Bridge to Home                                         Bridge Mural
   A weekly publication about Bridge by PTA volunteers
October 10, 2011                                                                               Vol. 16, Issue 7

Bridge Elementary School
55 Middleby Road, Lexington, MA  02421
(781) 861-2510
 
Bridge School Web Site:  http://lps.lexingtonma.org/bridgees
Bridge PTA Web Site: http://www.BridgePTA.org   
    
  
Upcoming Events
Oct 10, Mon

No School -- Columbus Day

 

Oct 12, Wed

National Jumping Jacks Record Attempt (see below)   

 

Oct 13, Thurs  

Bridge Chess Club Starts (see below)     

 

Oct 15, Sat 5:00-7:00 pm (rain or shine) 

Monstah Bash Carnival Fundraiser and Used Book Sale     

 

Oct 21, Fri 8:00 am

Site Council Meeting in Bridge Library 

 

Oct 26, Wed 5:00-8:00 pm

Family Map Night and Asian Cafe   

 

Nov 2, Wed

SRS Walking Wednesday

 

Nov 2, Wed

1/2 day, Parent-Teacher Conferences

 

Nov 3, Thurs

Parent-Teacher Conferences  

 

Nov 9, Wed 7:00 pm at Cary Hall

LEF Trivia Bee 

Jokes of the Week
Q:  What's more dangerous than pulling a shark's tooth?
A:  Giving a porcupine a back rub!

Q:  What's a skeleton's favorite musical instrument?
A:   The trombone! 
Archived B2H
Starting with the 8/6/2010 issue, past Bridge to Home issues are now archived on the Bridge PTA Web site.  
Next B2H Deadline 
NEXT DEADLINE:  Thursday, October 13, 5 PM

Please submit by email (preferably in text format only)
to Aimee Burstein.  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
New School and PTA Websites
Bridge/Bowman Renovation Project Update
ACT Fundraising/Square1 Art
Bridge to Join World Record Attempt for Jumping Jacks!!
Bridge Chess Club Starts 10/13
Eco-Bridge KickOff
A "THRILLER" of a Dance Class
Monstah Carnival 10/15
Still Seeking Family Friends
Volunteers Needed for Map Night
Food Drive Ends This Week
Deadline for LEF Trivia Bee Entries is 10/14
Donate Your Used Books for Book Sale 10/15
Join the Bridge Site Council
Giant Map of Asia Coming to Bridge
Register Your Stop and Shop Card and Earn Money for Bridge
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

 

Subscribe to receive weekly B2H e-mail


 News -- brand new info, hot off the presses          
    
Principal's Corner

The Lexington Public Schools has two overarching goals, one academic and one focused on the social and emotional well-being of students.  "If we increase student pro-social behavior and resiliency, and reduce sources of unhealthy student stress then student academic performance and well-being will improve."  At Bridge School, we feel that promoting positive behaviors and expectations is important. To further build on the positive attributes of our learners, Bridge has created the "ABCs of Bridge School."  The A= Attitude, B=Behavior, and C=Character.  We are working with the students to develop rules and expectations that fall under these categories.  As students show positive attitudes and behaviors, we recognize them as "Bridge Patriots."  The students are nominated by staff, are spoken about over the Morning Announcements, and their names are added to a bulletin board.  When students forget a rule, or make a mistake, the are reminded of the "ABCs of Bridge School," and needed consequences follow the three categories: Attitude, Behavior, Character.  For example, if a child is disrespectful to an adult, a verbal apology would be required and a discussion about character and attitude may ensue. 

        

Over the past seven years, Bridge staff members have been trained in Open Circle, "a comprehensive, grade-differentiated social and emotional learning program for grades K-5 children, their teachers, administrators, other school staff, parents and other caregivers" (http://www.open-circle.org/).  Bridge staff employ this social competency curriculum in their classrooms.  Students are familiar with the vocabulary and structure for discussing issues and concerns.  Open Circle is continuing and is helping in the ABC building block discussions.  During Open Circle, teachers will begin to focus on the ABCs of Bridge and will help students to see the connection between what they learn in Open Circle and the three words represented in the ABCs.  In addition, the LPS is providing professional development for staff members in Responsive Classroom.  This is a "a widely used, research-backed approach to elementary education that increases academic achievement, decreases problem behaviors, improves social skills, and leads to more high-quality instruction."  (http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/).  We are hopeful that a combination of The ABCs of Bridge School, Open Circle, and Responsive Classroom, will continue to strengthen the well-being of Bridge students. 

 

 

All School Morning Meeting

October 14, 2011, 9:30am-10:00am

Topic: The "A" of the "ABCs of Bridge School"

         Mr. Cavatorta's Class Presents: The Water Cycle Song

         EcoBridge Presents-Recycling in the cafeteria

         Conclusion: Columbus Day Song

 


Meg Colella
Principal
Lexington Public Schools Revamp Websites
Last week the LPS launched revamped websites for each of its 9 schools.  Now every school in the district has the same look and navigation, AND can be translated into 14 different languages including Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and French.  Bridge School's website can be reached at http://lps.lexingtonma.org/bridgees.  Bridge Teacher Catherine Campbell has been instrumental in creating Bridge School's new site, please make sure to thank her!

IMPORTANT:  The Bridge PTA will continue to manage its own website.  The PTA website will contain information on all of the 48 Bridge Committees, Announcements, the Calendar of PTA events, Bridge to Home Newsletter, the Executive Committee minutes, and ongoing initiatives such as the Wishing Well and the Bridge/Bownman Renovation project.   All Bridge School district information is now available on the LPS Bridge School website, and all Bridge PTA program information will remain on the Bridge PTA website with quick links between the 2 sites.  Thank you for your patience as we figure all this out!
Bridge/Bowman Renovation Project Update
A Brief Civics Lesson!
This week the Lexington School Committee and the Board of Selectman voted to place an Article to authorize expenses for the Bridge/Bowman Renovation Project on the upcoming Warrant.  This is good news!  The next step is that the Board of Selectmen have called for a Special Town Meeting on November 14 where Town Meeting members will be asked to vote to authorize the expenses for the renovation, and to authorize a Special Election.  The final step will be for the Town to hold a Special Election (when citizens would vote on the Debt Exclusion funding vehicle), most likely in January of 2012.  [A Debt Exclusion, once approved, is a funding vehicle that that enables the Town to borrow money by issuing bonds for specific capital projects.  The increase in tax expires when the project is complete and paid off.]   The budget and bid documents are close to being finalized.   The timing of these events is subject to change, but this what we know as of today.   Please stay posted.

What Can You Do? 
We encourage all Bridge parents to speak to your neighbors and fellow Lexington residents about the importance of this project.  If this Debt-Exclusion is voted down, the renovation plans for our beloved school will not happen.  It is critical that we communicate to Lexington citizens the importance of renovating our school to fix nearly a decade of deferred maintenance, to update our heating and air handling systems, to update wiring and lighting fixtures, and to make the school safer for our children.


For more information, contact Meg Colella, Rebecca Moore, Justine Wirtanen, or Ann Boese.
ACT Fundraising/Square1 Art
In lieu of the Walk for the Arts, we are working with Square1 to create artwork by each Bridge student that can be turned into stationery, sketch books, t-shirts, and other gift items.  On Friday, the blank Art Squares were distributed to Bridge classroom teachers.  Some classrooms will work on the Art Squares during the school day, and some classrooms will send the Squares home for completion.  Each student has until October 20 to design their Art Square, when all 519 Squares will be mailed to Square1 Art.   If your child works on his/her ARt Square at home, please make sure that the finished Art Squares are returned to your child's classroom PRIOR to Oct. 20.  Thank you!

You can expect to see your child's Take-home Packets with Order Forms (including students' Art Square and free sheet of stickers) on the week of Nov. 9.  The deadline for all Orders will be Nov. 16.  Final products arrive at Bridge Dec. 16 in time for the Holidays!  For more information on the program, check out either of the following YouTube videos:    http://www.youtube.com/square1art  or http://www.youtube.com/user/Square1Art#p/a/u/2/oH-YoiDYmqI.

Help Break the World Record for Jumping Jacks!!
On October 12, the Bridge School will participate in Team Up for a Healthy America's program to break the Guinness World Record for the most people doing jumping jacks.  Mr. Bosbach will lead the school's participation in the program during all recesses on October 12.  All kids need to do to participate is jump jacks for one minute.  Students who are interested in participating in this fun, healthy event should look for Mr. Bosbach at recess.    

The jumping jacks program is being sponsored by National Geographic Kids and First Lady Michelle Obama.  For more information on the national jumping jacks program, go to: http://kidsblogs.nationalgeographic.com/lets-jump-community/.
Bridge Chess Club Starts 10/13

Come and join the Bridge School Chess Club!  The club is appropriate for all levels. Each student has the opportunity to hone their chess skills from professional chess coach Kent Leung.  It is a great opportunity to learn to play chess or raise your game to the next level.  Kent has coached the most state and national chess champions in New England for the past 7 years. This includes coaching 7-state champions, 2-national championship teams, and 3 players to place top 3 in the national championship.

 

Look for a registration form in your child's backpack, or just show up for the first meeting on Thursday, Oct. 13.   Questions: Lisa Hebert   or 781-820-3806.

 

Meeting Times: Every Thursday.   There will be 2 time slots this year. 

  • Attend from 12:30 to 1:30  if you are new to chess. 
  • Attend from 1:30 to 2:30 if you have played before and understand chess.    

The time slots might combine into 1 time slot only at 1:30 to 2:30 depending upon attendance.

 

Location: Cary Memorial Library (Learning Center, Basement level)

 

Cost: Requested fee for 10-week Session is $100, payable to the International Chess Institute

 

Eco-Bridge KickOff & Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer ServicesWe are excited to announce the kickoff of this year's Bridge cafeteria recycling program at this Friday's school assembly!  With the objective of helping the environment, our kids will learn to reduce wastage and recycle their own trays and plastic containers.  Our friendly custodial staff and school aides will help all grades recycle their lunch trays and discard extraneous liquids on a daily basis for the rest of the year, thus minimizing the weight of our school-wide trash!

By the way, are you curious of what's going on at lunch at school?  Who does your child sit with these days?  What are the school lunches like?  Does your child eat the lunch you sent for them? And (of course) just how much waste is there at lunch!

You can satisfy your curiosity by becoming a volunteer at Waste Free Friday Lunches and work with other fun parents while getting the scoop on the lunch scene at Bridge.  On Fridays, we like to go one step further and COMPOST food waste.  As a volunteer, you would come for a one hour block (every other week) and help kids compost and clean trays, all the while getting a glimpse into an interesting part of your child's day.

Come in and learn the ropes for an hour on a Friday, then volunteer on a schedule that works for you.  For more information contact Nimisha Asthagiri.

We are also looking for more volunteers in our committee!  So let us know if you'd like to learn about maintaining the compost, creating zero-waste opportunities at school-wide events, collecting and recycling printer cartridges, helping the 5th grade service patrol with their Eco-bridge efforts and school awareness, and new ideas to help our school be "green"!
A "THRILLER" of a Dance Class at the Monstah Bash
It's THRILLER TIME!! Ready to put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away at the BRIDGE MONSTAH CARNIVAL on October 15?  It's time to sign-up for dance sessions to learn Michael Jackson's "Thriller Dance," taught by Bridge teachers and dance extraordinaires Ms. Baranofsky and Mr. Nichols!!!! 

Click on this link to sign up for the session of your choosing .  Please select carefully your grade/time sign-up session (subject to last minute changes, sessions A,C,E are for K-2 and sessions B,D, F are for grades 3 and above). Grades K-2 will be taught by Ms. Baranofsky and grades 3 and up by Mr. Nichols.

Unfortunately, spaces are limited. If you do not arrive for your session within 5 minutes of its start time, your space may be given to another Carnival patron.

Dance sessions are 4 tickets ($2.00) per student and will benefit ACT (Arts Created Together)!  A final performance will be given by Ms. Baranofsky, Mr. Nichols, and their dance students (YOU!) at 7 p.m. in the gym, so please stick around until then so we can see your fabulous moves! 

Any questions, please email Jill Demirjian.  Have a thrilling good time!!
 Updates -- new info on previous items                         
 

Monstah Carnival 10/15

The plans are being finalized for this spooky event.  There will be cool activities like face painting and storytelling and yummy treats like seasonal candy and baked treats.  Click here to see a draft of the program.
 
It's going to be a frightfully good time.

 

Still Seeking Family Friends
Four students are still hoping for a family friend: 1 kindergarten girl, 1 kindergarten boy, 1 first grade boy and 1 4th grade girl.  Lexington Families interested in hearing more about the program should e-mail Deb Sabin.  See last week's edition to learn more.

Bridge School Map Night Needs You!
Map Night is still looking for volunteers to help cook and serve the treats, perform, or do a brief presentation of Asian countries and cultures.  See last week's edition to learn more.
 Reminders -- links to previous items, just in case 
 
Food Drive Ends This Week
See last week's edition to learn more.
Deadline for LEF Trivia Bee Entries is 10/14
See last week's edition to learn more.

Donate Your Used Books for Book Sale 10/15

See the Monstah Carnival page to learn more.
Join the Bridge Site Council
See last week's edition to learn more.

Giant Map of Asia Coming to Bridge!

See last week's edition to learn more.
Register Your Stop and Shop Card and Earn Money for Bridge
See last week's edition to learn more.

Lost and Found

See last week's edition to learn more.

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