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BRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHOOL-BASED SITE COUNCIL 55 Middleby Road, Lexington, MA 02421 JANUARY 25, 2019 MEETING MINUTES APPROVED MARCH 1, 2019 Attendance: Lynnette Allen, Lucia Brower,Amelia Brower, Erin Cerat, Natalie Cohen, Meg Colella,Jon Cunha, Crystal Dolcimascolo, Kristen Gray,Amy Kvaal, Kimberly Hensle Lowrance, Ruth Litchfield,Agnes Liu, Zeba McGibbon, Beth Murnaghan,Anita Patel, Deirdre Schadler, Kira Sevene, Melanie Tanionos, and Maria Totniou. The Bridge Elementary School School-Based Site Council held its monthly meeting on Friday,January 25, 2019 at 8 AM in Bridge Elementary School Library. The meeting opened with questions and updates. Melanie Tanionos said that, in April,the police department will lead a safe way to school training for second and third graders.Also Bridge is getting another bike rack this spring. This new addition construction will be paid for from the school's equipment budget. Meg Colella announced that playground will start this summer and hopefully will end before school starts. However, Bowman's playground didn't finish until October, so it's unsure when the end date will be. It's also unclear if students will be able to use playground during construction if runs into school year. Melanie added that phase two of the reservoir renovation—updating of the bathhouse— will start this spring. Dr.Julie Hackett, Superintendent, Lexington Public Schools,then joined the meeting. She had visited Bridge's chess club before coming to Site Council and was planning to tour Bridge today, meeting teachers and students. Dr. Hackett began by asking: What are we most proud of at Bridge? SBC members shared a number of things, including the strong community between teachers and parents with open lines of communication,the fact that Bridge feels like a small and cozy community with opportunity for one to one dialogue, and the strong volunteer spirit within the parent community.Another plus is the increase of responsibilities given to fifth graders, all designed to engage the students in their community and prepare them with the transition to middle school. Bridge is "a good place for kids and for adults," said Ruth Litchfield. Other staff added that they feel very supported here—by both parents and administrators.And,they are happy here at Bridge. Parent talked about how impressive the kindergarten social emotional curriculum offered is, and Zeba McGibbon was asked to give an overview for those unfamiliar with these efforts. The curriculum focuses on listening, empathy, and respect,while helping the students learn strategies for successfully functioning in the classroom and in the Bridge community. 1