Bridge to Home                                         Bridge Mural
   A weekly publication about Bridge by PTA volunteers
September 5, 2011                                                                                               Vol. 16, Issue 2

Bridge Elementary School
55 Middleby Road, Lexington, MA  02421
(781) 861-2510
 
Web Site:  http://bridge.lexingtonma.org 
  
Upcoming Events
Sept 5

No School -- Labor Day 

 

Sept 14, Wed 8:30 am Bridge cafeteria

Parent Coffee Connection: Renovation Plans 

 

Sept 16, Fri 8:45 am, 43 Wachusett Drive 

Newcomer's Breakfast

 

Sept 19, Mon

School Picture Day


Sept 20, Tues (see below for times and locations)

Big Backyard Basics     

 

Sept 22, Thurs 

Back to School/Curriculum Night

 

Sept 22-23 (see below for times and locations)

Big Backyard at Bridge Trainings   

 

Sept 26, Mon 8:30-9:00 am

Bridge School Classroom Visitation

 

Sept 29, Thurs

No School -- Rosh Hashanah

 

Oct 5, Wed

SRS Walking Wednesday 

 

Oct 7-10

No School -- Columbus Day weekend    

 

Oct 15, Sat 5:00-7:00 pm

Indoor Monstah Bash Carnival Fundraiser  

Jokes of the Week
Q: Why was the music teacher not able to open his class room?
A:  Because his keys were on the piano.

Q: Why did the students study in the aeroplane?
A:  Because they wanted higher grades. 

Update Your Family Directory Listing   

Please remember to update your contact information for this fall's Bridge Directory.  This can now be easily done through a secure form on our Web site.  The deadline is coming soon, so take care of this now.  Thank you! 

Questions?  Contact our Directory Chair, Jane Chang, at [email protected].

Next B2H Deadline 
NEXT DEADLINE:  Thursday, Sept 1, 5 PM

Please submit by email (preferably in text format only)
to Aimee Burstein at [email protected].  Articles are subject to approval by Principal Colella or must be from authorized Bridge School and/or PTA sources.   
In This Issue...
Principal's Corner
Volunteers Needed for Morning Drop-off
Library Volunteers Needed
Picture Day Volunteers Needed
One Shot Deal" Volunteering
FIRST Lego League starts 9/11
New to Bridge?...Come for Breakfast 9/16
Big Backyard Trainings Start 9/20
Back to School Night on 9/22
Classroom Open House to be Held in September
Join the PTA
Sign up for 2011-2012 PTA Committees!
Keep In Touch
Lost and Found
Student Absence Line

call (781) 861-2510
press 6, then press 1

Parents should call Bridge School by 8:30am when their child is going to be absent or late.

Cafeteria Info. 
Lunch: $3.25
Milk only: $0.75
  
View this month's menu from Chartwell's

Child graduated?

If you no longer wish to receive B2H, please use the unsubscribe link at the beginning or end of this email (but of course, you are welcome to stay).
Archived B2H
Starting with the 8/6/2010 issue, past Bridge to Home issues are now archived on the Bridge Web site.  

 

Subscribe to receive weekly B2H e-mail

 

Principal's Corner

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year!  We are off to a great start.  Over the past three days I have spent time meeting new Bridge students, visiting classrooms, and talking with students about their summer vacations.  There is a positive energy and excitement felt throughout the halls and classrooms at Bridge. 

        

We are looking forward to a successful school year.  Bridge school is pleased to welcome new staff members to our team: 

  • Ms. Erin Maguire - Ms. Maguire will be working both as a .5 assistant principal and a .5 third grade teacher.  Ms. Maguire comes to use from the Newton Public Schools where she has worked both as a teacher and within the special education department.  Ms. Maguire will be partnering with Ms. Childs as a third grade teacher.      
  • Ms. Diane Spengler - Ms. Spengler is joining our special education team as a speech and language pathologist.  Most recently, she has worked at Lexington High School in the same capacity.  Prior to that, she spent many years at the elementary level and is happy to be working with this age level again.
  • Ms. Yuiko Shimazu - Ms. Shimazu is joining our English Language Learner (ELL) staff.  Ms. Shimazu, who was an ELL student herself, is pleased to be working collaboratively with our other ELL teacher, Ms. Deidre Schadler, and is anticipating a great start to the school year.
  • Ms. Kim Rogerson - Ms. Rogerson is joining our special education team as a school psychologist.  She will be working as a .2 Bridge psychologist and will also serve as a system wide psychologist.  She is excited to work collaboratively with Dr. Michele Welch, our .5 school psychologist.

Site Based Council 

Come join the team! Our first meeting will be held September 30, 2011 at 7:45am in the library. We are looking to expand our membership and we welcome any interested parties to attend this informational first meeting.

 

Parking Reminder 

Please remember that there is visitor parking in the front of the building and in the side parking lot. There is no visitor parking in the rear of the building. If you are picking up a walker, please park in the designated visitor parking spots. It is too dangerous to have cars in motion in the rear of the building during dismissal. Thank you!

 

Morning Playground Rules

As you know, the safety of our students is of the utmost importance.  Due to the large number of students on the playground between 8:15am-8:30am, the web structure will remain closed. Students in grades 1-5 will have access to it during their scheduled recess time. 

 

Dog Walking

Please make sure that if you walk to school with your dog, that he/she is leashed at all times.  Dogs are not permitted on the playground between 8:15am-3:30pm.  Thank you in advance.   

 

Kindergarten Walkers
Students who are dismissed from kindergarten as "walkers" will exit through the kindergarten wing door.  They will line up against the wall and will wait for a parent/guardian/or older sibling, to pick them up.  They will be supervised by a kindergarten teacher.  

 

Meg Colella

Principal

Volunteers Needed Tuesdays and Fridays for Morning Drop-off
Once again this school year, parent volunteers will aid in the morning drop-off process at Bridge.  Please consider helping out one day a week or every other week.  It is a very simple task.  You need to ensure that cars pull up as far as they can before dropping off and help any children who need help getting out of their cars.  It only takes twenty minutes out of your morning, from 8:25 to 8:45 am.

 

We currently need volunteers for Tuesday and Friday mornings.

 

If you can chip in, either weekly or every other week, please contact JJ Krawczyk at [email protected].

Library Volunteers Needed

The Bridge School Library is still looking for several volunteers. This is a great way to become active in the Bridge School community, meet your child's classmates, and become familiar with the school's collection of children's literature.

 

The typical time commitment is small - only one hour every other week.  Duties include checking out books, returning books, and shelving and training is provided in September.

 

Currently, we have immediate needs for the following shifts/classrooms.

  • Mrs. Colby's 5th grade class (every other Wednesday from 8:30-9:30)
  • Mr. Lambert's 4th grade class (every other Tuesday from 10:30-11:30)
  • Mrs. Bates and Ms. Hinton's 1st grade class (every other Friday from 2:00-3:00)
  • All 2nd grade classes (every other Monday or Wednesday from 1:00-2:00)
  • All Kindergarten classes (every other Monday or Wednesday from 2:00-3:00)

You may sign up to help in the library when your child's class visits or at a specific day and time that you are available.

 

To volunteer or for more information, please e-mail Clare Sweeney at

[email protected].

Volunteers Needed for Bridge School Picture Day
Volunteers are needed to help out on School Picture Day, which will be held on Monday, September 19th.   This is an easy "one shot" volunteering opportunity for parents who may not have time to participate on a PTA Committee.  
 

School pictures will be taken OUTSIDE (weather permitting) from 8:45 to 1:00 on the morning of the 19th and we will need four volunteers per shift.  At this time, shifts are expected to run about 90 minutes or less (8:45-10:00, 10:00-11:30, and 11:30-1:00) but may change based on the number of volunteers we get. Each volunteer will be assigned to one of four Coffee Pond photographers and will be responsible for logging information on the order envelopes as students are photographed, making sure students stay in line, and helping maintain order.

 

If you are interested, please contact Clare Sweeney at [email protected] and provide your name, email address, phone number, and preferred shift.

 

Thank you!

Sign up now for "One Shot Deal" Volunteering
So you don't like meetings and don't want to be on a PTA committee, but you'd like to help out somehow?  Here's your opportunity!  Sign up for "One Shot Deal" volunteering.  Examples of special assignments might include creating a poster or baking cookies for an event, helping to paint a classroom, helping with a PTA mailing, distributing B2H quarterly newsletters, or checking in people at an event...

Email Suzanne Lau at [email protected] with your name, availability (specific dates/morning/midday/afternoon/evening/weekdays/weekends), and your preferred contact information.

FIRST Lego League starts 9/11

We are pleased to announce Lexington Robotics' second season for participation in FIRST Lego League (FLL), for any child aged of 9-14 interested in learning about robotics in a fun, supportive environment, much like a sports league. (We will also be offering a program for children ages 6-9; an official announcement will be made separately, or please see our web site for details.)
 
In the FIRST Lego League game, teams build and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology to score points in 2.5-minute matches on a themed playing field.
 
We will be fielding two types of teams this season, "Junior Varsity" and "Varsity."
 
Our Junior Varsity teams will focus primarily on the Robot Game, and is ideal for participants who primarily want to work on building and programming a robot, and having fun.  Junior Varsity participants will participate in our in-house tournament to be held on December 11, and they will also have the option to participate in the fun of a regional tournament.
 
In addition to building and programming a robot, Varsity teams will also explore an actual problem that today's scientists and engineers are trying to solve, develop an innovative solution to that problem (either by creating something that doesn't exist or building upon something that does), and share their findings at a regional tournament.  Because Varsity teams will be meeting all of the requirements for the regional competition, they will also have the possibility of advancing to the state and national tournaments if they qualify.  
 
For more information on Lexington Robotics, FIRST Lego League, and how to register, please visit: http://www.lexingtonrobotics.org.
 
When: Sunday afternoons starting September 11, running through December 11, in two afternoon sessions, either 1:30-3:30 pm or 3:45-5:45 pm; Varsity teams will also meet select Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 pm; the Regional Tournament is either on December 3rd or 10th, all day (8:00 am - 5:00 pm).   Again, the regional tournament is optional for Junior Varsity participants.
 
Where: Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Rd, Lexington, off of Waltham Street
 
Fees:
$230 for Varsity, includes in-house and regional tournaments
$195 for Junior Varsity with in-house and regional tournament
$180 for Junior Varsity with in-house tournament only
Fee includes all FIRST registration and team fees, use of LEGO MINDSTORMS robots and kits, shared laptop use, meeting space, and regional tournament registration fees (other than for JV in-house only).
 
Register by: September 1; we anticipate filling all of our space, so please act early!  For registration forms see:  http://www.lexingtonrobotics.org/registering/.
 
Looking for Coaches:
Can you coach? Even if you have not worked with robots before, we need your help!  We will provide a coach training session, handle the computer and technical Q&A, and provide floating coaches during the meetings to support you.  
 
About us:
We are two Lexington parents, Henry Houh (Estabrook Elementary) and Alan Sherman (Bowman Elementary), who are interested in bringing hands-on engineering and science programs to more kids in Lexington and the surrounding towns. Henry had a great experience with two FLL teams in 2009 at Estabrook, and teamed up with Alan last year to help expand the FLL experience in Lexington, fielding 9 teams.
 
We look forward to a great robotics season!

New to Bridge?  Come for Breakfast 9/16

Newcomer's BreakfastThe Annual Newcomer's Breakfast will take place on Friday, September 16th at 8:45 am at the home of Kara Libby, Parent and Newcomers Committee Co-Chair, at 43 Wachusett Drive.  Those new to Bridge School are encouraged to attend!  This is a great opportunity to meet other parents and ask PTA members all those questions you still have but were afraid to ask!  We hope to see you there.

Big Backyard Trainings Start 9/20 

Fall is here and it's time for Big Backyard!  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.  

 

Big Backyard Basics:

General (LPS District-wide) Big Backyard training is especially for volunteers new to the program and new coordinators and trainers who want a refresher.  The Big Backyard "Basic Training" includes a discussion of the basic principles of environmental science plus an introduction to the philosophy and essential activities of the Big Backyard nature study program.  Participants need only bring curiosity, an appreciation for the natural world, and a desire to help children learn about the way the world works.  Training for specific grade level walks will take place seasonally at each school.

 

When:       

Tuesday, September 20 9:30 am - 11:30 am at Central Office

OR

Tuesday, September 20 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Harrington in the art room

 

Presenters:

Karen McCarthy, K-5 Science Coordinator, and Fran Ludwig

 

For more information about the program, contact Karen at [email protected].

   

Big Backyard at Bridge 

Please help us explore and discover Bridge's backyard by volunteering in your child's classroom to lead a small group of children on a curriculum based nature walk.   No experience necessary and newcomers are always welcome!  Come to the trainings listed below to learn more about this fun and educational parent volunteer opportunity. If you can't make the training date, we will train you at your convenience.


Thursday September 22
Kindergarten - 9:00am
Grade 1 - 10:00am
Grade 2- 11:00

 

Friday September 23
Grade 3 - 9:00am

 

Please contact the Big Backyard Coordinators for more information:  Cindy Darcy ([email protected]), Andrew McKee ([email protected]), or
Laurie Curtis ([email protected]).  

Back to School Night on 9/22

Parents are invited to come to the revamped Back to School/Curriculum Night on the evening of Thursday, September 22nd.  This evening event is for adults only.  Come to Bridge to hear about grade level curriculum and specific information pertaining to your child's classroom.  Information may include homework expectations, projects the students will take part in, general curriculum information, and much more.  Teachers will present curriculum individually or by grade level.  More specific information will be made available in September, so stay tuned.

Classroom Open House Visitation 9/26
Each year, shortly after school begins, parents have a chance to come to school with their children during the Bridge School Classroom Visitation.  On Monday 9/26, from 8:30 to 9:00 am, students will have the chance to share their classrooms with their parents and families.  It's a wonderful experience enjoyed by families and students alike.  You will get to spend 30 minutes on a classroom tour given by your child and take a look at the desks and lockers.  You will also have a chance to meet your child's teacher and ask your questions about routines.  

Join the PTA

Members of the PTA are busily working to make this coming year at Bridge School a wonderful experience for your family, but we need your support to accomplish this. Your membership dues and donations fund the many programs hosted by the PTA.  We encourage each Bridge family to become a member of the Bridge PTA so that we can continue delivering the programs and services that the Bridge community enjoys.

Bridge School families benefit from becoming members of the PTA. Members will receive:  

  • a complementary copy of the Bridge School Directory (published in early fall).  Please note that you need to join by September 30th to receive the directory. 
  • a subscription to Bride To Home, our weekly email newsletter that lists important Bridge events and announcements 
  • Invitations to Information Coffees, community events, and curriculum-building activities 
  • a PTA membership card and private access to the National PTA Website, which offers national and local information pertaining to the delivery of quality public education.   

You can sign up by filling out a PTA membership form and sending it with your check to Bridge School PTA at 55 Middleby Road, Lexington, MA 02421 or placing your information and check in the Membership Box in the Front Foyer of Bridge School.  Your PTA membership helps to support over 40 different Committees and programs run by PTA volunteers throughout the school year.  PTA members also receive a free copy of the Bridge School Directory in early October, which is a helpful resource for families.

  

Questions? Please contact our Membership Chair, Nikki Mackesy, at [email protected].

Sign up for 2011-2012 PTA Committees!

There are 46 different PTA Committees, ranging from different fundraising programs (Spiritwear, Wishing Well, Arts Created Together, 5th Grade Committee) to event programs (International Fair, Book Fair, Science Night) to more school-based help (Gardening, Morning Car Greeters, Playground). Please consider joining one of our many committees this year.   Some committees will be looking for members soon, while others are seeking chairs or co-chairs.  Please contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in any of these committees

Keep In Touch

There are a lot of ways to keep on top of everything that goes on at Bridge.  Click here for more information.  

  • Flyers in backpacks -- announcements about upcoming events, etc., from school and PTA sources. 
  • Bridge To Home every Monday -- announcements from school and PTA sources.  Subscribe here
  • List Serve -- as needed, often district-wide announcements including from LPS Superintendent Paul Ash or Principal Meg Colella.  Sign up by emailing our ListServ Chair, Jane Chang, at [email protected].
  • Yahoo Group -- site for Bridge parents to ask questions and share information.  To join click here OR send an email to [email protected].

Lost and Found

Lost and Found BoxLet's start the year out right.  Please remember to write your surname with permanent marker in your child's clothing, lunch boxes, water bottles, sports equipment, back packs, binders, books, notebooks, glasses, coats, and boots for the Fall!  Only 5% of articles that end up in the Lost and Found are labeled.  Every attempt is made to return LABELED items to your family!  But if something goes missing, check the Lost and Found box located across and down the hall from the main office near the back entrance to the parking lot.

2011-2012 PTA Executive Committee Members

CO-PRESIDENTS

Justine Wirtanen 

Rebecca Reynolds Moore 

 

CO-VICE PRESIDENTS

Victoria Campos

Stephanie Mitzenmacher

Laura Schroeder

Cathy Smith 

Guorong Zhu

Susan Kingsbury  

  

TREASURER

Tricia Weisberg 

SECRETARY

Suzanne Lau 

Bridge School Office Staff

 

PRINCIPAL

Margaret Colella 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Erin Maguire  

ADMINISTRATIVE ASST

Marcia Cavatorta

GUIDANCE

Lucia Gates

NURSE

Diane Celi