Principal Chat
Welcome back! Like many of you, I had to double-check "2025". It feels like it is a year still so far into the future. We are now a quarter of the way through the 21st century!
REGISTRATION FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR - Registration for CURRENT Bridge students has closed. If you did not register your student, their spots have been placed back into the lottery. If this is in error you must contact the office ASAP. Please let your friends and family know, THE LOTTERY FOR 2025-2026 HAS OPENED! We will run the lottery for siblings, military and staff on January 27. Interested families can call the office to schedule a tour (801)499-5180.
Your 6th grade student will soon need to register for junior high!! There are many great options including your neighborhood school. Below in the newsletter you will find links to nearby charter schools and online options that may be a great fit for your child.
ATTENDANCE - our schoolwide attendance is 92%. At then end of each month we will be looking at the attendance percentage. If we hit 95% students will get a FREE dress down day the following month. On January 31 we will run the report. If attendance is at 95% or higher students will get a FREE Dress Down Day on Thursday, February 13. Please see further below in the newsletter for important attendance information.
MATURATION - Bridge opts to provide our parents the information to share maturation with their student in their own home. Further in the newsletter you will find information about our board-adopted maturation program.
FAMILY MATH NIGHT - Our annual Family Math Night with FREE dinner is January 27. See below for more information.
VALENTINES DAY EXCHANGE - February 14 is a NO SCHOOL day this year. Please complete the survey to help us determine if we have students exchange Valentines. We will use the majority rule to come up with a SCHOOLWIDE decision: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Valentine2025
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS - Further in the newsletter we highlight individuals at Bridge and the important role they play in creating a positive, supportive and engaging learning environment our students. This week we highlight our amazing 2nd GRADE teachers!
COMMUNITY CONNECTION - Ms. Chelsea, our social worker, provides a fabulous Community Connection every other week to help support kids and families. See below in the newsletter for ideas about "assume the best" to help your child feel valued and confident.
ICYMI - this is the link to our website for all previous news bulletins:
https://www.bridgecharter.org/bridge-bulletinb
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, January 20 (Martin Luther)
- February 14 and 17 (teacher workday and President's Day)
- March 6 & 7 (parent teacher conferences)
- April 14 - 18 (Spring Break)
- May 26 (Memorial Day)
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Sibling, Staff and Military Lottery for 2025-2026 - January 27
- Family Math Night - January 27, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
- Roy FD Assembly - February 24, 9 - 10 am
- FREE Skate Night at Classic - February 27, 5 - 8 pm
- Parent Teacher Conferences - March 6 & 7
- Road to Success reading program ends - March 24
- Yearbooks on Sale - April 1 thru April 30
- Field Day (yearbooks, last day of school, short day) - May 29
As a school of choice, Bridge recognizes our model is not the right fit for every child. Nearly all children flourish with the small group and personalized learning experience Bridge offers and some children thrive in the collaborative learning pod experience complete with multiple transitions daily. However, other students may find the large learning pod with lots of movement and lots of students, provides sensory overload and is not the ideal learning environment for the them. If you have not yet had an opportunity to visit during school hours, please reach out to your child's teacher to schedule a time to come and observe your child's learning experience and environment. Parents and guardians need to carefully determine if the learning model provided by Bridge is the model that fits best for their child.
We have started our Middle of year (MOY) testing. Our testing is done using various methods including one on one with a student and tester, computer based testing, and paper pencil. This testing provides critical information regarding your child's progress in reading and math. The data from these assessments is provided to parents on the progress report which is a tab on the child's Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). Progress reports will be available by January 24, 2025. These scores can be compared to grade level expectations but most importantly, compared with the beginning of year (BOY) scores to determine growth. There is also a tab on the PLP which provides the grade level expectations for our assessments.
Once the assessment is completed, teachers analyze each child's data to determine next steps for instruction. As a school, we use the data to determine if there are parts of our educational model that need refining. The Acadience reading and math data is provided to the state as these are required tests in Utah.
Testing includes:
- BEPS Phonics Screener (K - 2 and struggling 3-6 graders)
- Acadience Reading (K - 6) students are provided with a composite score which includes the following measures. All except MAZE are one minute timings.
- FSF - First Sound Fluency (K only) - students hear a word and tell the tester the first sound they hear in the word.
- PSF - Phoneme Segmentation Fluency (K only) - students hear a word and tell the tester each of the sounds in the word.
- NWF - Nonsense Word Fluency (K & 1st) - students read a two or three letter nonsense word and tell the tester the sounds of the letters (K) and blend the letters fluently into a word (1st).
- ORF - Oral Reading Fluency - (1st - 6th) - students read a grade level passage - score is number of words read correctly.
- Retell - (1st - 6th) - is a measure of comprehension where students tell the tester about what they read. Students are scored based on the number of retell words and the number of details they provide.
- MAZE (3rd - 6th) - is another measure of comprehension. The student is presented with a reading passage in which some words are replaced by a multiple choice box that includes three choices. The student reads the passage silently and selects the word in each box that best fits the meaning of the sentence.
- iReady Reading (1st - 6th) - diagnostic reading test on the computer
- iReady Math (1st - 6th) - diagnostic math test on the computer
- Acadience Math (K - 6) Students are provided with a composite score which includes the following assessments. Most measures are completed in a one minutes timing.
- BQD - Beginning Quantity Discrimination (K only) The student is presented with a sheet that contains a series of boxes with two patterns of dots in them. The student is asked to orally name the number of dots that is the larger quantity.
- NIF - Next Identification Fluency (K only) -The student is presented with a sheet of numbers that range from 1–99 and is asked to say each number.
- NNF - Next Number Fluency (K only) -The student is orally provided with a number that ranges from 1–99 and asked to say the next number.
- AQD - Advanced Quantity Discrimination (1st only) -The student is presented with a sheet that contains a series of boxes with two numbers in them. The student is asked to orally name the number that is the larger quantity.
- MNF - Missing Number Fluency (1st only) -The student is presented with a sheet that contains a series of boxes that have three numbers and a blank line. The student is asked to orally name the missing number.
- Comp - Computation (1st - 6th grade) -The student is presented with a worksheet that consists of computation problems that they are asked to solve. The problems are grade level specific and may include operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division (timing 2 - 6 minutes depending on grade level). Timing is grade specific, 2 - 6 minutes.
- C & A - Concepts and Applications (2nd - 6th grade) - The student is presented with a worksheet that consists of problems that assess understanding of mathematical concepts and vocabulary and asks the students to apply that knowledge to solve problems. The problems are grade level specific. Timing is grade specific, 5 - 16 minutes.
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. At Bridge, our administration and board 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.
There are MANY great options for junior high school for your student. Many of the lotteries for junior high charter schools are already open for enrollment. If you choose a neighborhood, district school, PLEASE contact them ASAP so you do not miss out on the registration process. This is not a comprehensive list:
Weber School District - https://www.wsd.net
Ogden School District - https://www.ogdensd.org
Davis School District - https://www.davis.k12.ut.us
Quest Academy (West Haven) - https://www.questac.org
Venture Academy (Mariott-Slaterville) - https://www.venturelearning.org
Ogden Prep Academy (Ogden) - https://ogdenprep.org
Syracuse Arts Academy (Syracuse) - https://www.syracuseartsacademy.org
Utah Military Academy (Riverdale) - https://www.utahmilitaryacademy.org/main/campuses
DaVinci Academy (Ogden) - https://secondary.davinciacademy.org
Mountain Heights Academy (online) - https://mountainheightsacademy.org
Utah Virtual Academy (online) - https://utva.k12.com
Connections Academy (online) - https://www.connectionsacademy.com/utah-online-school
Attendance at school is SO important and the attendance data is reported to the state of Utah through our Aspire system. Chronic absence is defined as a student missing 10% of school days (excused or unexcused) in a school year (so 18 days or more). Consider these facts about how attendance impacts student success.
- Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September end up missing nearly a MONTH of school
- Absenteeism and its ill effects start early. Read more...
- Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade.
- By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
- Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school, or about 18 days, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence.
- When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.
If your student MUST miss school consider these options:
Ask your teacher for resources that you can use at home to keep your children learning. ALL students have access to iReady reading and math (grades 1-6) or Waterford reading and math (kindergarten).
- Identify who can support your children’s learning at home, especially if you must go to work.
- Encourage your children to call classmates and stay connected to the teacher to find out about what they missed.
Utah is at the forefront of providing lots of educational options for families. Charter schools, like Bridge, are just one of the choices. For students with special needs, Utah has the Carson Smith Scholarship available. The Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program allows a parent of a special needs child to apply for a scholarship to help cover the cost of private schools and special programs. Information about this program and the list of approved private schools and programs can be found on the state's website at:
We will NOT have a Tuesday Talk in January. Our next one will be Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The first Tuesday of the month we meet in the gym as a school community, 2:15 - 3:00. During this time one grade will showcase something amazing they have completed and our Frog Squad will provide a message about kindness or one of our Visible Learning Traits. Additionally, students will get to showcase their own talent via a pre-submitted video.
Student talent can showcase any type of talent - singing, sports, dancing, stand up comedy, magic, etc.. The video must be less than one minute long and the content must be school appropriate - for example, if the student is singing the lyrics must be kid-friendly or the background music chosen for the video must be kid-firendly.
Email Mrs. Rounds Lani@BridgeCharter.org AT LEAST one week before the first Tuesday of the month to give her time to proof the video and include it in the presentation.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Visible Learning - Family Connection
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!
This week our students did not receive a fruit/vegetable snack as we are still tryinbg to get our legs under us from a 19 day break 😀
This program is designed to give students an opportunity to try a fresh fruit or vegetable they may not otherwise have exposure to. This is a grant from USDA that Bridge is SO fortunate to receive!
Students attend a Visible Learning class where they learn about six traits of a good learner - Reflection - Initiative - Flexibility - Thoroughness - Enthusiasm - Determination (RIFTED). Teaching these traits is one way we help students learn to take accountability and ownership of their learning. Starting in January, our Visible Learning (VL) class will alternate with our Second Steps SEL lessons. One week students will have a VL lesson and the next week an SEL lesson. These two programs align perfectly with our Culture of Learning at Bridge.
You can find all the traits on our website at: https://www.bridgecharter.org/visible-learninga
Please discuss these traits at home and help empower your children to take personal ownership and accountability for their own academic performance. You can find information about our Second Steps program, including the scope and sequence, on our website under Curriculum and Assessment: SECOND STEPS
Miranda Westergard
I have been with Bridge for five years now! I love teaching second grade and getting to know my students. I call myself a hobby hopper. I love learning new skills and trying new things. Some of my favorite hobbies are reading, crocheting, and baking. During the summer I love being outside. I enjoy camping, paddle boarding, and am learning to like gardening.
Amanda Hoesel
My name is Amanda Hoesel and this is my first year as a classroom teacher at Bridge. My favorite thing about my job is helping the kids reach their goals and celebrating their accomplishments with them. At home I have 3 amazing kids and when I’m not at school I am supporting them in dance, football, basketball and 4H. I have 6 horses that I love to ride and compete with. I love everything outside, camping, paddle boarding and gardening. My true loves are my Frenchies Dash and Dottie.
Lori Vigil
Lori Vigil has been a 2nd grade teacher at Bridge since it opened its doors in 2020. She realized her love for teaching while working as a computer teacher and substitute with Davis School District. She returned to school to earn a teaching degree through Western Governors University. When Lori is not teaching 2nd grade, she enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, and taking care of her grand dogs, Cooper and Beth, dog sitting for friends, family and neighbors, and snuggling with her own beautiful dog, Lucy.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Attendance is taken every morning by 8:45 am. The computer identifies all students who are marked "absent" and then, sends a message to all parents if the student is not marked "EXCUSED". This is done for safety reasons as well as to remind parents students must be excused from school if they are absent.
Absences MUST be excused within 24 hours of the absence, otherwise it is considered "unexcused". Once a child has 7 unexcused absences parents are sent a Notice of Compulsory Education Violation and are required to meet with administration regarding the absences. All absence are reported through our state system, Aspire. Once a child has 10 unexcused absences the school can contact the Division of Child and Family Services for educational neglect.
It is super easy to excuse an absence. Either call the office (801)499-5180 and listen for the prompts or use the EXCUSE ABSENCE icon on the front page of our website.
Safe UT - See Something? Say Something?
Bridge is a member of Utah's Safe UT. SafeUT is a crisis chat and tip line that provides real-time crisis intervention for students, parents/guardians, and educators through live chat and a confidential tip line—right from your smartphone. This also allows students or parents to report potentially violent or concerning issues they see or hear about that may impact the staff or students at Bridge.
You can access the information from our website under RESOURCES at:
https://www.bridgecharter.org/safeut-see-something-say-something
or directly at https://safeut.org/students
Weber Human Services - Stabilization and Mobile Response (SMR)
Title I at Bridge
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:
Schools cannot do this alone! We can provide students with instruction on how to read and provide them with some practice, but in order to become proficient readers, students MUST practice reading at home.
The recommendation is 20 minutes daily outside of school. This can include a student reading aloud, an adult or independent reader reading to a younger reader, or an independent reader reading silently with the child being provided an opportunity to discuss their reading. Kids can read to their dog, cat, guinea pig, siblings, parents, grandparents, etc. They can record themselves reading and then listen to it again. They can re-read a paragraph or page to improve their fluency and decoding skills. Visit the link below to find ways to help your child improve their reading and develop a love for reading.
As an added bonus, minutes can be tracked for the Road to Success reading incentive program!
About Bridge Elementary Charter
Email: info@bridgecharter.org
Website: bridgecharter.org
Location: 4824 Midland Drive, Roy, UT
Phone: (801)499-5180
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgeCharter