 We are off to a great start to the 2014/2015 school year. The students and staff will be spending the next few weeks getting to know each other, learning the rules and expectations of their new classrooms, navigating the building, and getting to know their new classmates. Bridge welcomed over 50 new students this year (not including our kindergarten children). On the first day of school, the teachers greeted the students, toured them around the building, introduced them to new staff, and did many getting to know you activities. The students learned the new all school "quiet signal" (a raised hand) and looked for compliments while walking quietly down the hallway. As you know, the mission of the Lexington Public Schools is to "provide all students with a world-class education that ensures academic excellence in a culture of caring and respectful relationships." Here at Bridge, we welcomed 17 new staff members this year to our team to help provide this instruction. It is our belief that through targeted, differentiated instruction, all students will be able to learn at a high level and will feel success in school. It is also our belief that the social and emotional well being of our students and staff is paramount. Many of our staff have been trained in the Responsive Classroom approach to classroom management. This program consists of practical strategies for helping children build academic and social-emotional competencies on a daily basis. Coupled with our Open Circle curriculum, the teachers are trying to foster a sense of independence by providing students the strategies and tools to navigate various social situations. Part of the Responsive Classroom program is to incorporate a "morning meeting" into the day. Due to our strong belief in this program, we have added a designated time each day for all classrooms to have such a meeting. It is a way for students and staff to talk to one another, discuss issues, and build on positive approaches to learning. I look forward to using the Principal's Corner as a forum to share with you what is happening at Bridge on a regular basis. I am pleased to introduce to you our new staff members: Classroom Teachers: Robin Hass-Grade K Molly Kaufman-Grade 1 Jamie Doherty-Grade 1 Michaela Arthur-Grade 4 Catherine Farley-Grade 5 Molly Mills-Grade 5 Special Education Staff: Amanda Laskowski-Therapeutic Learning Program (TLP) Teacher Charlene Haouiliya-Therapeutic Learning Program (TLP) Social Worker Elizabeth Leberhz-Therapeutic Learning Program (TLP) IA *Kathleen Nylon-Azad-Special Education Reading *Krista Giles-Psychologist Other New Staff: Heather O'Rourke-Guidance Counselor Paula Donahue-Literacy Specialist Megan Ricco-Music Paul Blum-Custodian Erika Bell-Kindergarten Assistant (KIA) Barbara Valeriani-Kindergarten Assistant (KIA) I look forward to introducing our new staff members to you at our upcoming PTA Coffee on September 12th at 8:45am. Sincerely, Meg Colella Bridge School Principal
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Save The Date! Curriculum Night
September 18th -
Doors Open 5:45pm
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Curriculum night is a wonderful opportunity for parents to learn about what goes on in their child's classroom.
Please note this is an ADULT ONLY event!
6:00pm-6:30pm - Grades K-2 Presentations
Parents/Guardians are invited to presentations hosted by classroom teacher
6:30-7:00pm-Transition
Specialists will be available to meet and greet parents
7:00-7:30pm - Grades 3-5 Presentations
-Parents/Guardians are invited to presentations hosted by classroom teachers
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Visit your Child's Classroom
September 29th, 8:30-9AM
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 Although Curriculum Night is important, the teachers & administration also know how much students love to show their parents their classrooms and introduce them to their teachers. Accordingly, Bridge will host the annual "Bridge School Classroom Visitation", on Monday, September 29th, from 8:30-9:00 am. During this time, the children can walk their parents around the classroom, show them their desk, locker, and anything else that he/she feels is important within the classroom. We hope that through both of these events parents will not only learn about the curriculum but will also have a chance to view their child's classroom though the eyes of their child.
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There's So Much Going On......How to Stay Informed!
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As we embark on another exciting (and busy!) year at Bridge School, the Bridge PTA wants to be sure that all of our members know how they can stay up to date with school news, events, and announcements that will be coming throughout the year. While flyers will still appear periodically in backpacks, below is a list of electronic resources that can help you to stay informed:
Bridge To Home Newsletter (B2H): This e-newsletter from the Bridge PTA includes announcements, information on upcoming events, and lists of volunteer opportunities for Bridge School, Bridge School PTA, Lexington Public Schools, and Lexington Education Foundation. In an effort to keep you informed, we will be publishing a detailed newsletter on a MONTHLY basis. Weekly, you will receive a quick summary of the key events/deadlines occurring in the upcoming week. B2H will also include helpful links for the Bridge community, including a link to our Bridge PTA Google calendar. This calendar, to which readers can subscribe, is constantly being updated and includes LPS entries along with Bridge PTA events. To subscribe to B2H TODAY, click here.
Special Announcements: Bridge PTA will occasionally send special announcements that contain timely reminders involving events or deadlines that week or requests for volunteers for future events. These announcements will be sent to all B2H subscribers.
Bridge PTA Website: The Bridge PTA website is a great resource to keep informed about all things PTA. On this website you can find helpful information about events, volunteer opportunities, curriculum enrichment programs, and special announcements. Bookmark this page today & check back often!
Bridge PTA Facebook Page: Bridge PTA now has a Facebook page!. Check it out and "Like" us.
Bridge School Twitter Account: Follow Bridge School on Twitter & get fun updates and pictures on events occurring during the school day. (This account is managed by the school administration)
Lexington Community information: In an effort to streamline the information delivered to you from the PTA, we have opted to not to include announcements from the greater Lexington community (Cary Library, LUSC, Boy Scouts, etc.) in B2H this year. To stay up to date on community information, consider visiting and/or subscribing to Lexington Patch or subscribing to the Bridge Yahoo group (contact moderator to join) and/or the Lexington Parents Yahoo group (contact Alice Meade to join).
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How to Navigate Morning Drop-Off
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In the mornings, we use the right lane in front of school for active drop-off. Active drop-off is available for kids who are ready to unbuckle themselves, open the car door, hop out with their backpacks, close the door behind them, and enter the school independently. Drivers should not exit their seats in this lane to unbuckle children or to help with backpacks or doors. You can park along the oval instead to help kids out of the car and walk with them to the door. If you're not sure whether your child is ready for active drop-off, try doing a drop-off drill at home. It's a great way for kids to practice some new skills and feel more independent.
If you're using the active drop-off lane, please pull up as far as you can towards the fifth-grade door. Pull up behind  the last car in the line and stop. Once you're stopped anywhere in front of the school, your kids can hop out. Everyone likes to drop off in front of the door, especially on rainy days, but we need to fill the eight or more spots in the line to get everyone to school and work in a timely way.
For more information check out the Bridge official arrival/dismissal rules. |
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Update Your Family Directory Listing by 9/12 & Join the PTA
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 Become a member of the Bridge PTA today while updating your Bridge Directory entry. The online contact form makes it easy for you to send us your most updated information. Please remember that you need to update the directory information yearly. Adding or updating your information not only gets your information into the Directory but also signs you up for Bridge to Home and other PTA communications.
After you submit your Directory Information, you will be asked to join  the Bridge PTA and help support the many programs the PTA brings to Bridge. Annual membership dues cost $25, which can be paid using secure PayPal or your preferred credit card. Membership includes one copy of the Directory. Please note that you do not need to be a PTA member to be listed in the Directory. The PTA invests approximately $100 per student or $2000 per classroom to enhance the students' experiences at Bridge, but we rely on parental financial support to accomplish this. Please help support that effort through your membership and contributions.
Any questions about PTA membership, please contact Nancy Tentindo, Membership Chair. Questions about the Directory should go to Jane Chang, Directory Chair.
The deadline to be included in the Directory is September 12th, so please submit your information today. Thank you!
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There was a delay in the construction of the site planned for August. The engraved bricks have all been safely
 delivered to Bridge School and are awaiting installation. We look forward to the completion of the new Commemorative Gathering Place in early September. The brick patio will be located outside the Kindergarten wing and will be built around the 5th Grade flowering tree and a new tree bench.
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Square One Arts Fundraiser
Template coming home Setpember 8th
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Coming home to you in September is a PTA sponsored elementary fundraiser called Square 1 Art. The week of September 8th, an art template will come home. Your children should create their own design on it and return it to their teachers.
Their artwork will be sent to Square 1, who will then make free stickers for your child and send each child a catalog of all the neat personalized products that can be purchased (all decorated with their artwork). They make wonderful keepsakes and gifts for family and friends. There are so many fun products, including: coasters, t-shirts, trivets, mugs, ornaments and much more! You can learn more on their website. Additional dates for this fundraiser can be found on the Square One arts page on the PTA website
The money raised from this fundraiser will enable the PTA to continue its efforts in supporting our ACT program, Arts Created Together. This program has brought Performance Arts to your children, like the Pumpernickel Puppets, Rhythm Kids, Robin Pease-a Native American Story Teller, to name just a few of the wonderful programs for our children. ACT also supports our fifth grade's class trip to the Museum of Fine Arts.
Your help is needed for us to continue offering these opportunities to our school. 
If you have any questions, please feel free
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Big Backyard Fall Trainings Begin 9/11
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 Big Backyard is a seasonal program that relies on parent volunteers to lead nature walks around Bridge School for small groups of students from their child's class. The Big Backyard program introduces children to many aspects of the natural world using the natural areas around Bridge as an outdoor classroom. Observation, learning to ask good questions, problem solving, and respect for the natural environment are emphasized throughout the program.
The theme of each walk is coordinated with the classroom science curriculum for each grade based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework. Big Backyard walks are great fun, and provide a way for parents to support the classroom teachers and interact with their own children. No previous experience is necessary, and the training will teach you everything you need to know. First time parents are always welcome. (If you can't make the training date, please contact us and we will train you at another time.)
When: Kindergarten - Thursday, Sept. 11 9:00 am - 9:50 am
Grade 1 - Thursday, Sept. 11 10:00 am - 10:50 am
Grade 2 - Thursday, Sept. 11 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Grade 3 - Friday, Sept. 12 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Where: Room 204, Bridge school. (Near the cafeteria in the rear of the building; signs will guide you from office.)
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the start time so that we can begin promptly. Please dress appropriately for going outside and walking in the woods, as we will cover the route of the walk no matter what the weather is.
For more information, please contact the Big Backyard Coordinators: Cindy Darcy, Andrew McKee, or Constanza Lisdero, or see our web site.
Big Backyard Basics Training:
This 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 "Basics 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 (see above.)
When:
Monday, Sept. 22 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuesday, Sept. 23 9:30 am - 11:30 am
(The two sessions are identical; attend either one.)
Where:
Lexington Schools Central Administration Building, 149 Maple Street, Lexington (the building is adjacent to Harrington Elementary school; parking lot access is via 238 Lowell Street)
Presenters:
Karen McCarthy, K-5 Science Coordinator, and Fran Ludwig
Look here for more information
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Join us for PTA Coffee
September 12 from 8:45 - 9:30AM
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 Please join us at our first PTA Coffee on September 12 from 8:45-9:30 in the cafeteria. Principal Colella will be introducing our 17 new teachers and staff members and will be available to answer your questions. |
On Friday, September 19th, your child's portrait and class photo will be taken outside (weather permitting) by Coffee Pond Photography.
Your child will be bringing home a picture order envelope with instructions on how to order your school pictures.  Additional order forms will be available on the PTA table in the front hall and in the school office. Like last year, parents will have a choice of either 1) ordering in advance online or 2) completing the order form and handing it in with payment to the photographer on Picture Day. To ensure your order is placed and is correct, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you order your pictures in advance online. When you order online you will be asked to print out a receipt for each child to give to the photographer.
Please be aware that orders placed after Picture Day are subject to a handling fee and must be placed online.
Scholarship packages are available to families who may not otherwise be able to purchase portraits. Please contact Meg Colella directly to request this.
Please contact Beth Murnaghan with any additional questions about picture day
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Volunteers Needed For Picture Day 9/19
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 Volunteers are needed to help out on School Picture Day, which will be held on Friday, 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 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, September 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 Beth Murnaghan and provide your name, email address, phone number, and preferred shift.
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Bridge Family Map Night Destination: North America 9/30
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You won't want to miss the National Geographic Society's Giant Map of North America and an enjoyable evening of exploration! It will take place on Tuesday September 30 from 6:00 pm (K-2) and 6:45 pm (Grades 3-5) to 7:30 pm.
- Admission is free, but this is NOT a drop off event. All children who attend the event must be accompanied by an adult.
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 Socks are required to walk on the giant map. - Because there can be limited number of people on the giant map, it will be on the first come first serve basis.
- To better manage the flow, we recommend that grade K-2 families come at 6:00 pm, and grade 3-5 come at 6:45 pm.
- The Giant Map is sponsored by the Lexington Public Schools and led by K-5 Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator Jane Hundley. Bridge students will have learned about the map during the school day; Family Map Night is an effort to link enrichment programs with curriculum experiences during the school day as well as evening family events.
Please contact Cathy Smith with questions. |
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Welcome Back to Bridge Library
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 Welcome back to the Bridge School Library. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer full of reading! Here are just a few things to keep in mind as the school year starts.- You should have received the library welcome letter with your Bridge School mailing. This letter explains the library policies.
- If your children still have library books from last year, please be sure they are returned the first week of school so I can clear the accounts before borrowing begins.
- Our new Library Volunteer Coordinator is Jennie Yoo. She is busily working on the volunteer schedule for the year. If you would like to help out in the library please stop by the sign-up table at the PTA Back-to-School Coffee or email her directly.
- Please visit the Library page on the Bridge School website for more information.
Mrs. Allen Library Teacher |
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Volunteer to Support Lunch Recycling
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See your child at lunch...
Make a difference for the school and the Earth!
 Where: Cafeteria
When: 11:50 am-12:50 pm, once every other week
What: Help students sort recyclables, compost, and trash.
Why: The average elementary school creates more than 18,000 pounds of lunchtime garbage each year. By recycling, Bridge students reduce daily lunch trash weight by 56% (without composting) and by 89% (with composting). While students and custodians do most of the work, parents oversee the recycling station to ensure things run smoothly.
To sign up, Please contact Beth Murnaghan or Jennifer Caruso or visit the Eco-Bridge website.
Thank you!
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Calling All Fifth Grade Parents!
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This is a special year for our upperclassmen and we have many fun events, activities and educational opportunities planned to make their last year their best! To make this happen, we need your help !
Please consider joining the Fifth Grade Activities Committee.
Even if you have never volunteered at Bridge or you can only commit a small amount of time, we would love for you to have the opportunity to get involved this year. Our first big event will be the Monster Carnival fundraiser at the end of October and we will need "all hands on deck" to get it planned and organized in time.
Let's work together to make this a great final year for the Class of 2015!
Fran Lacombe & Jean Sabatini
Co-Chairs of the 5th Grade Activities Committee ~ 5th Grade Class of 2015
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Math + Bridge Parents = Great Learning for All!
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Parents, if you have a desire to enrich your student's math learning,please consider participating as a volunteer for any or all of the below. Contact Angela Chang with any questions or interest.
Math Team
Volunteer options: small group math coach, administrative tasks, contest administration and grading Date/Time: Monthly Tuesday after school meetings October-March; administrative tasks can be done anytime
Math Team is an opportunity for motivated 4th & 5th grade students to take the monthly Math Olympiad contests. Small group coaches help students practice for upcoming exams. Additional volunteers needed to administer and grade contests (no prior math experience needed for grading)
 Math Night
Volunteer options: co-chair, activity leader, administrative tasks Date/Time: 1-3 evenings in January/February 2015
Math Night is a well-established, well-loved winter event when parents and kids do grade appropriate math activities together. Volunteers help lead math activities and organize the evening events for each grade K-5.
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Looking for a volunteer to CHAIR the METCO Student Family Friends Program
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 The PTA is looking for a volunteer to chair (or co-chair) our METCO Student Family Friends program. The METCO program is a voluntary program that allows urban minority students to attend school in suburban public school systems. One of the ways the Bridge Community welcomes these students is through the Family Friends program, where Lexington families host a Boston student for a fun, casual playdate with their child. The Chair position coordinates volunteers and matches them with a METCO student.
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We Care
-- Supporting the Bridge Community
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During life-challenging times, whether it be sleepless nights with a new baby, coping with illness or, even worse, a death in the family, simple actions like a neighbor dropping off a meal or walking a child home after school can provide important support to families in need. WE CARE works with room parents and teachers to identify families who may need and welcome community support as well as to help identify support volunteers.
If you are interested in getting involved with WE CARE or know a family who could use a helping hand, please contact Stephanie Mitzenmacher.
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Bridge Elementary is once again participating in the Box Tops for  Education fundraiser. To contribute, just look for these little rectangles on the boxes of foods and other products that you purchase.
Clip out the box tops, put them in a Ziploc bag or envelope clearly marked with your teacher's name, and place them in the box located on the PTA table at the front entrance of the school. Each top collected is worth 10 cents and will be used to help fund the 5th Grade graduation activities. It doesn't sound like much, but it adds up fast!!
For a complete list of products that have Box Tops click here:
Questions? Contact: Jean Sabatini
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Earn Money for Bridge School while at Stop & Shop!
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Starting September 15th you can designate your Stop and Shop rewards card to earn money for BridgeSchool! Just go  to their website and register your card under school ID #07624 for Bridge School. Great news- parents who already designated cards last year will automatically be registered this year as well! If you have any questions email Eleni Pesiridis
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Show Your Appreciation For Our Teachers!
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast October 9th
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On Thursday, October 9th from 7:30 - 9:30am, we will host a special Teacher Appreciation Breakfast to honor and thank our teachers and staff for everything they do for our children. This year's breakfast will feature some traditional choices, some  healthy choices and - back by popular demand - our delicious Smoothie Station! We are asking all Bridge parents to donate some food, drinks or paper goods for this special event.
Sign up here up to donate something and note the various drop off dates/times for certain food. To volunteer with the breakfast, contact Leigh-Ann Durant
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Bridge Newcomer's Breakfast
October 10th |
New to Bridge? New to Lexington? - Please join us for the Bridge Newcomers Breakfast. This is a great opportunity to meet  other parents who are new to our school. The Bridge PTA board members will also be there to answer any questions you mayhave as you get to know Bridge. The breakfast will be held on Friday October 10th at 9:00 am, at the home of Beth Murnaghan at 34 Wachusetts Dr. If you have any questions, please email Peg Smith or Beth Munaghan |
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Flatbread Company Pizza Fundraiser 10/21
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Mark your Calendars! Tuesday, October 21st is Pizza Night. Please come out to Flatbread Company in Bedford (213 Burlington Rd) for dinner anytime after 5pm in support of Bridge School. Flatbread is willing to donate $3.50 for every large pizza sold and $1.75 for every small. We only get a part of the proceeds from pizza sales so Skip the salads tonight ladies! This applies to take out orders also.
Last years turn out was great!! I encourage larger parties to make reservations @ 781.275.8200
Please spend the word. Contact Kristina Jolley with any questions.
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 Please label everything your child brings to school -- jackets, sweaters, lunch boxes, water bottles, backpacks, etc. -- with his/her name. Use a permanent marker or peel-and-stick washable labels. Our "Lost and Found Moms" return everything that is labeled, but that's typically only 5% of what ends up in the Lost and Found. Everything else is donated to charity
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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).
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Deadline for Next Bridge to Home Issue
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NEXT MONTHLY DEADLINE: Wednesday, September 24th, 5 PM
Please submit by email to Lisa Dinsmore. Articles must be reviewed and approved by Bridge PTA Co-Presidents and/or Bridge Principal Meg Colella before publication. Please note that submissions to the weekly will be from the PTA Executive Committee or with EC approval only. All others should submit items to the monthly version in a timely manner.
Please see the B2H webpage for submission guidelines and future deadlines.
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2014-15 PTA Executive Committee Members
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Bridge School Office Staff
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CO-PRESIDENTS
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PRINCIPAL
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| Cathy Smith
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ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
| TREASURER
| Erin Maguire
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Tricia Weisberg
| ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
| SECRETARY
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Kerry Daley
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Christie King
| GUIDANCE
| CO-VICE PRESIDENTS
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Lucia Gates
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Lisa Dinsmore
| NURSE
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Lilliam Gomez-Martinez
| Diane Celi
| Heather Tashjian
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| Nancy Tentindo
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| Lindsay Wedell
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