Bridges Area Learning Center
Weekly Reflections
Dear Team,
Once again, I am delighted to report that we have state data from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) indicating we are successfully fulfilling our mission! Our graduation rated increased last year to 54.7%. Just as important to our graduation rate is our continuing student progression towards graduation as it may be impossible for them to graduate in the four years at high school due to their circumstances. Last year 24.5% of our students continued to progress in their education. As a result, we can proudly say that due to the hard work, warm and positive educational environments and work spaces and the ability to positively connect with at-risk students 79.2% of our students either graduated or continued on to progress towards graduation. Furthermore, Bridges had a graduation rate of 72.3% for students entering their 5th year! And, Bridges had a graduation rate of 77.8% for those students entering their 6th year!
Bridges ALC graduation rates for 4th, 5th and 6th year students have been trending upwards as well as consistent over the past several years. This is a reason to celebrate and affirm the work done here as taking at-risk students and walking with them and guiding them in their educational journey is not easy work! Additionally, we have been at the top or among the top ALC's in the south metro and the state for the last several years!
While it has been great to once again receive quantifiable, measurable data to validate our program. The best evidence is simply walking through the school on an given day. The most common misconception I discuss with incoming students/parents/guardians/families is that their are bad students here. After walking them around and introducing them to our fabulous teachers and support staff as well as outstanding students that misconception is immediately dispelled. It is our students who, in fact, best represent the program. They are polite, engaged, laughing, genuinely enjoying themselves and have a sense of pride about their school (people have asked me - where are the at-risk students?). And, it is truly an honor to serve in my capacity as the coordinator of the program!
Warm Regards,
Dave
Bridges ALC 4 Year Graduation Rate & Trends
5th year Graduation Rate and Trends
6th Year Graduation Rate & Trends
Week at a Glance
- BSAT @ 730am
Tuesday
- Parent Meeting - 8am
- Mr. Brown - @ DSC (am)
- Site Team Leader Training - 5pm
- Staff Meeting - Dr. Staloch: Referendum Presentation @ 730am
- Learning Team Meeting (pm)
Bridges in Consideration for Upcoming Referendum
On May 24, 2016, Prior Lake-Savage Area School district residents will be asked to vote on a funding proposal that would respond to increasing student enrollment by providing the following:
Space for students
Additions and/or renovations at every building in the district, including classrooms, cafeterias and gyms; a new elementary school; a new Bridges Area Learning Center; and space for our innovative learning programs.
Technology for teaching
Support to maintain our position as a leader in Minnesota for innovative technology use in the classroom, including student and staff devices; software programs that support students, teachers and families; technology infrastructure; and technology support staff.
Security for schools
A new, secure entrance at Prior Lake High School, a visitor screening system at every school; and additional security cameras for all schools.
If approved, the tax impact on the average homeowner ($300,000 value home) would be less than $31 per month.
Learn More
Attend an Information Session:
• Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m.
District Services Center
• Wednesday, May 4 at 7 p.m.
Prior Lake High School
Teacher Corner: Chris Nelson, Art & Phy Ed
Lately, extraordinarily beautiful and creative things are happening in the art room! In order to keep things fun and fresh this quarter I have introduced a variety of new units in each of my classes. As a result I believe that excitement is in the air.
In Intro to Art the students are doing more on the Ipads and also working more with acrylic paint. These are two areas the students seem to enjoy. Therefore, they seem more motivated and busy than ever before.
I’m continuing to develop engaging ways to teach styles of art throughout history in Art Explorations. Abstract art and Impressionism remain two of their favorite units in this class so no changes will be made to those. However, we will try some interesting modifications to our Cubism unit that allows for more choice.
In Sculpting they are working on the new “Tattooed Arm” unit. This may possibly be the most captivating unit for students in my career as an art teacher. It involves an endless number of steps, including casting one’s own arm with plaster of paris, using paper mache and eventually “tattooing” with either paint or pen. The students are extremely driven to get this done!
As we continue to make great things happen in the art room, I see how this hands on opportunity improves their overall educational experience. My plans are to continuously keep working on new curriculum to keep them as engaged as I can. So far the results appear to be extremely positive!
Life At Bridges
Personal Finance
Bridges EARLY grads Quitin Casey & Ashley Williams
Contemporary Communications Class
Bridges Students Enjoying Spring
Bridges Alum Joe Harris and Graduate Richard Bennets
Former Bridges administrator Mr. John Bennett visiting
From the Student Support Team: Erik Elsberry, Therapist
Hello Bridges Community,
Since there may be new students and families recently added to the community, I will use this space to quickly go through who I am and what I do for Bridges. I’m a therapist with Scott County, and I provide mental health services to Bridges every Thursday. Most often, I do individual therapy with students on a weekly basis, however, I also do family therapy, and can make referrals for other necessary services, such as psychiatric services, support groups, or case management services.
Much of my experience comes with youth and families who experience anxiety, depression, family disruption, and who have experienced a wide variety of traumatic events. I’ve learned that many of us can become very skilled at masking our anxiety, depression etc., from the outside world, only to let it grow and eventually come out in unhealthy ways. If you think your student at Bridges may be experiencing any of these, feel free to fill out a referral form to set up an assessment to explore options. Brochures, referrals and business cards are always available on the bulletin board right outside Denise’s office, or I’m always happy to take calls for questions.
Happy (soon to be) Spring,
Erik Elsberry, MA, LAMFT
Therapist, Scott County Mental Health Center
952.496.8751
State Testing Upon Us!!
- Tuesday, March 22 – MCA security meeting (AS)
- Tuesday, April 12 – ACT security meeting (AS)
- Thursday, April 14th - ACT Pre-Test
- Tuesday, April 19 -- Accuses - Seniors+, ACT - Juniors, MCA Reading - Sophomores
- Tuesday April 26 – MCA Math Test
- Wed April 27 – MCA Science test
- Thurs & Fri April 28 & 29 - MCA Makeups
- Tuesday, May 3 – ACT Make Ups
A Test Security Tip Line has been set up by MDE for reporting security breaches and potentially unethical behavior related to testing. Any action that jeopardizes the integrity of a secure test or gives an unfair advantage to a student or group of students is a breach of security.
Individuals who have concerns about test security practices are encouraged to raise their concerns with their District Assessment Coordinator before contacting MDE. Minnesota Statewide Test Security Tip Line.