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Bridge Bulletin
January 19, 2024
Principal Chat
Thank you for sending kids to school with coats, gloves and boots! It has been a really cold week and lots of recesses have been spent indoors because the "feels like" temperature is less that 20F. When the kids have been outside they have had a BLAST with our sleds and making huge snowballs on the turf.
There was a lot of chatter about "snow days" and "late starts". Bridge tries VERY hard to open at the same time, regardless of the weather. On bad snow days, we ask staff and parents to do what is best for their families. Our staff are AMAZING and do all they can to make it to school when the weather is frightful. We have our doors open because of the many, many working families that NEED somewhere for their kids to go. On Wednesday, the "snow day", nearly every staff member came to school and 72% of our kiddos were at school. So, no need to call, text, email or send messages on social media - the default is Bridge is OPEN at regular time. We teach the kids that show up and move staff around as needed to ensure adequate coverage. In the very unlikely event we have to close or open late, we will email, post on social media and send a One Call.
On a side note - if you do NOT "do" social media, we have a real time feed of our Facebook page at the bottom of our website's home page https://www.bridgecharter.org
MATH NIGHT - Do NOT miss math night! It is next Tuesday, January 23, 6:00 - 7:30 pm and includes FREE dinner! See the flyer in our newsletter.
2024-2025 CALENDAR - Thank you for all who helped by completing the calendar survey for next school year. The data was used to complete the 2024-2025 calendar and the Board voted and approved the calendar. The only "odd" majority vote was to have Spring Break align with Easter, later in April rather than the end of March with Ogden and Weber school districts. You can find the calendar further below in the newsletter and on our website under CALENDAR & SCHEDULES.
https://www.bridgecharter.org/2024-2025-calendar
PARA POSITIONS OPEN - See below in the newsletter for the pic regarding open positions. This is for THIS YEAR. Salary is $16 - $18 hour depending on education and experience. All paras either need to take and pass the Para Pro Praxis test within a few months of being hired OR have an associate degree from a college or university and MUST pass an FBI background check.
YEARBOOK - Please see below for information to order the yearbook. The school does NOT have yearbooks to purchase - you MUST order your yearbook online. The last day to order is May 1, 2024.
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS - This week we highlight our 5th grade teachers! Please read further below in the newsletter for information about these amazing educators!
LOTTERY OPENS - the lottery for 2024-2025 opens MONDAY, January 22. We will run the first lottery for siblings, including incoming kindergarteners, on February 5. We will run the lottery for the remaining open spots on February 19. Please let your friends and family know they can find enrollment information and the lottery on our website by selecting the yellow ENROLL NOW menu option at the top of the home page.
https://www.bridgecharter.org/enroll-now
Please keep reading for more information about this past week and events for the upcoming weeks.
As always, thank you for CHOOSING Bridge and sharing your kids with us! We know you have lots of options in education and we are honored that you have made the choice to have your students attend our awesome school!
Lani Rounds
Principal
Mark Your Calendars
NO SCHOOL
- Friday, February 2 (Legislative Day - Teacher Professional Development)
- Monday, February 19 (President's Day)
- Thursday & Friday, March 7 and 8 (Parent Teacher Conferences)
- April 1 - 8 (Spring Break)
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Tuesday, January 23: Math Night FREE Dinner 6:00 - 7:30 pm
- Friday, January 26: $2 Donation Dress Down
- Tuesday, January 30: Schoolwide Vision Screening (see information below)
- Wednesday - Friday, March 6 - 8: Parent Teacher Conferences (Wednesday is a short day)
Maturation
At Bridge, instead of having a "maturation night" for 5th grade students which other schools typically do, we opt to provide parents the information so they can determine how much they want to share with their child and at which age they want to share it. For many girls, by the time they are in 5th grade they have already started menstruation and it is a little too late for a lesson on maturation. We believe parents can best determine what students should know about maturation and puberty, and when a child should know it.
Our maturation committee met and reviewed information from different sources. They determined, and our Board approved, to use the maturation information provided by Provo School District. The maturation information includes videos and packets for girls and boys that you can download and share with your child.
This is the link to the MATURATION information.
Schoowide Vision Screeing - Friends for Sight
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Bridge Charter School will be conducting vision screenings in accordance with the Utah School Vision Screening Policy on January 30, 2024 beginning at 9:00 am at the school. Friends for Sight is a local nonprofit organization that specializes in vision screening, and FFS staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist with the process.
For the most accurate results, if your student wears prescription glasses or contacts, please have them wear them on the day of the screening. Screenings are intended to find out if the student has the tools they need to see clearly at school, so it's ideal to test the student's best possible corrected vision. If your child cannot see at the appropriate distance for their age, or fails a SPOT machine screening, a referral form will be sent home with your child. This sheet will recommend that a full eye exam for your child should be a priority. Please remember that a vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye exam and vision evaluation by an eye doctor.
Since no child should be denied proper eye care because of finances, Friends for Sight has several partnerships that provide free eye exams and glasses for those who qualify for financial assistance.
If you have any questions regarding vision screening, ages when full exams are recommended or would like any additional information, please call us at (801) 524-2020 or visit our website www.friendsforsight.org.
As a non-profit that relies on donations to fund our free screenings, please consider donating $2 to Friends for Sight when you renew your driver license or vehicle registration.
We are looking forward to screening your child at school!
Sincerely,
Friends for Sight Staff and Volunteers
Social Emotional Learning and Visible Learning - Family Connection
Social Emotional Learning resources for families and students to promote a stronger sense of self identity, mental health, and create a safer school environment. Our Visible Learning Traits (flexibility, determination, reflection, taking initiative, thoroughness, and enthusiasm) tie into Social Emotional Learning at Bridge!
6th Graders and Upcoming Junior High Registration
It is time to start the job of finding the right junior high for your 6th grader for next school year. If you plan to have your student attend their neighborhood district school, please call the school to find out when registration begins. If you are interested in a charter school experience, most have lotteries that are open now and are available to schedule a tour. Here are some of the local junior high charter schools:
- Venture Academy (includes high school) - Farr West - venturelearning.org
- Utah Military Academy (includes high school) - Riverdale - utahmilitaryacademy.org
- Quest Academy - West Haven - questac.org
- DaVinci Academy (includes high school)- Ogden - davinciacademy.org
- Ogden Prep Academy - Ogden - ogdenprep.org
- Mountain Heights Academy (includes high school) - Online - mountainheightsacademy.org
- Utah Virtual Academy (includes high school) - Online - utva.k12.com
Power Chess After School
Once again, Power Chess will rent space from Bridge on Fridays after school to implement an after school chess program. Information and registration can be found using the QR code below or going to the Community Events page on our website. This program is open to all community members - not just Bridge students. You can also register using this LINK
Martial Arts at Bridge During BASE
Beginning February, Joeseon Martial Arts will begin renting our gym for their martial arts program. This provides a nice chunk of cash to Bridge but, additionally, they will be teaching two BASE classes each week - one on Tuesday and one on Thursday. Each grade will have an opportunity to attend the class each month. This was so well received when Champion martial arts provided us this opportunity we are really excited to be able to continue this for our BASE students. The schedule of which grade is attending martial arts each week for BASE is on our calendar. You can access our calendar from our webpage by selecting the CALENDAR icon.
Additionally, Joeseon Martial Arts have extended an offer to all Bridge students and students of Bridge staff. "Bridge students or staff who sign up in December, will get January tuition for free. The enrollment fee is $229 and will include everything needed to get started. Uniform, belt, T-shirt, gloves, USA taekwondo. Then in February tuition is $99 for one student and custom for two or more. They get $79 off the enrollment fee and $36 off each month thereafter, NO contracts."
Use this link to enroll your Bridge student: https://jmafit.gymdesk.com/signup/v/A12Bb
Use this link for information to inquire about the program
https://linqapp.com/Joseon_Martial_Arts?r=link
For more information please contact Master Jason 801-436-8298 or jason@utmac.org
Order Yearbook - Click Pic to Order - Code BridgeYB24
FFVP - Weekly Snacks
We are super grateful to have this program at Bridge.This program is designed to give kids the opportunity to try fresh fruits and vegetables that they may otherwise not have an opportunity to try.
5th Grade Teachers
Kaitlin Vigil
Hello, my name is Kaitlin Vigil. I graduated from University of Utah with my degree in Elementary Education. Since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I am currently a 5th grade ELA teacher at Bridge Elementary and I love my job and look forward to coming to work every day. I have always loved helping children and making a positive impact on their life. I am married and we have one little girl named Olivia. We own dogs, horses, goats and chickens. In my free time, I love to do anything outdoors with my family. We love to spend time in the mountains camping, snowboarding and riding our horses.
Melinda Rasmussen
Hello, my name is Melinda Rasmussen and I’m a fifth grade teacher at Bridge! This is my tenth year teaching, and fourth year at Bridge. I’ve lived in Utah all my life and absolutely love it here! My husband and I love to camp, hike, ride our horses, snowboard, and just spend time outside doing any kind of chores or project. I love to garden, read, and watch great movies and shows. I have the privilege of being a mother to four amazing human children, two dogs, three cats, and six horses. I have my hands full, but am loving every minute of it! I didn’t always want to be a teacher, but as I got older, I realized how important it is that our youth have an enjoyable, productive learning experience in their younger years.
Alberta (Ali) Hill
Hi, my name is Ali Hill and I am a 5th grade math teacher here at Bridge. I attended University of Utah and graduated in 2017 with a degree in Sociology and Criminology. Not long after, I accepted my first job in education. I spent two years in the Special Education field before moving to 5th grade to teach math. I love finding new ways to challenge my students and showing them that there is not only one way to solve a math problem. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family, watch movies, bake, go fishing and play games. My husband and I have known each other since elementary school and are lucky enough to have an amazing one year old. We also have two dogs, two goats and six horses. I like to say my house is a zoo! I am so grateful to be spending another amazing year here at Bridge.
Ashley Crowther
Hi, my name is Ashley Crowther. This is my third year at Bridge. I was raised right here in Roy. I have two wild boys, a two year old and a four year old. I have been married to my sweet husband for almost 8 years. I am a huge Harry Potter nerd and could probably watch the movies every single day and never get sick of them. I love the color green, traveling, Disney, going to the movies, reading, Halloween, rainy days, and playing card and board games. I’ve wanted to be a teacher my whole life and know this is what I’m meant to do. I love getting to know your amazing kids.
Visible Learning - Determination
I Will....
- Set the right goals.
- Get moving.
- Face challenges.
- Not be discouraged by failure.
- Keep trying.
By using these visible learning traits each day students will become lifelong learners who are set up for success. Please use this same verbiage at home and recognize when your student is using this trait.
Check In System
2023-2024 Calendar
Volunteers
- Cutting Watch Me Learn tickets (stop by the office).
- Pulling weeds in the rock areas and park strips (we have all the area in front of the school and up 4800 S along the school fence).
- Sorting construction paper into like colors (stop by the office).
- Using rakes and shovels to redistribute the gravel from the bottom of the retention area in front of the school to the top area to cover the black landscape screen.
- Parking lot duty before and after school (just check in at the office, put on a yellow vest and talk to Travis in the crosswalk for instructions).
Once your family has volunteered 30 hours they can stop by the front office and ask for a VOLUNTEER FROG. There is no formal tracking program - just track the hours yourself. Then, write your family's name on the frog and tape the frog on our volunteer pond in the front foyer.
If you want to volunteer but do not have the time, you can donate $90 to cover the 30 hours. If you choose to donate, complete the volunteer form. You can donate in the office or by using our DONATE icon on the home page of our website.
Volunteering or donating is OPTIONAL and is not required to be a student or a parent of a student at Bridge Elementary.
Excuse an Absence
Weber Human Services - Stabilization and Mobile Response (SMR)
Maintaining a School Climate that is Free of Harassment and Discrimination
Bridge Elementary is committed to maintaining a school climate that is safe, welcoming, and free of harassment and discrimination. The School prohibits all forms of harassment, and it does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, marital status, or disability.
We encourage anyone who believes they (or someone else) have been subjected to harassment or discrimination at the School to file a complaint with the School’s Principal, Lani Rounds. The School will promptly investigate and resolve all such complaints in accordance with School policy.
If you would like to learn more about how the School handles complaints of harassment or discrimination, please review the School’s Notice of Nondiscrimination, Civil Rights Policy, and Bullying and Hazing Policy on the School’s website at https://www.bridgecharter.org/policies-procedures
Title I
Bridge Elementary receives our Title I funding based on the percentage of students that qualify for free or reduced lunch. For this reason we encourage ALL families to apply for Free/Reduced lunch through Aspire to ensure every single student receives the services needed, including access to free or reduced meals if appropriate.
Title I provides avenues for parent input and participation. We do this through our surveys and the link to the form on our website which allows parents to submit questions and suggestions.
You can find more information about Title I as well as a form to ask questions or provide suggestions regarding Title I, on our website at:
Who to Contact for What
Assistant Principal - Sara Tucker - Sara@BridgeCharter.org
Student Support - Stacey Archuleta - Stacey@BridgeCharter.org
- Morning Supervision and BASE
- Behavior Support and Bullying
- 504 Plans
Lead Secretary - Lalani Williams - Lwilliams@BridgeCharter.org
- Aspire
- Lottery
- Registration
Social Worker - Chelsea Silverwood - Chelsea@BridgeCharter.org
School Nurse - Vicki Ross - Vicki@bridgecharter.org
Special Education
Dianne Kelsey SpED Teacher - Dianne.Kelsey@BridgeCharter.org
Chad McBride SpED Teacher - Chad@BridgeCharter.org
Julie Christensen SpED Director - Julie@BridgeCharter.org
ELL Coordinator - Nichol Lloyd - Nichol@BridgeCharter.org
Meal Issues - Jodi Jensen - Jodi@BridgeCharter.org
Classroom Teachers - see website - https://www.bridgecharter.org/teachers
- Daily activities for your child
- Student progress
- Questions about student schedule or issues in the classroom
About Bridge Elementary Charter
Email: info@bridgecharter.org
Website: bridgecharter.org
Location: 4824 Midland Drive, Roy, UT
Phone: (801)499-5180
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgeCharter