May 13, 2021
Disruptions in routine are difficult for Colby and his mother Natalie and the COVID-19 shut down of the St.Amant School was especially hard given the journey they had getting there.
St.Amant School was Colby’s fifth school and Natalie says “it was life changing for us all”. Colby struggled with safety concerns and anxiety and his attendance suffered at previous schools. At St.Amant School, things seemed to click into place for him.
The school operates year round and provides individualized learning opportunities for children (0-22 years) with developmental disabilities. When last spring’s shutdown occurred, it was tough. “He’d come so far and was making such amazing progress. His confidence was soaring.”
It took a while but eventually Colby started participating in some virtual learning but both mother and son longed for the school to reopen.
Opening the school in the midst of a pandemic took a tremendous amount of reorganization. The health and safety of the students are of the utmost importance and it quickly became clear that more space would be needed to meet public health regulations. In response, walls were erected and new classrooms created. Your generosity helped outfit these new classrooms with the technology they needed! Thanks to donors, students have access to a mobile smart board and portable computer “Colby calls it a giant iPad” laughs Natalie.
This large smart board is used for morning routine, physical education, Friday dance parties and a wide variety of virtual learning activities. It also provides clinicians virtual access for things like music therapy, even when physical access is limited.
While change is hard and things aren’t exactly how they used to be, Colby is settling in back at school. Natalie is so grateful for the support her family has received and to see Colby shine again. “It truly does take a village to raise a child and I am thrilled St.Amant is part of my village.”
