Bridges Area Learning Center
Weekly Reflections, September 19
Dear Team,
Now, at Bridges, in an alternative setting, we have begun the difficult, challenging and very import work of determining how to support our students to reach their full potential in academic and social/emotional needs. This work could be done in a very short time where students in a small, differentiated environment can begin to reach their full potential. This work could be a lengthy process where students work with our teachers and support staff over the school year to reach their full potential. Or, this work could be something in-between short and long. One thing is consistent - we work to support our learners to tap their potential for successful progress towards acquiring Prior Lake High School Diploma leading to gainful employment or post-secondary education. This is our mission. Bridges mission.
It has been outstanding seeing all of you begin this work with so much energy, passion, enthusiasm, care and love for what you do. This is the start of my 21st year in public education. Ill count my time at Bridges amongst the best; and, I can easily say that our team is the most effective and enjoyable team I have worked with in my career. Now, as we have settled in I am so motivated to see this team, once again, in action. I see and appreciate your good work!!
#WeArePLSAS
#Bridges1617
Warm Regards,
dave
Loved Reading This Email:
This Week At A Glance
- BSAT @ 730am
- 820am Parent Confernces
- Equity PDSA @ Noon @ DSC
- 1230 class visit
Tuesday
- District Admin @ 830 @ DSC
- Jump Day Planning @ 3pm
- Parent Conference @330pm
- BILT Team Meeting
- STRIVE program overview - Mentors only @ DSC
Teacher Corner: Melissa Olson, English
The Significance of Eight
As we begin our eighth year at Bridges ALC, I want to take the time to acknowledge the significance and symbolism of the number eight in literature and culture, as well as reflect on the significance and impact the success and growth of our program has had on our school and the Prior Lake-Savage community as a whole.
The number eight is a lucky number in China. It indicates prosperity to come, and joy. In the Tarot, eight represents justice and strength. It is a symbol for harmony, abundance, and balance. In Norse mythology, Oden’s horse, Sleipnir, has eight legs. He is able to traverse multiple elements of nature, galloping regally on land, water, and air. In Judaism, Hanukkah’s Festival of the Lights lasts eight days. In Buddhism, The Eightfold Path is one Buddhists must follow in order to achieve Nirvana. The Path includes the rights of understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
So how, might you ask, does any of this relate to year eight at Bridges?? It relates to Bridges because year eight means more than the collective eight years of operation. It is a symbol for what we have accomplished as a school, as a team, and as a community. In year eight, we are prosperous as a program and joyful as a community. We have an abundance of students and energy. We strive to learn and achieve balance and harmony, both within ourselves and within our students. We traverse more educational elements than any other teachers, elements which include the personal, the emotional, and the intellectual realms. We are full of light and love, and we understand, think, speak, act, live, try, concentrate, and are mindful of how all of these elements interconnect with each other.
We are Bridges. We are PLSAS. And we are here to teach, learn, love, and challenge our students, as well as prove to the Prior Lake-Savage community that we are the best place for our community’s struggling students to be. We are significant. We make a difference in the lives of these young people, and by creating community within the walls of our building, we are creating a better future for our students, their greater community outside these walls, and for ourselves.
Melissa Olson
This Week @ Bridges
Projects Class In Action
Mr. Martin Guiding his Class - Building containers for Bio class
Bridges Student Jacob moving along in his project!
Krisitna Enjoying Some Light While Working!
Bridges Alum Joe !
From the Student Support Team: Kevin Wagner, Social Worker
My name is Kevin Wagner and I am the social worker here at Bridges ALC. I work with students and families in a variety of situations. Coordinating with our other support staff such as our chemical health specialist, our school counselor, our school psychologist, our special education teacher, and our on-site therapist make up a lot of what I do. We have several students presenting this year with significant anxiety and depression and I am thankful that we have such a professional and talented team to assist our students and families.
The start of the 2016-2017 school year has come and gone and we are already off to a busy start. We have a record number of students who have expressed interest in our weekly anxiety support group. Our transitions class also has more students than ever before. I am very impressed with the new students we have gained this year and am also impressed with the level of success our existing students have shown. Our weekly anxiety group is a place where students who struggle with anxiety can come and learn about how to successfully manage their own stress in healthy and positive ways. Education about anxiety is a big part of our groups, but we also give students plenty of opportunities to share their experiences, frustrations, successes, and advice with other students and in the group.
I look forward to the school year ahead!
On a Personal Note: Lily's first day of her school career: Spanish Immersion Kindergarten
PD Points
Bridges PD Focus
- Promoting and sustaining critical literacy skills - Year 2
- Future Ready/Innovation Teaching & Learning - Year 2
- Characteristics of an at-risk student - Infusing this year
Below are dates for Friday morning PD sessions this quarter. CEU's and delicious coffee will be provided in sessions that support our building PD plan as well as the work you are doing in your classes. These are not mandatory, but attendance is encouraged!
Reading Plan
Sep 30 - MAP Data Review - Jill & Maggie facilitating
Oct 28 (Jump Day) - Mentorship Interventions, McKenzie Madsen facilitating (tentative)
Nov 10 (Early Release) - Map data session - Jill facilitating
Innovation
Oct 14 - PBL Come and Share: What is happening, where is planning at, what are questions/frustrations
At-risk characteristics and traits
Sep 16 - Dave (done!!)
Jump Day
- Sep 20 - Learning Team - Dave
Educational Leadership's article on building bridges for students with ADHD by Lisa Medoff. GREAT READ!!
Project Based Learning Strategies from Edutopia
20-Day Twitter Challenge! from Jessica McMahon, Digital Learning Specialist
Hi everyone,
I hope you’re off to a fabulous year! I would like to extend an invitation to participate in this year’s 20-Day Twitter Challenge. It starts October 3 and runs through November 2. Each work day you would receive one task to do on Twitter.
Who can participate? All PLSAS staff. This is not just for teachers. People who participated last year can do version 2.0 if they want a bigger challenge.
What do I receive for participating? Staff who complete all 20 challenges will be entered to win gift cards to locations such as The Pointe and Teresa’s Mexican Restaurant or even lunch with the superintendent. Licensed staff can also earn 2 CEUs for participating (that’s 6 minutes a day!).
Last year we had 80 people complete all 20 challenges. This is what they liked about it:
“Learning what other teachers are doing in their classrooms, sharing ideas, reading new research, connecting around the world and so much more!” “Thanks for a non-threatening way to learn a new tool.”
Not convinced? Check with Chris Nelson, who participated last year.
To see the challenges, go here: http://bit.ly/plsas20
To sign up go here: http://bit.ly/1mfarPf
Jessica McMahon
Digital Learning Specialist
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
952-226-0079