Thought for the week...

"Keep your head and your heart going in the right direction and you will not have to worry about your feet."

Giving Thanks

Hi Everyone!

I am so sorry that I did not post the week of Thanksgiving or this past week! I hope that your Thanksgiving break was wonderful! You only have two more weeks until Christmas break! It was wonderful seeing all of you. You all need to know that everyone asks about you and wonders how you are doing. Every time I saw a student they asked me, "Did you see (fill in the blank), how are they doing?" So know that you are cared about and there is someone in Bridges who wants to know how you are doing. Keep in touch with each other. Your Bridges friends can be a valuable support network for you.

After seeing your report cards, I think you need to be proud of yourselves! You are all doing so well in school, I am proud of you!

Mark your calendar for our Spring Reunion! It will be March 25, 2006. The Bridges program will begin on June 17, 2006 and end on July 16, 2006.

Theta's, please remember that I need your theme and t-shirt ideas by January 1. One Theta already emailed me some great theme ideas. If we have several ideas I will probably send them out to everyone to vote on.

Stay in touch, have a great weekend and a great week in school!

Love, Mrs. Swartz

Break!

I know that you guys have a break coming up really soon and I just wanted to wish you guys the best and I hope that you have a relaxing long weekend! Just think, Christmas is on the way!
con amos,
kmf 11/05

Thought for the Week

"Fear is a green light to go."

Often our fears keep us from doing something we really want to do. For example, a Bridges student said to me, "I've always wanted to sing in front of people, but I have always been too scared to." Do not let your fears keep you from doing what you really want to do. Use your fears as a green light to go for your dreams!

Have a FANTASTIC week!

Important Information for YOU

The College Board has monthly newsletters for students. There are separate newsletters for each grade. Go to the website to obtain valuable information. Here are the highlights from the November newsletters:

Sophomores

• How to Find the Time
• Tip of the Month
• Major & Career Profiles
• College Costs: Sticker Shock Quiz

See more at: http://www.collegeboard.com/email/SophNewsletter.html

Juniors

• Majors and Careers
• Tip of the Month
• Major & Career Profiles
• How to Use the SAT Preparation Center™

See more at: http://www.collegeboard.com/email/JuniorNewsletter.html

Seniors

• Financial Aid Myths
• Tip of the Month
• Where to Find Scholarships
• Scholarship Search Online
• Scholarship Handbook 2006
• Financial Aid: Next Steps

See more at: http://www.collegeboard.com/email/SeniorNewsletter.html

Thought for the week...

The thought for the week is not a saying but a statement, "Use your voice!" You may already know about this website, but check out the Top Ten Reasons to Use Your Voice at http://www.youthnoise.com/page.php?page_id=2062

Reason #10: You can make a difference! Does that sound familiar?
Reason #1: Don't complain, do something!

So take a look at this website to see reasons 2-9. Have a great week and go forth and do good things!

Mrs. Swartz

Bridges Students In The News!

Hello to the young people who inspire me! It has been great seeing all of you at school! I am proud of your hard work and your good grades! I look forward to see those of you who I have not seen yet before Thanksgiving.

Some Bridges students have been in the paper recently. I know that I am missing a few pictures that have been in papers. I will obtain the pictures in a few days and post as soon as possible. Here are the pictures I have right now:

Make A Difference!

Dear Bridges,

It was great to see everyone at the Reunion on Saturday! We really missed those of you who could not attend. As we part from each other for a few months, please do not forget that you can make a difference every day by doing the little things. In addition, do not think about the reasons why things are not possible. Think of the ONE reason that it is! And finally, surround yourself with people who challenge you to be a better person.

I miss you already! Go forth and do good things.

Mrs. Swartz

Welcome!

Dear Bridges Family,

Welcome to the Bridges to a Brighter Future information connector. Many thanks to Kevin Frazier who set this up for us. I hope that you will visit this site frequently to recieve important information and tools to help you in your future. In addition, my intent is that this be a way for us all to stay connected to each other.

Sincerely, Mrs. Swartz

Something new!

You may notice the new link on the sidebar to a message board-we're trying this out to see if you guys want an easy way to talk to each other during the school year. Click on the "Browse Archives" link to sign up, and let me know what you think!

Reunion schedule!

The fall reunion for Bridges to a Brighter Future is this Saturday, October 22nd! Here's the schedule:

Make a Difference Day!

9:30 a.m. Welcome
10:00 a.m. “Keeping it Real” Workshops with parents, students
11:00 a.m. Group Speak-Outs
12:00 p.m. Lunch (provided)
2:00 p.m. Furman Homecoming Football Game (tickets provided)

Hope to see you there!

A picture!

Here's a picture from the Bridges 2005 dance!

So How does Bridges work?

Bridges students start with a four-week residential experience on the Furman campus the summer before entering tenth grade. They continue to participate in the program through their high school graduation. During each summer session, Bridges students are taught core and elective classes in a non-traditional method by certified teachers. Core classes include English, math, and social studies. Electives cover enrichment subjects such as art, college preparation, wellness and leadership. Evening workshops on personal success; diversity and conflict resolution are offered. Rounds on the Furman ropes course, swimming, hiking, volleyball, weightlifting, basketball and many other physical activities as well as visits to colleges round out the program. During the school year, Bridges staff members visit students at their schools and the students return to campus once a month for the new Saturday College program. Saturday gives the students an opportunity for extra help and instruction, as well as time to bond with their Bridges classmates. Right now Bridges is getting ready for the first Saturday College, on September 23.

The impact of Bridges on its students

It is difficult to communicate the profound impact this program has on these students. Bridges to a Brighter Future is entering its eighth year of operation. Here are some indicators of our success:
*The first class of Bridges students, the "Alpha" class, graduated from college in Spring 2004.
*115 students have graduated from the Bridges program since July 2000.
*100% of Bridges graduates have graduated from high school or earned diploma equivalency.
*95% of Bridges graduates enroll in college.
*Bridges students have enrolled in the following colleges: Furman University, Duke University, college of Charleston, Clemson University, Anderson College, Newberry College, University of South Carolina, Greenville Technical College, Clark Atlanta University, Claflin College, University of South Carolina Spartanburg, Winthrop University, and Francis Marion University, Clemson, College of Charleston, Anderson College, Newberry College and the University of South Carolina, among others.

What's this blog about?

Welcome! This blog will serve as a source of information for students, parents, and those interested in the Bridges to a Brighter Future program. In addition to information about the program, this blog contains words from Mrs. Swartz, the director of the program, to the students, as well as links to important information for the students.