April 9, 2020
Dear Bridge Academy and YouthBuild students and parents,
Michigan Works! is following the order from the State of Michigan to close physical Bridge Academy and YouthBuild operations for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. But despite the building closures, academic and vocational classes will continue virtually, through technology and online classes. Our top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of students during this closure.
Beginning Monday, March 16th until Tuesday, June 9th, we will be using the following procedures:
Communication- Bridge Academy phone calls will be forwarded to staff. This is still a great way to get in touch with us with any questions you may have. Our phone number is 269-927-1064 x1400. We will continue to post updates and important information on our social media pages regularly. We strongly encourage parents and students to follow The Bridge Academy Facebook or the YouthBuild- Benton Harbor Facebook pages to stay informed.
A private Facebook group has also been set up for current Bridge Academy students only, called Bridge Academy Family. Staff will regularly post updates, announcements, assignments and resources to this page. All Bridge Academy students will be encouraged to join this group by clicking here.
Academics- The Bridge Academy is a virtual school and will remain fully functional during this building closure. Bridge Academy students working from home will continue to have access to staff, Edgenuity courses, and the ability to complete courses to earn credits towards graduation. Students will be expected to continue their work, complete classes and complete 80 activities per week. If students do not have the necessary technology, Chromebooks can be dropped off upon request. The last day of the semester for the school year is Tuesday, June 9th. Courses should be completed by Friday, June 5th to be entered onto the student’s transcript by end of the school semester.
· Graduation- We will continue to follow state and federal guidelines on public health and large gatherings. At this time we are waiting to hear from officials on the safest way to celebrate our youth and adult graduates who have worked so hard to achieve their goal of graduation! Please stay connected with staff and watch our social media pages for more information.
Vocational- Students will be able to earn tickets and receive vocational class credit for virtual attendance and participation in daily vocational activities, which will be posted daily in the Bridge Academy Facebook group. Students must complete these activities every school day in order to continue to earn class credit and tickets. We are working on a program that will provide students the opportunity to be able ‘spend’ their tickets earned on incentive items before the end of the school year. Stay tuned!
Support Services- Staff will still be available by e-mail, Facebook, Edgenuity messenger and phone to students who are faced with specific challenges or needs. Please contact any staff member for assistance. Our main goal is to continue to care for our students during this long break from regular school.
Food Assistance- The Benton Harbor community food program will supply meals for youth 0-18 years old at select pick up locations. For Bridge Academy and YouthBuild students who are 19 years old and over, breakfast packs and hot lunches can be delivered by request, Monday-Friday. Weekend food support is also available for delivery by request and based on need.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as well all navigate this challenging time. We are so proud of you, we are here for you, and we will get through this together.
Stay Healthy,
Bridge Academy and YouthBuild Staff