-
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ANTHONY LEONETTE, SCHOOL COUNSELOR
We are delighted to shine our staff spotlight on Anthony Leonette, our dedicated and deeply compassionate school counselor. Anthony’s life story is one of courage, resilience, and an extraordinary commitment to ensuring young people feel seen, understood, and valued. His journey — from rural Ohio to the heart of our Bridges community — has shaped…
-
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: LUKA, CLASS OF 2025
When we posted our first teacher spotlight back in February, we envisioned expanding the VIP introductions to include the broader community that makes our school so special. Our administrative staff. Our board members. Our volunteers. And one day, even our students. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Luka, a recent Bridges graduate who is currently…
-
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: CATHY REYNOLDS
From Northern Ireland to Portland, Oregon, Cathy Reynolds has built her life around public service, leadership, and compassion. A successful HR executive and proud Bridges parent, Cathy brings her deep understanding of people and purpose to her role on the Bridges Board.
-
Our Executive Director Gives Testimony in Support of Safety, Stability, and Compassion for Portland’s Kids
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at City Hall, leaders from three Portland schools, including our own Executive Director, Beven Byrnes, delivered clear, compelling testimony urging the Portland City Council to reject proposed mid-year cuts to the City’s Impact Reduction Program (IRP) and other vital sanitation, safety, and outreach services. Representing students from preschool through high school,…
-
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ZACH ZEUTZIUS, PARAEDUCATOR
Every great story has a hero’s journey — and for Zach Zeutzius, that story begins right here at Bridges Middle School. Once a Bridges student learning to embrace his differences, Zach now helps the next generation feel seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are. His life reads like a full-circle screenplay about compassion,…
-
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BODO HEILIGER
For Bridges Middle School Board Member Bodo Heiliger, education has always been more than academics. It’s about creating spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated. His life story, from multilingual beginnings in Europe to leading the International School of Portland, reflects both resilience and a deep belief in the power of inclusive, child-centered…
-
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KARA BADER
When you meet Kara Bader, you’re immediately struck by her warmth, curiosity, and sincere compassion. A Bridges parent and board member, Kara brings a unique blend of professional expertise, nonprofit experience, and lived understanding of the neurodiverse community. Her journey — from the Montana mountains to a leadership role strengthening our mission — reflects both…
-
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JENNIFER ROLLINS
If you ask Jennifer Rollins about her path to Bridges Middle School, she’ll tell you it’s been a journey filled with curiosity, courage, and a dash of serendipity. A longtime board member, Jennifer has helped navigate Bridges through some of its most transformative years — from legal transitions and new campuses to the school’s evolution…
-
Supporting Your Child in Math: Building Foundations and Reaching New Heights
Every student is a mathematician in the making. Some may move swiftly through new concepts, while others need more time and targeted support to strengthen foundational skills. As parents and educators, our shared goal is to help every child grow in confidence and ability — both where they are now and where they are headed…
-
Rethinking “Extended Time”: A Closer Look at What Truly Helps Students with ADHD
A recent Education Week article by Elizabeth Heubeck, titled “Does Extended Time on Tests Actually Help Students with ADHD?”, takes a critical look at one of the most widely used classroom accommodations: giving students with ADHD extra time to complete assignments or exams. Rather than relying on external controls, like rigid break schedules or extended…
