Role Model: Brian Coya
Brian Coya is a School Social Worker who joined the staff at Westbridge Academy in 2019. A bilingual professional, Brian likes having the opportunity to make a positive impact on the students.
From the Executive Director: Mental Health Matters
Mental health issues have taken a seat in the front row of every classroom. Following pandemic-related interruptions, students are experiencing higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, phobias, and grief.
The Queen’s Gambit Comes to Westbridge
Inspired by the popular Netflix series, The Queen’s Gambit, I started playing chess with one of my students, “Joe.”
Celebrating Students
As part of our Social and Emotional Learning program, students learn how to identify positive character traits in each other, and accept positive feedback from staff and peers.
Bulletin Board Game
This winter, Westbridge Academy students and staff developed a bulletin board game for Black History Month.
From the Director’s Desk: Resilience
At Westbridge Academy, learning is intentionally rooted in resilience. Across every content area, we teach students to make a plan, pace themselves, take steps and implement them intentionally, reflect by taking breaks, and then repeat that process, making changes as dictated by successes and failures.
Do You Believe in Magic?
Students at Westbridge Academy got a dose of “Abracadabra” and “Hocus-pocus” when magician and scientist Tyrone Williams came to the school for a live show last summer.
Going Back
Last year, five of the students who left Westbridge Academy did not wear a gown or toss a hat in the air. In fact, they did not even earn a diploma. Rather, they were placed back into classrooms at their sending public school.
Community Connections
The Bloomfield Fire Department gave students at Westbridge Academy a hands-on learning experience. They had the chance to hold the fire hose, try on gear and hop into the drivers’ seat of the firetruck. They learned about fire safety and how to access emergency services.
Celebrating Student Success: Tiona
Tiona stayed connected and focused on her academics. Since remote instruction began, she has vastly increased her attendance and participation in all subject areas.