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    Bridgedale Academy Blog

    Thursday, November 5, 2020

    Parent Testimonial Nov 2nd 2020

    One of the Best Decisions We Ever Made

    By Dan Murashige, Bridgedale Academy Dad

    Our son Joey is now in his second year at Bridgedale Academy. My wife and I believe our decision to enroll him has been one of the best decisions we ever made.

    There are many reasons we believe this but I'll discuss just a few.  

    * Bridgedale's Response to COVID last spring

    For one, when last year's shelter-in-place COVID lockdown happened, most schools, and therefore most parents, were woefully unprepared. Like everyone else, we were in a state of shock. Yet the Bridgedale team confronted the challenge aggressively with zero hesitation, transitioning overnight into full-time, 5-days-a-week Zoom classes.

    And as a result Joey and his Bridgedale classmates didn't miss a beat. They stayed totally on track academically all the way through the end of the 2019-20 school year. It was truly amazing.

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    And to my knowledge, it was unmatched by any other schools, public or private, in Illinois.

    * In-Person for the 2020-21 School Year

    We are now ten weeks into the school year and Bridgedale is teaching in-person, with carefully-instituted, intelligent, comprehensive COVID safety protocols.

    The fact is that the boys at Bridgedale Academy love going to school.

    * Great Teaching Staff and Small Class Sizes

    The Bridgedale faculty is truly professional and the small class sizes enable them to address and understand each student's personalities and needs.

    As a parent you get feedback and insights on your son you would not normally receive.

    * Classical Curriculum combined with Great Athletic Training

    The experience and leadership of (Bridgedale Headmaster) Mike McPartlin and (Bridgedale Academic Dean) Christina Di Pauli give my wife and me complete confidence in the excellence of Joey's academic and athletic education.

    Bridgedale's classical curriculum, with such an excellent teaching staff, combined with the athletic training from such outstanding coaches, make it a fantastic school and a perfect fit for our son Joey.

    In my opinion it is a rare opportunity for young student hockey players. 

     
    Dan Murashige appears by permission. He is Vice-President for Products Development with Production Products, Inc., a company that has been providing labor saving machinery and innovative products to HVAC duct and sheet metal fabricators worldwide for over 25 years.
     
    Dan's son Joey, an 8th grader at Bridgedale Academy, is a skilled, smooth-skating defenseman who plays with the Sabres organization. 
     
     
    At Bridgedale we are committed to the development of our young student-athletes. In this time of challenge and uncertainty due to COVID-19, we are proud to be offering our academics and on-ice and off-ice athletic instruction in person. We continue to help our student-athletes develop their physical and mental skills so they can perform at their best when it matters most, no matter the arena of life that challenges them.
     
    If you would like to learn more about Bridgedale Academy, please click the button below so we can schedule a time to chat.
                                                                                                     
    Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy

     

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    Wednesday, September 2, 2020

    2020-21: Bridgedale Offering High School

    Bridgedale Joins w/ K12 Private Academy to offer high school grades!

    By: Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy

     

     

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    Tuesday, June 2, 2020

    2019-20: A School Year for the Ages

    Our Talented, Caring Teachers Crushed it!

    By: Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy

     

    Parents ecstatic with Bridgedale's distance learning.

    The 2019-20 school year at Bridgedale Academy was truly one for the ages.

    When it became clear in early March that the COVID-19 pandemic was about to have a profound impact on how we do things at Bridgedale Academy, we began making our preparations.

    We pride ourselves on the "dynamic engagement" of our in-person classroom instruction. And with our boys-only environment, and small class-sizes, we especially take pride in how well ALL our boys do academically, and how virtually all of them come to LOVE LEARNING.

    Click here to read Testimonials from Bridgedale Parents

    But a mandated school shutdown meant that we would lose that in-person instruction.

    So what could we possibly do to maintain that same high level of engagement?

    It turns out plenty.

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    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    Parent Testimonial April 21st 2020

    Bridgedale's Transition to Online Distance Learning

    By Tanya Stanish, Bridgedale Academy Mom

     

    "They are fully engaged, as if still in school!"

    I appreciate how Bridgedale has implemented virtual learning in a way that best mimics an actual classroom setting. The teachers are doing the teaching, the boys are interacting online and the school work is progressing. 

    For us parents who are now working from home, we do not feel the pressure of having to homeschool our children or worry about idle time.

    They are fully engaged, as if still in school. I am so grateful for the way the Bridgedale teachers have pulled this together!

     
    Tanya Stanish appears by permission. She is a partner with the law firm of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck. A highly experienced negotiator and formidable litigator, Tanya represents a wide variety of clients, from prominent executives, entrepreneurs, medical and legal professionals to professional athletes, spouses with trusts and stay-at-home spouses. Her work includes every aspect of complex and high net-worth family law such as executive compensation plans, trusts and business interests as well as high-conflict child custody and parenting issues. Trial experience includes success with complex divorces and paternity and domestic violence cases. Outside the courtroom, she has considerable proficiency with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for wealthy individuals.
     
    Tanya's son Jake is a 7th grader at Bridgedale Academy. Jake is a goaltender who played during the 2019-20 hockey season with the Stallions organization.He was selected to play with the AAA Chicago Mission organization for this spring, pending the COVID-19 shutdown.
     
     
    At Bridgedale we are committed to the development of our young student-athletes. In this time of challenge and uncertainty due to COVID-19, we seamlessly moved our academics and off-ice athletic instruction online. We continue to help our student-athletes develop their physical and mental skills so they can perform at their best when it matters most, no matter the arena of life that challenges them.
     
    If you would like to learn more about Bridgedale Academy, please click the button below so we can schedule a time to chat.
                                                                                                     
    Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy

     

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    Thursday, April 16, 2020

    Parent Testimonial April 16th 2020

    Bridgedale's Transition to Online Distance Learning

    By Mark Borst, Bridgedale Academy Dad

     

    "Has been amazing to watch."                                               

    Being able to pivot quickly can be the difference between successful businesses vs struggling businesses. Under normal situations, good forecasting and observation of any market can prepare leaders to be ahead of the curve and pivot early.

    …We all know what has happened with this coronavirus is FAR from normal.

    My son Brogan has been attending Bridgedale Academy since January of 2019. Operating a school is much like a business and being able to pivot is a necessary quality needed to thrive in our current situation.

    The fact that the faculty was able to adapt and pivot to this new reality has been amazing to watch. Almost without missing a single beat, Mike, Christina, and their entire team transitioned into an online school. The boys are in class sessions from 8 to 1:30 every day just like their normal schedule with breaks and lunch intertwined. Once the school day is done, their off-ice sessions begin for a 45-60 min session. All of this has been happening on Zoom and other technologies.

    This unfortunate situation has been tackled in the best way possible. This experience will make the school, the teachers, and the boys stronger in the future for any challenge that comes their way…

    Bridgedale Strong!

     
    Mark Borst appears by permission. An entrepreneur and a relentless innovator of the real estate industry, Mark is a collaborator of the “Value-Driven Approach to Sell Real Estate,” and host of Ask NWI. He is also a co-founder of Impact Club Tri Town, a community helping a community, and is Broker/Owner of Versatile Real Estate Solutions LLC. 
     
    Mark's son Brogan is a 7th grader who excels academically and athletically at Bridgedale Academy. Brogan played during the 2019-20 hockey season with the Chicago Hawks organization and his team won both the NIHL and state championships.
     
     
    At Bridgedale we are committed to the development of our young student-athletes. In this time of challenge and uncertainty due to COVID-19, we seamlessly moved our academics and off-ice athletic instruction online. We continue to help our student-athletes develop their physical and mental skills so they can perform at their best when it matters most, no matter the arena of life that challenges them.
     
    If you would like to learn more about Bridgedale Academy, please click the button below so we can schedule a time to chat.
                                                                                                     
    Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy

     

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    Wednesday, April 15, 2020

    We Believe in Our Son Charlie

    Our decision has been reaffirmed every day.

    By: Dave Donoghue, Bridgedale Dad

     

    (We asked Bridgedale dad Dave Donoghue about why he sent his son Charlie to Bridgedale Academy and about Charlie's experiences at Bridgedale. Here are Dave's responses to our questions.)

    What motivated you to look at Bridgedale as an academic alternative for Charlie?

    We first learned about Bridgedale when I saw a poster about Bridgedale at an ice rink before one of Charlie’s hockey games. My wife had been looking for a classical education. The idea of combining a classical education model, an all-boy environment and excellent hockey training was very appealing to us and to Charlie.

    What factors went into your decision and was there any particular deciding factor?

    We had some doubts coming into it. Would a hockey school be able to or interested in the sort of rigorous education we believe is critical for our children? Would the other families put education first and hockey second? Bridgedale dispelled those doubts. We quickly saw that the Bridgedale teachers and athletic instructors cared about educating and growing young men first from the top down.

    Hockey is of course an important part of the education, but just like algebra and grammar, hockey is one more tool that develops thoughtful, intelligent young men who are leaders in the classroom, on the ice and in their communities. And in order to accomplish its mission Bridgedale has built an unparalleled team of teachers. To a person, the teachers have strong command of their subject and an excellent ability to handle middle school boys firmly, but with an impressive kindness and generosity. 

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    Friday, April 10, 2020

    We Believe in Our Son Aiden

    At Bridgedale he's more confident and focused than ever.

    By: Samantha Burns, Bridgedale Mom

     

    Aiden had always done well at school.

    Our journey at Bridgedale Academy happened quickly, but the course that lead us there started long before. Aiden has always been a joy: his beautiful smile and kind spirit make him so easy to love. He is helpful and smart; a great addition in any school. He asks for very little and gives 100% in return. 

    For years, our parent teacher conferences remained the same, "Your son is smart, sweet and doing his best."

    This was wonderful . . . 

    Until Aiden hit fourth grade and things changed.

    Parent teacher conferences remained the same, but Aiden was unhappy. His lack of interest in school was obvious, he never wanted to do homework, nor did he need too. He was withdrawn and miserable, frustrated with the classroom and the students that refused to follow the rules.

    His teacher spent more time attempting to manage the classroom than teaching. State-mandated testing and large classrooms made it difficult to cover curriculum and Aiden was DONE. We struggled as a family, trying everything in our power to manage the stress and disappointment that came with what we knew needed to be done. 

    He needed a change. WE needed a change. Little did we know, the greater power would take over. 

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    Thursday, April 9, 2020

    Parent Testimonial April 9th 2020

    Bridgedale's Transition to Online Distance Learning

    By Dave Donoghue, Bridgedale Academy Dad

     

    Charlie is as engaged and challenged as ever!                                               

    We are amazed and appreciative for all that Bridgedale has done amidst the COVID situation. First, you transitioned seamlessly to online learning. It is no surprise, but every Bridgedale teacher has done an impressive job of continuing Bridgedale's mission growing the minds and hearts of young men.

    Charlie is as engaged and challenged as ever. We assumed the hockey portion of Bridgedale would fall off without ice or in-person education. Instead, the online group workouts have been just what Charlie needed to continue to strengthen his body and release some of the energy from not being able to get on the ice.

    Thank you. Once again, you have reinforced our belief that Bridgedale is the best place to grow Charlie academically, as a young man and as an athlete.

     
    Dave Donoghue appears by permission. His son Charlie is an 8th grader who excels both academically and athletically at Bridgedale Academy. Charlie, a goaltender, played during the 2019-20 hockey season with the Chicago Jets organization and will be attending Marmion Academy next year on an academic scholarship.
     
     
    At Bridgedale we are committed to the development of our young student-athletes. In this time of challenge and uncertainty due to COVID-19, we seamlessly moved our academics and off-ice athletic instruction online. We continue to help our student-athletes develop their physical and mental skills so they can perform at their best when it matters most, no matter the arena of life that challenges them.
     
    If you would like to learn more about Bridgedale Academy, please click the button below so we can schedule a time to chat.
                                                                                                     
    Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy

     

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    Wednesday, April 8, 2020

    Parent Testimonial April 8th 2020

    Smooth Transition to Online Distance Learning

    By Kimberly Price, Bridgedale Academy Mom

     

    Better than I could have imagined!                                               

    Dear Headmaster McPartlin:

    I wanted to express my thanks and appreciation for the spectacular job you and the Bridgedale Academy teachers did, quickly transitioning from in-class to online educating! I was initially worried at the thought of my son needing me to home school him, but all anxieties were calmed after day one of my son on zoom with his teachers and classmates.

    Vaughn was still learning, given homework, completing tests and being held accountable. He still had school hours and a schedule, which made this version of online learning turn out better than I could have imagined! 

     
    Kimberly Price appears by permission. Her son Vaughn is a 6th grader who excels both academically and athletically at Bridgedale Academy. Vaughn played during the 2019-20 hockey season with the Orland Park Vikings organization.
     
     
    At Bridgedale we are committed to the development of our young student-athletes. In this time of challenge and uncertainty due to COVID-19, we seamlessly moved our academics and off-ice athletic instruction online. We continue to help our student-athletes develop their physical and mental skills so they can perform at their best when it matters most, no matter the arena of life that challenges them.
     
    If you would like to learn more about Bridgedale Academy, please click the button below so we can schedule a time to chat.
                                                                                                     
    Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy

     

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    Tuesday, April 7, 2020

    We Believe in Our Son Alex

    Bridgedale has been transformative for him

    By: Olga Khamichonak, Bridgedale Mom

     

    Alex needed a more challenging academic environment.

    I was looking for an alternative to my son Alex's public school. Even though it was rated as a Blue Ribbon school and I loved his teachers, its policies and overall approach to the educational process reminded me too much of the Soviet system I’d grown up in. 

    As an immigrant from Eastern Europe, I very highly value achievement and this is something I would like to instill in my son. As a child who tested as gifted at an early age, he was not being challenged enough by his public school. Everything was too easy, and even though he was always a good student, I knew that for maximum growth, he needed to be challenged much more. 

    We were looking to combine academics and hockey.

    Additionally, he was in love with hockey. It was the first thing he would wake up with and the last thing he talked about when going to bed. He constantly begged me to take him to practices, and I soon realized, I needed to find a hockey school for him. 

    Bridgedale Academy perfectly solved both my problems.

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