Bridgewater Bear Tracks

Welcome to the 24-25 school year at Bridgewater Elementary! We are looking forward to seeing you all soon!!

"On Nov. 5, 2024 the Northfield School District will ask voters to consider authorizing bonds to Reimagine Northfield High School. The high school facility faces numerous problems. This referendum will address these problems because the proposal is Safe, Smart, and Sustainable. Go to our website to get additional information regarding the bond referendum. Or better yet, attend a presentation or come to one of our high school tours!"

Bus registration is required each school year. If you have any questions you can reach Rick Wagner with Benjamin Bus Company at 507-645-5720 or rwagner@benjaminbus.com.

Benjamin Bus will continue to provide SAFE and professional transportation to all students. Please note: Bus Forms are due today.

If you are not certain that you turned in a bus form, contact Benjamin Bus at 507-645-5720. They are happy to check this for you. If necessary, they are available by phone to help you get set up for transportation. The online option will not be available until after September 3rd.

Northfield Public Schools supports healthy eating choices. Please see the attached wellness letter. If you are interested in purchasing snack cart for your child (optional), please see the information below. Save time by printing out and bringing in the form during Family Conferences, or pay online beginning August 10th.

We welcome volunteers in our classrooms, and look forward to many smiling faces helping our students and teachers. Teachers will communicate volunteer needs or you can fill out a form to volunteer here. In addition, to serve in our classrooms, the district requires everyone to fill out an ANNUAL background check found here: English/Spanish. Thank you in advance for supporting us!

Community School offers a comprehensive support system, combining academic instruction with social services, youth programs, and health services to enhance learning and community well-being. We provide clubs from Monday to Thursday, giving students additional opportunities for growth and engagement. Community School will begin on September 30th, 2024, and end on May 15th, 2025. Make sure to sign up early since there is limited space! Registration can be found here: https://forms.gle/ntNB4tiQ5KMcJ6yD7.

Communication is very important to me, and I want to make sure that you are informed about the events that happen at Bridgewater. I will send out a newsletter every Friday via email and/or text message. You are always welcome to email me if you have questions, concerns or suggestions. Bridgewater is your school and I want you to be a part of your child's education.

Our schools offer healthy meals each day. We are part of Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program. All students can get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school.

Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees for school sports & activities. Your application may also help the school qualify for education funds, discounts, and other meal programs. For menus, pricing and complete nutrition information please visit: Child Nutrition Services

Teacher placement information went out August 14th. Please note that this process takes many hours, and this is why parent input was requested in April. Changes requested in August will not be honored except for extenuating circumstances. Please call or email if you have not received this information. Thank you for understanding!

School starts each day at 8:20 a.m. and dismisses at 3:20 p.m. On Wednesdays, students start one hour late at 9:20 a.m. Students are allowed to arrive at 8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays).

All students need to have a Backpack (labeled) daily & Athletic Shoes on Phy Ed days

**No wheeled backpacks as they don’t fit into the locker**

See Supply Lists Below

Here is the link to pay for fees: Bridgewater School Fees

Tuesday, September 3rd is the first day of school for students. Please mark this on your calendar. We are excited to have the students return!!

Family Conferences will take place on Tuesday, August 27th (11:00-7:00). Information was sent out with teacher placements for you to sign up for the date and time that works best for you. You will have the opportunity to meet with your child's teacher, complete paperwork electronically, have your child's school picture taken and discuss the coming school year. You know your child best, and we want to learn from you how to best meet the needs of your child. We also need to know how best to communicate with you in case we need to reach you. Pictures may be taken any time on Aug. 27th from 11:00 am-7:00 pm. Thank you for making this time a priority!

Please make sure to share medical needs for your child with Nurse Lucy Archibald. Any and all medications need to go through her as well. Please do not send medications on the bus with students. Thank you!

Please feel free to contact Kid Ventures for information on School-Age Child Care. Kid Ventures

There are many activities that children and adults may access during the course of the year. Don't forget to check the numerous opportunities from the Northfield Community Education Program: https://northfieldschools.org/communityeducation/

Aug 27---Family Conferences & School Pictures

Sept 3---First Day of School

Sept 4---One Hour Late Start Every Wednesday

Sept 10---Bridgewater Booster Club Meeting 6:00-7:00 pm in the BW Media Center

Oct 8---Bridgewater Booster Club Meeting 6:00-7:00 pm in the BW Media Center

Oct 17 & 18---No School, MEA Break

World-Class Learning for Elementary Students, Bridgewater Elementary School, situated on a 14-acre campus just south of downtown Northfield, is a K-5 public school serving approximately 560 students. It serves the neighborhoods on Northfield's southern side, Dundas, and the rural area south of Highway 19 and west of Highway 246. Students benefit from an active parent-teacher organization, Bridgewater Booster Club (BBC) and many parent volunteers.

The staff is intensely dedicated to offering a high-quality, well-rounded education that strives to meet the specific needs of each student. We focus on empowering our students in their academic and social emotional learning along with building a solid foundation for their educational journey in partnership with families.

Main Office Number: 507-664-3300

Attendance Line: 507-664-3306

Address: 401 Jefferson Parkway

Web page: northfieldschools.org/schools/bridgewater-elementary/

Email: nantoine@northfieldschools.org