School Events

Back to School Picnic
On the first Thursday of the school year, we gather for an all-school picnic. It's chance for parents and teachers to socialize in a casual setting. We provide the drinks and dessert. Families provide the blanket and picnic dinner. (Local pizza parlors do a lot of business that night!)

Alumni Day
On this day, last June's graduates return to visit Bridge School. They attend classes, meet with current 6th graders over lunch and prepare them for the transition to Junior High.

An evening in January is dedicated to all Bridge alumni to come to school for a chance to reminisce, share photos, stories and songs.

Halloween
Halloween is a special day at Bridge School! There is a morning parade where students, teachers and parents are encouraged to dress in costume, (children should bring a change of clothes). A regular schedule is followed until 1:30, then students have an early recess while home center teachers prepare for a special sit down potluck lunch. Your child's teacher will provide a sign up sheet for lunch-time offerings. (Please remember to send a snack with your child that day.) After lunch and silent reading, teachers offer Halloween-themed arts and crafts, games and other not-too spooky activities.

Holiday Show
After the Thanksgiving break,we start rehearsals for the Holiday Show. Arts and Explorations times are devoted to rehearsing until the big day. Every child has a part in the show. A matinee performance is provided for photo and video opportunities and younger children' attendance. Later that evening, the main performance is followed by dessert in Home Centers. This is also a time to collect book and food donations for local charities.

Skating
As soon as weather permits, we establish an outdoor ice rink. Skating takes place at recess and other free times. The school has a number of skates that can be borrowed (they may need to be sharpened).

Winter Week
The week before February vacation is designated for special activities. We have reading classes then go to the activities. If the weather cooperates, the older home centers go cross-country skiing one day. The younger home centers have visits from the Humane Society and sing for Project Independence and Porter Nursing Home. Everyone goes swimming at Vermont Sun. We also have a guest artist working with the students.

Collar Day
An old Elizabethan custom, Queen Elizabeth I directed her court to dress in their finery and she presented them with awards of merit. We celebrate the day, usually in March, by getting dressed up and wearing awards and medals too. The staff gives unique awards of excellence to each child. The ceremonies are held during an extended morning meeting and parents are encouraged to attend and witness their child's accomplishments.

Spring Term
During the weeks leading up to Spring Break, the staff chooses a topic to study in depth. If the topic lends itself to projects, there may be a designated evening for their presentation to parents.

Hulbert Outdoor Center
In May, the Sixth Grade class travels to the Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, Vermont, to participate in a several-day program designed to build trust and problem-solving skills within a group. Two staff members chaperone the trip.

The Great Kindergarten Reading
Every Spring, the Kindergarten Class reads to whole school. Each student selects a "task" that matches his or her skill level. Some may read aloud from book, some may simply read their classmates' names but each of our youngest students participates. We all look forward to this day with great excitement!

Spring into the Arts
In May, local schools participate in the "Spring Into the Arts" program at Middlebury College Center for Arts. Fine art, dance and choral presentations are attended by all students.

Beach Day
Beach Day is held during the last week of school. Everyone spends the day at Branbury Beach on Lake Dunmore. Home Center teachers ask parents to share in providing lunch for the class. A labeled bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen should be sent along with your child.

Graduation/Celebration
In June, on the last Thursday of the school year, we celebrate Graduation. The sixth graders perform for the school and are given their diplomas. The graduating class presents their teachers with a gift for the school. The celebration continues with desserts in the home centers.