Stanbridge Academy
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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

6/11/2025

 
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What a jam packed last few days of celebrations we have had acknowledging the tremendous growth and accomplishments of our students.
  • We gathered on Saturday for a special brunch honoring our senior graduates and heard from each of their families. There was not a dry eye in the house as we heard about challenges, growth, and the overwhelming sense of community found at Stanbridge. 
  • On Monday morning, we gathered to honor our eighth graders in their promotion ceremony. We had a combined Middle School award ceremony, as well, so the entire middle school was present to celebrate the accomplishments of our eighth graders. Thank you to our awesome middle school speakers Jonas, Aanya, and Cyrus. 
  • We held our high school awards ceremony Monday afternoon and it is always a joy to see how our students rise to support one another, cheering each other on and acknowledging the hard work of their peers. 
  • Yesterday morning, we celebrated the accomplishments of our Elementary students and promoted our 5th grade class to Middle School.
  • We closed out the school year yesterday with our Class of 2025 High School Senior graduation. It is always a highlight of the year to hear the reflections of our seniors as they embark on the next stage of their journey to adulthood. Each senior has the opportunity to write and deliver their own speech. It is clear that each of these young adults made huge strides in their quest toward independence during high school. They forged a supportive community and safety net for each other that will continue long after graduation. 
Our deepest gratitude goes out to you, our parent community, for entrusting us to be a partner in your children’s education and development. We thank you for your partnership, your kindness and your amazing children! Have a wonderful summer and Stay Strong Bulldogs!

Julie Smith
Head of School

News & Notes: Journalism

6/6/2025

 
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SECOND EDITION HITS THE STANDS!
Our Journalism Club BullPups, who are in 5th through 10th grades, quickly wrapped up their second edition this year. It's twice as long as the first and features some of this year's favorite moments; a comic strip by our most junior Bullpup; student views of the Talent Show, Field Day, and Experientials; Stanbridge Senior profiles; and much more. Once again, they did a great job thinking about what types of information people not familiar with Stanbridge may want to know more about.​
  • READ THE FULL "Stanbridge Spring Journalism Club vol 2" HERE. 
Everyone loves reading about events from the students' perspective! We hope this remains a staple Club offering for years to come – they're even considering a podcast next year. Thanks again to Journalism Advisor (and Director of Admissions) Emily Mitchell for getting this club off the ground! 

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

5/23/2025

 
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We are headed into a three-day weekend to commemorate Memorial Day this Monday the 26th. It is a national day of mourning for deceased service members. As such, there will be NO SCHOOL on Monday. We hope for relaxation as we head into our final 11 instructional days.

We had a fabulous Talent Show on Thursday this week! See the Weekly Collage post below for this year's lineup. Thank you to all of the families that came out to support the event. We also had our biggest bake sale of the year. Our partnership with parent bakers/providers is much appreciated.

Our Class of 2025 spent Thursday morning at Sunrise Senior Living in San Mateo. They played chair volleyball with "pool noodles and a balloon." The elderly seniors won the game 10-7! Our students and their new friends enjoyed snacks and played a few rounds of BINGO. Building intergenerational friendships is an important way for students to gain empathy, as well as a better understanding and appreciation of the world-at-large.

We have many celebratory events as the year finishes out. Please check the calendar below and plan to attend the events your child is part of. We are excited to see many friendly faces on campus!

Enjoy your three day weekend!
Danny Martin
Principal

Weekly Collage - 052325

5/23/2025

 

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

5/15/2025

 
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We are right in the middle of – what is known in the school world as – the "100 days of May." I am sure you are feeling the crunch of year-end activities in your homes, as well. Below are all the things we want to make sure parents and trustees have on their calendars for the end of the year at Stanbridge [dates & times for community only]:
  • All School Talent Show. Come cheer on our brave performers and see how supportive our community is in action!
  • Senior Class of 2025 Graduation Luncheon & Celebration in our campus courtyard (Senior Families only) 
  • 8th grade Promotion & Middle School Awards. All Middle School Families encouraged to attend.
  • Elementary Awards and Step Up Ceremony. Elementary dismissed immediately following.
  • Last Day of School (K-11th grade). High School Graduation at Burlingame Parks and Rec Center. We invite the School Community to attend this moving event celebrating this unique Class of 2025. Each Senior graduate has the chance to share about their journey!
FLAG FOOTBALL
Congratulations to our Flag Football team who played their last BASSAL league game yesterday in Novato. We are all so proud of their TEAMWORK! Yesterday's 42-28 WIN against Winston Prep was the exciting accumulation of a season of hard work, perseverance, and determination! Their growth witnessed throughout the season was so special. The players and their familes should be so proud.
On that note, a huge THANK YOU to all of the families for your support throughout this season! As Coach Gage shared, “You truly have raised amazing individuals & it makes us coaches proud to have had the opportunity to coach them!
PROM 2025!
As you are reading this, our high school students are enjoying a Casino Night Prom on our campus. Thank you to our parent volunteers, led by High School representatives/dance organizers Helen Siu, Laura Porter, and Lisa Kennedy, who transformed our courtyard to make this a magical evening for our students. Details from fun prom favors to extra cherries in “The Sphere” drinks (Shirley Temples) helped make this night a memorable one.
Enjoy your weekend!
 – Julie Smith
Head of School

Physical Education

5/15/2025

 
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KINDERGARTEN-8TH GRADE
  Wow—this school year has truly flown by, and I couldn’t be prouder of our Elementary and Middle School P.E. students! Throughout the year, we’ve focused on learning new games, developing new skills, working as a team, and showing strong support and sportsmanship toward one another. It’s been incredible to see how much each student has grown in so many different ways.
   Our recently concluded Field Day was a perfect celebration of that growth—showcasing not only the amazing effort and performance during games, but also the enthusiasm and encouragement students showed for their Neighborhood Groups and teams. Their energy, teamwork, and spirit were inspiring to watch!
– Coach Gage Daniel, K-8 Physical Education & Health, co-Athletic Director

6TH GRADE-HIGH SCHOOL
   High School and Middle School Physical Education focused on physical development, skill development, personal responsibility, and social skills throughout the year. Students improved coordination and body control during sports activities, basic techniques using proper footwork and hand-eye coordination, core fitness components, strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, and agility. They demonstrated proficiency in movement skills such as throwing, striking, and jumping. Athletes also took responsibility for personal safety, equipment use, strategy tactics, and independent decision making. Students learned social skills working cooperatively with classmates regardless of skill level, sportsmanship, inclusion, fairness, and respect. In Health, they also learned about nutrition, injury prevention, mental awareness, and stress management.
– Coach Daniel Quinal, 6th-12th Physical Education & Health, co-Athletic Director

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

5/9/2025

 
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   We are down to 21 school days for students and the next few weeks are busy with events.  The Middle School had a wonderful three days and two nights at the Montara Lighthouse.  They were hiking, kayaking, and working on independence skills together. A BIG thank you to the Middle School team for spending time away from their families to help our students grow. 
   This coming week, our Elementary students will close out the year with experientials of their own. Upper El will head south to Watsonville for their overnight at Farm Discovery, while Lower El and Middle El heads north for a day trip to the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens.
  • Next Friday, the High School Prom will occur outside under the canopy. The theme is Casino Night! Look for some staff to be dealing cards at the blackjack table.
  • 2025-2026 Student Government Elections are coming up Monday, May 19th. Candidates will give their speeches in the morning followed by the vote for Student Body President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary (posters are due to Kenny this Monday). Students in 8th-11th grades will vote for the representatives they choose for the coming school year.
  • The Talent Show on Thursday, May 22nd, will feature over two dozen Stanbridge-exclusive acts. Be sure to arrive early as parking in the neighborhood is always impacted for all-school events. 
  • Wednesday, June 4th, students will have one last meet-up in their Neighborhood Groups as we join together for the Stanbridge Bowl. This is always an eye-opening, trivia event to remember!
  • The Senior Grad Luncheon will be Saturday, June 7th.  Cazadores will cater a yummy selection of brunch items for Senior families and staff. We look forward to celebrating with you!
  • Middle School Awards & 8th Grade Promotion will be Monday, June 9th. Light fare will follow the ceremony; eighth graders may leave afterwards to celebrate with their families.
  • Elementary Awards will take place Tuesday, June 10th. Elementary families may leave following the ceremony to welcome summer.
  • Class of 2025 High School Graduation is Tuesday, June 10th. Each division is encouraged to join us at the Burlingame Park and Rec Center for this culminating Stanbridge event!
   It's hard to believe we have so many events in such a short time (plus Chess tournaments, Flag Football games, and more in the works , but we somehow always fit it in.
Have a beautiful weekend and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
– Danny Martin, Principal

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

5/2/2025

 
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From breakfast to lunch, as well as all the goodies, gift cards, notes, and gratitude in between, on behalf of all the faculty & staff, thank you to all the families who spoiled us this appreciation week! Your little notes and drawings are often cherished and truly help us get through the day. Thank you, as well, to Student Government for providing lunch from Chipotle yesterday for the entire school – students and staff.

Field Day
We ushered in the new month with a fabulously spirited week, wrapping up today with Field Day at the Burlingame Parks and Recreation center fields. Huge thanks to our co-Athletic Directors, Daniel Quinal and Gage Daniel, for planning and executing a successful day of field competitions. Our neighborhood groups bonded and stepped up to the plate for a host of games before lunch. AND what a delicious lunch it was! Casadores' catered taco bar was a hit for students and staff alike. The day ended with our students winning the tug-of-war against faculty and staff. I know we were outnumbered, but students really brought their A-game to the match! We didn’t stand a chance. They got us two-for-one this week, winning the annual Student vs. Staff Basketball Game on Wednesday, as well.
Thank you to our Stanbridge Parent Association volunteers for all your help and support led by Claire Collet, Pamela Davies, and Lisa Kennedy. It takes a village and we are so glad to have all of you as partners. Please come to our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast this Wednesday so we can thank you appropriately for all you do for our school. 

One Community, Many Cultures
Stanbridge is a community that has many different cultures and we are in the midst of numerous celebrations. Yom Ha'atzmaut was yesterday, May 1; Monday, May 5, is Cinco de Mayo; and the month of May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. We hope you can enjoy celebrating these beautiful spring days together with family and friends. 

Wishing you all a restful weekend ahead.
– Julie Smith, Head of School

Student Government

5/1/2025

 
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Hello Stanbridge,
  On Thursday this week, Student Government served Chipotle to students and staff during lunch. Students were also treated to sparkling water and chips to go with their meal. We were happy to see everyone enjoying the meal. 
  Next Friday, May 9th, will be our final Pizza Sale of the school year. Please fill out the Pizza Form in this week's Bulldog Bulletin by Wednesday, May 7th, if you would like your child to get Costco pizza, salad, or hot dogs for lunch next Friday. 
  We have had a great Spirit Week this week! Everyone has been dressing up and we thank everyone for showing their spirit. We ended the week with Field Day today. 
  We have High School Prom coming up on Friday May 16th so please fill out the Prom Form in the Bulletin by Friday, May 9th,  if your child is going to Prom.
  Coming up on Monday, May 19th, is a big event at Stanbridge – 2025-2026 Student Government Elections. Candidates have until Tuesday, May 6th, to decide if they will run. 
Have a great weekend, Bulldogs!
– Daniel C., Student Government Secretary
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Weekly Collage - 050225

4/30/2025

 
The weather was perfect for Field Day today (a few pictures below). Neighborhood Groups worked together in a dozen fun Athletic activities including:
  • Longest shoe kick, Shot put, Running long jump, Frisbee target toss, Longest paper airplane toss, 3-legged race, Longest soccer kick, Pizza box relay, Beach ball blow up, Pass the hula hoop, Capture the flag , and Tug o' war!
Did you see our Students vs Staff Basketball Game highlights reel in social media?
  • Stanbridge Facebook
  • Stanbridge Instagram
  • Don't have either of those? Here's the standalone video through 1SE!

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

4/25/2025

 
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Congratulations Stanbridge Bulldogs! 
Our Middle and High School students were able to walk to the park to attend our home Flag Football game against Winston Prep Academy yesterday. It was so impressive to see our students both on the team and on the sidelines supporting each other. Thank you to our fabulous coaches, Coach Daniel Q., Coach Gage, and Coach Tevita, for providing a wonderful experience and an encouraging environment for our student athletes. 
Spirit Week & Field Day
This coming week is Spirit Week with Field Day culminating the events on Friday. Parents are more than welcome to join us for Field Day! Students should arrive at school at regular time and they will be transported to the site in our school vans. A taco bar lunch will be provided and we want to make sure we have enough for our parents as well. Please RSVP  if your student is in a car seat and/or you plan to join us on Friday. 
Volunteer Appreciation 
Volunteer Appreciation is coming up on Wednesday, May 7th. All year long our parent community does so much to support our school and our faculty and staff. This is the time we set aside to gather and appreciate all of YOU, whether you are part of our Parent Association leadership, our Board, volunteered for the book fair, chaperoned for dances, was a mystery reader, provided for bake sales, and more. Currently our RSVPs are very low. Please take a moment to reply to let us know if you can join us on May 7th after school drop off in the morning. Faculty and staff will provide sweet and savory items; we will have a coffee cart here, as well, to provide your drink of choice. We want to celebrate you and all you do for our school community!

Enjoy the weekend ahead,
Julie Smith
Head of School

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    The Bulldog Blog is a forum for Stanbridge Academy staff and students to share community stories and news online.
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Contact Info

515 E. Poplar Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
Main Office: ​650.375.5860
[email protected]
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and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) through the 2025–2026 academic year.
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Stanbridge Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Stanbridge Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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  • About Us
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    • Our Mission & Philosophy >
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