Feedback on Bridges PCS?

[Anonymous]

Aftercare is still a mess? I thought it was better this year. We were there last year (at a new school this year) and aftercare was awful last year--but I had thought that Bridges had worked to make changes with Springboard to improve it (beyond just the cost angle).

[Anonymous]

Aftercare staffing is still mediocre, but at least the area director (Dr. Knight) is engaged and responsive.

Despite a lot of turnover in assistant teacher staffing, we've had a great two years at Bridges, thanks to a terrific teacher who really understands my kid and is wonderful about communicating with us. A little-known fact is that Bridges actually cares about meeting the needs of academically advanced kids and will do pull-outs for reading and math if necessary. To that end, they are planning to hire an enrichment coordinator for next year. They are also planning to hire a music teacher. The huge turnover in teachers has me worried for sure, but I'm hoping things will stabilize after they settle in to their new building. I agree that if you get lucky with a good teacher, it's a great experience, but if not, it's not. But I guess that's true everywhere.

[Anonymous]

My kids are in aftercare every day at Bridges and they like it. I get no complaints this year although I got plenty last year. So, it is definitely better. Also, I want to echo what has been said about Bridges working to really meet the needs of advanced kids - I have friends at many different charter schools and have been surprised to learn that their schools are not pulling out advanced kids and really doing the differentiation that Bridges seems to be doing. And, I say this as a parent whose kids are average students so they are not receiving any special services. It is too bad more families do not know this about Bridges - the school is truly trying to live up to its mission to meet each child where s/he is academically. We are very pleased.

[Anonymous]

We just found out today that the Assistant Principal left as of 2/29, and they are calling a special meeting on administration and staffing changes. Anyone know what's up?

Regardless, I don't think it's a positive sign for an administrator to leave so abruptly, unless in the case of a family emergency. The school year is only another 4 months long.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just found out today that the Assistant Principal left as of 2/29, and they are calling a special meeting on administration and staffing changes. Anyone know what's up?

Regardless, I don't think it's a positive sign for an administrator to leave so abruptly, unless in the case of a family emergency. The school year is only another 4 months long.

Ugh, that sucks. Glad we left after last year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just found out today that the Assistant Principal left as of 2/29, and they are calling a special meeting on administration and staffing changes. Anyone know what's up?

Regardless, I don't think it's a positive sign for an administrator to leave so abruptly, unless in the case of a family emergency. The school year is only another 4 months long.

When's the meeting?

[Anonymous]

The meetings are this Friday 830-930am or 5-6pm. I guess we will find out this Friday what is up. Certainly a surprise about the assistant principal.

[Anonymous]

And now Ms. Neris. I will really miss her! Huge loss for the school community.

[Anonymous]

Agreed on Ms. Neris, who runs the front desk seems to do all of the communication with parents--she has been the best, most reliable and responsive staff person we've encountered. Man, it's a lot of turnover at this point in the school year.

[Anonymous]

Ms Neris is leaving?! She was the best part of the school when we were there--and such a great advocate for it.

[Anonymous]

What is going on with Bridges this school year?!? Ms. Neris is Bridges!! The better question is what is Bridges going to do to keep her? Are Olivia or Kristine not going to fight to keep her?

[Anonymous]

Ms. Neris?????
Something has to be up. That woman was committed. I have never seen someone in a school who knew every single child and parent. I'll admit that I'm one of those parents who can get annoying with the questions. At no point did she ever have to look something up or refer me to someone else. She was like the oracle of the school. She'd go back and forth from Spanish to English answering questions from four or five parents simultaneously, and she was always friendly.

Way too many people are leaving. If it was just new or possibly bad teachers, I could understand. It's the fan-favorites who are leaving. Something's up.

[Anonymous]

Current parent at Bridges PCS here

Let me just start by saying that this year has been the worst year ever with staff and turnover rates. The news of Ms. Neris leaving really hit home for me, and by far has left me scared of what will be of Bridges after April 1st. I am super lucky to have such an honest teacher who gives me the scoop on what's really going on. Ms. Neris is leaving because Bridges treats her like she is dirt! She loves the school, but the appreciation for its staff and teachers is one of the reasons why everyone is leaving, has left, or will not be coming back next year. As one of the previous post mentioned, pay rates at charter schools are way less than your typical DCPS salary, but staff are well aware of their salaries before signing up for the job. I am deeply saddened by the news of Ms. Neris' departure as she is the glue that holds that school together and is truly the backbone of that place. She is a ray of sunshine the moment you enter the building and if anyone at the school is effective on communication, it would have to be her!

I know other parents are really upset by this, is there anything we can do or say to make her stay? I truly cannot fathom the idea of Bridges without her! My childs teacher has also shared with me that most teachers and teacher assistants are leaving due to the lack of support offered by administration. Being an inclusive school, they are overloaded with students who are emotionally disturbed, but not offered the support that is needed. Handling 18 students is already hard enough, but handling half of the class with some sort of special need and zero support can overwhelm anyone!

This is my second year at Bridges and I have been extremely satisfied with my child's teacher, but I am not are if that can balance out all the negativity that is going on. I really hope that this meeting tomorrow is effective and informative. Hope to see other parents join and express their concerns about everything!

[Anonymous]

Thank you, PP. I am glad to know the scoop but sorry to know that the administration didn't treat Neris as the gem that she is. Honestly, she's make a good Assistant Principal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current parent at Bridges PCS here

Let me just start by saying that this year has been the worst year ever with staff and turnover rates. The news of Ms. Neris leaving really hit home for me, and by far has left me scared of what will be of Bridges after April 1st. I am super lucky to have such an honest teacher who gives me the scoop on what's really going on. Ms. Neris is leaving because Bridges treats her like she is dirt! She loves the school, but the appreciation for its staff and teachers is one of the reasons why everyone is leaving, has left, or will not be coming back next year. As one of the previous post mentioned, pay rates at charter schools are way less than your typical DCPS salary, but staff are well aware of their salaries before signing up for the job. I am deeply saddened by the news of Ms. Neris' departure as she is the glue that holds that school together and is truly the backbone of that place. She is a ray of sunshine the moment you enter the building and if anyone at the school is effective on communication, it would have to be her!

I know other parents are really upset by this, is there anything we can do or say to make her stay? I truly cannot fathom the idea of Bridges without her! My childs teacher has also shared with me that most teachers and teacher assistants are leaving due to the lack of support offered by administration. Being an inclusive school, they are overloaded with students who are emotionally disturbed, but not offered the support that is needed. Handling 18 students is already hard enough, but handling half of the class with some sort of special need and zero support can overwhelm anyone!

This is my second year at Bridges and I have been extremely satisfied with my child's teacher, but I am not are if that can balance out all the negativity that is going on. I really hope that this meeting tomorrow is effective and informative. Hope to see other parents join and express their concerns about everything!

I don't think there is anything to do to keep Ms. Neris or any of the teachers. Olivia sets the tone for the school and, frankly, I'm surprised that staff and teaches have stayed as long as they do. I don't think anything will change unless Olivia leaves, and I don't think that will ever happen.