Future Bulldog
Welcome
Welcome to Bryn Mawr Community School – home of the Bryn Mawr Bulldogs! We created this section of our web site for new or prospective Bulldog families. In the fall of 2021, our student population is growing by 33%. There will be many new faces: new teachers, new students, and new families. Perhaps you are joining our school this year. Or maybe you’re checking out our school because you live (or are considering a move) where Byrn Mawr is the community school.
About Bryn Mawr Community School
Our neighborhood public school serves a diverse group of 450 (as of 2021-22) students PreK, including Early Childhood Special Ed., through 5th-grade students. Our school’s student demographics include 44% African American, .02% American Indian, 29% Asian/Pacific Islander, 9% Hispanic, 16% White. Approximately 73% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Bryn Mawr Community School Highlights
School Forest/Outdoor Classroom
Our school is adjacent to Theodore Wirth Park – the largest park in the Minneapolis park system. In 2019, Minnesota’s DNR (Department of Natural Resources) officially designated Bryn Mawr Community School as a forest school. “A School Forest is an outdoor classroom where students learn a variety of subjects and address academic standards.”
Young Scholars
Program (K-2)
In 2021-22, Bryn Mawr is one of only four schools in the MPS district piloting this program which offers advanced academic instruction to all K-2nd grade students.
Specialists
In 2021-2022, all students, PreK-5th grade, receive instruction from our Specialist teachers in the following areas: Music for all grades (band offered to 4th and 5th graders), Physical Education, Science and Visual Arts. Students also have access to our Media Center to check out library books weekly.
Winter Skiing in Theodore Wirth & Spring Bike Riding
In 2021, our Physical Education teacher, Ms. Anita Chavez, secured a fleet of new bicycles and began incorporating bike riding for all students PreK-5th grade. Previously, she and the PTA collaborated to obtain ski equipment for the school. During the snowy months, Ms. Anita teaches the older students cross-country skiing in our school forest.
Science from Scientists
Our Science teacher, Ms. Tricia Casey, partners with many organizations, including Science from Scientists, which sends scientists with advanced STEM degrees to our school to teach students hands-on lab-based lessons. The organization’s goal is “to ensure our nation’s youth is competitive globally in STEM fields through exciting, informative and engaging training by practicing scientists.”
STEM CLUB
Bryn Mawr’s free after school programming (with bus transportation) includes the STEM Club. We follow the MPS GEMS/GISE curriculum to help students uncover the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through project and problem-based learning. Students use a hands-on and minds-on approach that integrates reading and math skills. Knowledgeable staff immerse students in high-interest and rigorous STEM experiences to provide relevant, real-world connections and career explorations.
Art on streets and around the world
While introducing students to principles of visual art, our Art teacher, Ms. K, exposes students to global perspectives. Her lessons feature art found in the traditions and cultural celebrations of people around this nation and world. Students also have opportunities to see their art shared beyond the school building. In 2021, as part of a graphic design unit, she used PTA funds to bring in a local artist to interact with the 5th-grade students. These students competed in designing a lawn sign to advertise our school. The Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association turned the winning student’s design into lawn signs which school families will receive in the fall of 2021. In 2022, Bryn Mawr participated in its first National PTA Reflections Art Program. Two of our students placed at state, giving Bryn Mawr the distinction of being the only MPS school represented at the state level.
The “community” of Bryn Mawr Community
Local partnerships
As the local community school, our school benefits from the strong support of our surrounding community! We’re grateful for the generosity of partners like BMNA (Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association), Cuppa Java, Bryn Mawr Pizza, Bobby & Steve’s Autoworld, Clear Holistic Therapies, La Mesa, Nativ3 Digital Marketing & Web Design, and Siwek Lumber (to name just a few!). If your organization or company is interested in partnering with us to invest in North Minneapolis students, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us.
Family & Community Liaison | Ms. Mia
Family liaisons are MPS staff who facilitate communication among schools, families, and staff at MPS family resource centers. The Family and Community Liaison at Bryn Mawr Community is Alfreda Riddley. Everyone affectionately addresses her as Ms. Mia. Contact Ms Mia by email Alreda.Riddley@mpls.k12.mn.us or phone 612-668-2500.
Bulldog Ambassador
A Bulldog Ambassador is a family member of a current Bryn Mawr student. These PTA volunteers help welcome new and prospective families to Bryn Mawr Community School by answering any questions (or finding someone who can) and sharing their perspective as a current Bulldog family. Connect to a Bulldog Ambassador.
