Bridges Academy settling into St. Mary

TIFFIN — With one semester in the books, Bridges Preparatory Academy of Tiffin is giving the St. Mary School building a positive report card. Bridges, formerly located in the basement of the Elizabeth Schaefer Apartments on the St. Francis campus, moved to its new location at St. Mary following the 2024-25 school year. "It's amazing," said Principal Paul Shoemaker. "I couldn't be happier." Shoemaker spoke highly of the school's time at Elizabeth Schaefer, thanking the residents and staff for their welcoming attitude toward students, but said the basement location was not ideal. "Being above ground and having the ability to look out the windows" are the greatest benefits to moving to St. Mary, he said, noting the positive impact on staff and students. While students do complain about the number of stairs in the building, Shoemaker said the new atmosphere "feels good." "It feels like a school," he said. Assets at the St. Mary campus also facilitate school events. Shoemaker said Bridges hosts "Donuts with Adults" several times throughout the school year in the St. Mary recreation room. The event welcomes students' families, including parents and grandparents, to share a treat with students and staff to build fellowship and "get to know people." Bridges also hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in the recreation room at the end of November. The school planned the event in response to the impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) pause during the government shutdown, Shoemaker said. "We wanted to do something for our families," he said. The dinner fed 87 people and included turkey, mashed potatoes and potluck side dishes. Access to the room's equipment made the dinner easier to plan, cook and serve than it would have been at St. Francis, Shoemaker said. Bridges also welcomed 200 people to its annual Christmas program in the school's gym. Looking forward, Shoemaker said the theater department will present "Dare to Dream Jr." in the gym at the end of April. Elizabeth Schaefer residents, who Shoemaker said attended such events when Bridges was located at St. Francis, will be invited to the performance. Shoemaker expressed gratitude for St. Mary's pastor, the Rev. Matt Rader, and the church's staff as the school adjusted to its new location. "We are very lucky that Father Rader and his staff have truly worked with us," he said. "It's been a really good partnership." While moving to St. Mary has not yet impacted enrollment, Shoemaker expects to welcome additional students "as we get ourselves out there" and the community realizes the benefits of Bridges' location and curriculum.