BRIDGES
(Building Relationships in Diverse Groups to
Empower Students & Staff)
The primary focus of the
BRIDGES program is to develop a
school community that promotes engagement and a sense of belonging
for all members of the MIHS community.
Groups of 20-25 equally mixed freshman,
sophomores, juniors and senior students meet once a week for a 55
minutes session. Each group has student leaders who work in
partnership with teachers to facilitate the lessons.
In
order to keep groups small, every full time MIHS teacher is
assigned to a BRIDGES group and every appropriate and available
space in the building is utilized. A
diverse set of activities and lessons are developed around topics
determined to be relevant by students, staff and parents that are
not generally addressed in the regular classroom. Each year
the curriculum and activities change even though some topics may
remain the same.
BRIDGES Program Purpose:
1) Develop relationships throughout
the school community
o
A place where adult staff get to know students to
become their advocate, support and guide.
o
A place where every student is known personally by an
adult and a cross-age group of their peers.
2) Create a positive school
climate
o
A comfortable, safe, positive place for everyone,
where we all can celebrate the diversity of all members of the
group.
o
A place where everyone demonstrates respect and
feels that they belong.
3) Empowers students to take on leadership
roles to create a sense of community.
4) Engage
students in learning and discussion around current and relevant
academic, social, physical and emotional issues that impact
students.
The lessons and topics planned for the
2011-2012 BRIDGES sessions are posted in the documents section
located on the left sidebar of this
page.
For additional questions or
concerns related to the BRIDGES program please contact
Michael Schiehser, Director of Teaching and
Learning at michael_schiehser@misd.wednet.edu
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