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Woodburn district highlights Bridges transition program growth and student successes
Summary
District staff recognized two Bridges program students and reported rapid program growth: enrollment rose from 19 to 28 this year with a projected 41 next year, added staff, and a new community-college partnership to expand classroom access and vocational supports.
The Woodburn School District on Wednesday recognized students from its Bridges Community Transition program and detailed plans to expand services that help 18–21-year-old students with disabilities move toward employment and independent living.
Michelle Mir, director of student services, introduced Jackie Cervantes Ramos and Edwin Blanco and praised their volunteer work, employment training and use of augmentative communication devices. "She is deeply caring, attentive to detail, and consistently motivated to learn," Karen Rael, the Bridges teacher, said about Jackie. Staff also recognized custodian Jose Leonardo for facility support.
Mir told the board the program grew from 19 clients last year to 28 this year, and staff expect enrollment to reach about 41 next year. To meet demand the district added a second teacher and more job coaches. Mir said the program established a partnership with a nearby community college (named in the presentation as "Shemecha") that will place a Bridges classroom at the college for daily instruction starting next week.
The Bridges curriculum emphasizes five areas: independent living skills, employment and career readiness, social and communication skills (including AAC/iPad devices), community access and participation, and self-determination. Mir said many students participate in community work sites such as Meals on Wheels, the food bank, McDonald's and local businesses, and that vocational rehabilitation and other partner agencies provide job coaching and transition supports.
Board members asked about the cause of rapid enrollment and capacity constraints. Mir said familiarity with Bridges staff at Woodburn High and added staffing contributed to a jump in referrals. She confirmed there is no waiting list for Woodburn students and that the program serves district residents or students approved via interdistrict transfer; the program has not been accepting new out-of-district students after age 18.
The board did not take formal action on the program at the meeting. Staff said the district tracks graduates and is required to follow up with students the year after they age out to report post-school outcomes.
