November 17, 2017
Bridge Point Elementary
MRS. MEEK'S WEEKLY MESSAGE
Dear BPE Families,
This week you could have walked into any classroom and seen evidence that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Fall leaves, feathers, pumpkins and "I am thankful for…" story prompts were among the many artifacts preparing for the time of year when we pause as a family and community to give thanks. As I have grown older, I have come to appreciate the Thanksgiving holiday more each year. For me, it is the one holiday where we are not pressured to give the right gift or find the right outfit (I wear the same pair of stretchy pants every year). There is pressure, however, to have the perfect meal. For the first time in my life, I have accepted the opportunity to host Thanksgiving dinner all by myself for 12 of my loved ones from out of town. For someone who does not cook more than an occasional grilled cheese or fried egg, I am modeling a growth mindset and vulnerability just like we ask our kids to do each day. At least that is what I'm telling my guests if the meal doesn't live up to past Thanksgiving feasts!
My dad taught me that with every new challenge or success, we should pause to give thanks for opportunity. I still remember him telling me, "keep your eyes open for new opportunities and don't stop trying." The dictionary definition of opportunity is "a set of circumstances that make it possible to do something." This time of year brings about a set of circumstances that help us intentionally take time to be grateful. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how grateful I am for not only my own family, but for my BPE family. I'm thankful to be able to come to work each day and be surrounded by a community, staff, and group of students who value education, kindness, inclusiveness, and teamwork. Together we have created a set of circumstances that allows me work in a profession that I love. Some might say that educators are in the diploma business. For me it is so much more--I am in the hope and opportunity business. Thank you for trusting me, for working in partnership with me, and for helping me give opportunities to our youth so that someday they are able to live a fulfilled life and do the same for someone else.
With gratitude,
Heather Meek
BPE NEWS
Counselor's Corner
We are excited to announce that our No Place for Hate Application and Activity Proposal has been approved by the Anti-Defamation League. Over the course of the school year, we will work to complete our three No Place for Hate activities and then share the outcomes with the ADL. We are thrilled at the prospect of becoming one of the first elementary schools in Eanes to be named a No Place for Hate® school.
As a matter of fact, last week we completed our first No Place for Hate Activity! Last month during SEL Lessons we read the book Where Oliver Fits, a story of a puzzle piece trying to find where he fits in. As a reminder that BPE is No Place for Hate and "We all fit together at BPE", a mural puzzle was completed and hung outside of the gym.
Read more about the lesson on our SEL Page.
Sincerely,
The Shelf Life: Library Updates
The BPE library got spooky for the month of October with our annual Halloween pumpkin decorating event! We ended up with over eighty participants. Although we moved away from carved jack-o-lanterns this year, the change only served to enhance students' creativity and we ended up with a plethora of original ideas. Take a look at all of the amazingly creative designs in this video on the library blog!
Sincerely,
Kate Ritcher
STEAM Day Update
STEAM Day (formerly Science Day) will be here before you know it. Please read below for important updates and information:
· The 2018 course descriptions are available on NOW on the Booster Club website for you to view and to plan with your child what courses may interest him/her. This is ONLY a preview of courses!!
· REGISTRATION for volunteer spots and course selection begins on Friday, December 1st at 9 am and will end on Friday, December 15th. Registration will be online at the Booster Club website.
· Logo contest will be announced on Friday, December 1st and kick off our registration.
· All students will participate in 3 courses and the Main Event. When registration opens on December 1st at 9am, it will be on a first-come, first-served basis for course selection based on availability.
· Courses will fill quickly, so in planning, be prepared with a list of a few of your child's favorites.
There will be more information regarding registration as we approach December 1st. If you have any questions, please contact:
Jayme Tirres, STEAM Day Chair
jtirres@gmail.com
BPE CALENDAR
FLYERS
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BRIDGE POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
6401 Cedar Street, Austin, Texas 78746