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Henrico County Public Schools

The Right to Achieve. The Support to Succeed.

Bridge Builders Academy

Bridge Builders Academy

HCPS’ Bridge Builders Academy features virtual and in-person discussions with experts on a host of topics, designed to connect HCPS families with information they need. The sessions are categorized in four “learning strands”:

  • Beyond the Classroom
  • Equity, Diversity and Opportunity
  • Exceptional Education
  • Information, Access and Opportunities

The series is presented by HCPS’ Department of Family and Community Engagement and the HCPS Family and Educator Resource Center. For more information about the Family and Educator Resource Center, visit the center’s webpage.

2026 - 2027 Upcoming Sessions

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  • Overview of the HCPS specialty center application process

    This session offers important guidance for middle school students (especially eighth graders) and their families as they dive into the fall application process. The session will be presented in both English and Spanish.

    Presenter:

    • Stephanie Lambrecht, Education Specialist, Secondary Specialty Centers

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  • Understanding and Parenting a Child with ADHD

    Join us for an interactive parent workshop designed to increase understanding of ADHD and its impact on the brain, behavior, learning and family life. Parents will learn how symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity and emotional regulation challenges affect children at home and school. Participants will explore practical, strengths-based strategies and evidence-based interventions, including mindfulness, CBT, DBT, creative arts activities and positive parenting techniques. Parents will leave with a deeper understanding of their child’s unique strengths and challenges, along with effective tools, resources and strategies to support success at home, in school and beyond.

    Presenter: Megan Martin, MSW, HCPS School Social Worker

  • Raising Calm

    Silence is not the absence of sound — it’s the presence of clarity. As children mirror the stress around them, this training session helps adults in their lives model calm insight and emotional wellness. Whether used as a school wellness initiative, parent engagement effort or professional development series, silence provides a rare and much-needed space to pause, reflect and reconnect for the benefit of every child and every community.

    Presenter: Rita Ricks, Rita Ricks, LLC

  • Tis the Season to Breathe: Finding Calm Amid the Holiday Hustle

    The holiday season can bring joy and connection, but it can also create added stress, pressure and emotional demands. Join members of the Student Support and Wellness team for an interactive session focused on recognizing holiday stressors, practicing strategies for maintaining balance and building habits that support well-being during a busy time of year. Participants will explore practical tools for managing expectations, setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care so they can enter the season with greater calm and resilience.

    Presenter: Amy Johnson, Director of Student Support and Wellness

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  • Addressing Behaviors Confidently

    This presentation shares different ways to understand social and emotional needs and support your child’s growth and development.

    Learn strategies to calm difficult moments, make daily routines run more smoothly and learn about the school-based support available, including Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). You will leave with practical ideas and resources you can start using right away, along with a clearer understanding of how to work with your child’s teachers to help set your child up for success.

    Presenter: Kathleen Gibson, Early Childhood Specialist/PEATC

  • Game Night for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    Join us for a fun filled family game night designed to help families navigate the world of social media together. Enjoy an interactive game night and learn how to make informed social media choices with Common Sense media. Play fun games while connecting with your loved ones both online and in person.

Learning Strand Categories

Beyond the Classroom (BTC)

Whether learning happens virtually or in person, conditions outside the class environment affect each student’s ability to thrive. “Beyond the Classroom” workshops give you new ways to support your learner at home and in the community.

Diversity, Equity and Opportunity (DEO)

These workshops aim to empower students and families, and foster better practices of diversity, equity and inclusion for our youth, adults and community.

Exceptional Education (ExED)

Exceptional education services can be challenging to navigate. These sessions help families understand the exceptional education system and find the resources they need to better support their learners

Information, Access and Opportunities (IAO)

Discover the wealth of resources available to families in our community. These workshops connect parents, guardians, and educators with important information and services from HCPS experts and organizations in the Richmond region.

How to join a meeting

Bridge Builders Academy programs take place using Microsoft Teams. No registration is required, participation is free and you can take part without creating a Teams account.

  • If you are accessing the session from a mobile device, you may be prompted to download the Microsoft Teams app, but you can participate using the desktop version of a mobile browser instead.
  • If you are participating using a Mac or PC, you can download the Teams app or join using a browser.

For details and more information about how to join workshops and discussions, view instructions for joining a meeting with Microsoft Teams. Only the first 350 virtual attendees will be able to participate and comment during the discussion. The session will also be recorded and posted online for additional viewing.