Bridport Community Newletter

Hello, Bridport Community!

We had a fabulous week at BCS! It was great to see so many families come to our open house on Thursday. Our students were so excited to "show off" their school and what they have been working on. A BIG "Thank You!" to Friend of Bridport School for the yummy ice cream and toppings.

Thank you to those who filled out the parent survey about school expectations. We are excited to share our finalized school rules!

-Listen

-Be Kind

-Try Your Best & Be Yourself

-Be Safe

-Have Fun!

This upcoming week we will start thinking about what those rules will look like and sound like in all parts of our day. Having clear expectations helps everyone have more fun!

Best,
Jenny

(PS- Check out the picture above- a 4th grader earned the first "caught ya!" certificate of the year! He was caught being caring by organizing the recess shed without being asked - just to help! Kudos!)

Each month this year, BCS students will be digging deep into one book together during community time. We are using a curated list that are focused on Diversity and Inclusion that was created by two Mary Hogan teachers.

This month, we listened to Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. A quick synopsis- "When a child is frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, the girl tells her mother that she never wants to go back to school. The child’s mother responds by teaching her about the musicality of African, Asian, Latinx, Middle Eastern and Black-American names on their walk home through the city. Empowered by newfound understanding, the girl shares her knowledge with her class."

Each student began creating a visual representation of their name to create a whole-school art installation.

If you'd like to learn more about this book- here are some resources:

• Your Name Is A Song performed by singer

• Read- Aloud: Your Name is a Song Story board is clear throughout the video

• Symphony Storytime • "Your Name is a Song" featuring percussion

• Storytime with The Met: “Your Name Is a Song” conversational, artifact linked to name, art related to name

• Your Name is a Song Author Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow pronouncing the names from the book.

Hello ACSD community and families,

Due to a human case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) being detected in Vermont this August the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) is recommending that anyone who spends time in an area where EEE virus activity has been identified is at risk of infection. People should take steps to avoid mosquito bites, especially in late July through September. People who engage in outdoor work and recreational activities, especially near wetlands and swamps, are at increased risk of infection.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

• Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors at dawn and dusk.

• Use insect repellent labeled as effective against mosquitoes. Apply repellent when you are going to be outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

• Mosquitoes breed in standing water that lasts more than four days. To reduce the number of mosquitoes around your house, get rid of standing water.

• Find more information about preventive measures at this link

Most people with EEE virus do not develop symptoms. For those who do, they typically occur four to 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.

Most people who do get sick experience a flu-like illness with fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. This illness can last one to two weeks, and most people recover completely.

In rare cases, infection of the brain and spinal cord occurs, causing sudden high fever (103° to 106°F), stiff neck, and a headache that keeps getting worse. If these symptoms occur, please contact your PCP who will direct you on next steps.

For more information and resources please use this link to access the VDH website.

Tuesday 9/17- 5th Grade to Starbase

Thursday 10/3- Friends of Bridport Central School (FOBCS) Meeting 6-7:30- Library

Do you volunteer in our schools? Join Superintendent Wendy Baker for a discussion about how to streamline, strengthen, and improve our volunteer program at ACSD schools. We will schedule a time to meet this fall to gather your feedback. Interested?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1H6laR0CJwNAVk9RKvXDYd2kvHeiw0vzwBb_9qcRNwg4/edit

As a reminder, all children are entitled to free breakfast and lunch!

All school meals will be free again for ALL students.

But, it's still VERY IMPORTANT to complete the free and reduced meal application form. Our district gets $475,000+ each year based on the % of students who qualify for free/reduced meals. So, if you fill out the form, you help us qualify!

A paper application will come home with your child, or apply now online.

Due to growing instances of phishing scams and concern for potential hacks of our computer networks, we will be removing all staff email addresses from our website directory. This change comes at the direction of our Technology Dept and we join many K-12 schools, colleges, and businesses in making this change. Staff phone numbers will still be available in our staff directory. You may also request a teacher’s email by phone or by calling our front office 802-758-2331. Thank you for your understanding as we balance family communication needs with tech privacy and safety.

In addition to our phone/email communication, ACSD has a text messaging system. Families must opt-in to receive texts. ACSD will only use text messaging for short, time-sensitive messages (like early dismissal and snow days). Your school may also text you for important school updates. We will test this service on Thursday Sept 19th after the school day. To receive texts, you must opt-in:

• Text “yes” to 67587. You will get a reply confirming your registration. If you ever want to stop receiving texts, just text STOP.

• Make sure we have your wireless number in our student database. This is the number you share on school forms. (If you currently receive school/ACSD calls on your cell phone, we probably have your number.) Please contact your front office if we do not have this number.