Thank you for taking the time to learn more about The REACH School, a special purpose pre-school in South Portland, Maine. This school services students from Cumberland County who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. For many of our students the most common elements of our lives, the ones we take for granted, are the most difficult. Students in my school struggle with their emotions, their friendships, their play and their learning.
Our job as members of the REACH school community is to provide the means for our students to learn and develop the skills they need to cope with their environment, to engage with the world of their peers and the world around them.
Andrea and I are both devoted members of The REACH School community. Andrea serves as President of the Board of The Friends of The REACH School, raising money to support and enhance the programs at the school. I am one of five teachers in the red star classroom, working with 10 students with autism spectrum disorders and 12 typically developing students each week.
Last Friday at The REACH School something incredible happened at recess. A four year-old girl who has struggled in the past with the concepts of sarcasm and humor made a joke at my expense. A five year-old boy who has difficulty recognizing how other people feel and told a friend, “you look frustrated, is it because you didn’t get a turn,” a parent felt empowered and confident enough to ask for help at home with her child, and I was able to say, “Yes.”
My wife and I are lucky to be a part of this community which is devoted to these simple but delicate successes. Last year so many of you became a part of this community as well. With your support we were able to purchase the equipment we needed to better integrate occupational and physical therapy into our classrooms, we were able to collaborate with other leaders in the field of autism education to create a new and innovative curriculum devoted to the direct teaching of social thinking skills, we were also able to provide funding for our staff to take part in professional development opportunities to further their education and abilities.
We invite you to renew your role in the REACH school community or join anew, supporting the children of the REACH school and the dedicated staff who work with them every day.
Consider making a donation to The Friends of The REACH School.
Join us in creating these simple, but delicate successes.