Dear Parents,

As we begin our third week apart from one another, I first want to thank you for your continued commitment to your children and your willingness to work with our teachers. One day, we will be together again, and what a glorious day it will be! We've already started thinking about how best to celebrate on our day of return.

 

All indications from Governor Lee point to schools not resuming regular classes until, at least, Monday, April 27. That would mean, of course, two more weeks of distance learning as well as the cancellation or rescheduling of April events. The administrative staff and the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees are both meeting this week to discuss some of the challenges ahead, and we'll let you know of any changes once they are decided upon.

 

In the meantime, we'll continue to adjust to make sure we are offering your children a meaningful educational experience at home. Thanks to your wonderfully helpful comments and suggestions on our survey, we'll be able to alter our course as needed. As I said in my previous message, teachers will focus more on instruction and work to support it. With no certain date of return on the horizon however, we will continue to welcome your constructive feedback.

 

Finally, I know that this a time for struggle, and for some it's much more difficult than for others. What I've seen blossoming in the world around us are untold gestures of generosity, heroic commitments to treating the sick, and a sincere concern for those less fortunate. As our families spend more time together and thus have more time to talk with one another, perhaps we adults might bring to light in our children's eyes the goodness that always grows during challenging times. 

 

Sincerely,

Spring Break

Spring Break begins Friday and lasts through Monday, April 13. There will be no instructional time during the break.

Special Areas

Several parents have asked about where to find special area assignments and activities (science, technology, art/shop, Spanish and music. Make sure you are using the Class Seesaw app, not the Family app. Use your student’s home learning code, not the QR codes sent in take-home packets. You should have received the code in an email from the teacher. If you need it resent, please contact the teacher. When the student logs in and taps his or her name in the upper left hand corner, a window will appear with all the classes including special areas. You should see teachers’ names associated with the classes. Click on the class, and then select ACTIVITIES located in the blue box on the right side of the screen.

Report Cards

We were preparing to mail second trimester report cards as the closure happened. Instead of mailing report cards, the report cards will be posted on the parent portal on Friday. Click here to access the portal.

Contact Information

Please use this contact information if you have any questions.

What Are You Doing?

Send us photos of your child participating in a Zoom meeting or doing school work at home. Let your child decorate a desk or work area to remind them of Bright School. Send images to Elizabeth Davis at [email protected].

Have your child write a letter to Mr. Morgan! Tell him what you are doing at home and how your distance learning is going. Our address is 1950 McDade Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37405.

Bright Fit T-shirts

We're not in school, but we can still wear our Bright Fit T-shirts. Wear your shirt on Friday for your Zoom morning meeting and send Ms. Davis a picture!

If your child enjoys building with Legos or other kinds of blocks and materials, here is an activity to do at home. Watch this video to learn more. Take a picture of what your child builds and email it to Mrs. Kropff at [email protected]. The second challenge will be issued on Wednesday. Look for an email from Mrs. Kropff about that.

Bright Fit Week is happening as soon as we come back from Spring Break. Look for information about what students can do each day at home to stay healthy and active. Bright Fit Week is April 14-17.

The slate of Parents' Association officers for 2020-2021 will be voted on at Open House on April 30, and we are giving a months' notice per PA bylaws. The president and treasurer positions were affirmed in last year's vote and do not require a vote this year.

President: Lucy Sawrie

President-Elect: Sholar Howard

Secretary: Heidi Caputo

Treasurer: Amy Hutcherson

Treasurer-Elect: Ashley Ladebauche

VP I: Christie Denton

VP II: Sarah Burns

VP III: Barbara Perdomo

VP IV: Stephanie Lamar

VP V: Dorothy Caplenor

March is the month to order yearbooks! The 2019-2020 yearbooks will be distributed at Registration Day, but don't delay! Purchase your book now because we can't guarantee there will be enough books left over to buy in the fall.

This year, we are offering discounts for buying multiple books. Individual books are $35. Buy 2 for $60 (Code Yearbook2), 3 for $90 (Code Yearbook3), or 4 for $120 (Code Yearbook4). The codes are good through March 31. Books will be $40 on Registration Day. Please only purchase online by clicking on "Buy Your Yearbook." Do not send a check to school.

Start planning a fun summer for your child at Bright! Registration is now open for our summer program.

Bright Days is open to ages 3 (by August 1) to 8 (or rising third grader). Weekly sessions last the first week of June to the last week of July (school is closed the week of July 4). Visit our website to learn more and to register.