NOVEMBER 2023
PRIORITIES...OF A SEVENTHAround GRADER! the third or fourth question on his list was, “Do you have school on
IN THIS ISSUE
We are fortunate to send Blake to private school. It’s a luxury that neither Sandra nor I had growing up in blue collar homes in New Britain and Enfield. He started Renbrook a few days a week in the “Threes” program. He is now thirteen and attends seventh grade. None of us can explain how quickly that happened.
Saturday morning?” Every school representative that answered yes was met Clinician’s Corner by Xani Sanchez with a solemn nod. As we walked away, I could see Blake crossing out the Southington Physical Therapist school in his notepad!
Each year, Renbrook organizes a “Secondary School Fair” that is designed to help eighth graders get a better understanding of what the area high schools offer. Seventh graders are invited to attend so they “become familiar with the schools and the process.”
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Renbrook provides those attending with pointers on what to wear and suggested questions to ask school representatives. One of the bullet points was: “Take the lead asking questions and meeting the representatives from the schools you are interested in. After you are done, your parents may have questions.” The night before the event, we identified five schools of interest. We accompanied Blake to the fair after Sandra and I agreed to let him handle most of the interactions. This year is really a practice session for him, and he is usually comfortable conversing with adults. Armed with a small pad of prepared questions, Blake jumped right in. Unbeknownst to us, the top priority for Blake was, “Do you have electronic gaming as a team sport?” He LOVES gaming. More surprisingly, Kingswood Oxford and a few others actually have an “E gaming” team that competes with other schools. He went on, quizzing about the types of games they competed in. I could see the disappointment on his face when all the games were Super Mario or driving games. Clearly, there were not enough explosives or high-tech weapons involved for Blake!
Every school that had boarding as an option asked, “Are you planning on attending as a day student or boarding?” Blake’s answer was always “day student” until the last two schools. For those he answered, “maybe boarding.” I am sure he is envisioning a life without the responsibilities of cleaning the cat’s litter box, overseeing the garbage and recycling, or cutting the lawn. I could almost see him imagining no screen time limitations as his eyes glazed over.
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On the ride home, I asked him about his impressions. “Blake, why did you ask about Saturday classes?” He answered without hesitation, “Not happening!”
DEI: Military Family Appreciation Month: An Interview with Veteran Terran Travis, Lock Street PT “What about the E-sports games?” He responded, “I played those when I was By Marilex Santiago a kid, I guess I could go back if I had to.”
Lastly, “I was surprised you asked about boarding, what’s up with that?” “Well Dad, I need to consider what the best experience will be. I know you and Mom will cry; however, I need to consider all the options.” I looked over at Sandra and we both shrugged. Welcome to the “teen years!”
StriveHub Fab 5 “It’s quite amazing. I had no idea what to expect. Mario (Paredes) my PT explains things we are going do and pushes at right level. A lot of this experience depends on how happy people are. All I see is happy people, including me. Great place, great PTs...glad I was referred here” - Orange
I hope you can take time in the coming months around the holidays you celebrate to connect with those you are closest to. If you have teenagers in your circle and you’re fortunate to get insights into their priorities, drop me a “The team at PTSMC Windsor is invested in each patient’s outcome. They work to ease pain, restore note. Let me know what you find out too! mobility, and provide instruction on functional training that complements each visit. They do all of this with a compassionate, positive, respectful approach.” - Windsor
Thanks, Alan
“I feel truly cared for here. Kenny (Kregling) has been working with me for a while now & keeps my goals In mind pushing me toward progress. I feel the goals have been realistic & he always asks for my feedback too. I feel like a person here not just a patient.” - Wallingford
PTSMC Bristol Opens November 1! Bristol officially opens its doors on November 1st! Here are some photos post-construction before furniture and equipment. Congrats to Partner Matt Baronowski on the opening!
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Interested in planning, improving or contributing to the PULSE in 2024? Join us on December 6th at 11:30am for a meeting on how to make the PULSE the best it can be. To attend the meeting, email Emily at Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com. Can’t make the meeting? We still want your input! Send an email to Emily with your ideas.
Everyone at PTSMC is very welcoming and kind. Conner (Gavin) is amazing! He is a great physical therapist and has helped me so much through my knee surgery recovery. Every time I leave a session I feel energized and proud of the progress I have made.” - Groton First, I’d like to say that Jen Ashman is an amazing PT. She’s empathetic and truly cares about her clients well-being. Second, the staff is phenomenal. From Betsy (Holt) at the front desk, to all the aides, to all the other physical therapists - they all care about everyone who comes in for therapy. They also offer a fun and friendly atmosphere that keeps all of us smiling and enjoying therapy even on the days when we don’t feel like being there. They’re a terrific team!” - Simsbury