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In light of the widespread power outages that are planned throughout the Bay Area, Stanbridge has decided to cancel the College & Career Fair on Wednesday, October 9. Our presenters come from all over the area, and we do not want to put anyone in danger getting on the roads Wednesday.
UPDATE: The event has been rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. Click here for more information and to RSVP. To mitigate the potential spread of wildfires in the area, PG&E will be implementing preemptive power shutoffs in various communities throughout the Bay Area starting overnight and continuing through the next few days. You can use PG&E's online map to find out if your home will be affected by these blackouts. As of Tuesday evening, Stanbridge Academy's campus has not been flagged for a potential outage; school will be open as scheduled throughout the week unless we are alerted otherwise. In the event that our power is shut off during a school day, we have sufficient backup to complete the day as scheduled; we will not dismiss students midday. Should we be without power for an extended period of time, we will immediately alert all families and provide details on the schedule going forward. Based on the current PG&E outage map, it seems that a number of our families will potentially be affected by these upcoming outages and we encourage everyone to be prepared and cautious. A list of tips and resources on how to prepare for an extended outage are listed here, as well as various other online sites. Please inform us to the best of your ability if these blackouts will impact you or your student by emailing or calling the main office and/or your student's homeroom teacher/advisor. We understand the significant ripple effects that losing power can cause—particularly for extended periods of time—and urge you to use common sense and prioritize safety first. If you have any questions or concerns about your student missing school this week due to the PG&E outages, please don't hesitate to contact us.  Stanbridge Academy's Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday & Tuesday, November 4 & 5. Students do not attend school on these days, but we are offering an exclusive Makers’ Lab Workshop during each of these mornings for our students in grades 3–12. Staff from Dragonfly Designs will host this hands-on maker workshop in our Design Lab, where students will have opportunities to explore jewelry making, leatherworking, metalsmithing, and create textile and fabric arts. Under the guidance of the Dragonfly Designs team, participants can let their imaginations run wild as they explore infinite artistic possibilities. Sessions are $55 each and students can enroll in either day individually or sign up for both mornings (9:00 a.m. to noon). Minimum enrollment must be reached by October 11th or we'll have to cancel this one-of-a-kind opportunity. Click here to download an enrollment form or pick one up in the main office. (Note: Workshop is open to current Stanbridge students only)
 School is back in session, and now that students and teachers are more than a month into the new school year, we invite you to come to campus and see them in action! This October, Stanbridge Academy is hosting a number of events that highlight our K–8, high school, and postsecondary programs. Read below for details—we hope to see you on campus soon!
Wednesday, October 2: See Stanbridge K–12 Group Tour Stanbridge Academy is hosting a group tour on Wednesday, October 2, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. This free event is open to the public, and will feature an opportunity to talk with current Stanbridge families; meet with our Admissions Director, Head of School, and Principal; and tour our campus to see teachers and students in action. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Stanbridge program whether you are thinking of enrolling your student or if you simply want to know more about our school. Click here for more details and to RSVP. Wednesday, October 9: The Annual Stanbridge College & Career Fair NOTE: This event has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 21 at 1:00 p.m. Stanbridge Academy’s annual College and Career Fair will feature representatives from colleges, universities, vocational schools, employment programs, and career support programs from the Bay Area and beyond. High school students and their families are invited to attend this event which is designed to help students with learning differences connect their personal interests and passions with long term, postsecondary goals. This event is free and open to the public. Held on the Stanbridge campus from 1:00–3:00 p.m., we invite students (8th-grade and up), recent high school graduates, young adults with special needs, parents, and professionals to attend. Non-Stanbridge affiliates must RSVP in advance (click here); guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tuesday, October 22: High School Open House This special Open House event will highlight High School at Stanbridge and our Postsecondary Transitions program. With more than 35 years of student success stories, we look forward to showing you how Stanbridge is able to meet the academic and social needs of our neurodiverse high school population. We strive to ensure that every graduate is ready to take their best next step, which is why our high school program includes more than just standards-based academics, but also teaches real world job skills, independent living and executive function skills, and provides students with information on the variety of postsecondary paths available to them. This Open House will feature presentations from key staff and faculty members, plus Q&A with teachers from our High School division, as well as our Head of School and Director of College Counseling & Transitions. The event will also include a guided tour of our campus and classrooms, where you will get to see our students and teachers in action. The event runs from 9:00–10:30 a.m. and is free; we encourage interested guests to RSVP in advance (click here). Want to know more but can't attend any of our prescheduled October events? No problem—simply go to our website's Visit Stanbridge page to schedule a personalized tour or to speak with our Director of Admissions.  NOTE: This event was originally scheduled for Oct. 9. It has been rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21 from 1:00–3:00 p.m.
The Annual Stanbridge Academy College & Career Fair will be held on campus Thursday, November 21, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This event will feature information about postsecondary educational, residential, social, and employment programs for individuals with autism or learning and intellectual differences. Representatives from these programs will table and briefly present about the services and supports their programs provide. Some programs scheduled to attend include: CSU East Bay-Hayward; Notre Dame de Namur University; St. Mary’s College; Moraga, College of San Mateo; College Internship Program; Meristem; and more. This event is free and open to students and young adults with special needs, parents and professionals. Non-Stanbridge affiliates must RSVP in advance (link below). All non-Stanbridge audience members under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. A detailed event schedule is below. Please note that there will be 30 minutes (from 1:00-1:30) at the start of the fair when students will not be present and parents and adults can dialog directly with program representatives. Stanbridge Academy College and Career Fair When: Thursday, November 21, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Where: Stanbridge Academy, 515 East Poplar Avenue, San Mateo Presenters: Program representatives from educational, residential, social and employment programs for adults with learning and/or intellectual differences. Audience: Parents, professionals, and community members; Middle School and High School Students; and young adults with intellectual or learning differences. Cost: Free! Click here to RSVP College and Career Fair - Event Schedule 1:00 p.m.: Fair opens 1:00–1:30: Tabling, dialog with program reps (exclusively for parents and professionals) 1:30–2:20: Program Presentations to full audience (3–4 minutes each) 2:20–3:00: Tabling, dialog with program reps (for parents/adults and students) 3:00 p.m.: Closing  The Bulldog Broadcasting Team is back with a new season of Stanbridge Student News. The first episode of the school year has been posted online; Stanbridge families can access the link via our password-protected Parent Portal. Written, produced, and starring Stanbridge students, the SSN team provides exclusive highlights, interviews, updates, and news that impacts the Stanbridge campus. This season's premiere features highlights from Back to School week; an in-depth interview with our new Director of Educational Technology, Leo Stern; and notes on the upcoming high school experiential trips and the International Day of Peace. Big thanks to staff advisor Jamie Sturos for once again acting as Director and Executive Producer of the webcast. Look for new episodes to be posted on the Parent Portal about every two weeks.
The last installment of our series, "Where is the Class of 2019 off to next?" We wish all our 2019 graduates the best in the personal journeys that life will bring them. Remember, #StanbridgeStars are always welcome home. Stay tuned to the Bridge Blog in the new school year to welcome our newest High School Bridges/Transitions class in-house marketing intern!  Hi, my name is Christopher. Next year, I will be doing something. I am most looking forward to having more freedom. Something that will be challenging for me is handling commitment. I would give future seniors the following advice: senior year may be too late to make the changes you want to make so start early.
Hi, my name is Logan. Next year, everything is up in the air at the moment. However, the general consensus is that I will be doing some venture capital and take a few college courses. I am excited to start my journey into the "real" world. One of the challenges I may face is that I think the planning process is going to be very hectic and stressful. This summer, I know that I will be going on an international trip. Looking back at my time at Stanbridge, I wish I had taken more initiative in my studying. At this point, I just want to graduate and move on. Advice I would like to give to future seniors: Research colleges and post-secondary options right now. Stop reading this and research them because if you wait, it will cause you significant stress in the future. Where is the Class of 2019 off to next? A heartfelt thank you to our awesome blogging intern, Alix, and the bulletin board curating intern, Allison, for helping gather the information for these last posts of 2018-2019. Stay tuned for more of the Class of 2019, plus more student-written blogs!
Hi, my name is Justin. Next year, I will go to West Valley College. I am looking forward to taking new courses and learning new things. This summer, I am going to go to China and Taiwan. Advice I would like to give to future seniors: Be calm!
Hi, my name is Mia. After I graduate I plan to go to Burlingame University for their adult education program. I'm looking forward to see what my life will be like after I graduate. I think a challenge I will have is that I won’t know the best way to adjust to my new school. This summer, I will be going to Lake Shasta with my family, and friends, and I’ll be going to other lake trips throughout the summer as well. My advice for future seniors: I would say that with everything challenge is by choice, but please try to push yourself to try to do new things on field trips because you will feel good at the end, and you know you have accomplished something. My other advice is to make the best of your experience in your senior year because the last year at Stanbridge feels like the quickest year at Stanbridge. Hi, my name is Patrick. Next year, I will be attending Foothill College. I am looking forward to playing sports. This summer I will be staying at home. Advice I would like to give to future seniors: It is very stressful senior year. Where is the Class of 2019 off to next? A heartfelt thank you to our awesome blogging intern, Alix, and the bulletin board curating intern, Allison, for helping gather the information for these last posts of 2018-2019. Stay tuned for more of the Class of 2019, plus more student-written blogs!
Hi, my name is Chase. After I graduate I will be going to school at Riverview School in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I am most looking forward to studying. One of the challenges I will have is doing a lot of work. This summer, I’m going to a private island with my dad. Looking back on my years at Stanbridge, I wish I had taken drama all four years. I would give future seniors the following advice: you should always try new things.
Hi, my name is Dylan. In the Fall, I will be attending the Wayfinders Program at Fresno State. I am looking forward to having more freedom. One of the challenges I may face is navigating a big campus. This summer, I am not sure what I am doing. Looking back at my time at Stanbridge, I wish I had been given more homework. Advice I would like to give to future seniors: try new things. Hi, my name is Grace. After graduation, I am planning to work at Jamba Juice and then perhaps attend Foothill College, if I am ready. I am also considering taking a gap year to visit my grandparents, work and earn money. One of the challenges I face is not being repetitive, and working to move on to more important things in life. This summer, I will be visiting my grandparents in Beijing, China, spending time with my sister, and hopefully getting a new phone. Looking back at my time at Stanbridge, I wish I had been nicer to others and more accepting. I would give future seniors the following advice: do good deeds and be yourself. Where is the Class of 2019 off to next? A heartfelt thank you to our awesome blogging intern, Alix, and the bulletin board curating intern, Allison, for helping gather the information for these last posts of 2018-2019. Stay tuned for more of the Class of 2019, plus more student-written blogs!
Hi, my name is Andre. Next year, I will be staying one more year at A139 at Burlingame High School. I'm looking forward to fun new classes and activities like ceramics art and P.E. One of the challenges I may face is working on a job! This summer I will be going to summer school. Looking back at my time at Stanbridge, I wish I had been more aware of how my actions impact others. Advice I would like to give to future seniors: Be nice!
Hi, my name is Brendan. I am going to go City College to take some reading classes. I will also continue working at Trader Joe’s. One of the challenges I will face is missing my teachers here at Stanbridge. This summer, I will be taking a cruise to Alaska and taking an airplane to Hawaii. I would give future seniors the following advice: study hard and get good grades. Hi, my name is Brianna. In the Fall, I will be going to college and looking for a job. I'm looking forward to going to college. One of the challenges I may face is staying up late in classes. This summer I will be writing essays to make money for college. Looking back at my time at Stanbridge, I wish I had been better about trying to get all my work done, even on school nights. Advice I would like to give to future seniors: Think about what to write for essays. Where is the Class of 2019 off to next? A heartfelt thank you to our awesome blogging intern, Alix, and the bulletin board curating intern, Allison, for helping gather the information for these last posts of 2018-2019. Stay tuned for the rest of the class, plus more in the future from Alix and our new blogging intern!
Hi, my name is Adrian. Next year, I will go to an adult program in Daly City. After that, I'm going to go to college. One of the challenges I will face is doing math homework. This summer, I am going to the water park.
Hi, my name is Alix. Next year, I will be taking a Gap Year before heading off to Saint Mary's College of California. During this gap year, I plan to get a part-time job, and take some courses at College of San Mateo and Canada College. Challenges I expect to face include how busy that I could be, and that it could be overwhelming. This summer, I will take French lessons, attend Sewing Camp, volunteer at a horse ranch, and take a trip to Montreal. Advice I would like to give to future seniors: If you plan on taking a Gap Year before heading off to college, speak to each college to find out their Gap Year policies. Some colleges that I applied to consider you a transfer student if you plan to take community college courses, while others expect you to reapply during your Gap Year, or do Community Service during Gap Year. Hi, my name is Allison. After graduation, I will be attending Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. It is a one-year program. I am excited because I live very close to the campus. One of the challenges I will face is I will need to work harder to stay on top of my schoolwork. This summer, I will be taking more art classes and traveling with family. Looking back on my years at Stanbridge, I wish I had participated in more activities in High School.  Summer School at Stanbridge is underway with a full week of academic, athletic, and artistic pursuits for students of all ages. This week is the first of our five-week summer session and we would love for you to see our students and teachers in action! Stanbridge Academy is hosting a limited number of small group tours during our Summer School session this June and July. If you are interested in learning more about our program or if you're looking to enroll your student at Stanbridge this fall, please click here to complete our simple online form to RSVP.
Summer tours at Stanbridge are designed to be small group or personalized visits, scheduled to take place during Wednesday and Thursday mornings while our summer school classes are in session. Tours will begin at 9:15 a.m. with a chance to meet and mingle with current Stanbridge parents, our Head of School, Principal, and Director of Counseling. The reception will be followed by a guided campus tour, giving you the chance to see some of our students and teachers in their summer school classes. You will then have an opportunity to talk further with our counselors and administrative team for follow up Q&A. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our program and discuss your child's individual needs and goals. At the conclusion of the tour, if you feel that Stanbridge is the right fit for your student, our admissions representative will discuss next steps. Summer tours are free; we request that interested guests please RSVP in advance. If you are unable to attend one of our prescheduled summer tours, please note that you can always schedule a personalized tour of our campus on a date that works for you. For more information, go to the Visit Stanbridge page of our website.  Establishing and supporting your young adult’s transition from high school and into greater adult independence is of paramount importance to us. Whether preparing for a two-year or four-year college, seeking employment, joining a transition or vocational program or charting a path that combines multiple elements, each student will necessarily need unique, individually appropriate supports and transition goals.
Please help us by providing your input on this end-of-year survey. It will help us plan and tailor future events to best meet your needs. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Questions? Contact Colleen McQuade, Director of College Counseling and Transitions [email protected] or 650.375.5860.
Recently, I passed my behind-the-wheel driving test on my third attempt. I felt very happy to finally pass the test. Since other students my age are learning how to drive as well, I am going to give some advice for passing a driving test. Not all examiners are kind and friendly, so be prepared. Therefore, practice is probably the best advice to give. If you don’t pass your first time, remember that it’s not the end of the world. It just means that you will have to retake it. Before you retake the test, get lots of practice in the areas where you messed up the first time. Here are some more tips for before or the day-of your driving test:
Editor's Note: CONGRATULATIONS, ALIX! We know you worked really hard for this rite of passage!
A few additional tips re: passing the driving test, from the CA DMV website: "When you are ready to take the actual test, keep these suggestions in mind:
 A new episode of Stanbridge Student News has been posted to our website's Parent Portal—Stanbridge families can access by using their portal password. The latest episode gives viewers an exclusive look behind the scenes of our Drama Club's recent production of The Airship Chronicles, an original play produced and directed by Stanbridge Academy's Music & Drama teacher Dave Hopper. Also highlighted: A sneak preview of this spring's Prom, the theme of which is 1980s video games (awesome!). Get all the details on this year's big night, plus a special countdown of the Top Five Bestselling Video Games of the 1980s (Hint: Sibling Italian plumbers are involved). Also, a recap of the recent High School Community Service Day in Half Moon Bay, and a summary of upcoming school events. Power-up your weekend with the latest from Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
 Stanbridge Academy is hosting a group tour on Tuesday, May 21 for families interested in our High School program. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a chance to meet and mingle with current Stanbridge parents, our Head of School, and our Director of College Counseling & Transitions. The reception will be followed by a guided campus tour, giving you the chance to see our students and teachers in action. You will then have an opportunity to talk further with parents, our counselors, and administrative team for follow up Q&A. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our high school program and discuss your child's individual needs and goals. Click here for details and to RSVP.
 The "On My Mind" series is authored by Stanbridge 12th-grader Alix as part of the High School Bridges/Transitions class in-house marketing internship program, we invite you to check back regularly for new posts. Senior Portraits are in! So, of course graduation outfit trends have been on my mind. Here are some tips to help graduating students plan their outfits for Graduation Day on Friday, June 7th. All graduates will be dressed in royal blue robes, and, in addition, each graduating Senior will wear a matching royal blue cap called a mortarboard. According to Oak Hill Cap & Gown, for those who identify as male, the ideal attire to be worn underneath their gowns are dark trousers or khakis, with dark socks and dress shoes, and a light colored dress shirt. They may also wear a tie, if desired. For those who identify as female, the ideal outfit is dark shoes with a dress or a blouse with dark slacks or skirt. Flats and pumps are recommended rather than high heels, for safety and comfort reasons. For all students, jeans, shorts, sneakers, and open-toed shoes are not recommended. At a typical graduation ceremony, the tassel starts out the right side of the graduate’s head. Once every graduate receives their diploma, they may move the tassel to the left side of the head as a signal of completion.
Good luck to all our 8th and 12th grade graduates, and don’t worry about your appearance on graduation day, you will rock no matter what you choose to wear!  For the past ten years, the Children's Health Council (CHC) has sponsored the EdRev Expo at Oracle (formerly AT&T) Park—an annual event designed for parents, educators, and other professionals who work with students with learning and attention issues. EdRev offers a unique focus on the one-in-five students living with learning and attention differences, and features workshops and resources for students and parents, as well as live music, interactive exhibits, and fun at the ballpark. This year's EdRev Expo will be held on Saturday, May 4, and Stanbridge will once again have a table in the exhibit hall with a number of our faculty and administrative staff on-hand—stop by and say hello! We encourage all Stanbridge families to come and spend part of your morning or afternoon at this unique and informative event. Registration is free; click here for more information.
 A new episode of Stanbridge Student News has been posted to our website's Parent Portal—Stanbridge families can access by using their portal password. The latest episode starts on a high note with highlights from our April "Spring Sing" concert. In addition to clips from the show, the news team follows up with an in-depth interview from one of our student performers who talks about his experience of playing keyboard on stage in front of a standing-room-only crowd. Also in this episode: An interview with one of our Bulldog athletes who was selected to be part of the CalHeat Junior Elite Handball Team; pictures from the junior high experiential trip to the San Francisco Film Festival's international teen short films screening at the Castro Theatre; and snapshots from the elementary division's overnight experiential trip to Coloma. All that, plus the latest deadlines and datelines from Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
The "On My Mind" series is back from Washington, D.C. and our Spring Break hiatus! Authored by Stanbridge 12th-grader Alix as part of the High School Bridges/Transitions class in-house marketing internship program, we invite you to check back regularly for new posts.
From March 31 to April 5, Stanbridge juniors and seniors traveled together to participate in "CloseUp,” a program that teaches young adults about the U.S. government and how it works. This was the sixth time Stanbridge took part in this trip. Beginning in 2009, juniors and seniors at Stanbridge have been given the option to go to Washington, D. C. for the CloseUp program every other year for the Spring experiential. On the early morning of Sunday, March 31, students learned how to deal with the unexpected on a plane, such as layovers due to passengers needing medical attention or flight delays due to bad weather. After a long day on the plane, students were happy to check into the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, and get into comfortable, warm beds. [Stanbridge students roomed with their fellow classmates.] Throughout the week, students visited historic monuments, participated in workshops, and interacted with other students in the Close-Up program – many who were from other states. On Capitol Hill Day, students met Congresswoman Jackie Speier, and got to take a photo with her. Students also went to the U.S. Capitol, where we observed the Senate in debate up in the galleries. Following Capitol Hill Day, students had dinner at the food court in D.C.’s historic Union Station before enjoying a performance of “Into the Woods” at the Ford Theater. Although we have a few suggestions for future trips, this trip was an overall hit. Participants encourage all Freshmen and Sophomores to attend the trip when Stanbridge offers it again in 2021!  For nearly 40 years, Stanbridge Academy has been providing students a whole-school experience that includes individualized academics, social/emotional support, and a full complement of arts, athletics, enrichment, and leadership opportunities. See for yourself why families say that "Stanbridge has been life-changing" at our Junior High and High School Open House on Tuesday, April 23 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
This event will feature presentations from key staff and faculty members, plus Q&A with teachers from our junior high and high school divisions, as well as our Head of School, Principal, and Director of Counseling. Our Director of College Counseling & Transitions will also be available to discuss the transitions planning that takes place during high school for students and their families, and the variety of postsecondary paths that Stanbridge graduates have pursued. The event will include a guided tour of our campus and classrooms where you will get to see our students and teachers in action, and a number of current Stanbridge parents will also be on hand to answer any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our junior high and high school programs and discuss your child's individual needs and goals with our teachers, counselors, and administrative staff. The Open House is a free event and we encourage interested guests to RSVP in advance by completing this short online form. If you are unable to attend this Open House, please note that we have a group tour scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, and you can always schedule a personalized tour of our campus by completing our online form. See our Visit Stanbridge page for more details. |
