March 19, 2020
Dear Bridges Parents and Guardians,
We are providing an update on the distance learning plan for students and information to help support families during this period of school closure. Following the mandate by Mayor Bowser, distance learning is happening from March 24 - March 31, 2020. Families will receive additional information on the distance learning plan by Saturday, March 20, 2020.
Distance Learning Plan
Bridges PCS distance learning will include on-line learning and learning packets. Lessons will review, enhance and extend previous learning. The on-line resources being used are google hangout, Class Dojo, parents’ email and a private Youtube channel. The devices that can be used to access the on-line learning are a smartphone, tablet, computer and the telephone. Teachers will be leading learning and available for students and parents daily between 9 am – 3 pm following a schedule by grade level. You will receive the grade level schedule lesson times and the full details on how to access the on-line resources in our next update letter. Parents do not need to be able to print out any materials at home for students to participate in the on-line learning. Students can do work on paper that you have at home following the learning plan shared with parents via email and Class Dojo. Parents can print out material if they want.
For parents who do not have access to the internet and a smartphone, tablet or computer at home we can provide a hard copy of the learning packets. Packets will be mailed to families or made available for picked up at the school on specific distribution days. To request a hard copy email info@bridgespcs.org.
Below is information on how families who currently do not have internet access at home can get access for free or a low-cost.
Internet and Utilities
Comcast (Xfinity) wifi hotspots are available for all customers. Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet customers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
Internet Essentials - https://www.internetessentials.com/apply . Home Internet option for new and former Comcast customers that receive free and reduced lunch and other benefits. There are also two dedicated phone numbers: 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 (español).
Lifeline - https://nationalverifier.service-now.com/lifeline (Federal subsidy for voice or internet service for low-income consumers).
Food Resources
DCPS Student meal sites 10am - 2pm (updated 3/18)
Charter School Meal Sites
https://dcpcsb.org/citywide-meal-distribution-all-students
Restaurants offering free kids’ meals
· We the Pizza (Capitol Hill, 202-544-4008)
· Good Stuff Eatery (Capitol Hill, 202-791-0168; Georgetown, 202-337-4663)
· Santa Rosa Taqueria (Capitol Hill, 202-450-4800)
· Hook Hall Breakfast for kids - March 18-March 31, 8am - 10am
· MGM Roast Beef - Free meals for hospital workers and free sandwiches or salads for kids 12 and under
· DC Food Project - List of additional emergency food resources
Please reach out to a member of the school’s Leadership Team, if you have any questions or concerns. As we learn more from city officials about developments that affect our school community, we will share this information. Be safe and stay healthy.
Ms. Olivia Smith, Founder Head of School - osmith@bridgespcs.org
Ms. Kay Elaster, Principal - kelaster@bridgespcs.org
Ms. Danette Dicks, Assistant Principal - ddicks@bridgespcs.org
Ms. Georgia Vergos, Chief Operating Officer – gvergos@bridgespcs.org