our gratitude to our AMAZING teaching team. Currently, we have 28 certified teachers working across the state.
I am writing this note to express my heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding work they have done this year. Their dedication to their students, subject matter, and profession is truly inspiring. Their passion for teaching and tireless efforts to create a positive learning environment have had a significant impact on the lives of our students.
Their commitment to excellence is evident in the high standards they set for their students and in the progress those students have made under their guidance. Their hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for their contributions to our school community.
All of our teachers had a great time at our professional development day
Quote of the Month
“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever." – Walt Disney
Bridge Crossing Academy | Beacon House | Sidney Riverbend | Stetson Ranch
BRIDGE CROSSING
Bridge Crossing A Year of Growth and Kindness:
Bridge Crossing Academy welcomed 2025 by introducing the Choose Love Curriculum, created by Scarlett Lewis after the tragic loss of her son, Jesse, during the Sandy Hook events of 2012. This movement’s mission is to confront anger with love and forgiveness. The Social Emotional Curriculum centers on four values: Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion.
Students engaged in reading, activities, and spreading positivity while recognizing the good in one another—even during tough times. They created an interactive “Bucket Filling” bulletin board, where each student’s bucket can be filled with kind notes. Kindness extended beyond school as students painted rocks with uplifting messages and hid them around town for others to find.
In February, BCA hosted a community reading session featuring mentor texts. Special guests included Mrs. Patti Dann and her two therapy dogs, Mrs. Jill Allen, and Police Chief Jones. ACTs (Assistive Canine Training) also joined us, with Nan and Max Jr., and Jackie and Fig demonstrating how service dogs assist with tasks like opening doors and even “reading.”
Students also worked with Taylor, one of our EdTechs with a theater background, to create original short films. With support from an Art Grant, Taylor guided students through writing, performing, and editing. We’re excited for the premieres!
This spring, we welcomed two new team members: Marjorie, who prepares meals for students and residents, and Kayla, who joined our EdTech team. We’re thrilled to have them!
As the school year winds down, we reflect on our growth as a school, a team, and as learners. We look forward to celebrating at the End of the Year Awards in June. Until then, we’re busy planning our extended school year curriculum, which will explore agriculture and the origins of our food.
Happy Spring!
BEACON HOUSE
Beacon Students are growing through academics, life skills, and creative expression
What an interesting time to be at Beacon House School! Most of our students are new this year, and half have joined us since the Holiday Break. While this can be an exciting time, having so many people learning the ropes at once means maintaining our community culture intact is a challenge. That being said, we are growing stronger every day.
We’re working hard to rebuild attendance and engagement after the disruptions of the pandemic. Students are adjusting to daily routines and classroom expectations, and we’re supporting them with targeted interventions.
Reminders
In Math, students are reviewing foundational skills like fractions, decimals, and factoring. Financial Literacy students are learning real-world skills like budgeting, using credit, and managing bank accounts.
In History and Science, we’re exploring major events like the Great Depression and topics like global warming and light waves. English classes are reading Steinbeck and novels like The Redwall, while also analyzing films like 10 Things I Hate About You.
This spring, students explored Record Store Day through the lost art of album covers. They critiqued CDs, studied classic designs, and created their own cover art.
We’re proud to have two graduating seniors this year, each following their own unique path and setting goals. Congratulations to both!
Professional Development Day for teachers on May 16th
Monthly medication reviews are June 11th and July 9th
Summer Break will take place June 19th
SIDNEY RIVERBEND
Sidney Riverbend Students and Teachers have been enjoying the school year: As we enter the final quarter of the school year, our students and staff are working hard to ensure a strong, successful finish. We recently discharged a student who had been attending a blended schedule—two classes at the local public school and the rest at Sidney Riverbend. She has transitioned well and is now thriving in her new public school environment with minimal support. Another student is preparing for discharge through a gradual plan that includes coursework at Sidney Riverbend, the local district, and a virtual class with his home school. This thoughtful process is supporting his return to a less restrictive setting and promoting long term success.
Our educational team remains committed to meaningful professional development. Staff recently attended training at Bridge Crossing Academy, where a guest speaker concluded a series on Trauma and the Brain, focusing on co-regulation and trauma-informed practices. One teacher attended the Department of Education’s Inclusive Education Conference, while two others completed the NASA GLOBE/ENGAGE Teaching Cohort, earning 21 hours of professional development. We’re also preparing for our next Professional Development Day, which will include ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) safety training. The education team sincerely thanks everyone who recognized us during Teacher Appreciation Week.
We want to thank our entire staff for an amazing school year and all of your hard work and dedication!
STETSON RANCH
Samuel entered the Young Writer’s writing contest and his entry was selected to be included in the book “Fight or Flight Into the Unknown.” Way to go Samuel! We are so proud of you!
Garden Time Has Begun at Stetson Ranch:
We are digging into ourschool garden project! Each grade level is taking part by planting vegetables, herbs, or flowers. For us this is an opportunity to apply science knowledge, life skills, and socials skills and apply it to the world around them. Either by cooperating and connecting with organizations in our community, team work to tackle a laborious project like making pies for donation, accountability, leadership, and role modeling. This hands-on experience taught students about nature, sustainability, and responsibility. Special thanks to our Volunteers and partnering with Finson Road and the Newport American Legion for donating seeds, material, time, and tools! Also, for a special announcement. One of our students was awarded the opportunity to have their creative writing story published. Great Job, everyone.
Our garden has started to sprout! Delicious Pies we made! Spent some time playing games!
