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Dear Parents,

Tomorrow we will be in the cafeteria with 150 Fifth grade students who have been enjoying a strong case of “senioritis” over the past week or so.  They have been fun.  We will conduct a ceremony…not so much a “graduation”…that will culminate with passage from Bridge Point to their next school.  Most will be on their way to Hill Country, but some will go to West Ridge or local private schools.  Some will be moving from the area or the state or even overseas.  Bottom line, our time together as Bridge Pointers ends and that is worth a ceremony!

As the students move on so do so many families and friends.  Levels of engagement and contribution are varied, but ownership of this school has been universal.  Leaving families are transforming their “ownership” to similar new families and the culture of this school will continue.  That is something for which we should all be proud. 

I have learned through years of these transitions to not grieve or regret the end of an era, but to be grateful for the time we had together.  I tell the leaving students we will be watching them!  We will watch their successes, academic and all, and will admire their expansion of capacities and realization of potential.  We will welcome them, 10-15 years on, as fully prepared partners as we all face big challenges and seize opportunities.

Sixteen years ago, I stood in a completely empty BP Library in the spring of 1997.  We were preparing for Bridge Point’s opening….its first year ever.  With me were parents from the first kindergarten class participating in our first kindergarten round-up!  We were excited.  Mitch and Shelly Taylor were part of that group.  Their first daughter, Michelle, was in that class.  A couple years later came sister Raleigh, then Ashley and finally Julianna.  Four great girls.  Julianna will be in the ceremony tomorrow and it will mark the end of Bridge Point with family Taylor.  Sixteen years.   I think that’s a big deal and I am grateful for their friendship along this journey.

So, here comes summer.  It is time to exhale!  Think of it, inaugural Arts Days, continued Science Day success, musicals, May Madness, playground planning (including May destruction!), LEAP (1:1 iPads), late starts, no homework nights and PLC’s.   And learning, all day every day.  On the horizon is more learning…continuous improvement, pursuit of better ways and a journey of good will and shared purpose.  (Oh, and while enjoying a new playground, look for the development of an outdoor learning lab!)

Bridge Point staffing will be quite stable. No new classroom teachers but I do extend gratitude and good luck to three long time Bridge Pointers as they move on; Elizabeth McDonald (staying home with 1+ daughter, Margaret, and preparing for TWINS in the fall!), Erin Watson (staying home with her newborn, Davis) and Lesley Foyt (moving “north” with her family).  Pure pros, pure Bridge Pointers.

Thanks for a great year at Bridge Point.   This is a good place and whether you will be here or are moving on, your presence makes it so.  Have a great summer.