The Bridges Academy Welcomes Seasoned Teacher as New Head of School

The Bridges Academy in West Islip is pleased to welcome Stephen Edward Rubenacker as the new Head of School, who began this past July. Mr. Rubenacker has been an independent school educator for almost 20 years, starting in public school before moving to the Friends Academy Middle School. He has taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Social Studies, coached multiple sports, and served as the middle school principal for 10 years. 

As division head for Friends Academy, Rubenacker made many positive influential changes to the school. In addition to increasing time spent on literacy and math instruction, Rubenacker implemented a one-to-one iPad initiative, worked with INDEX (the national bench marking group for independent schools) to implement the Mission Skills Assessment, revised disciplinary codes, and worked on faculty evaluation, scheduling, and professional development.