 Today is Earth Day and we hope you are outside celebrating nature on this beautiful Monday in the Bay Area. Today's observance gives us a chance to cheer the efforts of our Stanbridge students—particularly those involved with last year's student government. Over the course of last school year, student government sponsored a number of bake sales which helped raise funds for an eco-friendly water fountain/water bottle filling station (pictured). Installed last spring, the station has helped eliminate waste from more than 13,600 disposable plastic bottles so far! You can help save even more by using your reusable S'well Stanbridge Academy water bottle to fill up at our Hayden Hall water station. Didn't get your bottle yet? No problem! Annual Fund donors can pick up their bottle at the main office any time. And if you haven't made your Annual Fund donation yet this year, click here to give online or stop by the office to drop off a check and pick up your bottle all at once!
 Posing with Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. Snapping a selfie with Barack Obama in the National Portrait Gallery. Watching the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery. These are just a few of the activities Stanbridge juniors and seniors got to experience during their trip to Washington, D.C. earlier this month. Partnering with CloseUp for our fourth biennial trip to the nation's capital, this year's 11th- and 12th-graders had a packed itinerary that included the above activities plus much, much more. From visiting memorials and landmarks, to meeting with congresswoman Jackie Speier, to celebrating the D.C. experience with students from across the country, our staff chaperones captured the manifold highlights. See for yourself in the exclusive video that has been posted to our website's Parent Portal—Stanbridge families can access by using their portal password. Additional trip photos and highlights can also be seen on our social media pages, so be sure to check out the Stanbridge Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds, too!
 The "On My Mind" student-written series is authored by Senior Alix as part of an in-house marketing internship through the High School Bridges class. Check back regularly for new posts, including coverage of the Washington, D.C. experiential, which begins Sunday, March 31.
On Tuesday, March 5, I visited the College of San Mateo campus for a presentation from the Disability Resource Center (DRC). The DRC is a college office where a student may apply for any necessary accommodations one might need to succeed at this educational level. Different institutions may call it different names, such as Learning Support Services, Student Disability Services, or Student Accessibility and Accommodations. Some of these accommodations that you might ask for could include extended time on tests, a separate room to take tests, audiobooks, notetakers, tutoring sessions, and more. One cool technology device they showed us was an echo smart pen from Dragon Naturally Speaking that can record everything that you hear in the classroom, and even help with note taking! Requesting accommodations in college is different from how you receive them in high school, where the school identifies the needs of the student. In college, on the other hand, they expect the student to identify their own special needs. Yes, the students themselves are responsible for requesting their own accommodations. To request these special arrangements at a college, you should meet with the Head of the DRC, or an accommodations counselor that works within the department, to personally discuss any assistance that you might need in college. If you are looking into requesting housing accommodations, the housing office must have the DRC pre-approve your request. To increase the chances of any college accommodations being approved, you should bring your IEP or Psych-Ed Evaluation that lists the recommended accommodations for you. In short, getting the help you need to achieve success in college takes time and effort, but many people are available to help you along the way!  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 SSN Team has orchestrated another episode full of the latest news of note—or notes, in this case, as this edition leads with a story about the elementary division's recent trip to the San Francisco Symphony. In addition to highlights from that experiential trip, we also have features on the recent Student Talent Show, robotics assembly, and the annual Students vs. Staff Basketball Game where the students prevailed 35-29. But wait, there's more! With baseball season about to begin and the playoff season coming up for professional basketball and hockey, be sure to catch the SSN Team's bonus sports coverage to keep tabs on your favorite teams. It may be March Madness out there, but you can always rely on Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
 Spring has sprung, but we already have summer on our minds. Stanbridge is proud to once again offer a wide variety of classes, courses, and clubs during this year's Summer School session (June 17 through July 26). Astronomy, D&D, gardening, basketball, ceramics, science, field trips, cooking and more—there are offerings for all ages and interests.
Unfortunately, not all of this year's Summer School classes being offered now will make the final cut. You can help ensure that the classes you want will stay on the schedule by completing our early enrollment now.* Visit the Summer School page of our website to view the preliminary schedule, read course descriptions, and download an enrollment form. The first enrollment deadline is Friday, April 12, just before Spring Break begins. Summer School classes that do not have at least three students enrolled by April 12 will be dropped from the schedule. Help ensure that the classes you want remain open—complete your enrollment form today! If you have any questions about this year's Stanbridge Summer School program, please contact Enrichment Program Manager, Linda Bargas. *Please note that Summer School at Stanbridge is open only to current and incoming students, as well as alumni in good standing.  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 play's the thing in this edition of our webcast, as the SSN Team takes us behind the scenes of CalShakes recent visit to campus. See what these actors have to say about what Shakespeare can teach today's students and how performing can be both entertaining and therapeutic for those on stage as well as the members of the audience. Also, the SSN crew goes in-depth on the topic of the Spring Equinox; watch their new FYI segment to learn more about what makes the start of spring such an important occasion. And finally, March Madness has arrived. Not the NCAA tournament—the annual Students vs. Staff Basketball Game! It's the finale to another hardcourt season for our Bulldog hoopsters. See what Coach Kelley and the team have to say about this season and the upcoming big game in our SSN exclusive interview. All that, plus the latest dates and deadlines. From The Bard to the backboards, though this be madness, there is method in it; see for yourself in the latest from Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
 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. We are feeling the love in this episode, which is full of Valentine's Day highlights, including the junior high field trip to Bel Mateo Bowl; cookie decorating on campus; plus pizza, cupcakes, and the traditional exchange of Valentines. Beyond the February 14th holiday, our elementary students took an experiential field trip to Point Reyes to learn more about Native Americans and the local habitat—the SSN Team has exclusive pictures from their excursion. Finally, discover why Hayden Hall was decked-out in coats of arms earlier this month. A community-building activity, each high school advisory spent the past few weeks designing a coat of arms that represents their group. See the photos of each group's original design, and find out which advisory's entry was named Best of Show in the class vote. All that, plus an update on upcoming events and deadlines. We're back from break, so stay up-to-date with Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
 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. In this episode, the reviews are in—literally. The News Team talks with Lynsey's Upper Elementary class; they have started to write individual reviews for each of the experiential field trips they take throughout the year. In addition to being a practical writing exercise, the student reviews also offer a thoughtful way for each trip participant to express their personal highlights and feedback about the experience. Hear what the class had to say about their recent experiential excursion to the California Academy of Sciences (highlights: birds, butterflies, fish, and sharks; lowlights: long lines). Plus, an exclusive look at this year's student-drawn yearbook cover finalists and the winning entry; an FYI segment on President's Day; and the latest important dates and announcements. Stay up to date on the Bulldog Beat with Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
We are excited to debut a new recurring blog series "On My Mind," which will feature student-written posts by two interns from the Stanbridge High School Bridges class, Seniors Alix and Grace. As part of their in-house marketing internship, Alix and Grace will write about things that are on the minds of Stanbridge students and post them on our website's blog. Be sure to check back regularly for new posts!  My name is Alix and I am a Senior at Stanbridge Academy. I have been attending Stanbridge for seven years now, and I will graduate this June. I am very happy to help write the Student Blog before I leave Stanbridge, because one of my passions is creative writing. I like to write stories, but writing a blog is a new experience for me. Other interests that I have are baking and fashion. I might want to go into fashion after I graduate. For my first blog post, I want to address that this Friday, February 8, is the High School Valentine’s Dance. The High School Dances can be a great opportunity for high school students to get together outside of school hours. However, at the dances, it’s important to use our social skills that we learn in our Social Learning classes at Stanbridge. For example, if you want to dance with someone, you should ask them politely. If they decline your offer, then you should be respectful of their choice, try to act as if it’s no big deal, and go talk to or dance with someone else. You should not insist on dancing, have a meltdown, or invade their personal space when they have asked for some space.
Hi, I’m Grace, a current student at Stanbridge Academy. I am in my Senior year and will graduate this year with the other Seniors. Currently, I live with my parents in the Bay Area. I like to volunteer in different areas such as helping with kids and adults. During my free time, I like writing and listening to music. Speaking of music, we have two more dances coming up this year: Valentine’s in early February and Prom in mid-May. Following are some expectations at dances:
 Our Bulldogs Basketball team is back in action and there are plenty of opportunities to catch a game this month. This Wednesday afternoon, the team will face off against Sterne Middle School at High-Five Sports Zone in San Francisco—tip time is 4:30 p.m. Next week, on Monday, Feb. 11, the squad travels to the Sports House in Redwood City for a 2:30 p.m. game against Holden High School; and on Monday, Feb. 25, the Bulldogs will be back there for another 2:30 afternoon game against STAR Academy. Can't make the games on weekdays? No problem! Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 2, and catch the Bulldogs in prime time playing a 7:00 p.m. evening game at Marin School. Additional details, along with upcoming games for our other athletic teams, can be found on our P.E. & Athletics page. The weather may be cold, but the action is hot on the court—come out and support our Stanbridge Stars. Go Dawgs!
 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 opens with an exclusive look at the Stanbridge Snack Shack, a new student government initiative that promises to give students more variety at lunch time. Also, our student news team presents a new FYI segment investigating the problem of plastic pollution; discover the environmental impact this waste is causing, and learn tips on ways you can reduce the amount of plastic you use. The news team also interviews Danny Martin, who talks about his recent transition from office coordinator to teacher of our newest elementary class (it was a good choice!). Plus, got jokes? Your joke, pun, or riddle could be featured in an upcoming segment of Stanbridge Student News—watch to find out how you can submit your best laugh lines for a future broadcast. All that, along with the latest important dates and upcoming events that you need to know about. Stay plugged-in to everything that's going on around campus with the newest webisode from Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
 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 features an in-depth recap of our high school division's recent Alumni Panel held last week, highlighting the behind-the-scenes prep work done by our Bridges class students, and an exclusive interview with our Director of College Counseling and Transitions, Colleen McQuade. Plus, footage from the December holiday concert; an interview with new Office Coordinator Kristen Coleman; important upcoming dates and reminders; and a special astrological FYI report on this weekend's lunar eclipse. Our Stanbridge stars are covering all the news under the sun and then some in the latest webisode from Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
Attention high school students and parents: Did the College & Career Fair in November get you thinking about next steps after graduation? Are you wondering how to make the transition from Stanbridge to college or into the workforce? Curious about university life, what college classes are like, or how it feels to live away from home and on your own? Then join us on Thursday, January 10 for the annual Stanbridge Alumni Panel, where you'll hear stories from Stanbridge graduates who have successfully made their postsecondary transitions. The panel features Stanbridge alumni who are currently in college, recent college graduates, and those who are working in various career fields. Come listen to their experiences, get advice, and have your questions answered by former Stanbridge students who have been in your shoes. The event is free and will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on campus in the Marilyn Center. RSVP by contacting the main office, or click here to email Colleen McQuade, our Director of College Counseling & Transitions.
 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 tips off with an in-depth interview with Stanbridge Athletic Director and Basketball Coach Mark Kelley, who previews the upcoming Bulldogs season. Additionally, current Bulldog players discuss what they are looking forward to in the upcoming season. Also in this episode, a look at some amazing artwork currently on display in Hayden Hall created by one of Stanbridge's sophomores; an international tour of holiday foods from around the world (goose and oysters...mmmmm); and an exclusive interview with new staff member Harriet Mukisa, who shares her highlights of Stanbridge so far. All this and more in the latest webisode from Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
Thank you for visiting the Stanbridge Academy Bridge Blog! We hope you stop by regularly to check for the latest school news, features, updates, and highlights, but there's more to our social media outreach than the posts on this blog. Stanbridge maintains an active social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, where we not only post school news and features, but also highlight stories of interest for our community. A perfect example is the article below shared on our Facebook page, which profiles Kalin Bennett, an autistic basketball player recruited by Kent State. Check out his story, and be sure to like, share, and check back for more throughout the year!
 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 features highlights from November's Scholastic Book Fair, as well as the College & Career Fair. Plus, junior high recalls favorite moments from their recent experiential trip to the Web of Life Field School in Aptos, the News Team provides a full report of upcoming events, and—in an SSN exclusive—new teacher Daniel Geller reveals a hidden urge to throw down the hammer when asked what superhero he would be. All this and more in the latest webisode from Stanbridge Academy's most trusted news source!
 Today is #GivingTuesday, and here at Stanbridge we are #GivingThanks to all of the donors who support our Annual Fund. Through your generosity, you are helping Stanbridge create opportunities for all of our students and their families. In the words of Chris Mak, Stanbridge trustee and parent representative of this year's Annual Fund Campaign:
“I am grateful to Stanbridge for creating possibilities for my son. Within a few years, he will get a chance to join the Bulldogs Basketball Team, maybe run for student government, and attend the High School Prom. After Stanbridge, his possibilities include continuing his education, maybe towards a certificate or a diploma. He may decide to join the workforce or volunteer at a non-profit instead. But these are all real opportunities and possibilities that Stanbridge can create for him. Opportunities that, honestly, he may not have at another school.” As we celebrate this day of gratitude which highlights the true spirit of the holiday season, we extend a sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has helped make these opportunities a reality for our students, and whose support will continue to create endless possibilities. Click here for a full list of our 2018–2019 Annual Fund donors. Want to add your name to the list and be a part of creating even more possibilities for our students? Click here to make an online donation today!  A whole new round of clubs begin next Monday as we start the Winter Session! In clubs, students of varying grade levels and divisions work together toward achieving common goals — perhaps creating an end product, hitting that high note, or setting up a teammate to score another point. Clubs help promote self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Click here for more information on this year's Winter Clubs offerings and to download an enrollment form. If you've already reserved enrollment, find your child's name on the club rosters online and at school this week. Remember, your registration is not complete until we receive your enrollment form with the appropriate payment; contact Linda in the main office with any questions.
 Dear Stanbridge Families, Students, Alumni, and Staff,
A very happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Stanbridge Academy! This is a time of year to reflect on what we are grateful for, and I want to express my gratitude to all of you for being part of the Stanbridge community. As we spend the next few days with family and friends, I am reminded of the incredible extended family that exists at our school:
From our extended Stanbridge family to yours, it is with a heart full of appreciation that I wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving. With gratitude, Julie Smith Head of School Dear Stanbridge Community,
Due to the continued poor air quality in our area and a bleak forecast for the next few days, we have made the difficult decision to close school for the week of November 19–23. While this was scheduled to be a short week due to the Thanksgiving break, it looks as if the air quality will continue to remain in the "very unhealthy" range through Tuesday. Out of consideration for the health and well-being of our students and staff, we felt it is in the best interests of everyone to err on the side of caution, particularly with the holiday weekend coming up. Per this weekend's SFGate:
All school-related activities and clubs scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been cancelled, and we are working with James to reschedule the Food Drive delivery to St. Anthony's so that the STAR Team can still participate. Please look for a follow-up email tomorrow regarding sign-ups for Winter Clubs; the enrollment deadline is shortly after we return from break and Linda will be sharing the club schedule and enrollment form with everyone via email and our website on Monday. This week is typically a time of celebration with family and friends, and we send our best wishes to everyone for a happy Thanksgiving. We also acknowledge the impact that these fires are having state-wide, and share our thoughts of healing, safety, and peace to everyone who has been affected. May the rains arrive soon and bring relief to all. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us via email. With gratitude for being part of the Stanbridge community, Julie Smith and Matt Poynter Stanbridge Head of School and Principal |
