Bridges Program Expands to Help Young Learners

Pittsburgh schools are launching a new support initiative—Bridges—for kindergarten through second grade. The program will begin this fall at Weil PreK‑5 in the Hill District, offering full‑time emotional support and special education services.

Key Highlights

• Unanimous Board Approval
  The district’s board approved the addition of Bridges without dissent.

• Existing Locations
  Bridges already operates at Clayton Academy, King PreK‑8, UPrep Milliones 6‑12, Greenway, and Perry High School. These sites share the same curriculum and behavior plan as other emotional‑support classrooms.

• Performance Metrics
  Current Bridges sites experience higher suspension rates and lower attendance compared to most schools.

• Local Impact
  Adding a location at Weil provides families with an in‑district option. Previously, three students had to travel outside the district for placement—a costly solution now avoided.

• Strategic Choice
  Weil was selected because it is bus‑accessible and has room for future expansion. The program can support up to eight students this year; those needing services beyond second grade will be directed to Arsenal K‑5 in Lawrenceville.

Staffing and Curriculum

• Team Composition
  Each Bridges team includes two teachers, two paraprofessionals, and a counselor.

• Arts & Music
  The board inquired about arts and music availability. Two teachers will travel between schools to deliver daily art and music lessons.

• Integrated Learning
  Students can participate in regular classes when their Individual Education Plan (IEP) permits, allowing them to take electives and other subjects alongside peers in the same building.

District Commitment

The district maintains a robust supply of emotional support resources across all K‑12 programs, aiming to keep students in their local schools while providing essential assistance.