Bridgewater Bear Tracks
Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, Try Your Best
Northfield Public Schools is proud to participate and promote World Down Syndrome Day! Next Tuesday, March 21st, your students and family members are invited to join us by ‘rockin’ your wacky socks’ to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome, support inclusion and encourage acts of kindness. People with Down syndrome are born with a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome (3/21). This is the reason for celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, with the idea that it will continue every day after! This video (attached) was created by Kristin Yahnke, a Northfield Mom and Community Member. There are MANY local celebrities represented in the video … even some past and present GVP Geckos! Please take 5 minutes to watch the video and join us next Tuesday, March 21st for Rock your Socks Day! All students are invited to wear socks with fun patterns, mismatched socks or creative designs!
Public Hearings
The District is hosting two public hearings regarding the proposed 2023-24 budget reductions. These meetings will take place at Northfield Middle School from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays, March 16 and March 23 in the auditorium. You will have an opportunity to share your suggestions and concerns with school board members and administrators. Please join us.
First Grade Registration--For Current Kindergarten Students
Planning is underway for the coming year, and it is time to plan for next year's first-graders. First-grade registration is open and due March 24th. Please complete this form indicating which program you think will be the best fit for your child. Kindergarten families have the option of enrolling in our English-Only or Compañeros program for First Grade. The Compañeros program is a 50/50 program with half of the day taught in Spanish with an emphasis on Spanish Literacy. One section of Compañeros will be offered at each neighborhood school. Should it be necessary, a lottery will be conducted to select students for the Compañeros program at each school.
Parent/Caregiver Experience Survey
For the last several years, the district has been surveying its parents and caregivers to help us improve our school district. For example, we’ve used these survey results to inform changes in how we can best communicate with families. This data is important to us.
Save the Date: Superintendent of the Year Celebration
The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) is sponsoring an open house community celebration for Dr. Hillmann, the 2023 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year. Join us on Thursday, April 13 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Northfield Middle School. Minnesota Commissioner of Education Dr. Willie Jett, school board members, and others will be in attendance to honor Superintendent Hillmann. A short program will be held at 5:00 p.m. Light snacks and/or desserts will be served.
MCA Testing
MCA (MN Comprehensive Assessment) testing will begin in April, we ask that you try to avoid scheduling appointments if at all possible during these times as it may interrupt your child completing the MCA test.
April 10-14: 5th Grade Science Test
April 17-21: 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Reading Test
April 24-28: 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Math Test
What? No Conferences?
Yes, we held our Family Engagement Days back in January. However, this does not mean that you are unable to meet with and/or talk with your chid's teacher. You are always welcome to reach out to your child's teacher to set up a time to meet. March 24th is the end of the third quarter and progress reports will be sent home after Spring Break. The partnership between parents and the classroom teacher is very important for the success of all students, and parents are always welcome at Bridgewater!
Food Drive
Attention Bridgewater Families!
Let’s fill our local food shelf and help support families in need by bringing in donations to school!
The Student Council will be helping collect food items at Bridgewater from Monday, March 6th until Monday, April 10th. Simply bring in donations and drop them in the boxes marked “Food Drive” that are placed around school. Donations will then be brought to the food shelf in Northfield.
The top 5 most requested food shelf items are:
Shelf-Stable Proteins
Fruits and Vegetables
Cooking Items
Grains
Monetary Donations
Did you know people can donate money online also? By visiting communityactioncenter.org/donate you could make a donation right online.
Are you in need? Anyone can visit the food shelf. Last year the Community Action Center distributed over 540,000 pounds of food through the Food Shelf! Also, if you know someone in need that cannot drive the CAC will arrange for the delivery of food. More information can be found on their website at: https://communityactioncenter.org/programs/feeding/
There Is a Way For Every Child To Play
Spring and Summer sports are registering now - join the fun!
Fastpitch softball, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Skating, Soccer, Swim Club, Tennis, Baseball, YMCA & Community Ed activities
The Northfield Sports Collaborative encourages you to check each sports association’s website for the most current information at northfieldsports.org. Make sure to check back each month for up-to-date announcements from each association. Here are the March Announcements.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE IN EACH SPORT
For more information on how to apply for a scholarship, contact: Community Action Center of Northfield, 507-664-355
To make a scholarship donation, click here!
Activities
There are many activities that children and adults may access during the course of the year. Don't forget to check the numerous opportunities from the Northfield Community Education Program: https://northfieldschools.org/communityeducation/
Upcoming Events
Mar. 21---Rock Your Socks Day!
Mar. 21---All-District Orchestra Concert at NHS
Mar. 27-31---Spring Break-No School
Apr. 5---MS Counselor Visit with 5th Graders
Apr. 20---5th Grade Parent Night @ NMS
Apr. 28---2nd Grade Science Museum Field Trip
Apr. 28---1st Grade MN Zoo Field Trip
May 4---NMS Choir Tour (5th Grade Attending)
May 8---Boosterthon Pep Rally
May 9---Band & Choir Concert (2:00 & 7:00pm)
May 19---Boosterthon Fun Run
May 30---4th & 5th Grade Orchestra Concert at NMS Auditorium
June 2---Track & Field Day (4th Gr. 9:00-11:30//5th Gr. 12:00-2:30)
June 2---3rd Grade Gibbs Farm Field Trip
June 8---Fifth-Grade Graduation 1:15pm
June 9---Last Day of School (2 hour early release)
Bridgewater Elementary School
World-Class Learning for Elementary Students K-5 Bridgewater Elementary School, situated on a 14-acrd campus just south of downtown Northfield, is a K-5 public school serving approximately 530 students. It serves the neighborhoods on Northfield's southern side, Dundas, and the rural area south of Highway 19 and west of Highway 246. Students benefit from an active parent-teacher organization, Bridgewater Booster Club (BBC) and many parent volunteers.
The staff is intensely dedicated to offering a high-quality, well-rounded education that strives to meet the specific needs of each student. We focus on empowering our students in their academic and social emotional learning along with building a solid foundation for their educational journey.
Main Office Number: 507-664-3300
Attendance Line: 507-664-3306
Address: 401 Jefferson Parkway
Web page: northfieldschools.org/schools/bridgewater-elementary/
