Picnic Lunch
Stretching!
Ready, set, GROW!
Be Prepared with Extra Clothing
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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.
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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 Laura Cody, District Nurse, 643-5509.
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 Laura Cody 643-5509 or Martha Allan 643-5628.
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.
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 Laura Cody, District Nurse, at 643-5509 if you have any questions regarding head lice.
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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.