Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Thank you.

As parents we all know that sending our children to a new school can be traumatic, usually more so for the parent than the child. Those of us sending a child with disabilities to a new school are especially sensitive to the stress that situation can induce. When our family moved to Fort Scott, my son was beginning middle school. Just the thought of "middle school" brought on anxiety for my husband and I, without even factoring in the special circumstances of our son!

However, I was able to meet with the school officials and teachers well before my son arrived on their campus and put some initial plans in place for him. The transition, at least for my son, was exceptionally smooth. (I, however, suffered from heart palpitations.)

He has been able to attend middle school and high school alongside his peers. He participated in talent shows, prom and graduation activities, just to name a few, with the support of many wonderful school employees and students. This has made such a positive impact in his life. I don't think society understands how important this interaction and acceptance is to an individual with disabilities. It is huge! We would like to acknowledge all of the middle school and high school administration, faculty and staff and thank them for each and every day of dedication to our children.

In addition, we send our gratitude and thanks to the students of USD 234, these young people have gone above and beyond demonstrating, as well as helping to create, an environment of acceptance. Our community should be very proud of these students. We also realize that the students would not be compassionate, caring individuals if not for the guidance of their parents, teachers and para-educators. So as my son completes his last few days at Fort Scott High School (he has "aged out"); words cannot even come close to expressing our gratitude and heartfelt thanks. We are grateful that our son has had each of you touch his life. I am sure that as he sees you around town, he will still want to shake your hand. Thank you for demonstrating immense compassion and taking the time to share that with Theron.