USD 446 would like to celebrate American Education Week by spotlighting our schools and staff. Today's highlight is Independence Middle School and BRIDGES Academy.
Independence Middle School is where our 6th-8th grade students learn and grow. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, IMS received an Honor award in 2012 after its 13.2 million dollar renovation. The way in which it was modernized without compromising its historical elements is truly phenomenal. As a Title Targeted Assistance School, students receive tiered reading and math support as needed. IMS offers a host of required and elective courses in addition to a variety of clubs and activities to help students really begin to explore what they want to do beyond high school. Students receive additional support from two full time counselors and a variety of additional programming such as AVID, JAG-K, TeamMates, and Communities in Schools.
BRIDGES Academy provides an alternative learning environment for select 6th-12th grade students. It was established in Fall of 2021 to meet a need in our district. BRIDGES Academy adheres to the motto, "Being Ready, Inspired, and Determined to Graduate Equals Success." Students who attend BRIDGES Academy have flexible scheduling that includes some onsite learning and some online learning.
American Education Week happens the week prior to Thanksgiving and is designed to honor the team of people who work in our nation's public schools, from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others.