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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…
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We Are Hiring! Part-Time Counselor Wanted
Bridges Middle School is one of the few schools in Oregon devoted to students with learning differences and the only one focused exclusively on the middle school years. Bridges offers 5th through 8th grade students small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and a safe place to learn and grow. For many Bridges students, this means the…
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![“Bridges [is] a place that the whole family belongs to.”](/wp-content/uploads/Bridges-Gala-008-scaled.jpg)
“Bridges [is] a place that the whole family belongs to.”
We know that Bridges may be the first time our students experience a sense of belonging. Our goal is for that feeling to extend to the whole family. For Rylie, a former student turned volunteer, and her parents Alix & Cathy, Bridges was the first time their family looked forward to school. Rylie said it…
