Bridges Area Learning Center
Quarter 4 Community Newsletter
Greetings Bridges Community,
You can be assured that your student is amongst caring, helpful, professional educators and support staff to walk with them in their journey towards graduation. The highlight of my year and career is shaking a Bridges ALC graduate's hand as they walk in commencement. Seven years ago we started a school whose sole mission was to help our area's students graduate. Looking forward to the many who will reach that goal soon!
Warm Regards,
David Brown
Bridges ALC Coordinator
Save the Date! 2016 Senior Recognition Banquet @ Fong's Restaurant in Prior Lake Thursday, June 2nd @ 5:30pm
Last Year's Banquet - Spectacular Evening!
Dr. Sue Ann Gruver
Former Student Speaker
Staff Presentations
Jordan Celebrating with Mr. Martin!
Student Celebration!
STRIVE mentor, John, Recognizing Justin!
PLSAS planning for May 24 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: Andy Martin, Math/FABLAB/Projects
It’s hard to believe that the school year has only one quarter left, but there’s still so much left to do!
The students (and teachers) are getting antsy, especially with all of this nice weather, but we must finish strong! We’ve got an extensive list of events to conclude our 2015-16 school year. State testing will keep both students and teachers busy over the next few weeks. I know it’s hard to for some students to take these tests, but they need to understand the importance they have. Student should be well fed and rested prior to taking these tests (ACT and MCAs) to make sure they do their best, and the staff here will support them as well.
However, there’s more to the end of the school year than just tests. We have exciting events such as our annual teacher breakfast cook-off (I’ve won easily every year), our annual school picnic at the park (all day food and games), and our senior recognition banquet at Fong’s restaurant in PL. I understand the feeling of the impending freedom that summer has to offer, but it’s very important to work hard to finish out the school year. I encourage students to keep up on their assignments and attendance this quarter so they can earn a day off on work Fridays and enjoy the weather.
I’m looking forward to concluding my fifth year at Bridges and see what next year has to offer.
Bridges Staff and Contact Information
David Brown - ALC Coordinator
Email: dbrown@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226.0846
Twitter: @davidwbrown39
Teaching Staff
Melissa Olson - Teacher (Language Arts)
Email: meolson@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0841
Twitter: @PLSAS_Olson
Andrew Martin - Teacher (Math, FABLAB, Projects) & Independent Study Coordinator
Independent Study is held Tuesday's from 3:30pm to 6:00pm
Email: amartin@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0844
Twitter: @mrmatinium
David Lawson - Teacher (Social Studies)
Email: dlawson@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0848
Twitter: @EdinaEast78
Chris Nelson - Teacher (Art, Phy Ed)
Email: cnelson@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0842
Twitter: @Ms_Cnelson
Candi Jenkins - Teacher (SPED)
Email: cjenkins@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0843
Twitter: @sped_jenkins
Alexius Serefeas - Teacher (Language Arts, Science)
Email: aserefeas@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Twitter: @PLSAS_Serefeas
Student Support Staff
Denise Schmidt - Bridges Secretary
Email: dschmidt@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0840
Ann Collins - (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
Email: acollins@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0847
Twitter: @AnnCollins1516
Kevin Wagner - Social Worker
Email: kwagner@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-226-0849
Erik Elsberry - Therapist
Bridges ALC Testing Schedule
- Thursday, April 14th - ACT Pre-Test
- Tuesday, April 19 -- Accuplacer- Select Seniors, ACT - Juniors, MCA Reading - Sophomores. No School for 9th grade & seniors.
- Tuesday April 26 – MCA Math Test - Juniors. MCA Science test - select students. Work Day if others want to report to school.
- 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.
Bridges Newest Soldiers!
Brando, Shelby and Andre set to go to Army basic training to then enter the MN National Guard!
From the Student Support Team: Kevin Wagner, Social Worker
There is one phrase that has both guided and inspired me more than any other during my 16 years as a school social worker. That phrase is unconditional positive regard. Unconditional positive regard was first written about by a well-known psychologist named Carol Rogers.
Unconditional positive regard simply means that you show someone that you care about them, respect them, and think highly of them no matter what they do.
Does that mean there can’t be consequences for a child’s actions? Absolutely not. Consequences and discipline are necessary to teach and guide young people as they grow and develop. However, the type of discipline a parent or guardian uses is key.
A child that knows no matter what they do or say, a parent will always support and love them no matter what happens. A child or teenager who knows this is more likely to cooperate with his or her parents because they will want to do right by them.
Bridges ALC Independent Study
Do you know of a student that is behind on credits? Independent Study is a great way for students to make up those lost credits.
Here at Bridges we offer a flexible online based program to get students the credits they need. After a student determines their credit needs, they simply fills out a registration form, brings it in, and they are ready to go within minutes. Each student is enrolled in a class through a browser based program called PLATO.
Each class a student signs up for requires a total of 10 hours of seat time here at Bridges, and this can be done after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. 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.
Work Fridays the Only Difference in Bridges Calendar to PLHS
These days can be an optional for students as absences are not counted towards the attendance policy! If a student's grades and attendance are in good shape they do not necessarily need to be there.
Work Friday's usually happen every other Friday (twice a month). Sometimes, however, they do not land on a Friday (we still call it a Work Friday though).
Q4 Work Friday's
- April 26th. MCA Math Test - Juniors required to be at school
- April 29th
- May 20th
- May 27th
- June 8th
- June 9th (Thursday & Early Release & Last Day of school)
Quarter 4 Conferences!
We hope to see you then!
Thursday, Apr 21, 2016, 05:00 PM
Bridges Area Learning Center
Quarter 4 Significant dates
April 14 - ACT Pretest - Juniors
April 19 - ACT Test & MCA Reading Test & Acuplacer Test
*No School for 9th grade & 12 Grade*
Apr 21 - Conferences
Apr 26 - MCA Math Test - Juniors
*Work 'Friday' for non-testers*
April 27 - MCA Science Test
April 29 - Work Friday
May 20 - Work Friday
May 24 - Referendum
May 25 - Epic Breakfast Challenge
May 27 - Work Friday
May 31 - All School Picnic
June 2 - Senior Recignition Banquet
June 9 - Q4 End & early Release & Work Friday
June 10 - Commencement
Bridges Students!!
Quarter 3 Bridges Graduates!
Bridges Student of the Month in September: Jasmine!
Bridges Student of the Month in October: Andre!
Bridges Student of the Month in November: Erica!
Bridges Student of the Month in December: Shali!
Student of the Month in January: Dawson!
Student of the Month in February: Tyler!
Student of the Month in March: Quintin & Ashley!
Student Reflection - Tyler
I started at this school a little while ago. I was kind of skeptical to come to this school. Everyone at other places made it seem like it was the worst place to end up.
But, today I want to help anyone who hasn’t been here see why it is a great place.
Like I said before, I recently started here at Bridges ALC, and I am fascinated at what the people here can do. I see amazing artists, and I see great personalities, and vibrant minds. This school isn’t just full of uneducated kids. It is full of people who don’t know their full potential yet, but want to learn. This school is full of kids that are trying to learn but can’t in crowded environments. We are here because our minds need more thinking space. I don’t think there is a better way to put it than that.
Student Reflection - Brando
Ever since I came to Bridges last year, I feel like I have progressed academically and as a person. I’ve never liked school, was never my thing and I never got the best grades. Once I got to Bridges, I really got more one on one time with all my teachers when I needed it. Now I like all my teachers i'm getting all my work done. I think Bridges is a very great opportunity for anyone who feels like they struggle in school as I did.
The atmosphere at Bridges is a lot more calm than the high school. I love Mr. Brown’s “NO DRAMA” rule. And that's really how it is. Everyone is cool with everyone no matter what, because most of us are here for the same reasons anyways whether that’s because you couldn't handle the high school, legal/school issues, or you need to make up credits like what i'm doing. Although I have to make up credits, it is still my choice to come to Bridges, and I wouldn't change a thing I love it here at Bridges I wouldn't change a thing about it.
They do very great things at Bridges, and really do their best to help everyone succeed. That's the reason why, when my friends ask me “when are you coming back from the high school?” I simply say, “I dont know, Im not sure I even want to”. Bridges has helped me is so many ways, and now i'm moving forward in life,finally getting better grades and joined the military. I don't know where I would be if i never got this opportunity.
Student Reflection - Sara
I always thought that I would live the life I have been living since the summer of 8th grade. My life consisted of some bad decisions. I was not happy with school either.
Finally, when I had to go to summer school, I was sent to a different type of summer school. This summer school was different not a bad different but a nice different. After experiencing the caring environment and the amazing teacher and seeing how amazing this place was I knew that this would be a perfect place for me. After I left Bridges because summer school was over I knew what I needed to do. I talked to my parents about the fantastic school I had gone to. At first they didn't think an ALC would be good for me which I understand because they both went to a traditional high school.
But after talking to my parents I finally got them to let me show them how great it was, and that also included talking to the Bridges Administrator Mr. Brown. My family and I went to the school and had a conference about deciding whether to go or not to go. Mr. Brown and I decided that we had to agree on some things to attend the school. Then to my surprise I was lucky to be given a second chance and attend a new beginning!
The year started and I was ready for a new start. The Bridges school is amazing. I am liked by my teachers, student and I love my grades. For the first time I have all A's and B's. I got a job and I am getting my license. My life is finally looking out like the way I never thought it could. I am happy and now I realize how important it is to have goals and hopes. Now I have dreams like wanting to be a midwife when I am older. My family and friends see a difference in me and are always telling me how good I am doing, and I haven't heard that for a long time and it feels amazing knowing I did something great for myself.
I love Bridges and I really suggest it to a lot of people. To anyone that thinks that school is hopeless and you can never do it you can! Bridges is a great community and everyone is friendly. We all bring each other up and support everyone's choices. If you really want a second chance at your future bridges is the place to go.
Quarter 4 Off to a Great Start!
Ryan performing in Com I
School gathering
Former Bridges Grads Checking In!
Ed donating supplies to the school
Zak checking in taking a break from EMT training
Zebidiah visitng
STRIVE (PL Rotary & Bridges ALC Mentor Program) having a great year at Bridges!
Andre & Ryan with their mentor John
Ryan guest speaking
Dawson & Ashley with their mentor Joan
PLHS guidance counselors at Bridges weekly
Summer School June 20th to July 15th
Summer school registration will be available in the first week of May. All classes will be held at Bridges ALC.
Summer School will begin Monday, June 20th and end Friday, July 15th with no class July 4th and July 5th. There will be three sessions (see below). Also listed below is a list of the credits your student needs. If your student is currently enrolled in other credit recovery (After School Program or Independent Study) your student can still register for summer school. If you have questions about credits, please contact me.
Students will be able to make up one quarter class each session. One quarter class is equivalent to .75 credits. Students needing to make up a quarter class (.75 credits) should register for one session, students needing 1.5 credits (or a semester) should register for two sessions and students needing 2.25 credits should register for all three sessions. 1 summer school session = 1 quarter class = 0.75 credits.
Please note that the majority of summer school classes will be delivered through the an online learning environment (Plato). Students will still need to attend summer school classes at Bridges ALC and adhere to the summer school attendance policy.