University of Southern California and Bridges Partnership

Bridges Academy has teamed with the University of Southern California to create the Certificate in the Education of Twice-Exceptional Students program. The new certificate is designed for professionals who want to develop expertise in understanding this unique population and learn the skills to provide 2e students the appropriate academic, social and emotional support. The program, offered through the USC Rossier School of Education’s Professional Development Department, began this Fall and includes on-site seminars and workshops at Bridges, online discussions and field experiences. The program was created by Dr. Susan Baum, Bridges’ Director of Professional Development, and Dr. Sandra Kaplan, Associated Clinical Professor of Learning & Instruction at USC.  To learn more, click here. (To receive information about the second cohort--dates, program updates--please call Bridges Academy). To register online click here.

Bridges In The Forefront:

The 2008 AEGUS Conference

The national conference of the Association for Educating Gifted, Underachieving Students (AEGUS) was a resounding success! The event, hosted by Bridges Academy at the Universal City Hilton April 4-6, had more than 140 participants from across the U.S. and Canada and featured 41 sessions as well as renowned speakers such as Jonathan Mooney and Samantha Abeel. Among the presenters were Bridges Academy Director of Professional Development (and AEGUS co-founder) Susan Baum, and faculty/staff members Cynthia Novak, Marcy Dann, Pat Sciortino and Jim Berkowitz. Several Bridges parents also attended. The conference brought together many of the leading experts in the field of twice-exceptional education, and united teachers, administrators, educational therapists, psychologists, parents and 2e students in exploring ways to "shift the paradigm" in regard to understanding and serving this unique population.

Second Annual JamFest A Success

The second installment of JamFest was a resounding success. The March 9th event, hosted by Bridges Academy, featured students from Bridges, Harvard-Westlake and Oakwood. In addition to showcasing these exceptional young musicians, JamFest raises money for MusiCares, the philanthropic arm of the Grammys. This year's event had a new venue--The Knitting Factory in Hollywood--a larger audience, and a raffle of several stellar music-related prizes (thanks to Bridges parent Matt Wallace). An added bonus for Bridges musicians this year was the February 8th invitation by MusiCares to attend a rehearsal for the Grammy Awards downtown at The Staples Center where they got to see Carrie Underwood, John Myter Mayer and Alicia Keys. They also toured the luxury boxes and learned about the history of the Grammys.

Strategies For 2e Students

The faculty at Bridges Academy attended an in-service on November 30th 

with George M. McCloskey, a psychologist and leading expert specializing in the impact of executive functioning skills on assessment and learning. 

McCloskey provided an abundance of theory and materials to help faculty 

recognize the value of a process approach. He discussed the importance of goals. Teachers are expected to model a strategy to enable the student to be more effective by using reasoning to gather the right answer. When a teacher provides the executive capacities by prompting, a student performs closer to their reasoning ability without disorganization and a lack of structure impacting their ability. The reasoning has to be there. Time, energy and motivation must be there, but the teacher won’t know what the student is capable of unless the task is analyzed and the student uses an effective strategy to perform at a level aligned with ability. Initially, it is up to the teacher and parent to teach executive functioning as a skill and provide the needed prompts.  Over time, it is possible to enable the student to see connections by walking through a strategy to achieve a specific goal.  “Here is a strategy you can apply, because it will work for you.”

Jake Fiskin & Charles Goddard Receive National Honors

Two Bridges students have received Honorable Mention Awards as part of the Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities organization's annual Youth Achievement Award program. Jake Fiskin, 11th grade, and Charles Goddard, 8th grade were among the honorees at the organization's The Sky's The Limit event last May in Stamford, CT. Nominations were submitted from across the country with a Youth Achievement Award winner and seven Honorable Mention Awards announced. Smart Kids With LD is dedicated to educating, guiding and inspiring families with bright children with learning disabilities.

Bridges Alum On The Go

Greg Finkelstein (Class of 2004) will receive his undergraduate degree in Environmental Biology this Spring from George Washington University in St. Louis; and has been accepted at both Princeton and the University of Michigan for his Master's program. Greg has opted for Princeton. Michael Beer (Class of 2005) is spending his sophomore year at Fukakusa College (near Kyoto, Japan). He will then return to California State University-Northridge to complete his undergraduate studies. Charles Jones (Class of 2005) and his band "The Actual Proof" will do another West Coast tour this summer including another stop at the Whiskey. Charles is attending the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Adam Bruno (class of 2000) received his masters degree from Phillips Graduate Institute. Former Bridges student Christine Black (U.S. Army) served two tours in Iraq and has been promoted to sergeant. Soon-to-be alum David Nussbaum (Class of 2008) has earned the rank of Eagle Scout!

The Spirit of Giving

The Spirit of Giving is part of the Bridges tradition. During the 2007-08 school year, we are collecting items for Schools on Wheels. They provide one-on-one tutoring, backpacks and school supplies to homeless children in Los Angeles. In January, Bridges collected towels, blankets, leashes, brushes, collars and toys for Pet Orphans of Southern California. The Parents Association solicited student and family volunteers for the Salvation Army Holiday Party December 22 in South LA. Participants distributed the toys and books the PA collected as well as helped with holiday activities such as making ornaments and face painting.

Last year, we welcomed guest speakers James Sackheim and Ruth Doxsee from Children's Nature Institute, a non-profit organization that raises money to bring children from inner city Los Angeles to the mountains and ocean. Also, the 6th graders took more than 50 warm coats to Daybreak Women's Shelter in Santa Monica and the 7th graders collected towels for the Pasadena Humane Society.

Overseas Adventures

Bridges students enjoyed academmic, cultural and social experiences overseas in the summer of 2007. Japanese teacher Yoko Miyamoto and H.S. English/Drama teacher Terry Haley took 14 students to Japan. (Above, students participate in a caligraphy class at a school in the city of Toyota). Spanish teacher Pilar Munoz took eight students to Spain on a home-stay program. In Madrid, students visited El Prado, El Reina Sofia, Parque del Retiro, Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Alcala, and saw most of the city sights on an open air bus tour. In Granada, destinations and activities included La Alhambra, El Charcon, Sierra Nevada, Albayzin, Parque de las Ciencias, the Water Park, Lake Los Bermejales, a salsa lesson, paella party, work in a ceramic studio (andalusi), and they enjoyed a live flamenco show. In Malaga, it was Nerja (Costa Tropical) and in Seville, La Giralda, the cathedral, and Plaza de Espana. Students visiting Japan started in the city of Takayama (visiting the old town) and hiked in the "Japanese Alps." Next was Hiroshima where they visited the Ground Zero Museum and Miyajima Shrine (on the ocean). Other destinations and activities: the castle in the city of Himeji; classes in a Japanese Middle School in Toyota, as well as a fireworks display; the old capital city of Kyoto (plenty of shrines and temples including the famous Golden Temple); kayaking in Yamanaka Ko (lake) and hiking up Mount Fuji; and a final stop in Tokyo, where they visited the world's largest fish market, the Tokyo Tower, the Harajuku section and other major sights.

Book on ADD

More than ten years ago, bestselling doctors Edward Hallowell and John Ratey wrote Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood. Now, with a decade of additional research, their new book, Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder is available to advise on how to live a productive and happy life with ADD. For more information, go to: www.drhallowell.com

Other Books

"Raising A Sensory Smart Child, The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues"
by Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L and Nancy Peske
www.sensorysmarts.com

"Family Matters: How Schools Can Cope With the Crisis in Childrearing"
By Robert Evans
Jossey-Bass Publishing

"Ready Or Not, Here Life Comes" By Mel Levine, M.D.
The book, by one of America’s top learning experts, shows how today’s society makes it hard for kids to grow into productive adults; and offers ways to help prepare students for start-up careers that match their learning profile.

Anyone interested in reading these books can order them through Amazon.com

Other 2E Resources

• Attention Magazine from www.chad.org.
• The 2E Newsletter at www.2enewsletter.com
• The National Association for Gifted Children
• Additional 2E Resources on the Web

Bridges college counselor, Beth Wasserman, will present at the 64th national conference of the National Association of College Admission Counseling in Seattle, Washington September 25-27, 2008. Beth will present with Bob Dannenhold. Bob's company, Collegeology, uses a model for improving academic success by including the students themselves, parents, teachers and other professionals in the process of defining each student's abilities, learning styles and goals.

Dr. Cynthia Novak, Middle School Director, and Marcy Dann, Staff Educational Therapist, presented at the International Educational Consultant Association (IECA) national conference Nov 9 at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. The presentation was titled “What You Need To Know To Identify and Place 2E Students: A View From Bridges Academy.”  Following the presentation, they answered questions, along with Bridges College Counselor Beth Wasserman, regarding college resources.  

Cynthia also spoke at Pepperdine University in Malibu on August 29 to 80 first-year students entering the Social Action and Justice Colloquia (SAAJ). SAAJ, a four-semester colloquia that combines theoretical analysis and community service, is designed for deep exploration of complex issues such as human rights, wealth and poverty, the interplay of religion and culture, and the role of media in shaping social movements.  Cynthia's topic “Changing our Compassion Set Point” examined how choices of world view and vocation affect one’s ability to feel compassion for those who are “different.”  Cynthia was an Associate Professor in the Humanities Division at Pepperdine where she taught for 20 years before leaving in 2002 to pursue other academic interests. She helped found SAAJ before she left the University.

Bridges Academy hosted the Spring meeting of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Admissions Directors Consortium May 22.

Faculty members attend workshops addressing both the gifts and the social/emotional needs of our students, and also participate in specialized and general education seminars conducted by the California Association of Independent schools (CAIS).

Meet our Faculty and Staff here.

Bridges Academy is a college preparatory school dedicated to educating “twice-exceptional” students-gifted and highly-gifted with learning differences—in grades 6-12. Bridges empowers its students to thrive academically and socially through small classes, differentiated instruction, and tolerance, creating an environment in which both gifts and differences are recognized and respected.

Accredited by:

Western Association of Schools and Colleges
www.acswasc.org

Member, California Association of Independent Schools
www.caisca.org

Member, National Association of Independent Schools
www.nais.org

Member, Educational Records Bureau
www.erbtest.org

     From Bridges Students

When asked what they like most about their school, the answer from Bridges Academy students is almost always universal:

           “The people here get me—my peers and the adults. I’m respected and celebrated for what I can do and not labeled for what I can’t do.”

    

           Healing Horses

What happens to horses when no one wants them any more?  On March 12, Bridges 7th graders spent several hours learning the answer to that question when they visited El Dustberry Ranch. The  El Dustberry mission is to rescue horses and gently train them to help children and adults heal from physical and emotional challenges. Founder Robin Rappaport and her staff explained how respect functions in every part of the ranch. The students learned how the horses were rescued, how to approach quietly and communicate with them, and how to ride them bareback.  After a picnic lunch under inviting old live Oak trees and sycamores, several students walked the grounds with Robin and learned about the healing properties of some of the area plants. 

          Photographic Exhibit

More than 30 Bridges students traveled to Cal State Northridge on March 10 to celebrate the opening of a special exhibit called Camera and Community: Photographs from the Collection of the Institute For Arts and Media. Curator and Director of the Institute, Dr. Kent Kirkton, led Bridges students on a special tour of the exhibit, explaining the stories behind the famous and not-so-famous images ranging from Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Caesar Chavez, to the grounds crew at a high school.  Dr. Kirkton explained that 20 photographers have contributed approximately a million photographs and negatives to the CSUN archives.  Students met one of the photographers, Maxie Floyd, who talked about his techniques and subjects.  The exhibit was brought to our attention by Laura Bahr of the MS Math Department who also serves as assistant Dr. Kirkton at  CSUN.

      Ms. Math Visits Bridges

Rachel McAnallen, also known affectionately as “Ms. Math,” visited the Bridges campus April 7-8. Rachel had presented at the national AEGUS conference and when she learned about our school, decided to remain in Los Angeles to work with Bridges students. She used origami to teach the elements of modular mathematics. A professional educator for 49 years, Rachel travels the globe teaching math at every grade level.

              Curtain Call

The performing arts were in the spotlight in December as music and drama students performed for the Bridges community. The December 9 Coffee House took place at the Verity Room in Canoga Park with outstanding performances by the Bridges Rock Band "Special Sauce" and the Advanced Jazz Band. There also were stellar solo renditions. Both M.S. and H.S. Drama performances  were at the Two Roads Theatre in North Hollywood December 13. M.S. students  entertained with theater games and improvisations, including some original material.  The H.S. "Oddeville Show" was a nod to sketch and spoof comedy and also featured original monologues and poems.

         The Write Stuff

The Creative Writing Group had its first public reading November 15 at Jennifer's Coffee Shop in Studio City. The group meets after school under the guidance of high school English/Drama teacher Terry Haley. Reading original works were JordanBarlam, Jake Fiskin, Joseph Meshelski, Ben Evans and Madeline Petti. The diverse range of styles and subject matter showed that this gifted group has the write stuff!

They've Got Rhytym!

Professional drummer and clinician Ed Roscetti conducted a Rhythm Workshop April 3 and students and parents who participated left feeling lighter and happier. After an introductory group exercise which focused on pulse and accenting using shakers, Ed worked with a dozen Bridges students on the baião rhythm from Brazil, which is a musical form based on an ancient figure dance or ballroom dance of European origin.  Ed began by playing all of the different parts of the rhythm on the various drums that were set up around the room. Then with Ed leading from behind the drum set, the students came up one by one and kept adding to the basic groove.  The baião kept growing and growing until everyone in the room was on a different instrument.  From shakers, to maracas, to congas, to bongos, to djembes, to tom toms, the Bridges students created a massive, fun-filled and all-engulfing baião jam. There were even some Bridges parents who took part in the fun!  

Museum Tours

The Bridges 6th/7th graders experienced a rainy but information-rich field trip to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu on January 23 to kick off their study of Greece and Rome. Students learned how to look carefully at art objects through a docent-led walk called  “Gods, Heroes, and Monsters.” Students had time to browse galleries on their own; sketch in the gardens; scavenger hunt statuary and weaponry; view the J. Paul Getty story via film; and work on the Kuros mystery. Students usedtheir sketchbooks, adding another entry to their growing list this year!

This year, students have balanced their classroom work with museum trips to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Museum of the Southwest, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The LACMA trip presented an opportunity to view a special exhibit called The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1820, a multi-media presentation of more than 250

works created in Spanish colonies, now the countries of Mexico, Central America, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil.

Mock Trial

Congratulations to Bridges Middle School students who participated in this year’s Mock Trial at the Los Angeles County Courthouse.  Bridges students served as Prosecution on Nov. 5th and Defense on Nov. 13th. From opening statements to final rebuttal, Bridges performed with skill and confidence. The judge who presided and three attorneys who observed the proceedings made concluding comments to both teams. The judge said he was impressed by the level of preparation. He noted that in the hundreds of cases that he has tried, attorneys and witnesses alike often “freeze” when they are called upon to speak.  The judge and attorneys commented on how well the students performed under the pressure of the courtroom. Mock Trail is an annual experience offered through the Constitutional Rights Foundation. The cases provide students with an opportunity to analyze and write about complex material and work cooperatively to argue both defense and prosecution in a court of law before a judge and attorneys who donate their time. Bridges appreciates the many hours our parent attorney, Paula Barnett, spent helping students prepare as well as faculty members Sharon Greene, Michael Ellis and Pat Sciortino. Gratitude also goes to faculty, parents and friends who were there for practice sessions and to support out students in the courtroom.

Clubs & Activities

Clubs and lunchtime activities this year include a Japan Club, Middle School Math Lab and Computer Club, and High School Science Makeup Lab . Plans are in the works for a Chess/Debate Club. Thanks to the Parents Association for Wild & Wacky Wednesday throughout the year, which provides an array of lunchtime options for Bridges students including cards, ping pong, volleyball, frisbee, badminton--as well as a healthy, delicious meal.