Bridges Middle School

If fun happens in the gym and the rest of the school can’t hear it … is it still fun? 🤔

We’re happy to report: Yes. Yes, it is. 😄

Our new sound-dampening gym doors are helping keep all that energy, activity, and fun in the gym — and a little more peace and quiet everywhere else.

A small change that makes a big difference.

Wellness at school is about more than physical health. It’s about creating an environment where students feel safe, supported, understood, and ready to learn.

A new OregonLive Youth Voices feature takes readers inside Bridges Middle School and explores how our approach helps neurodivergent students thrive.

Read more about the feature on our blog:

bridgesms.org/oregonlive-youth-voices-highlights-the-bridges-approach-to-neurodivergent-education/

For neurodivergent kids, moving between two homes can bring different routines, expectations, and environments — making transitions especially challenging.

Our Executive Director, Beven Byrnes, recently joined the Radical Stepmoms podcast to talk about how parents and stepparents can better support neurodivergent kids navigating blended-family life.

One important takeaway: Start with curiosity.

Learn more on our blog.

bridgesms.org/supporting-neurodivergent-kids-across-two-homes/

Check out these masterpieces in progress! 🎨

Our students enjoyed getting creative in Create class this week. At Bridges, a well-rounded education always includes art.

Before the first day of school, our team came together for CPR, AED, First Aid, Anaphylaxis, and Asthma Training — building the skills and confidence to respond when our students or fellow staff members need support.

It’s all part of creating a school community where safety, care, and well-being come first.

More dyslexia support is coming to Portland!

We're excited to partner with Park Academy to bring its Park Center Tutoring Program to our campus, expanding access to individualized, evidence-based literacy support for students with dyslexia and related learning differences.

Students do not need to attend Bridges to participate.

Learn more about the partnership and tutoring program on our blog.

bridgesms.org/expanding-dyslexia-support-across-portland-bridges-middle-school-partners-with-park-academy/

It feels like the school year has just begun, and we're already into our second week of Friday Electives?!?

Here are some snapshots from today's "MAKE YOUR OWN FIDGETS" class.

Wellness isn’t just about taking care of our students — it’s about supporting our families, too! ❤️

With our current student body representing 36 ZIP codes across the Portland metro area, getting students to and from school every day can add another layer to an already busy family schedule.

This , we’re highlighting a resource that might make life a little easier: carpooling! 🚙

Current Bridges families can find updated carpool resources in the FACTS Family Portal.

For our principal, the decision to become a teacher wasn't just a career choice. It was a way to give back what a handful of educators had given her: belief, belonging, and the reminder that she mattered.

Learn more about Dr. Hall's journey to education in her staff spotlight.

bridgesms.org/staff-spotlight-dr-carrie-hall-principal/

The next time you’re on campus, you’ll probably see a new four-legged friend. It’s Lalo, Miles’ certified service dog! 🐕‍🦺

Miles’ mom stopped by this week to introduce Lalo to our students and help everyone learn what it means to have a working dog at school. As adorable as Lalo may be, when they’re on the job, it’s no pets and no play. 🐾

We’re so happy to welcome Lalo to the Bridges community!