Please Help! Bridges vs. Two Rivers

[Anonymous]

sorry, I mean 11:18 here

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So this thread is on day 4...so does that mean that OP continues to hold spots at both schools? Is so, please consider making a decision so another family might get some good news too.

That's not really fair--it looks like this went up on a Friday and today is a Monday so really only 1 business day has passed...but I agree people shouldn't hold spots. Especially if you are holding a spot for a school you know you won't go to. And it is in your own interest to give those spots up. Don't know if it is karma or just the domino effect (more likely the latter) but everytime we gave up a spot, another spot opened up for us! Seems like it has gone on all summer but especially so in the last couple of weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were at Bridges for PS-3 last year. If our (normal) kid had her own special plan, I wasn't aware of it! I was interested in the Spanish class because our kids are moving on to a DCPS dual immersion school. However, we ended up in an English-only class --not sure we could have chosen the Spanish class even if we wanted it. Also I think the Spanish is support for the Spanish speakers, not immersion, as PP notes.

We were at Bridges for PS-3 last year, too. My Neurotypical (normal? in your parlance?) child has begun to read. Having paid attention during parent-teacher conferences, and read the highly-individualized reports, I was aware that my child's education was specifically and individually planned. It was nonetheless a joy to learn that my pre-schooler could read. We were, of course, supporting it - but can't take credit. Thank you Bridges!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We were at Bridges for PS-3 last year. If our (normal) kid had her own special plan, I wasn't aware of it! I was interested in the Spanish class because our kids are moving on to a DCPS dual immersion school. However, we ended up in an English-only class --not sure we could have chosen the Spanish class even if we wanted it. Also I think the Spanish is support for the Spanish speakers, not immersion, as PP notes.

We were at Bridges for PS-3 last year, too. My Neurotypical (normal? in your parlance?) child has begun to read. Having paid attention during parent-teacher conferences, and read the highly-individualized reports, I was aware that my child's education was specifically and individually planned. It was nonetheless a joy to learn that my pre-schooler could read. We were, of course, supporting it - but can't take credit. Thank you Bridges!

Interesting. At the open house early in the year, a parent in our class asked if the more advanced kids learn to 'blend' letters at Bridges. The teacher said they don't try to do that. Maybe it depends on the teacher? Or maybe you should take all the credit for your child's progress.

[Anonymous]

My child was at Bridges (PS3) and we were very happy there. I don't think the non-IEP kids have a specific plan per se but I was impressed by the detail of the testing. The teachers were really able to give me precise info on what areas my child was excelling and/or having difficulty learning. My child was in a classroom where Spanish was spoken. He wasn't Spanish dominant so it was more by chance (though I did mention I was very open to the idea during my initial meeting last summer). It was not 50-50. From what I understood from the teacher (who was bilingual), she could of course help the ELLs but also she did 2-3 days where she did some of the main "academic" time in Spanish (story, etc.). All the children, even the ELLs, seemed fluent in Spanish though in some cases I think I may have missed out on some kids not being very verbal. One kid who I believe was an ELL I learned late in the year had an IEP. Just goes to show that things are not what they seem at first glance. I think parents rave (responding to a previous comment on this) because Bridges is consistently good. While the building and location aren't great, the classrooms are warm and inviting and all the parents I met (as well as those online) had a good experience with the teachers and curriculum. It is also small so everybody knows each other and very caring. On the days I did drop-off, I always saw the principal and vice-principal at the front of the school greeting parents and kids.

So I am a big fan of Bridges. However, in the case of 2R v. Bridges, one does have to weigh that 2R has more experience with the older grades. I don't know enough about 2R to know if all the info is good. What I would say is that you have more info to base a clear decision on 2R upper grades are while Bridges is still a bit more of an unknown. I am very confident that Bridges will do great on the expansion but one advantage 2R has is that it has its buildings pretty set (not ideal location either being on a main street with a small playground) while Bridges will have to figure out its growth pattern. They secured space near the current bldg for K but don't know how big that building is and am sure that future move(s) are in the cards.

We are moving so didn't have to make this decision myself but good luck.

[Anonymous]

Don't know much about two rivers, but had a great experience at bridges!

[Anonymous]

My kid loves Bridges. Absolutely nothing to complain about. Even in that neighborhood location I feel and know that nothing bad will happen to my kid. Also different schools do the same things , the difference in the approach. I am not a teacher never been, but got to say those teachers there know the best approach to transfer knowledge / teach kids. I will continue to rave about BRidges . No I am not a staff there nor related to anyone there.