Bridge Bulletin

I hope you enjoyed your Spring Break! It wasn't very "springy" where I went but it was a whole lot of fun - I hiked just over 40 miles in Shenandoah National Park and even visited Washington DC. We encountered wind, rain (lots of it), hail and snow. We were super lucky to hit the end of the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC though the torrential rain played havoc with the remaining cherry blossoms. Hopefully the sunshine over the past few days is a hint at the days to come!!!!

COMMUNITY CONNECTION CORNER - Please read further below for Ms. Chelsea's words of wisdom. This week she is talking about the power of letting our children fail - productive struggle is a trait that all individuals need to learn in order to navigate life successfully.

FIELD DAY is coming soon. It is hard to believe but we only have 10 school weeks until this school year ends. Our Field Day is a huge party complete with bouncy toys, a magician, games and prizes, face painting, a fabulous lunch and water games.

We are requesting donations of the following items for Field Day. Bring any items into the office.

• Cans of soda (any kind especially the fun flavors in Shasta or the other off brand names)
• Prizes kids can win at the Games. IDEAS - new toys from kid's meals, items bought in bulk at Zurchers or Oriental Trading, bulk items from the Dollar store.

OPEN POSITIONS THIS SCHOOL YEAR - we are still looking for a full time para-educator for 2nd grade. Interested parties should send a resume to Lani@BridgeCharter.org

HIRING STAFF FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR - Please see our website https://www.bridgecharter.org/open-para-educator-positions for a listing of all positions. Interested applicants should email a resume to Lani@BridgeCharter.org and schedule an interview using this link:

INTERVIEWS

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. Click on the picture further down in the newsletter to order your student's yearbook.

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS - This week we highlight our 5th grade Para-Educators. Please read further below in the newsletter for information about these amazing people that help our students in the classroom!

ICYMI - this is the link to our website for all previous news bulletins:

https://www.bridgecharter.org/bridge-bulletin

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

NO SCHOOL

• Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Monday, April 15 - 5th Grade Field Trip to Wizard of Oz play at Bonneville High School
• Monday - April 15 - UMA Drill Team and Color Guard Assembly
• Thursday - April 18 - Great Shake Out Earthquake Drill 9:00 am
• Friday, April 19 - Celebrate Military Child Wear PURPLE
• Monday, April 22 - Roy City Fire Department assembly 9:00 am
• Tuesday, May 14 - Classic Skate Night 5:30 - 8:30
• Friday, May 17 - Kindergarten Round Up for all incoming kindergarteners (email invite will be sent)
• Thursday - May 30 - Field Day (last day of school and short day)
• Wednesday, June 26 - 5 pm FREE Skating at Neptune Skating in Ogden

April is "Month of the Military Child". On Friday, April 19, Bridge will wear PURPLE to celebrate military kids! This is a FREE Dress Down Day as long as the student is wearing something PURPLE.

Purple references the joint environment of the military, encompassing all service branches, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and Veterans. Purple combines each branch’s colors into one: the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard all use shades of blue, the Army uses green, and the Marines use red.

Additionally, in support of our military students, Utah Military Academy will visit Bridge on Monday April 15. They will discuss the color guard, present colors, sing the national anthem and students will recite the pledge. Following the Color Guard the Rifle Drill team will do one of their award winning drills!

Writing can be so much fun! Our students work with Mrs. Langhaim, the writing teacher, to learn about writing conventions and traits and develop sentences and paragraphs to share what they learned. Teachers follow up with additional practice in the classroom during small group instruction and stations. Below is an example of our 4th graders writing about an alien and then drawing a picture to support their writing.

Next year Bridge will use a new writing curriculum, Bridge to Writing and our K-5 students will attend a writing class daily. We expect to see our student's writing skills SOAR with the use of this research-based, explicit and systematic writing program.

A FREE field trip which included transportation and an event, is always a great time! Our 5th graders were the lucky recipients of a trip to the Weber County Fairgrounds to learn about the water cycle from drinking water to sewage. Students, staff and volunteers said it was a FABULOUS experience!

Our past due lunch accounts total nearly $13,000!!! It breaks my heart that we cannot offer free lunch for everyone, but that is a decision that our legislators need to make. Sadly, at the end of the year overdue balances are absorbed by the school's budget meaning less money available for curriculum, instruction and salaries.

If you are looking for a place to donate, PLEASE consider donating to our Happy Go Lucky account to help with overdue balances. You can donate at the office with a check or cash or online using our DONATE icon. We are a 501(3)(c) organization and your donations are tax deductible!!

To help reduce this deficit we are going to have a Staff vs Student fundraiser (we have 100 staff and 550 students). Staff and students are encouraged to bring their loose change, or even loose dollar bills 😀 to drop in the blue 5 gallon bottles labeled STAFF or STUDENTS, in the front foyer. This will begin on Monday, April 29 and end on Friday, May 17. We will count the money the week of May 20. The group with the most funds collected (STAFF or STUDENTS) will earn a FREE dress down day the ENTIRE last week of school and a Fat Boy ice cream sandwich on Wednesday, May 29.

If your child's balance is overdue, please start paying as much as you can to pay this balance down. Unfortunately, at the end of the year, folks with overdue balances will be sent to collections.

You can STILL apply for free and reduced lunch using your ASPIRE account.

Waterford Upstart is an award winning program that helps prepare children for kindergarten. You can register your pre kindergarten student today! https://www.waterford.org/upstart/

For the upcoming school year we are looking for community members to assist us with a review of our Wellness Policy. You can find the current Wellness Policy on our website at https://www.bridgecharter.org/policies-procedures It is the last policy in the document.

If you would like to be part of our Wellness Policy committee, please complete the Google form. We will be in contact in the summer to update the policy.

https://forms.gle/jkRBgWk8XudDu5AK8

Interested applicants should email a resume to Lani@BridgeCharter.org and sign up for an interview using this link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050849ACA62AA3FB6-48763522-interviews

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!

LINK TO VIDEOS

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.

Once again we were approved for the Kids Read Now grant which sends home FREE books to all of our K-3 students during the summer. Students will get THREE books between June and August which are mailed to the address in Aspire. Teachers will select the books according to the student's reading level.

Parents may OPT OUT of this program by completing this form:

OPT OUT OF KIDS READ NOW

This week's fresh fruit and vegetable program brought our students edamame and colored peppers. As we end the year our grant funds are running low so students will only receive two snacks each week.

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.

Lesli: I have 3 children and a beautiful 3 year old grandson and another on the way. I am currently going to school to become a teacher and I absolutely cannot wait to get my license! In my free time I love to spend time with my kids and grandson. It doesn't matter what we are doing as long as I get to be with them. I love to read and am a big Disney fan as well. I have one dog named Winnie and four cats named Booth, Raj, Rue, and Simba. I absolutely love to get to work with kids and help them reach all of the amazing academic goals that they set for themselves.

Alexis: I am 24 years old and have always loved working in a school! I started working in schools right out of high school and am so glad to be at Bridge back to doing what I love. I have a sweet little fur baby named Abi who is the best dog in the world. In my free time I love to go find ways to see animals, whether that be in the wild or at the zoo. I also love to do puzzles and diamond art! Reading and listening to podcasts are a few ways I like to keep my mind occupied throughout the day. I absolutely love being in 6th grade and helping out the kiddos with their assignments and helping them learn to be confident in themselves with their work.

Richelle: I have two wonderful children, one of which is a student here at Bridge! I absolutely love animals! I have two dogs named Bear and Mojo, I also have a fancy leopard gecko named Gizmo. I have been married to the love of my life for 27 years. In my free time I love to play games and spend time with my family. Spending time with my people, even if it is just sitting around chatting and telling stories will always be something that brings my heart joy. My favorite color is purple, and I love it so much that I even put it in my hair! I love my job and being able to help the students learn and succeed.

Each week students attend a Visible Learning class where they learn about traits of a good learner. Next week students will learn about Initiative "Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked".

• Do what is right BEFORE I am told.
• Not put off until later what I can do now.
• Do my part for the team.
• be a part of the solution rather than the problem.
• Look for ways to help others.

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.

Although we have had the visitor check in system since the beginning of September, some parents seem to have not received the information. When you visit Bridge to volunteer or have a meeting with your child's teacher, including a PLP meeting or an IEP meeting during school hours, you MUST bring a valid state ID and scan it into our check in system. The system will complete a background check to ensure the individual is allowed to be on the campus of an elementary school. If the the individual does not pass the background check the child's teacher can come to the office for the meeting. This is just one more step in protecting the safety of all our students.

The calendar for the school year can be accessed on our website using the link below:

https://www.bridgecharter.org/2023-2024-calendar

We LOVE parent and grand parent volunteers at school! If you would like to volunteer, please check with your child's teachers. If you want to volunteer but aren't excited about coming into the school, we have LOTS of opportunity for outside volunteer work including:

• 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.

Absences MUST be excused within 24 hours of the absence. You can do this by leaving a message on the Attendance line at school (801)499-5180 or by using the Excuse Absence online form. You can find this on our website by clicking on the Excuse Absence icon or using the link below:

EXCUSE ABSENCE

Weber Human Services SMR is available for 24/7 crisis support and short-term stabilization. To request help or make a referral, dial 988. Weber Human Service's works with families to improve functioning, develop and maintain healthy communication, and enhance ability to cope with future crisis.

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 was initially passed in 1965 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It is the largest federal assistance program for public schools. These supplemental funds provide students the opportunity to receive a fair, equitable and high-quality education to help close achievement gaps.

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:

https://www.bridgecharter.org/school-events

The mission of Bridge Elementary is to provide students with a personalized learning experience and empower them to take personal ownership and accountability for their own academic performance.

Email: info@bridgecharter.org
Website: bridgecharter.org
Location: 4824 Midland Drive, Roy, UT
Phone: (801)499-5180
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgeCharter

Principal - Lani Rounds - Lani@BridgeCharter.org

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