Bridges to Success welcomes new principal
When Bridges to Success students returned for the 2017-2018 school year, they found a familiar face as their newest administrator.
Penny Morley, a former Bridges counselor, became the principal of the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation program on Dutch Ridge Road in Oswego just two months ago. Since Morley said making personal connections with each of the 12 students is a priority, she visited students and their families at their homes prior to the start of the school year. Building on healthy relationships is one of the many focuses Morley and Bridges staff members will help students work through. One way that is accomplished, she said, is participation in morning meetings where everyone is able to check in and connect with one another.
Morley came to CiTi in April 2017 with about 20 years of experience as a school counselor; a majority of her career was with Farnham Family Services, where she left as the prevention services director in the spring. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and psychological services and a Certificate of Advanced Study in building administration.
Working with at-risk youth has always been Morley’s passion and is personal to her.
“I get these kids because I would have been one of these kids had I not had someone giving me parameters,” she said.
Her desk is strategically placed downstairs in the center of the lobby area so she is fully immersed in the day-to-day interactions.
Morley said she aims to show that positive reinforcement, increased community interactions, alternative seating options, use of a collaboration room for project-based learning opportunities and a focus on empowering the students in a structured environment will all be keys to their success.