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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: MELISSA PERRONE
We’re pleased to introduce Melissa Perrone to the Bridges community! Melissa brings a deep love of reading and writing, a passion for math, and a strong commitment to helping students discover their confidence. With a winding path that took her from a tight-knit school in Illinois to classrooms across Portland, Melissa’s journey is rich with…
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Week 1 (Aug 6, 2025)
We’re excited to share the first in a series of short weekly video updates to keep you informed and involved as we move through this important season of change at Bridges. WEEK 1: Dr. Carrie Hall, Principal | Staffing Updates Beven Byrnes, Executive Director | Building Move + Communication Timeline Kara Bader, Current Parent and…
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: RYLIE LEON, PARAEDUCATOR
At Bridges, we know that for many of our students, this is the first place they’ve ever truly felt like they belonged. Our goal is for that sense of safety and connection to extend to the whole family—and Rylie Leon’s story is a powerful reflection of that mission. Early Years From a very young age,…
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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: TODD VALENTINE
After spending the latter part of this past school year supporting our students as a substitute, we’re excited to welcome Todd Valentine to our full-time Ravens’ teaching team! Todd brings a vibrant blend of science expertise, humor, and heartfelt connection to his work with students, and he’s deeply committed to helping neurodiverse learners discover their…
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: BEVEN BYRNES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
An Unorthodox Path That WorkedIf there’s one thing Beven Byrnes wants you to know, it’s this: her journey to educational leadership was anything but traditional—and that’s exactly what makes it work. Growing up in Portland, Beven’s upbringing was anything but ordinary. With two trailblazing moms who both worked at OHSU—one a pharmacist, the other a…
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: KAREN PANE, OFFICE MANAGER
At Bridges Middle School, our front desk is often the first stop for students and families—and the person behind it plays a huge role in setting the tone. That’s why we’re so grateful to have Karen Pane as our office manager. With a warm heart, quick mind, and first-hand experience as a Bridges parent, Karen…
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ROCKSTAR TEACHERS WANTED FOR 2025/2026!
Bridges Middle School is one of the few schools in Oregon devoted to students with learning differences and the only one focused exclusively on the middle school years. Bridges offers 5th through 8th grade students small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and a safe place to learn and grow. For many Bridges students, this means the…
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Navigating the Eight Senses: Sensory Processing Differences in Neurodivergent Kids
We experience the world through eight main senses: Sight (Visual): How we see colors, shapes, and movement. Hearing (Auditory): How we hear sounds, like music or voices. Smell (Olfactory): How we detect and recognize different scents. Taste (Gustatory): How we taste sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors. Touch (Tactile): How we feel textures, temperature, and…
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A Safe Haven for Neurodiverse Children and Their Families in Uncertain Times
In today’s ever-changing world, uncertainty seems to be a constant. From global events to personal challenges, many families are navigating uncharted waters, searching for stability and support. For neurodiverse children and their families, these challenges can be even more overwhelming. At Bridges Middle School, we understand the importance of providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing…
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Teacher Spotlight: Brian Dugan
At Bridges, we believe that great teachers don’t only focus on academics. They are dedicated to nurturing the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. This month, we are excited to launch our new spotlight series with Brian Dugan, a dedicated educator whose passion for individualized learning, experiential education, and personal growth is inspiring our Flamingoes and…
