Student Spotlight Archives

Briarwood at the Region 4 Dyslexia Conference

Erin Gregg on December 12, 2024

Briarwood at the Region 4 Dyslexia Conference

This year, The Briarwood School participated in the Region 4 Dyslexia Conference, a gathering dedicated to the latest in dyslexia research, intervention strategies, assessment methods, and classroom accommodations. Educators and advocates from across the area came together to learn, share, and connect — working toward better outcomes for students with dyslexia.

Students and administration attended to share The Briarwood Way — Briarwood’s unique approach to teaching students with learning differences — and to spotlight the growth and success our students achieve every day.

Student Panelists Stealing the Show

Four Briarwood students from Middle to Upper School shared their experiences on a panel, speaking about how The Briarwood Way has impacted their lives.

Dax (Middle School) impressed attendees by demonstrating a Makerspace robot and explaining how organizational tools like the Briarwood Binder have helped him stay on top of his work.
Paolo (Upper School) spoke about the confidence he’s gained through Briarwood’s supportive teaching methods and the difference it’s made in his academic success.
Channing (Upper School) reflected on balancing academics with her extracurricular passions, like theater, thanks to Briarwood’s individualized approach.
Millie (Upper School) inspired the room by sharing how Briarwood has prepared her for college, giving her the skills and time to excel both in and out of the classroom.

Their responses were a testament to their hard work and what’s possible when students are taught in a way that works for them.

Proud family members of panelists attended, wearing “Proud Briarwood Parent” lanyards, making the day even more special. The smiles from our students, their parents, and panel attendees said it all: Briarwood changes lives.

Media Contact: Erin Gregg, egregg@briarwoodschool.org

Briarwood Junior Selected for NASA Texas High School Aerospace Scholars Program

Erin Gregg on November 5, 2024

Briarwood Junior Selected for NASA Texas High School Aerospace Scholars Program

HOUSTON – The Briarwood School junior Luke Bruno has been selected to participate in the prestigious Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program. This immersive STEM experience connects students with NASA’s missions and future space exploration initiatives. The year-long program begins in the fall and allows Texas high school juniors to engage in online coursework focusing on space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics.

Bruno, who has attended Briarwood since third grade, will spend five months completing rigorous online modules, learning about NASA’s work, and preparing for a possible invitation to the Moonshot summer experience. In this five-day virtual event, students collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers. Top-performing teams from Moonshot may receive an all-expenses-paid residential trip to NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

“Our students always reach for the stars, but Luke is proving that the stars aren’t so far away for Briarwood students,” Briarwood Head of School David Mendlewski shared. Next year, Bruno plans to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy, aiming to continue his pursuit of excellence beyond high school.

Bruno’s father expressed his gratitude for the support Briarwood has provided. “I can’t explain in words what the school has done for our son and what it has to offer a child with learning differences.”

The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars program allows students like Bruno to dive deep into STEM education and opens the door to a potential future career in aerospace, engineering, and space exploration.

The Briarwood School congratulates Luke Bruno on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to seeing him soar in his journey with NASA and beyond.

Media Contact: Erin Gregg, egregg@briarwoodschool.org

Briarwood’s Eagle Scout Crafts Legacy with Project

Erin Gregg on November 29, 2023

Colin, an Upper School student at Briarwood, recently completed a remarkable two-part Eagle Scout project. The first part, undertaken before the school year began, involved Colin’s dedicated work on crafting benches for the hallways. These benches, created with care and skill, were designed for use by classmates and future Briarwood students, offering a comfortable addition to our school’s hallways. With determination and support from his family and friends in Pearland Troop 446, he brought this multifaceted project to life.

On the first day of the second part of the project, Colin and his team began by dismantling the old pergola, a structure built back in 1999 by another Briarwood student named Michael for his Eagle Scout Project. The memories of the past were carefully taken apart, making way for a new beginning. They poured the concrete bases for the upcoming pergola, setting a strong foundation for what was to come.

The second day was all about the construction of the new pergola. Colin’s passion and craftsmanship shone as he and his team worked tirelessly, turning raw materials into a stunning piece of architecture for our school. With each swing of the hammer and every precise cut, the pergola took shape, symbolizing a blend of past and present – a legacy of both Eagle Scout projects and Briarwood students. It was a labor of love, made possible by the generosity of Colin’s family and friends. The photos from the project work days stand as a testament to his dedication and the community spirit that made this project a reality.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Colin and Troop 446 for gifting us with the beautiful pergola and benches, two wonderful additions that will be appreciated by all and continue to inspire future generations at our school.