Bridge FAQs
Who goes to The Bridge and for how long?
Students may be enrolled through NOLA Public Schools Hearing Office (SHO) due to expulsion. In this case, students attend The Bridge until the end of their expulsion term. Expulsion terms are set by the SHO, not by The Bridge.
Students may also be referred to The Bridge by their school, or by another program or agency, if they think you may benefit from the support provided at The Bridge. In this case, students may attend The Bridge for a semester, or a full school year depending on what would be best for the student.
The Bridge does not discriminate against students due to race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, country of origin, language, immigration status, ability, disability, past school performance or behavior.
Where is the Bridge and when do you attend?
The Bridge is located in the Bannekar Elementary building:
421 Burdette St.
New Orleans, LA 70118
Students may begin enrollment at any time during the school year.
School hours are as follows:
| Monday - Thursday | 7:55am - 3:05pm |
| Friday | 7:55am - 1:45pm |
What is a day at The Bridge like?
Academics: All classes at The Bridge are small and have two adults (a teacher, and a classroom counselor) so students can de hands-on projects and get extra support if needed. Students attend English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Enrichment classes, completing rigorous work to get ahead or get on track before returning to their school.
Social-Emotional: All classes at The Bridge have a counselor who teaches coping skills, communication, and conflict resolution among other skills. Students also receive group therapy each day and can receive individual counseling for additional support.
Will students get held back?
NO! Attending The Bridge will not hold students back from academic progression. If students are over age for their grade, The Bridge can't skip them to a new grade, but will work with them and their school to get them caught up academically.
If you are promoted to 9th grade during your expulsion term, you will be able to attend one of The NET schools so you can earn your high school credits.
How do grades work?
The Bridge follows the Louisiana State grading system:
| % |
Grade
|
| 100% - 93% | A |
| 92% - 85% | B |
| 84% - 75% | C |
| 74% - 67% | D |
| 66% - 0% | F (not passing) |
Grades reflect showing up, working hard and mastering material and skills. Most course grades are based on a combination of Effort and Mastery.
Progress reports are given weekly so students and families can track their academic progression.
What if students need additional support?
The Bridge is designed specifically for students who would benefit from additional support. We provide:
- English Language Learner (ELL) services
- Academic Supports
- Behavioral Supports
- Homebound services
- 504 services
- Special Education services
- Counseling
How are students supported after they leave The Bridge?
The Bridge works with students and families to make a transition plan to their next school Depending on needs, The Bridge may provide classroom supports, or complete periodic check-ins with future teachers and schools. This is all part of our unconditional care model!
Being expelled is not the end of a student's academic journey, we are confident that our students will find success during and after their time at The Bridge. As a student's time at The Bridge comes to an end, we work with them and their family to ensure a successful transition back to:
- Their school,
- a new school, or
- The high school of their choice
School is hard... what happens if students misbehave at The Bridge? Can they get back on track?
We know everyone messes up sometimes! We work hard to help students get back on track through intensive restorative processes.
If students mess up academically or behaviorally, they will meet with the appropriate staff members to create a safe and effective plan to repair harm, restore relationships and get back on the track to academic success!
Please see the Student Handbook for more information about the suspension or expulsion processes for students who are involved in illegal or dangerous activity, or require separation for de-escalation.