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Principal's Weekly

Posted Date: 11/02/26 (12:38 PM)

Principal’s Weekly

Bridgehampton Families:

As we turn the calendar to November, I want to reflect on what makes our school community so special. From our Halloween celebrations and student accomplishments to the learning taking place across our classrooms, there is so much to celebrate at Bridgehampton.

Our goal is to ensure that every family feels informed, connected, and included in the life of our school. Each week, I hope this update provides a meaningful look at what our students are experiencing, important dates to remember, and opportunities to engage with our school and the surrounding community.
 

This Week at Bridgehampton

 
Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day/Superintendent's Conference Day
School Closed for Students

Middle States Reaccreditation | November 3–6

We are excited to welcome the Middle States visiting team to Bridgehampton this week. Representatives will arrive Tuesday afternoon and spend time in our building observing classrooms, meeting with stakeholders, and learning about the programs, people, and traditions that make Bridgehampton unique.

College Tour | November 4–6
Students in grades 11 and 12 participating in our college tour will visit campuses in Rhode Island, gaining firsthand experience with college life and exploring possibilities for their futures. 

Exploring the World Beyond Our Classroom

Our juniors and seniors participating in this week’s college tour will visit six colleges and universities in Rhode Island, experiencing a variety of campuses and learning more about the opportunities available after high school. These experiences help students begin to envision what their own futures might look like.

Closer to home, our eighth-grade French students recently completed their Ma Maison/Ma Communauté projects, using language and creativity to explore the relationship between home and community. It is another example of learning that asks students to apply their skills in meaningful ways.
 

🌟 KILLER BEE SPOTLIGHT

 
Congratulations to CJ Echavarria and Destiny Parker, who earned All-League honors from the Suffolk County Volleyball Coaches Association for their outstanding contributions to the Pierson/Bridgehampton varsity volleyball team!
We also congratulate Kate Vinski, a captain of the varsity field hockey team, on an outstanding season and her team’s appearance in the Suffolk County Championship Final.

Opportunities & Community Partnerships

Learning Through Service

Our 21st Century students have another visit planned with the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) this Wednesday. We appreciate opportunities like these that connect students with local organizations while encouraging compassion, responsibility, and service.

Supporting the Arts at Bridgehampton

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 14, when Nancy Atlas and fellow musicians will perform at Bridgehampton School, with a special appearance by our Bridgehampton Marimba students. This promises to be a wonderful celebration of music and an opportunity to support arts programming for young people. Concert information
 

📍 AROUND OUR COMMUNITY

Hampton Library | November 5 at 6:00 PM
Preserving Long Island's Waterways with the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers — Learn more about the environmental importance of our local waterways and the work being done to help protect them.

Bridgehampton Museum | November 7, 5:00–6:00 PM
The World According to Irving — A literary conversation featuring playwright Keith Reddin, exploring the life and work of author John Irving. Particularly relevant for older students and adults.

Nancy Atlas & Bridgehampton Marimba | Saturday, November 14 @ 7:30 PM
Join us at Bridgehampton School for a special musical evening featuring Nancy Atlas and fellow musicians, along with a performance by our Bridgehampton Marimba students. This is another wonderful opportunity to celebrate and support the arts in our community.

Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreation Center

Poetry, Art & Groove
Saturday, November 14 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Celebrate the conclusion of the 2026 Hamptons Black Film, Art & Culture Series with poetry, music, and art. Featuring poet Cheryl Boyce-Taylor, Mandy Wagnac, Jammers Steel Band, and an exhibition curated by Faith Evans.
Suggested donation: $20. Refreshments provided.

Annual Holiday Food Drive
Help the Center support local families this Thanksgiving season by contributing food and holiday essentials.

Collection opportunities:
  • November 7, 10 AM–1 PM — King Kullen, Bridgehampton
  • November 18, 10 AM–1 PM — The Center, 551 Bridgehampton–Sag Harbor Turnpike
  • Additional donations accepted at Margo’s Cottage, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 AM–5 PM
Suggested donations include stuffing, canned vegetables, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and holiday treats.

Youth Mental Health Community Forum | November 17 at 6:30 PM
East Hampton High School will host Stronger Together: Connecting Families, School and Community to Help Our Youth Flourish, featuring Dr. Katherine Legare of Stony Brook University. The evening will explore resilience, stress, anxiety, sleep, peer pressure, and adolescent development.

Although especially relevant for secondary families, parents of younger children may also find the discussion valuable.

Helpful Family Resources

📚 SAT Prep Courses at The Center

The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center is offering SAT Prep Courses to help students prepare for the December 5 SAT!

Led by licensed Math and English Language Arts educators, Edward Smith and Billy Moss, these sessions provide students with valuable preparation and support as they plan for their futures.

Schedule: Sundays, 3:00–6:00 PM (with exceptions)
  • November 8
  • November 15
  • November 22
SAT Test Date: December 5, 2026
Students will have access to practice tests, interactive resources, SAT-style exams, and individualized feedback.
Affordable fees and scholarships are available.

Location: The Center, 551 Bridgehampton–Sag Harbor Turnpike

For more information or registration:
Camryn Highsmith
631-537-0616, ext. 105
 
 

📅 Looking Ahead | November 2026

 
Monday, November 2 — Grades K–2 Field Trip
Our youngest Killer Bees will participate in a learning experience beyond the classroom. Participating families should refer to their teachers' communications for trip details.

Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day/Superintendent's Conference Day
School Closed for Students

Wednesday–Friday, November 4–6 — Middle States Reaccreditation Visit
We are proud to welcome the Middle States visiting team to Bridgehampton. Throughout the visit, representatives will observe teaching and learning, meet with school stakeholders, and learn more about the programs and relationships that make our school special.

November 4–6 — Grades 11–12 College Tour
Participating students will explore colleges and universities in Rhode Island, learn about campus life, and consider the many possibilities available after graduation.

Wednesday, November 4 — First-Grade Swimming
Our first-grade students continue their swimming instruction, developing important water-safety skills and confidence.

Week of November 9 — Winter Athletics Preparations
Our athletic programs begin preparing for the winter season. Families should watch for information regarding team participation, practices, and schedules. 

Tuesday, November 10th, at 12:45 p.m. — Annual Veterans Day Assembly in the Auditorium 
We come together as a school community to honor and recognize the brave men and women who have served our country.

This annual tradition is a meaningful opportunity for our students and staff to express their gratitude, reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans, and recognize the courage, dedication, and service of those who have helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

Wednesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Schools will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.

Saturday, November 14 — Nancy Atlas Concert | 7:30 PM
Location: Bridgehampton School Auditorium

Join us for an evening celebrating music and community, featuring Nancy Atlas and a special performance by our Bridgehampton Marimba students. We are especially proud of opportunities that allow our young musicians to share their talents alongside established performers.
Monday, November 16 — Winter Varsity and JV Athletics
The winter athletics season is expected to get underway. Families should look for team-specific schedules and announcements.

Tuesday, November 17 — Youth Mental Health Community Forum | 6:30 PM
Location: East Hampton High School Library
Stronger Together: Connecting Families, School and Community to Help Our Youth Flourish
East Hampton High School will welcome Dr. Katherine Legare, child psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Stony Brook University, for a discussion on helping young people thrive. Topics will include brain development, resilience, stress, anxiety, sleep, peer pressure, and adolescent wellness.

Wednesday, November 18 — No Homework Night
Our monthly No Homework Nights are designed to give students and families a chance to step away from school assignments and enjoy meaningful time together.

Wednesday, November 18 — Board of Education Meeting | 6:00 PM

Friday, November 20 — Grades 11–12 Theater Field Trip
Participating students will attend a performance of To Kill a Mockingbird, extending classroom learning through live theater and engagement with important literary themes.

Monday, November 23 — Parent-Teacher Conferences | Half Day
Student dismissal: 11:05 AM
Parent-teacher conferences provide an important opportunity for families and teachers to connect about student progress, celebrate strengths, and discuss goals for continued growth.

Tuesday, November 24 — Thanksgiving Feast | 11:30 AM
Our school community will come together for our annual Thanksgiving Feast! This special tradition provides an opportunity for our students and staff to celebrate gratitude, friendship, and the sense of family that makes Bridgehampton such a special place.

Tuesday, November 24 — Go Home Early Emergency Drill | 2:30 PM
Bridgehampton School will conduct its annual Go Home Early Emergency Drill, an important part of our district's emergency preparedness procedures.

All students and staff will be dismissed at 2:30 PM, and after-school programs will be canceled.

Tuesday, November 24 — Thanksgiving Celebration
A school Thanksgiving Feast is scheduled for 11:30 AM. We look forward to celebrating gratitude, community, and the relationships that make Bridgehampton special.

Wednesday–Friday, November 25–27 — Thanksgiving Recess
Schools will be closed for Thanksgiving recess.
We wish all our Killer Bee families a safe and enjoyable holiday filled with time together.

Monday, November 30 — Welcome Back!
Classes resume following Thanksgiving recess as we prepare for an exciting December at Bridgehampton.