Summer Bridge program July 6 to August 2, 2006
Thursday, July 6 2006

The BHLC worked with Local District 5 to offer the Summer Bridge program at Hollenbeck Middle School and Stevenson Middle School. The Summer Bridge program taught parents of incoming 6^th grade students to help their child make a strong, successful transition from elementary to middle school. The program offered an introduction to middle school via school tours and staff presentations, as well as guidance and information on adolescent psychosocial factors, academic achievement and accountability and college preparation. The 4-week program served approximately 140 parents from Hollenbeck Middle School, and 55 parents from Stevenson Middle School during weekly 2-hours sessions on Friday mornings from 8-10am. Sessions were led by a team of middle school teachers and parents who will serve as a resource to parents of incoming students in the fall.

Through presentations, discussions and small group work, teachers emphasized parent engagement and advocacy, and challenged parents to strengthen their relationships with their child, their child's teacher, and other parents in their school community. Additionally, parents learned about school and community resources they may access. Overall, the program proved to be an important experience that helped parents to feel better prepared to advocate on their child's behalf, and support them in a smooth transition to middleschool.