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The opening of the Secondary School and Therapy Center brings many exciting changes and opportunities for the 2017-18 academic year. We look forward to sharing all of them with you in the coming months. In the meantime, we are so grateful to everyone, including our Change Champions, who helped with planning and provided positive feedback and communication during this transition. As always, our staff and volunteers put their blood, sweat and tears into preparing both the Secondary and Primary Schools to open and operate effectively on our first day of school. We couldn’t do it without them.

We began the academic year welcoming 24 new staff members including highly qualified teachers and therapists, a new psychologist and a new administrative assistant. Our staff participated in a great week of training and some fun team-building, including a scavenger hunt. They had the opportunity to let their silly sides through while getting to know new and returning staff and the new Secondary School space.

We are looking forward to the year ahead with our returning and new students, families and staff. We began the academic year with 175 students in preschool through 11^th grade representing 28 unique school districts from 9 different counties. And, we begin the year with more than 180 staff members serving our students and families! As we look forward at the calendar, we want to remind our friends and families of some upcoming special events. We hope you will mark your calendars and join us!

Curriculum Night: September 14, 6-8 PM
During Curriculum Night, we welcome parents and adult family member ONLY. The evening is divided into two-three short sessions- one session in your child’s classroom to learn more about what to expect this year from your child’s teachers and curriculum and a session for general information in the gym with Bridgeway Academy leadership staff. We’ll give some general reminders as well as introduce a new Emergency Response system recently adopted by Bridgeway Academy. We will also offer an additional session for parents who have multiple students enrolled in Bridgeway Academy.

Picture Day: Secondary School Picture Day October 16^th / Primary School Picture Day October 17^th
Ryan Glaze Photography will join Bridgeway Academy again this year for school pictures. Parents and families will receive = information in late September. A classroom composite will be available for purchase this year and our brand new STUDENT YEARBOOK COMMITTEE will be producing the yearbook!

Walk Now for Autism Speaks: October 8 at the Columbus Commons
Join Bridgeway Academy’s Team and walk with us to support Autism Speaks.

http://act.autismspeaks.org/site/TR/Walk/Ohio?team_id=60955&pg=team&fr_id=3004

Bridgeway Academy’s Skills Center students will be selling team shirts the 1^st two weeks of September with $1 of every shirt sold donated to Team Bridgeway’s fundraising efforts for Autism Speaks.

Practice Trick or Treat night: October 26^th – 4:30-6:00 PM, Primary School and Therapy Center
Get your family and friends and grab a costume! We are excited to welcome ALL Bridgeway Academy students from both the Primary and the Secondary School and Therapy Centers, along with friends and community partners to this event! Come practice your Trick-or-Treat skills in our very own Trick-or-Treat Street where both candy and non-candy treats will be provided. In addition, we’ll have arts and crafts, a spooky and silly Haunted Speech Room, a sensory-obstacle course, a Monster Mash dance in the gymnasium and our first ever Trunk-or-Treat Street with the Secondary School Teaching Teams! You won’t want to miss this fun family event.

We look forward to seeing all of you over the course of the year. Maybe at pick-up or drop off at Walk Now for Autism Speaks; or, at our events, SPIN for Camp Bridgeway on  March 4^th, or in April at Raise Your Glass to Raise Awareness. And as always, we thank you for your interest in and support of Camp Bridgeway.

By: Lara Pytlik, MOT, OTR/L

Helping children succeed and traveling. Two things I’m most passionate about. What happens when you put those together? You spend the first two weeks of July exploring Beijing and Yanjio, China along with a group of 13 people for tourism and service projects.  After a friend asked me to join her on what appeared to be an amazing adventure, I quickly answered ‘YES!’ and soon after we were touring through Beijing for a week seeing sights such as Tiennamen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and navigating our way past many adventurous food options.

Our second week was spent in Yanjio, China helping friends at the Living Tree Foster Home.  Since 2002, Living Tree has served the
needs of orphaned children in China with Cerebral Palsy. This foundation ensures these children are loved, cared for, and given a happy life through meeting daily living needs, rehabilitation centers, workshops, special education schools, and intensive care rooms for the more medically fragile children. Currently 29 children live at Living Tree ranging from 2 – 19 years old.  They employ 15 full-time workers and welcome hundreds of volunteers each year.

I could not wait to spend time with these children and help the orphanage complete a variety of tasks they had prepared for us, but litlle did I know how much of the ‘occupational therapist’ role I would take on during my week there. It was not long before I saw the great need this organization had – a lack of resources and a lack of financial means; but, after only minutes inside the walls of Living Tree, you know it’s a very special place and the workers are truly dedicated and loving.  They are eager to be educated on therapeutic techniques and ways to help better these children’s quality of life.  Using supplies such as pizza boxes, plastic formula lids, scraps of fabric, foam wedges and bubble wrap, I spent my week creating and educating.  I demonstrated prone prop position over a wedge to improve upper body strength and head and neck control, taught workers how to use common toys as therapeutic materials to encourage range of motion and stretching of upper extremities, created built-up utensils and writing tools for increased independence eating and coloring, fabricated hand splints to prevent contractures, and fit children into wheelchairs to promote improved seating and positioning.

This service trip was truly the experience of a lifetime. The children and workers I met will always have a special place in my heart. I returned from China more grateful and thankful for the opportunities and resources our children and students have every day. My love for occupational therapy has only strengthened and will continue to thrive through the kids of Bridgeway Academy!

Camp Bridgeway, Bridgeway Academy’s 8-week summer program, begins Tuesday, June 6^th! The 2017 camp theme is “Bridgeway Academy’s Got Talent,” and will showcase the many talents and abilities of Bridgeway Academy’s 136 student campers, ranging from age 3 through 10^th grade.

Weekly activities of Camp Bridgeway include music therapy groups, arts and crafts, physical fitness and outdoor play, social skills development, water play, special guests and daily academic review.  Special activities relating to the weekly mini-theme or overall camp theme will also be included and led by Bridgeway Academy’s teaching staff.

Week One – Bridgeway Scientists: campers will explore science with visits from a Metro Parks naturalist, a remote control airplane demonstration and exploring fun science experiments.

Week Two – Bridgeway Performs: campers will explore Japanese taiko drumming with Eric “the Fish” Paton and listen to the blues through a performance by Blue Spectrum.

Week Three – Bridgeway Explores: campers will explore scuba diving and farm animals.

Week Four – Bridgeway Celebrates: activities of the week will include a visit from BalletMet and a celebration of Independence Day and annual 4^th of July parade.

Week Five – Bridgeway Eats: Cooper’s Hawk will visit and give campers and exclusive cooking demonstrations.

Week Six – Bridgeway Acts: campers will explore improve comedy and drama as well as enjoy a performance by Capriccio Columbus.

Week Seven – Bridgeway Plays: sports are the focus of this week and will include a basketball exhibition and a mobile gym.

Week Eight – Bridgeway Rocks: camp will come to a close with a variety of closing activities including camp sing-a-long!

At Bridgeway Academy, summer camp is about recreation, and we provide students with important physical and social opportunities. The ability to get outside, to run, play and interact with friends is important for children with or without disabilities. Camp Bridgeway is effective because the mission and goals of camp are the same as during the academic year – to help each child reach his or her full potential by meeting this or her educational and therapeutic needs.

Bridgeway Academy is a central Ohio non-profit organization with a mission to meet the educational and therapeutic needs of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Bridgeway Academy’s unique learning environment has a joyful atmosphere where developmental distinctions do not exist. Each student is celebrated as their own special individual in an atmosphere that is loving and compassionate.

Organization Background
Bridgeway Academy was founded by Abigail S. David and Erin K. Nealy in 2005 as Helping Hands Center for Special Needs, providing individualized educational and therapeutic services for children in early-intervention/preschool and Kindergarten. Over the past 12 years, the organization has grown exponentially, and now has 155 students enrolled in its Education Center, from early-intervention/preschool through 10^th grade. Therapy Center services include Physical, Occupational, Speech and Music therapies and Psychological services for all students in the Education Center as well as other clients in the community receiving therapies only. Camp Bridgeway is the organization’s summer program, providing 8-weeks of recreational and academic programming.

Organizational Growth and Opportunities
The Centers for Disease Control now estimate that 1 in every 63^rd child both in the U.S. will receive an autism diagnosis. Bridgeway Academy has responded to this growing need for services, by expanding its programs and population served.  As a result, the organization’s families and staff have faced a number of challenges, including:

• limited programming space for our growing middle and high school classrooms
• inadequate therapy treatment space; and,
• maintaining the safety and welfare of all our students

In response to these concerns, Bridgeway Academy will open the Bridgeway Academy Secondary School and Therapy Center in August 2017. The Secondary School will be housed in a former Columbus City School building located at 2155 Fenton Street, Columbus 43224. The Secondary School allows for the expansion of Bridgeway Academy’s current program on Medary Avenue, and will serve students 4^th grade and above. In addition, the Secondary School will house the organization’s Life Skills and Vocational Skills Centers. These programs provide middle and high-school aged students the opportunity to practice and master daily living and vocational skills, preparing them for independence, employment or post-secondary educational opportunities after Bridgeway Academy. The current location on Medary Avenue will be known as Bridgeway Academy Primary School and Therapy Center. The expansion will allow for additional children, early-intervention through third grade, to be served by this organization’s comprehensive educational and therapeutic programs.

Opening the Secondary School allows Bridgeway Academy to serve more students and families in the community, expands educational and therapeutic opportunities and ensures a safe and effective learning environment for all students. This expansion also alleviates issues of overcrowding at its current location on Medary Avenue, providing staff at both locations with a comfortable, effective and efficient work environment and fostering leadership and growth opportunities.

Bridgeway Academy has a vision to be the established and preferred organization for all services related to autism and other developmental disabilities. The opening of the Secondary School and Therapy Center is a small step in accomplishing this vision, which includes re-joining the Primary and Secondary Schools on one campus. Bridgeway Academy receives oversight from its Board of Trustees and its work is guided by its Strategic Plan. To learn more, please visit: www.bridgewayohio.org or call 614-2627520.

For a Social Story to share with your students, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the Secondary School open?
   At the start of the 2017-18 academic year, August 15, 2017.
2. Who will attend the Secondary School?
   Students in classrooms 4^th grade and above will move to the Secondary School. The Therapy Center and all current programs offered at Bridgeway Academy will continue to be provided at the Primary School.
3. What is happening to the Medary Avenue location?
   The Medary Avenue location will become known as the Primary School and will house students in the early-intervention through 3^rd grade classrooms. The Therapy Center and all current programs offered at Bridgeway Academy will continue to be provided at the Primary School.
4. Why make this change now?
   Bridgeway Academy’s program expansion has coincided with the expansion of autism diagnosis in the United States, now at 1 in every 63^rd child born. As a result, Bridgeway Academy now serves middle and high school students, offers family partnership programs and life and vocational skill centers. To execute its programs efficiently and effectively, additional space is required.
5. Why move to the Fenton Street location?
   The Fenton St. building was closed by Columbus City Schools (CCS) when the Spanish Immersion School opened its new campus on Maize Rd. leaving this building empty and available for use by Bridgeway Academy. The building is a manageable size, ADA accessible and reasonably close to the Medary Avenue site allowing Bridgeway Academy to continue its excellent programs while continuing its dedication to staff collaboration and individualized services for all students.
6. Where will the Secondary School be located?
   Bridgeway Academy’s Secondary School will be located in the Morse Road area at 2155 Fenton Street, Columbus 43224: east of Karl Rd., West of Cleveland Ave., South of Morse Rd. and North of Cooke Rd. The most direct way to access this location is from Cooke Road. The Secondary School is a 14 minute drive from the Primary School.
7. Where will I go for Therapy Services?
   All Therapy Services will be available at both the Secondary and Primary School locations. For students enrolled in the Education Center, therapy services will continue at their school location. For individuals receiving therapy or psychological services ONLY, your location may change. Your therapy team will be in contact with you directly as this schedule is confirmed.

8. Will there still be a staggered drop-off and pick-up?
   Drop off and pick up will still be staggered as we wish to maintain consistency for students and families. This will also allow families with students attending both locations to successfully drop off and pick up with no scheduling conflicts.

9. Where will summer camp take place?
   Summer Camp 2017 remains at the Medary Avenue location. Summer Camp 2018 will take place in the location of the child’s placement of the prior academic year (2017-18). A rich and age-appropriate summer camp experience will continue to be provided for students in both the Primary and Secondary School location.
10. How will Bridgeway Academy’s staff be configured to serve both locations
    Bridgeway Academy’s Executive Directors, Business Operations, HR and Development Directors, Psychologists, Therapists, Family Partnership Services and Facilities Director will spend time in both buildings. Additional facilities staff will be hired to manage physical operations at the Secondary School.

    Program and Behavior Specialists and Assistant Program and Behavior Specialists will be assigned to specific buildings, as will floater staff.

11. Will there be before- and after-care available in both locations?
    Yes.
12. Will the Secondary School have the same educational and therapy resources as the Primary School?
    Yes, both locations will have the same educational and therapeutic resources (e.g. SMARTboards^TM and other technology, PT and therapy equipment). Resources will be age-appropriate and meet the needs of each location’s student populations.
13. How will Bridgeway Academy assist its students with this change?
    Bridgeway Academy will have Social Stories available to share with students both at Bridgeway Academy and at home. Opportunities for students to visit the Secondary School will occur during Camp Bridgeway. Bridgeway Academy is planning a mid-summer family carnival at the Secondary School location.

 

At Bridgeway Academy, we have designed a Physical Education program that encourages our students to develop healthy bodies and positive attitudesabout physical activity. Weekly lessons include fitness and active leisure skills. We want our students to acquire the skills they need to make healthy lifestyle choices that positively impact his or her well-being. Throughout the school year we have promoted monthly themes including: soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, kick ball and baseball.  As well as directly impacting each student’s physical well-being, there are many opportunities for positive social interaction, too.

During our weekly classes, we have accomplished some amazing goals!  This school year alone, Bridgeway Academy students have run a collective 739 miles. Each week, we participate in regular warm-up activities including running five (5) laps around the gym and two (2) sprints across the gym. When averaged out across our entire student body, this means each student will have run 5.69 miles over the course of the year!

In addition to our fitness successes, we work hard at being part of a team and encouraging friends and peers. During the baseball unit, students were excited to cheer for their friends as they ran the bases. During basketball we practiced passing and throwing to other members of the team.  We have even had students leading games like Redlight/Greenlight!

As our first full year of the Bridgeway Academy Physical Education program comes to a close, we are excited to continue to grow and learn with our students; after all… this is just the beginning!