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Anoka-Hennepin is committed to providing special education services to students with disabilities who have not yet met the requirements for a diploma through their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals to the age of 21. Students with special needs who have completed high school, have not yet taken their diploma and have transition needs, benefit from a setting that is specifically designed to prepare them for working and living in the community.
Bridges Program
Bridges is a secondary special education program designed for students with educational disabilities and transition needs who are between the ages of 18 and 21 in post-secondary education and training, employment, and independent living. The program offers a functional and vocational curriculum with a focus on the acquisition of skills to promote increased independence in the community and a successful transition from high school to adult life. We strive to provide experiences and learning that will provide the foundation for students to have meaningful and fulfilling adult lives as individuals, family members, employees and citizens.
We provide students:- An environment of achievement to assist students in gaining skills and confidence
- A positive school climate characterized by safety, learning and the acquisition of skills, compassion, and understanding
- Supportive partnerships with our students, families and community
- Caring and highly qualified staff who have a passion for learning, sharing and positive relationships
- Wrap-around support through individualized teaming and collaboration to meet student needs
Program components include:- Community-based learning experiences
- Classroom instruction
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Home living experiences
- Employment experiences including jobs and job training
- Recreation and leisure activities
- Social skill training and support
- Additional resources available for individual needs, growth and increased independence
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Communication Methods
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AHlert
Anoka-Hennepin families now have the ability to choose their preferred communication method(s) for receiving automated messages. The service is being provided through a program called AHlert and will share items such as principal updates, lunch account balances, and winter weather closings.
Families can choose whether they’d like to receive phone calls, text messages, email, or a combination of the three. Follow these step-by-step directions in the AHlert program to get started:
- Login to A-HConnect and select the AHlert icon.
- Once you’ve reached the AHlert screen, select the “calling preferences” link on the right-hand side.
- Check or uncheck the “active” box to enable or disable delivery devices.
- Click the “save changes” button on the bottom left.
Note: If there is not a cell phone number listed in the system for you or the phone number or email shown is incorrect, please contact your child/children’s school(s).
Families will still be able to receive winter weather-related school closing and other emergency information through the venues they’re familiar with (website, e-news, social media); this service is simply an addition to these regular communications.
If you signed up to receive text notifications sometime in the last two years (called Weather Alert in 2013-14, AHlert in 2014-15), you’ll need to re-subscribe using the directions above.
As always, call 763-506-HELP (4357) with questions.
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Report Form
If you or someone you know has experienced harassment, violence, discrimination, or bullying at school or at any school-related event for any reason, you may make a report to have the incident(s) investigated by the school district.
Fill out the online form or download the PDF version to print, fill out by hand and mail (or fill out electronically and email). Any student, parent/guardian, or district employee may complete this form and return it to any administrator, counselor, or student services advocate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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When can referrals be made to the program?
During the student's 12th grade year, their high school IEP team will generate a referral. An intake meeting will be held to specifically identity and develop an appropriate process to transition to the Bridges program.
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Do students receive diplomas?
It is expected that each student who attends Bridges will graduate through the accomplishment of their IEP goals. The student will receive a diploma from his/her home high school when the goals on the IEP have been completed or the student has reached the age of 21.
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What employment options are available?
Students are provided with job experiences that best fit their unique needs, strengths, and preferences. The Vocational Skills classroom located at Bridges gives the student a job experience while learning to improve vocational skills on a variety of work tasks. Non-paid district sites also provide students with additional work experience while providing continued vocational training. Community sites, where students earn a paycheck, give workers a first hand look at what it takes to hold and keep a competitive job. Job coaches offer support to students who need assistance at the workplace.
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What about transition to adult services?
Prior to graduation, students and their guardians are encourages to meet with their county social worker and set up tours of potential adult service providers. When the student and their guardian have selected an adult provider, a meeting can be scheduled to develop an appropriate transition plan.
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What if my student is absent or will be late?
If a student is absent or arriving late please notify Bridges Health or the case manager no later than 7:30am. Students or their parents need to contact the employer and the bus company regarding their absence.
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Does Bridges have a lunch program?
School lunch is available to all students at Bridges. The cost is consistent with district established meal prices. Students are encouraged to pay for lunches one month at a time. Checks should be made payable to the Child Nutrition Program. Students may also bring a lunch from home. A refrigerator and a microwave are available for student use.
Bridges follows the same Anoka-Hennepin District #11 guidelines for free and reduced lunches. All meals must meet standards established the the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If a young adult has been determined by a physician to have a disability and the disability prevents the child from eating the regular meal, this school district will make modifications or substitutions prescribed by the physician at no additional charge. A written physician's statement will be required.
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Bridges Program
13735 Round Lake Blvd. #110
Andover, MN 55304
763-506-7500Andover Downtown Center
13735 Round Lake Blvd #110
Andover, MN 55304
763-506-7500