Bridger Creative Science School

Encouraging students to be independent
thinkers, learners, and problem solvers

7910 SE MarketPortland, OR 97215Ph (503) 916-6431Fx (503) 916-2612

Ph Fx

Ph Fx

The CSS Community Newsletter

Current Bridger CSS Information

  •  
     
     

     

     
     
     
     
     

     

Principal's
Message

  • Hi there, Tarehna WickerI'm Tarehna Wicker, and I’m thrilled to be the Principal of Bridger Creative Science School (BCSS). When I’m not at school, you’ll likely find me playing drums and singing in a band with my husband, Brandon, and two other PPS teachers. Music is a big part of our lives, and so is gaming—our family, including our two amazing kids, Clara and Luna, loves playing Dungeons & Dragons together and just about any game we can get our hands on.

    As someone who is neurodivergent, I’ve always had a deep connection with students who have learning differences. This perspective shapes how I approach education and strengthens my commitment to making sure that every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated. I believe in creating a school environment where all students, regardless of background, can thrive and where equity is at the forefront of everything we do.

    Before stepping into the role of Principal, I taught nearly every subject in K-8 schools, which gave me a well-rounded understanding of what our students need to succeed. Now, as an administrator, I’m focused on eliminating the racial predictability of educational and social-emotional outcomes, ensuring that every student feels welcome, happy, and proud of who they are during their time with us.

    I’m so excited to be part of the BCSS community, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you!


     
    Constructivism is the idea that meaningful knowledge is actively constructed rather than passively absorbed. 

     

    In a constructivist classroom, students are asked questions and invited to use what they already know to construct new ideas (creative) then test those ideas in context (science) in order to arrive at answers through experience and critical thinking. 

     

    At  Bridger Creative Science School, teachers guide students through this practice of inquiry and discovery to promote curiosity, confidence, and connection— toward learning, toward themselves and each other, toward community— so that students may use these tools throughout their education and into adulthood.

     

     

District News

View All
  • Join Us for Movie Night!

    PPS is hosting a series of events that focus on Belonging, Equity & Inclusive Practices where we will screen powerful, award-winning documentaries aimed at starting a productive conversation about what is possible in the systems we create for our children with disabilities. 

    As part of this series, we are excited to welcome you to a live virtual event, Including Samuel, on Monday, October 28 at 5:30 PM at OMSI Empirical Theater. The event will include a screening of Dan Habib’s film, “Including Samuel,” and a conversation with him and his son, Samuel.

    Read More
  • Jefferson High School Students Hit the Red Carpet for Student-Made Safety Film

    The Dr. Matthew Prophet Education Center, the rather staid home to Portland Public Schools administrative staff, had a very different look on Monday evening when it hosted the world premiere of “The Return of Emergetron.”

    The red carpet event was in celebration of a new film starring students – and for students – about the many emergency scenarios they might encounter in a typical school year.

    Read More
  • PPS’s Comprehensive School Psychologist Program Gets Crucial Boost from $5.5 Million Grant

    Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Soomaali| Русский

    Portland Public Schools’ Comprehensive School Psychology program was recently named the recipient of a prestigious $5.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education for its proven track record of improving student well-being and academic performance. 

    The renewable, school-based mental health grant will be used to provide comprehensive school psychology services to 18 Title I schools across the district for the 2024-25 school year. This is up from 11 schools served in the previous year. Through the duration of the grant, 25 schools designated as Title I at the time of the grant award will receive comprehensive school psychology services.

    Read More
  • McDaniel Junior Takes Top Honors in State Solo Music Contest

    When Beckham Weatherby picks up his tuba, the rest of the world falls away. 

    “I don’t get that nervous and I don’t get stage fright at all,” he said. “I guess I got lucky with how my body reacts to performing in front of crowds.”

    Which is something the McDaniel High School junior has done quite a bit of lately. Not only is he a member of the prestigious Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) and the PYP conservatory orchestra, but he recently earned first prize in the tuba solo performance category at the Oregon State Solo Music Championships.

    Read More

Upcoming Events

View Calendar
CLOSE
CLOSE