Lexington Public Schools

Bridge School 5 5 M i d d l e b y R o a d v L e x i n g t o n , M a s s a c h u s e t t s 0 2 4 2 1

Meg Colella (781) 861-2510 Principal email: [email protected] fax: (781) 861-9257

August 2016

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 2016-2017 school year. I am thrilled to lead such a talented group of educators in providing your child(ren) with a rich academic experience and I am excited to welcome Bridge students on opening day.

It has been a very busy and productive summer at Bridge. The outdoor classroom is underway. Through the generosity of the LEF and the Bridge 50th Celebration donations, the students and staff will have the opportunity to take their learning outdoors. During the summer months, a great deal of hiring occurs. As of today, six classroom teachers, a school psychologist, and our new assistant principal, Ms. Kristen Gray, have all been hired. We are continuing to interview and fill various positions including the Educational Team Supervisor (ETS), instructional assistants, and school support personnel. I look forward to introducing them to you and welcoming them to the Bridge community. Elementary Classrooms 2016/2017

Sections Grade K 1 2 3 4 5 1 Ashley Allison Lisa Michaela M.L. Susan Correia Gullingsrud Diamant Arthur Bean Arena 2 Dianne Paige Hall JoHannah Chris Cate Leslie Werbeloff Katz Cavatorta Campbell Colby 3 Lindsey Betty Yee Elizabeth Todd Pam Catherine Day McAlduff Nichols Michaels Farley 4 Elizabeth Sara Cole Michael Allison Molly Dan (Zeba) Race Plamondon Cavalieri Mills Garland 5 Allison David Harter Pittman

As the summer draws to a close, it is time to prepare for the start of the new school year. Enclosed is your child’s classroom placement. This mailing also includes information regarding the opening of the school year and dismissal procedures.

Placement is a long, thoughtful, multi-step process that the staff and I have done in the best interests of your child. The criteria we considered include reading and math levels, student learning styles, diverse cultural backgrounds, gender, and behavioral and learning needs.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s assignment, this protocol should be followed. First, e-mail or call me to let me know about the issue. There will be a six-week period of adjustment that will be enforced. If, after that time period, a change needs to be considered, please put in writing your concerns. I will consult with the sending and receiving teachers and specialists that instruct your child, and will request a meeting with you to gather any additional information. Please be advised that students will not be arbitrarily removed and added to classes without the risk of jeopardizing the original grouping that was carefully and deliberately designed.

I encourage you to help your child prepare for the upcoming school year. Please help him/her to maintain a positive and motivated frame of mind, let him/her see the advantages of new experiences and friendships, help him/her adjust to new styles and expectations, and support him/her in any way possible.

This year, Bridge is moving towards paperless forms. Included in this mailing are explicit directions for completing various forms that must be done prior to the start of the school year. In addition, unlike in years past, we have not included a paper emergency contact sheet in your mailing this summer. Our district is moving to parents being able to provide us updates via the Aspen portal. This is where you now go to view your child's report cards. Included in this mailing are paper instructions on how to update your child's emergency contact information. You are, or may have already been sent this information electronically as well. As you would normally do with the paper emergency sheet, please log into Aspen using the directions provided to you, and update your child's information there. Please do this prior to the start of the school year.

As the summer nears an end, I hope you have time to relax and rejuvenate. We look forward to seeing all our students – new and returning– on the first day of school. Please enjoy the rest of your summer vacation and feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely, Ms. Meg Colella Principal