Bridges Area Learning Center
Quarter 2 Community Newsletter
A Truly Special Year!
Hello Bridges families and friends!
We are off and running in our second quarter of the year (already) and it has been a great start! We welcomed several new students and families to be a part of the Bridges experience. Additionally, we celebrated with several students as they finished class requirements and graduated. Nothing compares to seeing our students preserver and work to finish up their graduation requirements and recognize the importance of a Prior Lake High School Diploma. Bridges works with students year round to support their progress towards graduation. While the majority of our graduates finish in the Spring, sometimes students need a bit longer to get to the end. At Bridges, we have among the highest graduation rates of ALC's to successfully partner with our students needing more time to ultimately see them graduate.
We certainly had a lot to celebrate last quarter too in the opening of our new school. We saw more than 100 community members attend our Grand Opening celebration in October. It was a truly special moment in my career and for our Bridges team to see the wide range of support and celebration for our school. Our superintendent of schools was among our speakers for our Grand Opening. I truly appreciated Dr. Staloch's opening remarks recognizing the work the Bridges team has done over the past decade and the opportunities our community now have with our great school. Additionally, we cut our ceremonial ribbon with our team, past and present students and family members. We are grateful for our community support and acknowledgment that non-traditional options for today's learners are both necessary and valued.
Warm Regards,
Dave Brown
#RelationshipsMatter
#bridges1920
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Mission - to educate all learners to reach their full potential as contributing and productive members of our ever changing global community.
A grand time at Bridges Grand Opening during the evening of Oct 21, 2019!
Our community guests checking out the learning commons
Mr. Martin explaining Bridges features to school board member Mary Frantz
Our social commons before the ribbon cutting
Bridges ALC was recognized by PL Rotary as an Honorary Paul Harris Fellow. The Honorary Paul Harris Fellow is an individual or organization that embodies the spirit of Rotary and Service Above Self through their daily and special activities in our community, region, nation, or world. David Lawson, Alexius Serefeas and myself represented Bridges during the award presentation at the Rotary's foundation banquet.
Congrats Bridges Q1 Grads!
Bridges students giving back - cleaning up our portion of Panama Ave., in PL for Adopt-A-Highway!
Congrats, Xavier, recognized during the Optimist Club's youth appreciation luncheon at Fong's restaurant in PL
Bridges hosted the district administration meeting on Tuesday, Nov 26th allowing all PLSAS administrators to see the beautiful new building, tour classes, connect with students and staff and sit in for a panel on how Bridges supports non-traditional learning
Class @ Bridges
Mr. Lawson's gov class
Ms. Jenkins's Transition Seminar
Mr. Martin in Math II
Art in Action
JUMP DAY enrichment - Analyzing the differences between Beyond Burger and Beef
Many graduates have stopped by to check in and see the new school!
Teacher Corner: Alexius Serefeas, English and Science
What are students looking for? Teenagers - young adults, really - have many different needs. The need to be supported by adults in their life. The need for acceptance and belonging with the peers. The need for self-discovery and personal growth. The need for structure, and stability. The developing need for direction and purpose, for a goal to strive for beyond just the completion of assigned tasks. Young men and women have many needs - but perhaps the most important is having a safe place where those needs can be met.
Bridges ALC is home to a diverse population of students, who come here for a wide range of reasons. Some come here to get a second chance, or a fresh start. Some are here for the smaller class sizes, the individual attention and support from teachers and staff. Some are here for the calmer atmosphere. But most of all, our students are here for acceptance.
At Bridges, all find acceptance. No matter where you came from or why you are here, there is a place for everyone at this school. All of or students have experienced struggles in their lives, and all of them have known the feeling of being outside looking in. In the past, this experience made them feel isolated, but here it is the basis for solidarity and friendship. Because they have all gone through this experience, our students are more accepting, better able to empathize with some of the struggles that their peers are going through. Having a peer group that understand little things, like having a really difficult day or needing to get away for a moment, changes those experiences from something potentially embarrassing or divisive into something bonding.
Students who have not thrived anywhere else, flourish here. There is affirmation of the atypical among students at Bridges, an ability to feel for others without judgement. Every student has arrived here by a path that is somewhat different from the mainstream. That is one of the reasons they fit in here - because they embrace that difference together, and celebrate being with others who have gone through those trials as well. For many of our students, coming to Bridges means being with peers who get it, who get them - it’s a kind of coming home.
Students from all walks of life have found their place at Bridges. In an environment where there is less pressure to look or act a certain way, students are able to feel comfortable, to focus. And once they are able to focus - to truly be engaged in school, without all the stress and anxiety of feeling like an outsider - they excel. Bridges students succeed because, sometimes for the first time, they find what they need in a school. And what students really need is a place to belong.
Alexius Serefeas
Celebrating with some of our graduates during commencement at beautiful Dan Patch Field last Spring!
PL Rotary to sponser STRIVE @ Bridges ALC for 10th consecutive year!
STRIVE (an acronym for “Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education”) is a Prior Lake Rotary program that helps Bridges students set and attain goals with the ultimate goal being earning a Prior Lake High School diploma! The program pairs students with an adult Rotarian or person in our community allowing mentorship to occur.
We have been doing STRIVE for over 10 years and with our new space we can accommodate more students! Prior Lake Rotary sponsors the STRIVE program with Bridges and provides catered lunch from The Pointe in Prior Lake and a mentor to call their own. For successful participation in the program (missing two or less meetings and consistent participation) students are awarded an attendance scholarship, and a $500.00 - $750.00 scholarship to a post-secondary school of their choice. If a student is going into the military, a $500.00-$750.00 check is given to them upon graduation.
The days we meet with our students, the entire school is buzzing with activity. The mentors are chatting, the students are full of energy, and food (frequently pizza) is creating a delectable aroma that fills us with anticipation. As we get into our positions to converse, it sometimes is so loud it’s difficult to hear one another. As we begin our program this year in our new space, we not only have more of it, but we also have places where more private conversations can happen. This program is very successful, many students graduate, and several of them earn scholarships. As we look to the future, I see the program growing and expanding with more interest and participation. We are looking forward to the new scholastic year!
Dr. Cindy Shepard
STRIVE Co-Chair
PL Rotarian
Conferences - Q2
Thursday, Dec 5, 2019, 05:00 PM
Bridges Area Learning Center, 15780 Fish Point Road, Prior Lake, MN, USA
Student Reflection - Caryn
I'm Caryn Rose and I've only been at Bridges for a couple of weeks now, but it has helped me so much. I feel great about my grades, and I actually see my friends. I used to loathe going to school but don't any longer. Outside of school is easier too. I get to be with my friends at Prior Lake High School and have more overall freedom after school because of how successful I am here. Overall being at Bridges is a positive impact on my mental health and making my high school experience a lot better. I really appreciate Bridges!
Student Reflection - Jay
Bridges is a second chance for me to finish school which is both exceptional and amazing! What I’ve really noticed so far are the ways that this school is different from the other three learning facilities I have attended. First, the building is open and welcoming. It’s a very socially supportive place, and students here have each other's back. If you’re having a tough day, at least five students will check up on you, and it’s really easy to find a few friends within seconds of entering the building.
No matter who you are, talkative or silent, someone will vibe with you. Second, we are given enough time to understand and finish our school work in our classes. We have some of the best teachers in this building that I’ve ever seen, it’s like having all your favorite teachers in one place. Third, it’s clear that everyone in the building is here to help you succeed. If you need help or more time with a teacher to go over material with you, they are more than happy to accommodate you and find a time within the same day you ask. They want you here as much as they want you to leave with a diploma.
Bridges is a place for students to save themselves from getting lost and missing out on their diploma--it catches student who might otherwise “get lost in the cracks.“
Jay
Bridges Students of the Month
September - Martha!
-David Lawson, Social Studies Teacher.
October - Justin!
-Candi Jenkins, Work Program & Special Education Teacher
Congrats to Ms. Jenkins, Bridges 2018-19 Teacher of the Year and Ms. Nelson, Educator of Excellence nominee!
Bridges In The News
Welcome to Bridges new Guidance Counselor; Doug Revsbeck!
Greetings,
My name is Doug Revsbeck and I am eager to begin my new position as school counselor at Bridges ALC. I am especially eager to get to know all the students and the families as we work together to ensure your success at Bridges and plan for your next steps after high school!
I want to make sure that all feel welcomed and make sure that, together, we will do everything we can to make this school year a great experience for everyone.
Please feel free to stop in and visit, email or call me with any questions. Below is a little summary of my background:
I just recently retired after serving the past 12 years as Principal at Harding High School, St Paul, Minnesota. Prior to this position, I served for seven years as the Site Administrator for the St. Paul “Unidale” Area Learning Center (Currently Gordon Parks High School). I also served as an Assistant Principal role at Harding High School and as an Interim Assistant Principal at Shakopee Junior High School. In addition to these administrative positions, I served in Minneapolis Public Schools as a School Counselor and as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) in Special Education and Career/Vocational Technical Education. In my earlier years, I served as a Special Education teacher & Vocational Special needs teacher in both Mankato and Gaylord.
Bridges Staff and Contact Information
Dave Brown - ALC Coordinator
Teaching Staff
Melissa Olson - Teacher (Language Arts)
Email: meolson@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0858
Twitter: @PLSAS_Olson
Andrew Martin - Teacher (Math, FABLAB, Projects)
Independent Study is held Monday & Wednesday from 3:30pm to 6:00pm
Email: amartin@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0854
Twitter: @mrmatinium
David Lawson - Teacher (Social Studies & Independent Studies Coordinator)
Email: dlawson@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0859
Twitter: @EdinaEast78
Chris Nelson - Teacher (Art, Phy Ed)
Email: cnelson@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0856
Twitter: @Ms_Cnelson
Candi Jenkins - Teacher (SPED, Work Program and Music Projects)
Email: cjenkins@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0851
Twitter: @sped_jenkins
Alexius Serefeas - Teacher (Language Arts, Science)
Email: aserefeas@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Twitter: @PLSAS_Serefeas
Student Support Staff
Jennifer Powers - Bridges Secretary
Email: jpowers@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0840
Twitter: @JennPowers514
Doug Revsbeck- Guidance Counselor
Email: drevsbeck@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0846
Twitter: @okwdoug1
Ann Collins - (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
Email: acollins@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0841
Twitter: @AnnCollins1516
Kevin Wagner - Social Worker
Email: kwagner@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0849
Erik Elsberry - Therapist
From the Student Support Team: Kevin Wagner, Student Support/Social Work
Hello Bridges Community!
It has been an amazing start to the new year in a fantastic new building! The positive energy is present every day coming from both staff and students.
For several years now, Ms. Jenkins and I have been co-leading anxiety support groups for our students. We meet first hour most days of the week and have a different group each day. During this time, students are free to share events from their lives, offer advice to each other, share their successes, and offer support to each other. During this time, we also discuss strategies for alleviating anxiety and problem solve various situations our students find themselves in. Allowing students to talk openly about what is happening with them pays off not just for the students themselves, but also for the staff and the climate of our school. Our anxiety support groups are one more way (out of many) that we show our students that we care and we are on their team. When students know that you are ‘in their corner’, they are much more likely to want to ‘do right by you’. This manifests itself in increased student involvement and investment, increased cooperation, increased academic success, and an increase in the positivity that has always been a hallmark of Bridges.
Grow, discover, belong…that’s what Bridges has always been about. Our anxiety support groups continue to increase that crucial sense of belonging which many of our students need. It is an honor to work at Bridges!
Kevin Wagner
Student Support/Social Work
Bridges ALC Independent Study
Here at Bridges we offer a flexible online based program to support students in need of credit recovery. After a student determines the credit need (usually through the student's guidance counselor), simply register online, complete needed forms, bring them in to Bridges ALC and meet with the independent study teacher, Mr. Lawson, and they are ready to go within minutes. Each student is enrolled in a class through a web browser based program called PLATO. The program runs October 1st through May 19th, 2020.
Each class a student signs up for requires a total of 10 hours of seat time here at Bridges and/or PLHS, and this can be done after school on Mondays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m @ PLHS and @ Bridges Tuesday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30pm. Once the attendance piece is completed the student will finish the course(s) on their own time. I’ve had many students get caught up, back on track, or even finish up for their diploma through Independent Study. It’s a great program and it provides a great service to our students.
More information and online registration can be found on our webpage:
https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/our-schools/bridges-area-learning
If you have questions please feel free to reach out to our Independent Study Coordinator:
David Lawson: dlawson@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
JUMP DAYS the Only Difference in Bridges Calendar to PLHS
Our school calendar is the same as Prior Lake High School (days off, start/end of quarters, etc) with the exception of JUMP DAYS. These days are designed for students to jump ahead with their grades, academic skills and attendance. During JUMP DAYS we pause regularly scheduled classes and switch to a block schedule (four periods instead of seven). Students are scheduled in periods for interventions and enrichment based on their progress during the quarter.
Q2 JUMP DAYS
- November 22
- December 20
- January 10
Quarter 2 Significant dates
November:
4 - Q2 First Day
7 - STRIVE
13 - Optimist Club's Youth Appreciation Luncheon
14 - Senior Graduation Meeting with Dr. Bezek, PLHS principal
21 - STRIVE
22 - JUNMP DAY
27-29 Thanksgiving Break
December:
5 - STRIVE, Conferences
12 - STRIVE
19 - All School Field Trip
20 - JUMP DAY
23 - 1 JAN - Winter Break
January:
2 - Classes Resume
9 - STRIVE
10 - JUMP DAY
15 - End of Quarter Day
16 - Final Day of Q2; Early Release
17 - No Classes (staff work day)
20 - No School
21 - First day of Q3