Dear Bridge School Families,

         As you know, Superintendent Dr. Paul Ash announced on Tuesday that I have been appointed as the Principal of Bridge School next year.  I am truly honored to have been selected and feel grateful to be the leader of Bridge.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to visit classrooms and participate in the activities and lessons being taught. The high level of student engagement, the thoughtful planning by teachers, and the added support by various school personnel help to make Bridge such a wonderful place to learn.  As the Principal, it is my goal to ensure that the academic, social, and emotional needs of all Bridge students are matched with the appropriate academic and social supports.   Working with talented educators to help ensure success by students in these areas has been a large focus of my faculty meetings and professional development afternoons.   

I have worked to bring a sense of community and enjoyment to the halls of Bridge School this year.  Over the past few months, I have seen students and staff celebrated at Morning Meetings, in the halls, and in classrooms.  "Filling each other's buckets" with compliments and thank-yous, congratulating each other for academic excellence and achievements, and learning how to get along as a community of learners has helped to bring a positive and proactive feeling to Bridge.

As you spend time with family members over the winter vacation, I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate your child(ren)'s successes, both big and small. 

I am truly humbled to have the opportunity to continue on as the leader of Bridge School.   

Four volunteers are needed to help in the Bridge library in the new year.  We provide training and ask each volunteer to spend about one hour and fifteen minutes in the library every two weeks.  It is a great opportunity to support the Bridge community!

The available shifts are listed below.  You may volunteer regardless of whether you have a child in one of the classes on the list.  Please contact Cary Morse at troop.morse@verizon.net for more information.

• Mr. Lambert's class, every other Wednesday from 9-10 am starting on January 12
• Two volunteers needed for Mrs. Campbell's class. Every other Tuesday from 8:30-9:45; one volunteer to start on January 4 and the other to start on January 11
• Mrs. Bean/Mrs. Child's class, every other Monday from 11:15-12:30 starting on January 10

This exceptional Bridge School tradition, celebrating the school's broad range of cultural diversity, will take place on Friday, March 11, 2011.  There will be tables representing countries from all over the world, games, crafts and fabulous entertainment from Bridge students and family members.

There are several ways you can be involved.  You can host a country table.  You can also be involved by joining the International Festival committee; there are many opportunities ranging from planning tasks to helping out just a few hours on the night of the event.  We are also always looking for acts for the show.

If you are interested in hosting a table, performing or serving on the committee, please contact Cary Morse at troop.morse@verizon.net.  Save the date: the first committee meeting will be on January 5, 11-12:30 at 25 Bridge St.  All are welcome.

The Big Backyard is a seasonal program that relies on parent volunteers to lead small groups of children from their child's class on nature walks around Bridge school.  These walks take place outside during the school day in areas around Bridge.  Most of the walks last 30-45 minutes.  The theme of each walk is coordinated with the classroom science curriculum for each grade and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.  Big Backyard walks are great fun and provide a way for parents to support the classroom teachers and also interact with their own children.  No previous experience is necessary.  First time parents are always welcome.

If you would like to lead a Winter walk, please come to the following training:

Thursday, January 6

9:00 - Kindergarten

10:00 - Grade 1

11:00 - Grade 2

Meet at the Bridge Big Backyard/Parent Resource Room.  We will be going outside rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.

These walks will train parents specifically in the material to be covered on the Winter walks in Grades K-2.  All walk descriptions are available electronically.  If you would like to volunteer but are unable to make the above training dates, or if you would like more information, please contact, Bridge Big Backyard Coordinators:  Laurie Curtis, lauriecurtis@yahoo.com, Andrew Mckee, andrew_h_z_mckee@yahoo.com, and Cindy Darcy, cindydarcy@yahoo.com.

Join us for the 3^rd annual Bookmark Design Contest at Bridge Library. Students

help celebrate our program by designing a bookmark that shows the many activities, lessons, and experiences that we share in our school library. The theme this year is "Think. . .Create. . . Share. . . Grow." Students are learning to Think critically...to Create new knowledge...to Share their learning...to Grow in curiosity as a student.

Entries are submitted in three divisions:

                  Kindergarten - Grade 1                                       

                  Grade 2 - Grade 3

                  Grade 4 - Grade 6

The Bookmark Contest is strictly voluntary.  Students who are interested in participating must obtain an official entry from Mrs. Allen in the library.  Official entries must be submitted to Mrs. Allen by January 26, 2011.