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DS Bridge Program

DS Bridge is a short-term program that helps students and their families with the process of re-entry and reintegration into the Dover-Sherborn High School community by supporting their academic, social, and emotional functioning. Although each individual student’s goals may be different, the ultimate goal for every participating student is for them to return to their full academic schedule and complete the school year on track for graduation.
 

DS Bridge // RM 209

Staff

Adelina Perez-Krebs, LICSW – DS Bridge Clinician/ Program Coordinator
perez-krebsa@doversherborn.org

Rob Mosher - Academic Coordinator/Bridge Teacher
mosherr@doversherborn.org

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING...

  • The results were immediate and impactful. Our DS Bridge team worked with our child and our family and the teachers and guidance counselors. Their consistent involvement, assistance, and availability created an environment where our child was able to focus on the goals and manage his health without as much stress.

  • The warmth, professional and caring demeanor and personas of Ms. PK and Mr. Jenkins was a key factor in our child's attitude and hopefulness. They created an environment in the Bridge room that allowed our child to have a safe space in which to study, strategize with his team and get his work done on the schedule that worked the best on any given day.

  • They got my child back into school in a VERY difficult situation and transitioned him to becoming a normal student again. Far beyond my expectations! The continued check ins, both in person and electronically were key to our son's success.

  • I would encourage the Bridge team to wave the flag as much as they can. To let the families know that they are there. I am sure that they will be part of the back to school presentations, but even emails to parents just to let them know that Bridge is there, if needed. It is such an incredible resource, for the entire academic community.

 

DS Bridge Entrance Criteria:

DS Bridge serves students with both social-emotional needs and medical absences who need support in navigating a return to school after an extended absence. DS Bridge will always accept a student who has been absent while receiving inpatient, acute, residential or day psychiatric services. Additionally, the Guidance and Administration Team will review and determine eligibility for:

  • Students who do not meet hospital level of care, but show significant concerns around emotional stability and/or school attendance.

  • Students who are absent for approximately two weeks due to medical injury/treatment.

Academic Support

  • DS Bridge staff and the student’s Guidance Counselor will develop a schedule with each student. The schedule will include classes and what times the student is expected to use the DS Bridge room. Schedules will be revised as needed, with the goal of moving towards full participation in all classes.

  • If a student does not show up at a scheduled meeting time, DS Bridge staff will locate student. If necessary, DS Bridge staff will reach out to parents and members of the student’s team.

  • Students are encouraged to give regular feedback to DS Bridge staff about their schedules (i.e. difficulty of classes, difficulty of course load, problems, concerns, etc).

  • Students are expected to have regular meetings each week with DS Bridge staff for the purpose of monitoring progress.

  • DS Bridge staff will also arrange meetings as needed with teachers, either to create a plan for re-entry into class or to clarify schoolwork, grading, etc.

Social and Emotional Support

  • The DS Bridge Clinician will work collaboratively with each student’s outside providers (i.e. psychiatrist, therapist, nutritionist, pediatrician, etc.) as needed to communicate issues relevant to the student’s transition back into school and/or to discuss clinical concerns.

  • If student’s family/guardian is in need of additional community supports for the student or for their family, they are encouraged to discuss these concerns with the DS Bridge clinician to receive help with a referral.

Communication

  • DS Bridge staff will regularly communicate with parents/guardians about student progress while a student is participating in the program. Staff will communicate with parents/guardians by phone, email and meetings.

  • DS Bridge staff will communicate with DSHS personnel to develop and maintain a plan to support each student. Each student’s team will meet as needed to discuss progress and concerns with the plan. Students, team members and parents are expected to participate as needed.

  • DS Bridge staff will regularly communicate with teachers to help students’ catch up and stay current with their assignments, as well as inform them when a student is no longer enrolled in DS Bridge.

KINDNESS ROCKS

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

"THIS YEAR I BLOSSOMED INTO A PERSON WHO I AM HAPPY TO BRAG ABOUT."

"TO REMEMBER WHEN I COULDN’T GO TO CLASSES ON DAYS TO NOW FULLY FUNCTIONING AND PARTICIPATING-IT’S AMAZING."

 

"THE LESSONS I’VE LEARNED IN BRIDGE, ESPECIALLY THE ONE ABOUT NOT BEING EITHER ALL IN OR ALL OUT WILL SERVE ME WELL."

 

ABOUT BRIDGE

  • Currently there are over 100 transitional programs in Massachusetts.

  • DS BRIDGE is modeled after the Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition (BRYT) program out of the Brookline Center.

        • Its pioneering model of innovative school bridge programs equips schools to provide short-term intervention, improve student outcomes, get 85% or more of students back to their regular academic schedule, and bring dropout rates down to as low as 8%. - BRYT

        • Each BRYT program approaches staffing, space, and services with a consistent vision, while customizing the specifics for each school population and for each student. Dating back to the establishment of the original BRYT Program in 2004 at Brookline High School, the rapidly-growing BRYT Network now includes 80 Massachusetts schools collectively enrolling 88,000 students. The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health created and continues to manage and grow BRYT statewide. Generating clear benefits to schools and families, BRYT strives to become a standard best practice throughout Massachusetts and, ultimately, across the country. - BRYT

BRYT program in the NEWS