Classroom News

from Teacher Michelle

“When thinking about a song for the April concert, I looked for one where the words would send a powerful message. The song, " A Million Dreams" was chosen as it related to our students' struggle to be recognised and respected as having the potential to contribute meaningfully to the Turks and Caicos. Our students have dreams just as all other students. I was very proud of them as they performed really well. I believe everyone was touched by their performance.

Importantdates

May08th:CoronationofKingCharlesIII

May26th:ALCSportsDay

May25th:NationalHeroesDay Celebration

June26thto29th:Parents'I.E.P.Meetings

5thJuly:ALC'sStudentAchievementDay

THEMOREYOUKNOW!

AutismAwarenessMonth

The month of April is recognized as World Autism Month. During this month, emphasis is placed on sensitizing the public about autism and highlighting the successes and challenges faced by persons with this neurodevelopmentcondition.

In our March edition, we introduced our readers to Brandon, a five year old, diagnosed with autism. When Brandon was first diagnosed his mother had no idea of the uphillbattlesthatawaitedher, particularly in her efforts to havehimenrolledinschool.

While she had experienced challenges during his kindergarten years, she was sure that at the elementary level teachers would be more knowledgeable of her son ' s condition and so would be able to include him in the regular classroom environment. Mom was in for a surprise! Most times she never got beyond the principalwhoquicklyhadone of two responses, " I am sorry mombutwehavenoroomin our classes" or " Our teachers are not trained in Special Education. They would not knowhowtoteachyourson,"

School, after school, after school, after school and the outcomewasthesame.

Encouraged by a relative who lived in Canada, my friend moved to Toronto. There her son was accepted into a schoolfortypicallydeveloping students. He was placed in a self contained classroom, given the academic, social skills and communication skills support he needed and was able to thrive Brandon is now nine years old and continuestomakeprogress Is there a lesson to be learned fromBrandon'sexperience?