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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.  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 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.  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:
 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.
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.  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! 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:
 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.
Attention all High School families: The Community for Special Education and the SFUSD Office of Counseling & Post-Secondary Success present the 2019 College and Career Fair for Students with Learning Supports. The event will be held on Saturday, February 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at City College of San Francisco's Multi-Use Building (MUB). In addition to the keynote speaker—Dr. Lauren Lindstrom, Dean of the UC Davis School of Education—Stanbridge Academy's own Director of College Counseling & Transitions, Colleen McQuade, will be presenting, along with numerous other college and career representatives. More details highlighted on the flyer below. Admission is free; click here to register in advance.   These Stanbridge high school juniors and seniors are participating in a monthly internship program at Facebook, exploring possible career paths and gaining real world job experience. Approximately 75% of Stanbridge high school graduates continue their academic careers, while others enroll in residential education and transitions programs, or go directly into the workforce. Whether considering a two-year or four-year college, a vocational trade school, or exploring the job market, there are a wealth of postsecondary opportunities for students who learn differently, but with so many paths to consider, the future can be difficult to navigate. Discover what options are out there, and find the bridge that’s right for you. The 2018 Stanbridge Academy College and Career Fair will be held on campus next Thursday afternoon, November 15, from 1:00 to 3:00. The event will feature more than a dozen 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 free event which is designed to help students connect their personal interests and passions with long term, postsecondary goals. The fair is open to current Stanbridge students and families, as well as the general public—click here for more information and to RSVP.
 Looking to learn more about High School at Stanbridge Academy? Click here to view a overview of our program, and visit our campus this Saturday morning for our Fall Open House. Whether you are considering a placement for the current school year or just thinking ahead for your child, Stanbridge offers a truly unique high school experience for students who learn differently. We offer a strengths-based academic program that aligns with state standards, designed to culminate in a diploma; and our college and career counselor works with all high school students and their families to identify longterm goals and help plan for postsecondary steps. We're proud to provide a whole-school experience for our students that includes arts, athletics, enrichment clubs and electives, and traditional high school events such as dances, prom, field trips, and afterschool activities. Additionally, our campus includes students in grades K–8, which provides numerous opportunities for high school students to develop and practice leadership skills within our community. If you're interested in learning more, click here to RSVP for our High School Open House in January, or complete our online form to schedule a personalized tour.
 Today, a number of Stanbridge high school students—along with other high school students all over the country—are taking the PSAT, one of many steps along the road to graduation. For many families, especially those who have students with learning differences, the thought of what lies ahead after graduating from high school can cause some anxiety. The next step after high school is a big one for students and their families—with so many paths to consider, the future can be difficult to navigate. Discover what options are out there, and find the bridge that’s right for you at Stanbridge Academy's College & Career Fair on Thursday, November 15.
This annual event will feature more than a dozen 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 free event which is designed to help students connect their personal interests and passions with long term, postsecondary goals. The fair is open to students (eighth grade, high school, and recent HS grads), parents, faculty, administrators, community members, and professionals with an interest in college, employment, and postsecondary programs supporting neurodiverse students. Click here for more information and to RSVP. |
