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The Bridge Academy Toward Academic Achievement

Basic Information

Address: Salem High School 77 Willson Street Salem, MA. 01970
Phone Number: (978) 825-3465 Admin. and (978) 265-7031 Head Teacher
Fax Number: (978) 740-1111
Website - Click Here!
Email: marydecourcey@salemk12.org, matthewbuchanan@salemk12.org
Director: Mary K. De Courcey, Admin. & Matthew Buchanan, Head Teacher

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Additional Information

Founded: Original Program Part-Time (1991), Restructured to Full Time (2006)
School Setting:

Small Learning Community within a High School with Student Enrollment of 1250

School Schedule (Hours in Day): Students Are In the program for half of their 6.5 Hour Day
School Days in Calendar Year: 180
Community:

Small Learning Community Within a Larger High School Setting

School Size: 60
Classroom Size: 10-15 students per classroom
Student/Teacher Ratio: 1:12
Departments:

English
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science

Curriculum:

Standards-Based: Massachusetts Frameworks/Massachusetts Common Core

Percentage of Graduating Class: Twenty-Eight Graduates- (Salem High School Graduated 240)
Support Services:

The North Shore YMCA
The Workforce Investment Board
South Bay Mental Health Services

Computer Capabilities:

Full Access To Computer Laboratory in Close Proximity

School Holidays: Standard with Salem High School
Notable Graduates:

Not Applicable at this time

Parking Spaces/Availability:

Parking Available For Staff and Students

Uniform Guidelines:

None at this time. The Salem Public School Schools District is Considering Uniforms.

Residential: No
Counseling Services: Yes
Mission Statement:

Salem High Mission Statement

The mission of Salem High School is to offer all students the opportunity to demonstrate independence, self-motivation, and responsibility for self and for others. Provided with a safe learning environment that builds positive relationships between students and adults, students will leave Salem High School with the academic skills, habits of mind, and technological literacy that will enable them to think critically, problem solve, collaborate and communicate effectively as citizens of the local and global community.
Salem High Mission Statement

The mission of Salem High School is to offer all students the opportunity to demonstrate independence, self-motivation, and responsibility for self and for others. Provided with a safe learning environment that builds positive relationships between students and adults, students will leave Salem High School with the academic skills, habits of mind, and technological literacy that will enable them to think critically, problem solve, collaborate and communicate effectively as citizens of the local and global community.

Philosophy/Belief Statement:

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

The following specific objectives further amplify the mission statement of this school

• To provide a required program for all students in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Health, Social Studies, and Physical Education.
• To provide elective programs for students in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Health, Social Studies, Physical Education, Modern Languages, Business Education, Technical Education, Vocational Studies, and the Arts: Fine, Performing, and Practical.
• To provide the opportunity for practical experience through laboratories for Science, Mathematics, Business, Language, Computer Studies, Vocational Studies, Practical Arts, and Child Care.
• To challenge students of exceptional abilities through honors, advanced placement, and individualized courses and programs.
• To provide individualized programs for those with special needs.
•To provide transitional bilingual education to language minority students.
•To foster an awareness of the principles of health and safety through a program of Physical Education, physical examinations, courses in Health Education, and Athletics.
•To develop aesthetic values through courses in Art, Music, Literature, Drama, with field trips to museums, ballet, symphony, and theater.
•To support and enrich the curriculum through a library media program which provides students and faculty with a variety of services as well as print and non-print materials and the accompanying technology.
•To provide guidance by means of counseling, consultation, appraisal, referral, and career education services, utilizing available school and community resources.
•To encourage the development of positive social relationships through supervised activities such as dances, athletics, intramural, clubs, and student government.
•To provide experiences that will encourage students to work together in a spirit of cooperation, to solve problems and attain common goals through such programs as: clubs, courses, and athletics.
•In accordance with democratic ideals, to ensure the open communication among members of the school community.

School History:

The Salem Alternative Program was originally founded by former Assistant Principal Mr. Richard Reynolds as a way to engage reticent learners in the early 1990's. In the late 1990's through the school year 2007 it was a part-time after school program that met at Salem High School on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 -6pm and at the Salem YMCA on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-3pm. Three staff taught 37 students all of the local requirements in order to graduate with high school diploma.
In January of 2008, following a widely publicized budget crisis, the program moved into the day program with the support of Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools Alternative Education Grant funding. The program ran from 11: am until 3pm at the high school from Monday through Friday. Students were afforded school lunches for the first time, and access to fully certified staff in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Special Education. Grant funding also provided guidance support and transportation for students.
In September of 2008, the program became a permanent part of the day school at SalemHigh School. The Salem YMCA, Boy's and Girl's Club of Salem and Mrs. Joan Wilkins provided opportunities for alternative Health and Physical Education courses in order to soften the transition for the students to join the day schools' programming. The program consisted of five academic classrooms where students were provided with daily instruction in the four core subject areas with special education support within the courses, as well as alternate day learning center support for students with Individualized Learning Programs. In addition, the program absorbed a center for counseling support (Hawthorne) and individualized counseling was provided through a close working partnership with South Bay Mental Health Services. While students were initially reticent to embrace the day program's course offerings and extra-curricular opportunities, several student pioneers truly led the way to an attitude and culture change that remains the program's signature to this day; High Academic and Civic Standards for all Learners.
Currently, The Bridge Academy students are interviewed for consideration to the 60 student program very clear explicit expectations for each student to engage thoroughly in the learning process and to work toward the development of strong academic, coping, and vocational skills that will lead to a timely graduation from SHS and the ability to succeed in college, the work place and beyond. Students are informed upon acceptance that poor, attendance, academic performance or a lack of respect for the safe learning environment will lead to an exit interview. In the exit interview, each student has the option to improve within a three week timeframe or to move out of the program.
As of the school year 2011-2012, the program graduated 28 students and continues to improve academic outcomes for its students. Many students have become an integral part of the athletic program at SalemHigh School, as well as many other school-sponsored activities. Graduates often return to report about their experiences in college and the work place and give advice to staff and students on ways to improve programming on an on-going basis.
The Salem Alternative Program was originally founded by former Assistant Principal Mr. Richard Reynolds as a way to engage reticent learners in the early 1990's. In the late 1990's through the school year 2007 it was a part-time after school program that met at Salem High School on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 -6pm and at the Salem YMCA on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-3pm. Three staff taught 37 students all of the local requirements in order to graduate with high school diploma.
In January of 2008, following a widely publicized budget crisis, the program moved into the day program with the support of Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools Alternative Education Grant funding. The program ran from 11: am until 3pm at the high school from Monday through Friday. Students were afforded school lunches for the first time, and access to fully certified staff in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Special Education. Grant funding also provided guidance support and transportation for students.
In September of 2008, the program became a permanent part of the day school at SalemHigh School. The Salem YMCA, Boy's and Girl's Club of Salem and Mrs. Joan Wilkins provided opportunities for alternative Health and Physical Education courses in order to soften the transition for the students to join the day schools' programming. The program consisted of five academic classrooms where students were provided with daily instruction in the four core subject areas with special education support within the courses, as well as alternate day learning center support for students with Individualized Learning Programs. In addition, the program absorbed a center for counseling support (Hawthorne) and individualized counseling was provided through a close working partnership with South Bay Mental Health Services. While students were initially reticent to embrace the day program's course offerings and extra-curricular opportunities, several student pioneers truly led the way to an attitude and culture change that remains the program's signature to this day; High Academic and Civic Standards for all Learners.
Currently, The Bridge Academy students are interviewed for consideration to the 60 student program very clear explicit expectations for each student to engage thoroughly in the learning process and to work toward the development of strong academic, coping, and vocational skills that will lead to a timely graduation from SHS and the ability to succeed in college, the work place and beyond. Students are informed upon acceptance that poor, attendance, academic performance or a lack of respect for the safe learning environment will lead to an exit interview. In the exit interview, each student has the option to improve within a three week timeframe or to move out of the program.
As of the school year 2011-2012, the program graduated 28 students and continues to improve academic outcomes for its students. Many students have become an integral part of the athletic program at SalemHigh School, as well as many other school-sponsored activities. Graduates often return to report about their experiences in college and the work place and give advice to staff and students on ways to improve programming on an on-going basis.
The Salem Alternative Program was originally founded by former Assistant Principal Mr. Richard Reynolds as a way to engage reticent learners in the early 1990's. In the late 1990's through the school year 2007 it was a part-time after school program that met at Salem High School on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 -6pm and at the Salem YMCA on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-3pm. Three staff taught 37 students all of the local requirements in order to graduate with high school diploma.
In January of 2008, following a widely publicized budget crisis, the program moved into the day program with the support of Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools Alternative Education Grant funding. The program ran from 11: am until 3pm at the high school from Monday through Friday. Students were afforded school lunches for the first time, and access to fully certified staff in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Special Education. Grant funding also provided guidance support and transportation for students.
In September of 2008, the program became a permanent part of the day school at SalemHigh School. The Salem YMCA, Boy's and Girl's Club of Salem and Mrs. Joan Wilkins provided opportunities for alternative Health and Physical Education courses in order to soften the transition for the students to join the day schools' programming. The program consisted of five academic classrooms where students were provided with daily instruction in the four core subject areas with special education support within the courses, as well as alternate day learning center support for students with Individualized Learning Programs. In addition, the program absorbed a center for counseling support (Hawthorne) and individualized counseling was provided through a close working partnership with South Bay Mental Health Services. While students were initially reticent to embrace the day program's course offerings and extra-curricular opportunities, several student pioneers truly led the way to an attitude and culture change that remains the program's signature to this day; High Academic and Civic Standards for all Learners.
Currently, The Bridge Academy students are interviewed for consideration to the 60 student program very clear explicit expectations for each student to engage thoroughly in the learning process and to work toward the development of strong academic, coping, and vocational skills that will lead to a timely graduation from SHS and the ability to succeed in college, the work place and beyond. Students are informed upon acceptance that poor, attendance, academic performance or a lack of respect for the safe learning environment will lead to an exit interview. In the exit interview, each student has the option to improve within a three week timeframe or to move out of the program.
As of the school year 2011-2012, the program graduated 28 students and continues to improve academic outcomes for its students. Many students have become an integral part of the athletic program at SalemHigh School, as well as many other school-sponsored activities. Graduates often return to report about their experiences in college and the work place and give advice to staff and students on ways to improve programming on an on-going basis.
The Salem Alternative Program was originally founded by former Assistant Principal Mr. Richard Reynolds as a way to engage reticent learners in the early 1990's. In the late 1990's through the school year 2007 it was a part-time after school program that met at Salem High School on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 -6pm and at the Salem YMCA on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-3pm. Three staff taught 37 students all of the local requirements in order to graduate with high school diploma.
In January of 2008, following a widely publicized budget crisis, the program moved into the day program with the support of Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools Alternative Education Grant funding. The program ran from 11: am until 3pm at the high school from Monday through Friday. Students were afforded school lunches for the first time, and access to fully certified staff in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Special Education. Grant funding also provided guidance support and transportation for students.
In September of 2008, the program became a permanent part of the day school at SalemHigh School. The Salem YMCA, Boy's and Girl's Club of Salem and Mrs. Joan Wilkins provided opportunities for alternative Health and Physical Education courses in order to soften the transition for the students to join the day schools' programming. The program consisted of five academic classrooms where students were provided with daily instruction in the four core subject areas with special education support within the courses, as well as alternate day learning center support for students with Individualized Learning Programs. In addition, the program absorbed a center for counseling support (Hawthorne) and individualized counseling was provided through a close working partnership with South Bay Mental Health Services. While students were initially reticent to embrace the day program's course offerings and extra-curricular opportunities, several student pioneers truly led the way to an attitude and culture change that remains the program's signature to this day; High Academic and Civic Standards for all Learners.
Currently, The Bridge Academy students are interviewed for consideration to the 60 student program very clear explicit expectations for each student to engage thoroughly in the learning process and to work toward the development of strong academic, coping, and vocational skills that will lead to a timely graduation from SHS and the ability to succeed in college, the work place and beyond. Students are informed upon acceptance that poor, attendance, academic performance or a lack of respect for the safe learning environment will lead to an exit interview. In the exit interview, each student has the option to improve within a three week timeframe or to move out of the program.
As of the school year 2011-2012, the program graduated 28 students and continues to improve academic outcomes for its students. Many students have become an integral part of the athletic program at SalemHigh School, as well as many other school-sponsored activities. Graduates often return to report about their experiences in college and the work place and give advice to staff and students on ways to improve programming on an on-going basis.
The Salem Alternative Program was originally founded by former Assistant Principal Mr. Richard Reynolds as a way to engage reticent learners in the early 1990's. In the late 1990's through the school year 2007 it was a part-time after school program that met at Salem High School on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 -6pm and at the Salem YMCA on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-3pm. Three staff taught 37 students all of the local requirements in order to graduate with high school diploma.
In January of 2008, following a widely publicized budget crisis, the program moved into the day program with the support of Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools Alternative Education Grant funding. The program ran from 11: am until 3pm at the high school from Monday through Friday. Students were afforded school lunches for the first time, and access to fully certified staff in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Special Education. Grant funding also provided guidance support and transportation for students.
In September of 2008, the program became a permanent part of the day school at SalemHigh School. The Salem YMCA, Boy's and Girl's Club of Salem and Mrs. Joan Wilkins provided opportunities for alternative Health and Physical Education courses in order to soften the transition for the students to join the day schools' programming. The program consisted of five academic classrooms where students were provided with daily instruction in the four core subject areas with special education support within the courses, as well as alternate day learning center support for students with Individualized Learning Programs. In addition, the program absorbed a center for counseling support (Hawthorne) and individualized counseling was provided through a close working partnership with South Bay Mental Health Services. While students were initially reticent to embrace the day program's course offerings and extra-curricular opportunities, several student pioneers truly led the way to an attitude and culture change that remains the program's signature to this day; High Academic and Civic Standards for all Learners.
Currently, The Bridge Academy students are interviewed for consideration to the 60 student program very clear explicit expectations for each student to engage thoroughly in the learning process and to work toward the development of strong academic, coping, and vocational skills that will lead to a timely graduation from SHS and the ability to succeed in college, the work place and beyond. Students are informed upon acceptance that poor, attendance, academic performance or a lack of respect for the safe learning environment will lead to an exit interview. In the exit interview, each student has the option to improve within a three week timeframe or to move out of the program.
As of the school year 2011-2012, the program graduated 28 students and continues to improve academic outcomes for its students. Many students have become an integral part of the athletic program at SalemHigh School, as well as many other school-sponsored activities. Graduates often return to report about their experiences in college and the work place and give advice to staff and students on ways to improve programming on an on-going basis.
The Salem Alternative Program was originally founded by former Assistant Principal Mr. Richard Reynolds as a way to engage reticent learners in the early 1990's. In the late 1990's through the school year 2007 it was a part-time after school program that met at Salem High School on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 -6pm and at the Salem YMCA on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-3pm. Three staff taught 37 students all of the local requirements in order to graduate with high school diploma.
In January of 2008, following a widely publicized budget crisis, the program moved into the day program with the support of Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools Alternative Education Grant funding. The program ran from 11: am until 3pm at the high school from Monday through Friday. Students were afforded school lunches for the first time, and access to fully certified staff in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Special Education. Grant funding also provided guidance support and transportation for students.
In September of 2008, the program became a permanent part of the day school at SalemHigh School. The Salem YMCA, Boy's and Girl's Club of Salem and Mrs. Joan Wilkins provided opportunities for alternative Health and Physical Education courses in order to soften the transition for the students to join the day schools' programming. The program consisted of five academic classrooms where students were provided with daily instruction in the four core subject areas with special education support within the courses, as well as alternate day learning center support for students with Individualized Learning Programs. In addition, the program absorbed a center for counseling support (Hawthorne) and individualized counseling was provided through a close working partnership with South Bay Mental Health Services. While students were initially reticent to embrace the day program's course offerings and extra-curricular opportunities, several student pioneers truly led the way to an attitude and culture change that remains the program's signature to this day; High Academic and Civic Standards for all Learners.
Currently, The Bridge Academy students are interviewed for consideration to the 60 student program very clear explicit expectations for each student to engage thoroughly in the learning process and to work toward the development of strong academic, coping, and vocational skills that will lead to a timely graduation from SHS and the ability to succeed in college, the work place and beyond. Students are informed upon acceptance that poor, attendance, academic performance or a lack of respect for the safe learning environment will lead to an exit interview. In the exit interview, each student has the option to improve within a three week timeframe or to move out of the program.
As of the school year 2011-2012, the program graduated 28 students and continues to improve academic outcomes for its students. Many students have become an integral part of the athletic program at SalemHigh School, as well as many other school-sponsored activities. Graduates often return to report about their experiences in college and the work place and give advice to staff and students on ways to improve programming on an on-going basis.
The Salem Alternative Program was originally founded by former Assistant Principal Mr. Richard Reynolds as a way to engage reticent learners in the early 1990's. In the late 1990's through the school year 2007 it was a part-time after school program that met at Salem High School on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 -6pm and at the Salem YMCA on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-3pm. Three staff taught 37 students all of the local requirements in order to graduate with high school diploma.
In January of 2008, following a widely publicized budget crisis, the program moved into the day program with the support of Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools Alternative Education Grant funding. The program ran from 11: am until 3pm at the high school from Monday through Friday. Students were afforded school lunches for the first time, and access to fully certified staff in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Special Education. Grant funding also provided guidance support and transportation for students.
In September of 2008, the program became a permanent part of the day school at SalemHigh School. The Salem YMCA, Boy's and Girl's Club of Salem and Mrs. Joan Wilkins provided opportunities for alternative Health and Physical Education courses in order to soften the transition for the students to join the day schools' programming. The program consisted of five academic classrooms where students were provided with daily instruction in the four core subject areas with special education support within the courses, as well as alternate day learning center support for students with Individualized Learning Programs. In addition, the program absorbed a center for counseling support (Hawthorne) and individualized counseling was provided through a close working partnership with South Bay Mental Health Services. While students were initially reticent to embrace the day program's course offerings and extra-curricular opportunities, several student pioneers truly led the way to an attitude and culture change that remains the program's signature to this day; High Academic and Civic Standards for all Learners.
Currently, The Bridge Academy students are interviewed for consideration to the 60 student program very clear explicit expectations for each student to engage thoroughly in the learning process and to work toward the development of strong academic, coping, and vocational skills that will lead to a timely graduation from SHS and the ability to succeed in college, the work place and beyond. Students are informed upon acceptance that poor, attendance, academic performance or a lack of respect for the safe learning environment will lead to an exit interview. In the exit interview, each student has the option to improve within a three week timeframe or to move out of the program.
As of the school year 2011-2012, the program graduated 28 students and continues to improve academic outcomes for its students. Many students have become an integral part of the athletic program at SalemHigh School, as well as many other school-sponsored activities. Graduates often return to report about their experiences in college and the work place and give advice to staff and students on ways to improve programming on an on-going basis.
Program and Services:

The Bridge Academy Toward Academic Achievement Has The Full Support of Salem High School Principal, The Superintendent of Schools and The Salem Public Schools School Committee.
The Workforce Investment Board of the North Shore and the Salem YMCA have been close collaborative partners from the early beginnings of the program, and in recent years have had weekly programming directly with the students to provide career development opportunities and Health and Physical Education respectively.

Notes/School Information: