Bridges - Junior

The Bridges Alternative Education program was first established in 1989-90. The program was designed for students who had a history of poor attendance and chronic truancy problems in school. Its aim was to accommodate students in the transition years (grade 7-10) by providing an alternative to the regular school environment. This alternative was designed to encourage students to attend school on a regular basis, acquire credits, and return with confidence to mainstream education. Since many of the students in Bridges have experienced difficulty in mainstream programs and have found the regular school settings formidable, Bridges was offered off-campus. Another option for students upon leaving Bridges is to enter the workforce and secure regular employment.

This education program is staffed by 1 full-time teacher and 1 full-time Student Support Person (S.S.P.) who works with students in both the junior and senior Bridges programs.

Bridges offers two 1/2 day programs (a.m. or p.m.) which accommodate a maximum of ten students per session. The students are identified through the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (I.P.R.C.) process and placed on a modified day; however, they are still registered at their home school. If the students have been successful at Bridges, by the third semester they are encouraged to be fully integrated back into their home school.

Incentive awards are part of the Bridges program. Rewards are given to students for completing lessons or for achieving credits. Students may also earn Bridges Money to buy additional computer time, short breaks, reading time, or art time.

Referrals into the Bridges program are made by the home school. There is usually a waiting list from senior elementary and secondary schools.

Regular phone calls are made to parents/guardians to inform them of the progress made, or to inquire about a student's absence.