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!"

Bussing information was sent out by Benjamin Bus Company this past Wednesday and Thursday. You may want to give them a call if you don't receive information through the mail by Tuesday, August 27th. Phone number is 507-645-5720

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, 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. Thank you for making this time a priority!

*No pictures will be taken on this day*

Students should plan to attend the conference with their family. The conference is designed to help the student get set up in their new classroom and to meet the teacher. Students should bring supplies if they have them, so they can get organized in the classroom. Families are invited to tour the building and find the different learning spaces for students. Parking during Family Conferences is available in the main lot at Bridgewater Elementary, close to Door 1.

Other staff to visit during Family Conferences to make sure you are prepared for your child’s first day of school include:

• School Nurse: Lucy Archibald, will be available for you to drop off meds, complete necessary paperwork, check immunization status, etc.

• Child Nutrition Manager: Marie Kyllo, will be available to collect money for snack cart and answer any food related questions you may have.

• Community School Information Table: There will be information about after school and evening programs available through the Bridgewater Community School.

• Fernbrook Services: Kennedy Todd, SLMH Therapist at Bridgewater will be available to answer any questions you may have about therapy services available.

• Bridgewater Booster Club (BBC) Information Table: Look for information about how to get involved with the BBC as well as information about upcoming events.

• Tech Support: Staff will be available to help you connect with our online resources. Please consider signing up for the apps below that pertain to you based on your child's grade. Talking Points (all grades) and Seesaw (grades K-3) allow for easy home/school communication. Teachers will send codes to families for these programs. Downloading the apps for these programs will help you be set for the year.

• Talking Points App

• Seesaw App -Grades K-3

• Skyward - K-12

• If you already have a Skyward/Family Access account, please take the time to login and verify your contact information (address, phone numbers, email address). This will allow you to view your student’s attendance, view quarter-end grades, look at food purchases and balances online and receive emergency communications and meal account notices.

• Don’t have a Skyward/Family Access account? You can apply for a Family Access account here:

• English

• Spanish

More information can be found on the Technology FAQ page on the district website: https://northfieldschools.org/parents/tech-support/

Unfortunately we had to change our picture day from August 27 to SEPTEMBER 13. We will send home more information as school gets closer, but be prepared to SAY CHEESE on the second Friday of school.

The entrance to Bridgewater is on Division Street/Hwy 246, and for right now the exit is the same - it is a giant loop, so please follow the construction signs for going down one lane and back up the other. There is no access to the bus loop at the moment, but they are scheduled to have the Jefferson Pkwy construction finished by the beginning of school. Please call the office at 507-664-3300 if you need help.

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.

Please take a moment to review this online resource (Student Citizenship Handbook) for parents and students. The annual notifications for families are linked here for your reference as well.

If you do not want your child’s Directory Information to be released (name, address, phone number, photograph in yearbook or class photos, etc). Please be sure to sign a copy of the Denial of Release of Directory Information form. More information and a copy of the form can be found on the district website. Copies of the form will also be available in the Bridgewater office during Family Conferences.

We are still looking for Educational Assistants to help with our students with special needs and to supervise the cafeteria during lunch time. Visit the Northfield employment site to view all openings. Here

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!

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! The form is attached below. 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!!

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

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.

The lunch menu for each month will be provided in the newsletter.

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

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

Sept 13---School Picture Day

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