Bridgewater Bear Tracks

"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!"

The next tour of Northfield High School will be held on Monday, October 7th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Enter Door #10 and meet in the Media Center. These tours are the best way to see the high school for yourself and receive valuable information.

Our annual Veterans Day Assembly will be held on Monday, November 11th at 9:00 a.m. in the gymnasium. If you have a loved one who is currently serving or has served in the armed forces, please consider emailing a photo of him/her to be included in our 2024 Veteran's Day Slide Show. The slide show will be included in the assembly. All families and Veterans are welcome to attend. We will only accept digital photos in .jpeg format. Please email your photos to Kayla LaVoy at: klavoy@northfieldschools.org no later than Friday, November 1st. You will receive a confirmation email in return indicating that we received your photo.

October PE Fitness Challenge: Get outside and walk. Spend 10 min three times a week walking with your parent(s)/Guardian.

What’s happening in Physical Education:

Students have had a great time starting the school year. Some of the things we are focusing on in kindergarten through 2nd grade is working on throwing, soccer skills and tag games. Third through fifth grade is having a blast working on soccer, football activities. Our fifth grade is gearing up for the 15th annual Bridgewater 5k, which will be held on October 14. If you would like to come cheer them on, the 5k starts at the middle school track at 8:30. Go fifth Grade!

Remember Fit Kids are healthy Kids!

Shoe tying tips HERE

Join Us for a Vibrant West African Drum & Dance Workshop with Master Percussionist Ghana Mbaye!

Step into the rich, rhythmic world of West Africa with Ghana Mbaye, aka "Brother Ghana," a master percussionist from Senegal! On Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Library Atrium, discover the power of traditional instruments like the djembe, dun dun, sangba, and kenkeni in this hands-on, family-friendly workshop.

This is a unique opportunity to explore Ghana’s culture and experience the vibrant energy of West African drumming—perfect for all ages!

This exciting program is made possible through Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Library Legacy Fund in collaboration with SELCO.

Wednesday, Nov. 6th is Picture Retake Day in case your child was absent and missed Picture Day.

MEA break is October 17-18, so there will be no school for students and staff.

We had an amazing Kindness Retreat for our 4th Graders last Friday. Thank you to all who support (thank you BBC!!) this important program coming into our schools to help our students learn how to effectively communicate and be role models for those around them.

Drop-in Homework Help & Reading Buddies / Ayuda con las tareas escolares y práctica de lectura

Looking for extra help with your studies? The Northfield Public Library offers free homework help and reading practice for K-12 youth!

Starting Saturday, September 28, you can get assistance from experienced Carleton student tutors on:

• Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Sundays: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

No appointment needed—just drop in! Tutoring is available in all subjects and in both English and Spanish. Whether it's homework assistance, language learning, or study skills, we’re here to support your learning journey.

Ayuda con las tareas escolares y practicar la lectura

Para los jóvenes de kinder al 12º grado: obtén ayuda de estudiantes tutores experimentados de Carleton los días sábados de 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. y los domingos de 2:00 p.m. a 4:00 p.m. No es necesario hacer una cita, simplemente acércate. Todas las asignaturas son bienvenidas. La tutoría será disponible en inglés y en español

Community School has the amazing opportunity to partner with Heath Finders to provide our students with free dental appointments. Appointments will be about 20 minutes long and held during the school day. Students who qualify are those who do not have insurance or currently have MA coverage.

Flyers were sent home with students to parents or guardians this week. The due date for the flyers is October 4th, next Friday, and appointments will be held on Thursday, October 10th. The flyer is attached below.

Community School Registration is NOW CLOSED

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 began on September 30th, 2024, and ends on May 15th, 2025."

District-Wide Latino Families Engagement Night
Join us on October 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the Greenvale Park Elementary Flex Lab for an engaging evening with Dr. Matt Hillmann

Day of the Dead Celebration - anyone can come!
On October 29th, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Greenvale Park Elementary, we invite you to celebrate Day of the Dead with us! This vibrant cultural event will include crafts, games, and more. Bring your family and friends for a night of fun and tradition!

Please check your child's backpack for a Community School Report. This report highlights Community School activities from the last year!

Upcoming Programs at the Northfield Y: Join Us!

· MEA School’s Out Days: Thursday, October 17th and Friday, October 18th

o Do you want your kids to have fun and stay busy during school breaks like MEA? Join us at the YMCA! Enroll for a fun-filled day of swimming, games, crafts, sports, friends and more! Dropoff runs as early as 7:00 AM and pickup goes until 5:00 PM – register today to secure a spot on our roster!

o Transportation is provided! For students attending Bridgewater and Spring Creek Elementary, the Y offers free, optional transportation after school to get kids from school over to the Y to begin programs! If interested, please contact our Youth Development Team to learn more.

For more information and to register, visit our website or connect with our Member Services team in person or by phone: 507-645-0088. We hope to see you and your students very soon!

I thought I would take a moment again this year to share a little bit about myself so that you may get to know me better. I am originally from a small town on the North Shore, Lutsen, MN. I graduated from Cook County High School, and had the pleasure of seeing Lake Superior every day on my ride to and from school on the bus! This is my 18th year at Bridgewater as the principal. Previously, I was a head principal for five years in Worthington. I am also an adjunct professor for Concordia St. Paul preparing teachers to become administrators. I am married to my husband Doug and we have two adult children, Chris and Jen. My mother, Muriel Lyght, has also lived with us for the past twenty-seven years. My son Chris graduated from St. Cloud State University where he also played on the football team. He is currently working at Hennepin Schools in the Human Resources Department. Jen also graduated from St. Cloud State, and is working at an Early Childhood Center and Head Start in St. Cloud. It seems like just yesterday when they were students at Bridgewater, and I am very proud of them.

I also stay busy professionally trying to stay current across the state and nation. I am a Past-President of the MN Elementary Principals’ Association and was appointed by both former Governor Dayton and Governor Walz to serve on the Board of School Administrators. I I have learned so much through all of these experiences and it is great to see what happens in other school districts across the country.

I thoroughly enjoy working with students, staff and families, and try my best to learn the names of all the students. I cannot imagine not being around children; they are such great gifts and bring happiness with lots of energy! I am also a huge sports fan and that is why you may see me at many local sporting events when they are in session. I enjoy sewing for fun and have made numerous quilts and baby blankets.

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/

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

Oct 10---Dental Clinic for Bridgewater students

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

Nov. 1 & 4---Teacher Preparation-End of 1st quarter-No School for Students

Nov 6---Picture Retake Day

Nov 11---Veterans Day Assembly

Nov 12---Bridgewater Booster Club Meeting 6:00-7:00 pm in the BW Media Center

Nov 26 --- Grandparent's Day

Nov 27---E-Learning Day

Nov 28 & 29---Thanksgiving Break-No school for students

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 570 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