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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ARIANNA CROPP, SCHOOL COUNSELOR + ART THERAPIST
At Bridges, fostering creativity and emotional growth is a cornerstone of student success. We’re thrilled to welcome Arianna Cropp, our new counselor and art therapist, whose unique blend of artistic expertise and therapeutic support is primed to make a lasting impact. A Unicorn with Artistic Roots Arianna grew up in the vibrant Sellwood neighborhood, where…
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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: ASHLEY BARTHOLOMEW
Our latest spotlight focuses on Ashley Bartholomew, a dedicated educator whose passion for building confidence and creating a supportive environment is making a lasting impact on our school community Rooted in Oregon: A Lifelong Journey in Education Ashley grew up in Milwaukie, Oregon, and has spent her entire life in the Pacific Northwest. “I’ve lived…
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: MARY MORRIS, SCHOOL COUNSELOR
At Bridges, we believe that supporting the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically—is at the heart of education. Our staff is committed to this mission, and we’re thrilled to introduce Mary Morris, our new school counselor, who embodies this approach through her diverse experiences and deep passion for supporting students. From Hollywood to Helping Kids Born…
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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…
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Student Experience Trends Through the Year at Bridges
Bridges staff members anticipate these experiences and adjust student support accordingly. However, please keep in mind that each student is a unique individual and may have these experiences at their own pace, if at all.
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2024 Annual Fund Coming Soon
In late November, we will launch our 2024 Annual Fund drive. As a valued member of the Bridges community, we hope you will support this annual fall campaign. It is instrumental in raising funds to support our daily operating budget. Annual Fund contributions help close the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a…
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Interoception: The Hidden Sense
Interoception is the ability to sense and understand what’s going on inside our bodies. This includes feelings like hunger, thirst, pain, and emotions. Why is Interoception Important? Good interoception helps kids: Regulate their emotions: By understanding their body’s signals, they can recognize and manage their feelings more effectively. Improve focus: Paying attention to bodily sensations…
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Window of Tolerance
Recognizing a student’s window of tolerance has been a helpful strategy in how we support our students. Dr. Dan Siegel developed the concept to refer to the optimal range of emotional arousal within which a person can effectively cope with stress. This window may be smaller for neurodivergent individuals. When a person experiences extreme stress…
