PHILOSOPHY

The mission of Bridgewater Elementary School is to promote the development of students who: are active leamers, problem-solvers, risk-takers, and participants in a healthy lifestyle; respect themselves, others, and their environment; and are emotionally, socially, and physically prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

The mission will be accomplished by a staff who will: promote lifelong active learning; encourage risk-taking; model positive social behavior', expect students to assume responsibility for their decisions; work toward developing a framework of strategies, skills, resources, and awareness of personal options; regularly examine student needs, evaluate programs, and implement changes that support our mission.

We will encourage Bridgewater Elementary School students to:

1. Become active learners, problem solvers and risk-takers;

                2. Display competency in reading, writing, listening and communicating;

                3. Display competency in mathematics;

        4. Share knowledge, as well as, to create new knowledge;

                5. Actively participate in and act upon one's own culture and the world                      culture;

                6. Appreciate the arts and sciences;

        7. Believe everyone and everything has value;

                8. Have a knowledge of strategies to deal with real life situations; 9. Exhibit a                      positive self-concept.

             10. Display appropriate behaviors.

             11. Exhibit a physically active, healthy life-style with an understanding of their                     own growth changes;

            12. Understand their personal rights and safety.

AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND PROGRAM

Schools in Nova Scotia should provide all children with a series of learning experiences that will help them to contribute to society and to live lives that are personally rewarding and fulfilling.

Children should master knowledge and skills, develop a set of values, mature attitudes toward society, self-discipline and positive work habits, and be encouraged in initiative, spontaneity and creative effort through intelligent teaching.

More specifically, the aims of public education are:

1. To develop competence in effective written and oral communication with emphasis on clarity and precision in the use of language.

       3. To develop the habits and methods of critical thinking and to foster the na~ral         desire to learn and understand.

4.To provide opportunities in school programs and activities for students:

        a) To be creative and to exercise originality and imagination.

b) To develop civic, social and moral responsibility and judgment.

c) To have their curiosity encouraged and to develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of themselves, their fellow human beings, their environment and their relationship among the three.

        d) To acquire habits, attitudes and intellectual skills necessary for further                schooling.

        e)To develop knowledge, habits and skills related to achieving and maintaining           good health and physical fitness.

The following areas of studies are included in each year's program:

Language Arts; Mathematics; Art; Physical and Health Education; Music; Science and Social Studies.

Our classroom teachers cover all core subjects with their §tudents. Resource help and Special Education programs are also offered to students ,alao need this specialized attention. Following is a brief description of each of our specialist subject areas outlining the programs and their aims. Physical Education, Music and Art are offered on a partial basis by specialists.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Bridgewater Elementary School provides a complete and varied Physical Education program in one of the best equipped and designed elementary school gymnasiums in the province.

Each pupil in B.E.S. has scheduled Physical Education classes each week. In these classes the curriculum guidelines provided by the Department of Education become activity in the areas of educational gymnastics, games and dance. Shorts, a t-shirt and running shoes (the latter can be the same as indoor footwear) are required for class.

An Intramural program is provided throughout the year for students in grades five and six in the morning before school starts. Each sport offered has a sign-up sheet in the gym just prior to the sport beginning. The school also offers a school team in soccer and basketball and parent coaches are most welcome (and often needed).

MUSIC ·

The Music Program is based on the Kodaly philosophy of music education. The aim of the program is to instill in each student a love for music supported by a knowledge of music. Traditional folk music, singing games, listening, and movement are activities incorporated to achieve this goal.

The Music Program plays an important role in the development and education of your child.  The use of instruments encourages the developement of fine-motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Exposure to a variety of music styles helps to develop critical listening skills. The students of Bridgewater Elementary receive approximately thirty-five minutes of music each cycle.

ART

Art is essential in the development of self esteem. The very nature of the art process in giving expression to an individual perception makes it an important way we can assure that children celebrate their self worth. In addition to the process of art making there is the product of the experience that can be exhibited or commented on verbally, reaffirming the value of their work.

Art is invaluable in teaching children to take risks. When one begins an art work, one has an idea but no exact route for the execution of this idea. One has to make choices at every point in the process: what color, what shape, what size The accumulation of these individual choices leads to the final result.

Art is important in teaching children to think critically. Constant value judgments are made both in creating an art work and in talking about art. Analysis of size, shape, and color relationships are an on-going part of the art process. Logical sequence has to be followed in order for the final product to unfold.

Art is basic to may other disciplines. Science and~inath, for example, are similarly involved in the study of color, laws of proportion, symmetay, and growth patterns. Social studies includes the study of art of different cultures and historical periods. Art is above all an expression of the spirit. Art education fosters and develops this expression.

FRENCH ·

The Program is based on the themes approach detailed in the Department of Education's Elementary Core French Guide. The guide explains that "it is the aim of the core French program to develop in the learner the desire and the ability to communicate effectively in French."

In Grades 3 to 6 the students all learn orally. In addition, Grades 5 and 6 are introduced to reading and writing. The program is based on the four skills approach: speaking, listening, reading and writing. There is a greater emphasis on the first two skills. Language fundamentals (pronunciation, communication strategies and attitudes) are also developed.

LIBRARY / RESOURCE CENTRE ·

Bridgewater Elementary School has an excellent and pleasant library. The primary purpose of the facility is to support the curriculum and the interests of both students and staff. Some of the elements of our program are as follows:

- to provide a stimulating learning environment

- to meet the changing curriculum needs of the students and the teachers.

- to supply the students with the necessary skills to become proficient in their search   for information and materials.

- to provide a rich multi-media resource selection in addition to books (ie: computer programs, films, film strips, records, maps, magazines, etc.)

PARENT TEACHER DAY

An afternoon and evening is set aside in the Fall and Winter of each year for parent teacher conferences. At the fall Parent Teacher Day, all parents/guardians are asked to make an appointment. For the Winter Parent Teacher Day only necessary appointments are made. If the teacher has not contacted a you and you wish to have an appointment, please contact the teacher and arrangements will be made.

We encourage parents and teachers to maintain positive two-way open communication. Parents/guardians welcome to talk to a teacher if a question or concern arises. A telephone conversation or an appointment should take place whenever the need arises. We strive to work together in the best interest of your child.

STUDENT SUPERVISION

Teachers are required to supervise students on the playground at the following times: 8:35 to 8:53 am; 10:28 to 10:45 am (recess). Students who are on the playground at times other than those mentioned do not receive supervision and are not the responsibility of the school. The only exception to this policy is in regards to our lunch students who are supervised by non-teaching persons between 11:45 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.

We urge students not to be on the playground before adequate teacher supervision is available (ie: not before 8:35am). This arrangement assures less chance of accidents and is helpful in making our playground safe and happy. Parental cooperation in enforcing this policy is appreciated. We also request that students leave the school grounds immediately at the end of the day because it is not supervised and there are a variety of problems which occur every year from unsupervised students on school grounds after school.

RECESS AND NOON

Weather permitting, children are expected to play outside under the supervision of the duty teacher(s) or the playground supervisor. Should it be necessary for a child to remain inside during recess and noon (for health reasons) parents are asked to notify their child's teacher. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the season.

LUNCH TIME

Parents are encouraged to bring their children home for lunch if at all possible. We have 550 students by the end of the lunch period on our school grounds. Therefore, students who are at school all day have little or no chance to escape the masses. A break away from the school, even once a week, benefits your child mentally.

We have 4 paid supervisors, however, their jobs are very demanding because of the high number of students and the size and locations of the 3 playground areas.

Students who do not follow the noon hour rules will not be permitted to stay for lunch for a period of one day to several weeks depending on the nature and frequency of the problem.

SEVERE FOOD ALLERGIES

We felt that all parents would like to be aware that there are students in grades primary and one with a severe life threatening food allergy to peanuts (anaphylaxis). This is a medical condition that causes a severe reaction to specific foods and can result in death within minutes. Although this may or may not affect your child's class directly, we want to inform you because our school canteen is peanut free. For more information about anaphylaxis please feel welcome to call the school or our public health nurse. It would be helpful for all children to be aware of the special needs of these students (to be in a environment that is free of the dangerous allergen) and the primary and grade one classes will receive a grist visitor to educate them about anaphylaxis. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.

SCENT-FREE ENVIRONMENT

People tend to wear many layers of fragrances daily; in hair gels and sprays, deodorants, powders, shaving creams, cosmetics, aftershaves, colognes, perfumes, soaps, moisturizers, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dry cleaning chemical residues, etc. There are about 4000 chemicals used to make fragrances and several hundred can be used in a single product. These chemicals can cause serious health problems for many people, especially those with asthma, allergies and environmental illness.

It is with this in mind that Bridgewater Elementary adopted a "scent-free policy". Please do not wear perfume, scented hairspray, cologne, scented deodorant, aftershave or other scented products while attending, or visiting, at Bridgewater Elementary.

NO SCENTS

            IS GOOD

                    SENSE.

EMERGENCY DISMISSAL

Please review with your child(ren) where he/she is to go in case of an emergency dismissal from school. Announcements are made via CKBW, CBC Halifax and C100 as soon as possible. Classroom teachers set up an emergency phone tree with 3 parent volunteers from their class. Your phone number is given to these parents and will only be used in an emergency situation (emergency early dismissal due to a severe storm. etc. Bridgewater Elementary has the following early dismissal procedures in place:

c) The contact person calls the parent volunteers who then call your home and/or
emergency number.

To minimize your concerns and that of your child, you are requested to discuss a, plan of action with your child, in case of an emergency dismissal. This plan should be reviewed monthly to remind your child what is expected. It should include:

3. Arrange to have a place for your child to go if they arrive home and you are not there. This is very important and should be reviewed frequently, especially with younger children.

5. Please note that a mid day cancellation is one of the most hectic times in our year. There are very heavy demands on our phones and staff during these situations. A well thought out plan for each student is sincerely appreciated, because even these plans may need last minute changes.

PHONE LINES

We will do our best to answer your call from 8:30 am to 3:15 pm. This is when our school is provided with secretarial support. Please make your calls to the school during those hours. We only have two phone lines to service a school population of almost 600 people, including staff and parent volunteers, so please remind your child to use the pay phone (second floor by gym) unless it is an emergency.

IWK DRESS DOWN DAY

On Fridays, you may see some of our staff wearing blue jeans! They will be donating $1.00 to a fund in support of the IWK Hospital on these days.

UNSCHEDULED BUS STOPS

If, for any reason, your child has need to travel on a bus other than his usual one, or get off at a different stop - a request in writing must be sent to the school. The teacher will sign the note and the child will give it to the bus driver. This assures that both the teacher and parent will know where the child is at all times. Bus drivers have been asked not to drop a child off at an unscheduled stop unless he has a note which is signed and dated.

DISCIPLINE:  Refer to main page or follow this link. Discipline Policy

A TTENDANCE

Students are required by law to be present each day that school is in session unless he/she has a good reason for being absent. (As well, days missed at school hamper the learning process.) Written notes from parents or guardians explaining student absences are requireIt when students return to school.

Parents are advised by written notices when school will not be in session because of teacher inservices or any other unusual circumstance.

FIRE DRILLS

STUDENT PLACEMENT

It is our policy to place students in classes and groups in which they have the best chance for success and pro~ess. Ordinarily this placement is decided in May or June of the preceding school year. In most cases this results in children completing the Elementary School Program in seven years, that is, one year at each of the 7 levels or grades. Retention is the extreme exception to the rule because extensive research consistently concludes that having a student repeat a grade is rarely successful in the long term. Our aim is to have students progress smoothly through the program and avoid unnecessary repetition of already acquired and mastered skills. We strive to meet the child's individual needs.

In brief we believe that children should be placed so that they have the best possibility of success on a continuous basis. To this end, our program planning team supports parents, staff and students so that each student is challenged and successful at their individual level.

Parents who have a strong desire to request a specific placement (teacher) for their child for the next school year, should do so in writing to Mitchell Landry, Principal, prior to May 31.

STUDENT TRANSFERS

Students transferring to another school should tell their teacher as soon as possible so that the necessary records can be made ready.

Transfers In. Students transferring into the school ordinarily bring a transfer form with them from another school. The information provided helps in placement in this school and usually states the school address so that our school can send for records.

Students must live within the proper town limits of Bridgewater to attend B.E.S.

REPORTING PROCEDURES

Report cards are issued three times a year', in early December before Christmas, in early March before the break and at the end of the year on the last day of school. Please read the report carefully. Please sign the report card cover and return it to school (except in June). The report card itself is for you, a copy is retained in the student's cumulative file at school. Any questions you have should be directed to your child's teacher. Please contact your child's teacher at any time if you have questions about the program or his or her progress. You may wish to contact the school administration if you feel the matter is not addressed or you feel the matter is of real concern to you.

SCHOOL OWNED LEARNING MATERIALS

Each student in our school is supplied with textbooks for math, reading and various other subject areas. These books are very expensive and must be purchased with our tax dollars. With this in mind we ask that parents encourage care for the books to assure that they do not get damaged or lost. Parents are asked to pay the replacement cost~ for any textbooks which are lost or destroyed. We request your support in the care and maintenance of school owned materials.

HOMEWORK

Home assignments can be of benefit to students when given for a sound educational purpose. Homework can be assigned to complete work not finished during regular school hours.

Study and practice can best be done at home for certain tasks and skills which require memorization or instant recall. ie: time tables

Homework develops independent learning skills. It is important for students to understand their responsibility in getting an education. Homework gives the student a chance to develop discipline and study skills which are very important in later years.

Home assignments also keep parents in touch with the school and its curriculum.

Parents can assist students in acquiring study skills by following some basic principles which have proven effective.

1. Provide a learning atmosphere and specific place where homework is to be done.

2. Set aside the same time each day for home assignments. If no assignment is given, this gives t a student time to review material, do extra reading, or practice a skill or do some writing.

3. Parental support of assignments and curriculum provide the student with increased support and motivation to do well in school.

Here are some ideas for parents to assist their children in becoming competant readers:

Work towards creating a relaxed atmosphere at home. Your child should feel accepted, respected and not under undue pressure. Promote activities and attitudes that develops your child's self esteem.

Encourage your child's ability to communicate in writing and conversation. Demonstrate an active interest in your child's day.

Take your child to the public library regularly and obtain a library card as soon as possible. Allow your child to select some books from a selection which meets your approval.

Help your child to find reading at home an enjoyable experience.

Perhaps you could begin purchasing some books to start a home library. You may even consider a subscription to a child's magazine. Encourage your child to read about a favorite hobby or interest; for

Show your child that the family takes an interest in reading. Have books, magazines and newspapers in the home. Allow your child to see the enjoyment and information that you get from reading them in his/her presence.

Offer to read to and with your child. Encourage him/her to read books to you. To stimulate interest, try taking tums reading successive pages in a boc~k. Occasionally ask questions such as "What do you think will happen next?" At other tiqnes, read your own books at the same time and in the same area where your child is reading.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Following is a list of activities which may be offered this year to our students:

- art club

- chess club

- choir

- Student Council

- Green Machine

- basketball

- craft club

- various noon hour activities

- soccer

- intramurals

- floor hockey

New clubs are added from time to time.

If you would like to become involved, please inform your child's homeroom teacher.

Crossing guards are posted on the Dominion/York Street and Empire/York Street intersections when students are arriving and being dismissed from school. They are also posted at noon hour.

Many parents drive students to and from school. We ask that people letting students out should try to do this so that the student does not have to cross the street through traffic. Ma~uy near accidents have occurred, especially with the young ones, from crossing the street where there is no crosswalk or by darting out from behind a parked vehicle. Parents should let children off on the same side of the street as the school is on if possible, or else supervise the students erossing at the nearest crosswalk.

The parking signs observed on the school block are strictly enforced by the Town Police for the safety of children, and parents are urged to obey these regulations.

CITIZENSHIP AWARDS

At the end of each school year, teachers are asked to select one student from their classroom that they feel deserves a citizenship award. The award is presented at an assembly on the very last day of school. Parents and friends are welcome to attend the brief ceremony. Guidelines are as follows: Citizenship is of critical importance at school. Citizenship Award winners are students who: demonstrate good manners and a positive att~ztde. They give their best effort and encourage others to try their best. They are a role model for their peers (other students). The criteria for winning the award are as follows:

SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

Each year, in late May, our staff and Student Council host our annual Volunteer Tea in the library. Anyone who has been a volunteer for our school is welcome to attend our Volunteer Tea. Some of the kinds of things parents volunteer to do include: to tie skates, SAC, Home and School, free lunch program, guest speakers on hobby, etc., library, counting money for fundraisers, head lice, the Hot Dog Committee, coaching or supervising a lunch activity, chaperone on school trips and driving at times, class fundraising, tutors, Fun Day, computers, etc.. There are some light snacks, a brief presentation, and a big cake to enjoy that evening. We'd like you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea, to be more environmentally friendly (there will be disposable cups available). You can and do make a difference for the students in our school through volunteering. Each year our school benefits from thousands of free hours of volunteer service from more than one hundred people, this is one of the ways that we say thanks you. Your time is a valuable resource to our school. Your volunteer service and support of B.E.S. is important to us and we appreciate it very much.

Community volunteers have also been very cooperative in driving students to events or on class trips.

We have a full sized gymnasium and accept assistance from the community in running our various intramural and club activities. (ie: soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field, etc.)

Our school benefits greatly from the assistance and support so generously provided by members of our community. If you would like to help in some way please contact your child's homeroom teacher.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Bridgewater Elementary has a student council. The members are elected, one student from each class, in grades three to six, by their homeroom class. Once elected as a class representative, students in grades five or six may run for election as the President by the student body in grades three to six. Our first student council was formed in the 1994/95 school year. It provides students with leadership opportunities and training as a means of developing citizenship skills. The council also promotes school spirit and a sense of commtmity. The council recently celebrated the achievement of B.E.S. becoming an environmental "Green School", which began as a council initiative in 1994/95. The staff advisor is the principal.

PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

We have an active School Advisory Council (S.A.C.) and Home and School Association. Both groups work cooperatively with each other and the staff in the best interest of our students. Parents are always welcome to attend the monthly public meetings held in our library.

NURSE SERVICE

The Department of Public Health Nurses visit our school and perform some very valuable services. This includes: Hepatitis B vaccine to all our grade four students, demonstrations on health and safety matters such as first aid, support for our head lice program, advise when we have an outbreak of "pink-eye", etc. They also contribute health awareness information.

HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM ·

"The Department of Health will be funding the Hepatitis B Immunization Program again this year. Public Health Services staff, with the support of the schools, will be organizing the program. All Grade 4 students will be offered the Hepatitis B vaccine. The immunizations will be carried out in October, November and April by Public Health nurses. Grade 4 students will be given information sessions in September by Public Health Services staff. Further information will be sent home to the parents of Grade 4 students. If you have any questions regarding the program, please call Public Health services at 543-0850."

- is spread through an infected person's blood and body fluids

- attacks the liver and may damage or cause cancer of the liver

- you need three (3) doses at proper levels to be properly protected.

When immunizing in the schools, we provide as much privacy as possible for students. We avoid lineups by taking a few students at a time and providing screened-in areas to immunize individually. Students are given instructions in relaxation thereby making the experience as comfortable as possible. If your child has a great fear of needles, please let us know.

Lynn Boudreau

Public Health Services

PRIMARY REGISTRATION

Each winter the school asks parents to register children who will be attending school for the first time the following September. This request is made via newspaper ads and announcements over the radio station. Birth certificates are required as proof of age. Cumulative school records are kept from the day children start school and therefore we must have verification of birthdate at this time. Pre-registration helps us plan our primary classes for the following September.

Students who lose articles of clothing, lunch boxes, books, etc. should check the lost and found box located at the office, in the gym and on each floor. Students often turn in things they find on the playground and most lost articles can be retrieved with a search of our lost and found boxes. Students should not bring items of significant value to school.

INSIDE FOOTWEAR

We must take every reasonable measure to maintain and keep our school looking nice. We ask students to have an extra pair of footwear which they can put on when they come into the school. This saves a tremendous amount of wear and soiling of our floors. This inside footwear can be the sneakers that a student needs for gym purposes. We appreciate the parental support and cooperation we have received in implementing this policy. Please write your child's name on the footwear so that it can be identified if lost or stolen.

CANTEEN AND MILK PROGRAMS

· MILK PROGRAM ·

Our school offers milk to students through "The Nova Scotia School Milk Program", sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Marketing, at the cost of 35 cents per carton. Milk may be purchased from the canteen at recess and/or lunch for a cost of $7.00 per cycle. Milk money for these 4-week cycles must be paid in advance, usually the Wednesday before the new cycle starts. Please see the schedule below for dates that the milk money is due.

Money Due Milk Cycle Starts
Sept. 16        Sept. 21

Oct. 14        Oct. 19
Nov. 12        Nov.16
Dec. 9        Dec. 14

Jan 13                Jan 18

Feb 10               Feb 15

Mar 10               Mar 22

Apr. 14        Apr. 19
May 12        May 17

CANTEEN

The school canteen provides the following approved foods at recess and lunch hour: ice cream, juice, subs, cheese and crackers, crackers, pretzels, sunflower seeds, yogurt and other items that might be added from time to time. We do not sell peanuts because we have several students with a life threatening allergy to peanuts. We do not sell items such as pop, chips or chocolate bars. A list of products and prices is enclosed. Every Wednesday there is pizza available.

CANTEEN PRICE LIST

1998-99

Apple .10 Apple Shiver .75
Milk .35        Pretzels .75
Muffin .60 Bits & Bites .75
Juice .75        Cheese Nips .75
Water .75 Sun Up Cereal Bar .75
Yogurt .75 Crispers .75
Ice Cream .75 Cheese Snacks .75
Popcorn .75

Sandwiches (orders due in at 10:35)

Monday Chicken Salad 1.50
Tuesday Roast Beef 1.50

Wednesday Ham & Cheese 1.50

Thursday Tuna    1.50
Friday Egg Salad 1.50

Available Daily
Cheese Sandwich .75
6" subs 1.50

Pizza (available Wednesdays) 1.50 (money collected on Tuesdays)

SCHOOL PICTURES

Every year, usually in September, individual pictures are taken of the students in the school. The prices vary from year to year. We try to get the pictures back to parents well before Christmas. A family plan is provided to keep the cost down for families with three or more children. All purchases are on a voluntary basis and retakes are available for absent students and unsatisfactory pictures.

R.C.H. POLICY

Our school board has developed a lengthy policy related to Race Relations (R), Cross Cultural Understanding (C) and Human Rights (H). Copies are available from the office upon request. Essentially the policy promotes an acceptance of the great diversity which encompasses our society. As a school we embrace this reality and incorporate these concepts in our curriculum (such as Second Step, Social Studies, etc.) as well as our discipline policy.

BICYCLE HELMETS

Just a reminder that helmets are now mandatory when bike riding.

BIKES/SKATEBOARDS

Our playground is crowded and not designed for such equipment as a skateboard. For student safety the following are not permitted for use on the playground: bicycles, skateboards and rollerblades.

Volunteers are very important people in our school.

On a school level we appreciate the assistance of volunteers in many areas. If you are interested in helping out, please inform your child's homeroom teacher or contact us at the main office. Some of our more immediate needs include:

· Coaches for our school soccer team (and later for basketball)

· Library duties

· Individual class "money counters" and a team to account for all the class totals on a school level (for events like

- the Terry Fox Run, Magazine campaign, etc.).

· Members to form a school "health team" which primarily helps check classes for head lice when the need arises.

These are just some of the ways volunteers help our school!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Details on the school supplies are provided by your child's teacher for the "next" year in June with the report card.

BRIDGEWATER ELEMENTARY HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The BES Home and School Association welcomes everyone back for another successful year. Home and School is an important link between parents and teachers. We have fund raising projects and other activities planned for this year. To make these projects a success we need many volunteers. If you are interested in helping us for this year, let us know by calling Nancy Cyples

MIDDLE IMMERSION

IT'S SCHOOL PICTURE TIME