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Rethinking Middle School: Meeting the Moment for Neurodiverse Learners
For 14 years, I’ve served as Executive Director of a middle school built for neurodiverse students. Every day, I see the same truth play out: the traditional middle school model—designed around uniformity, compliance, and pace—doesn’t work for neurodivergent learners. It wasn’t built for them.Across the country, we are seeing rising numbers of students diagnosed with…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: JESSICA CONSLA
If you ask Jessica Consla why she became a teacher, she’ll tell you it’s because she’s always been curious about people—their stories, their challenges, and the unique strengths they bring to the table. That curiosity, combined with her own experiences as a student who once struggled in school, has shaped the thoughtful and compassionate educator…
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Week 5 (September 6)
We’ve been so busy getting the school ready for next week that we haven’t had a chance to film a video update! Everyone on our team has been hard at work preparing classrooms, organizing materials, and putting the finishing touches on everything to make Monday’s Open House extra special. We can’t wait to welcome you…
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Week 4 (Aug 30)
It has been a busy and exciting week here at Bridges Middle School! With both returning and new staff members, we’ve been hard at work setting up classrooms, organizing materials, and making sure everything is ready for an incredible school year. Things are truly coming together, and we cannot wait to welcome you into our…
