Closing a Chapter
This chapter began back in 2001 when 2 young enthusiastic teachers decided to move to North Carolina! We arrived in Raleigh, NC about a week before the start of school, much to our surprise. Up in Michigan school does not start till much later. I was employed at Dillard Drive Middle School in less than a week. I began at Dillard the Thursday before the first day of school with students. It has been quite the adventure! I wish I would have started this blog back in 2001!
Having started with a mostly empty room with only a few desks and chairs; I am so proud of how far the AU3 program at Dillard Drive Middle School has come.
I must say a huge thank you to the families of all the students I’ve taught at Dillard throughout the past 5 years. I could not have been so successful without YOU! I am confident that there are many great things to come for the AU program at Dillard. I know that we have all been part of the beginning of something great!
Although the children are the students in the class, I feel that they have taught me the most. I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to teach, enjoy, laugh with and learn from your child. The experience has been invaluable to me!
I also have to thank the amazing staff that I had the opportunity to work with. I have learned so much from everyone. I just hope that I was able to give as much as I recieved.
There is one teacher who truly embraced a fully inclusive environment with enthusiasm and finesse. Mrs. Scott is not only an amazing teacher but a beautifully well rounded individual. Emily, thank you for everything you have done since my arrival at Dillard. It is truly appreciated.
Dillard Drive Middle has really come a long way in regard to implementing least restrictive environment and the inclusion of the students from the AU3 classroom in such a creative and positive way. This could not have happened without such a creative and skilled staff. There have been so many staff members over the years who were open to trying something new. I thank those of you for giving that opportunity to all of the students because in these situations everyone involved learns and grows tremendously.
“No one can do everything. But everyone can do something.”
~ Author Unknown
In addition I would like to express my appreciation to the surrounding community! Since I started the program in 2001 there have been many community agencies and local businesses that have enhanced the educational program.
With some sadness and many fond memories I close my chapter at Dillard Drive Middle. At the same time I am exuberantly looking forward to beginning my new chapter at East Millbrook Magnet Middle.
