Firstly, I would like to give credit and thanks to the various agencies, businesses, and citizens of this amazing community for their consistent, ongoing support for persons with disabilities.
Throughout my past experience working with youth and adults with special needs in Alberta, I have never seen the level of support and encouragement that I have witnessed here. This is truly a very unique situation and I am very proud to have become part of it.
Since 2012, I have been the full-time Special Needs teacher at the Prince Charles Secondary School, working with students from ages 13 through 19. I am honored to be part of their programming through High School in their preparation for futures as contributing adults in their community.
Our goal in the classroom is to help to enrich their experiences in High School and to aid in their preparation to transition to adulthood. We focus on their abilities and help them to achieve as much independence as possible. We provide ongoing support in their academics and help them to relate these skills to everyday living and Life Skills. They also participate in various Electives where they have opportunities to create and showcase their artistic abilities. We are very fortunate this year to have a second teacher working specifically in the electives with our students. Ms. Kelly has been able to foster much greater participation and more rewarding results through her support in these classes.
We also have amazing support staff; Ms. Louie & Ms. Middleton who help to keep all students focused on a daily basis and provide invaluable support for our students in the various activities within the community such as; Therapeutic Riding, Cresteramics, Special Olympics, Kootenay Employment Services, T.A. P.S., AXIS, plus various work experience venues in the community. Each school year we say Good-Bye to our Graduating students and get ready to welcome a new group to the High School, which always presents new and exciting challenges for both the students already here plus the staff.
We are very proud of our accomplishments with the students we have the privilege to work with and look forward each year to helping them to achieve their dreams.