Last night I got to share the best news ever with Matthew......he is returning to Bethlehem High School next year as a Super Senior. Since 6th grade when Matthew moved to BOCES for school Matthew has dreamed of going back to Bethlehem. For him, being a Bethlehem Eagle with all of his friends was so important, but unfortunately in 6th grade, when he was struggling so much behaviorally, he had to move to an out of district class because our district does not have a class that is appropriate for children with behavioral needs and lower level IQ.
Our local BOCES program has been truly incredible especially over the past 3 years for Matthew. He has had a teacher who truly understood Matthew. Her standard for behavior was always high and she insisted that he be his very best at all times. She held him accountable when he struggled and knew how to make him work, learn and succeed. The principal at his school was incredibly motivating. he would meet the kids on the basketball court to encourage them to do their best and to remind them of the expectation of proper behavior. He would meet with Matthew and always remind him of the amazing young man he was becoming.
Between his teacher and his principal, Matthew had a team that I could work with to ensure that he was going to become the best person possible. Slowly the changes started to occur. As we worked together, Matthew realized that he was responsible for making good choices, and gained the skills necessary to control his behavior. He was able to access support when he was frustrated but also realized that his tantrums would simply not be tolerated at home or at school.
As time has gone on Matthew has consistently asked for the opportunity to return to our local school district. I have wanted him to return because I have always been sad that he hasn't had access to the non academic parts of school- band, drama, and other clubs. However, I knew he wasn't ready and he needed to be in a program that allowed for his emotional and academics needs.
This year his teacher and I thought it might be time for Matthew to prepare to return. He started to attend an afternoon program which allowed us to see that Matthew was ready in most aspects, but that his future teachers would need to be aware of the importance of having high expectations for Matthew. While he was thriving in his morning program, the freedom of the afternoon program created some struggles for Matthew. However, with some teaming between the AM and PM teacher, we were able to help Matthew to reach his full potential in his PM program as well.
This week, after talking to the Bethlehem teacher, and the CSE chair person, it appears that Matthew is ready to return to a Bethlehem Central School District class next year. Behaviorally he is in a great place. Educationally, he is still struggling, but that will be something Matthew always struggles with.
As his mom, I am so proud of Matthew. He truly has worked with his eyes on the prize for the past 6 years and has earned himself this opportunity. That said, this is also the year that his same age peers are graduating from high school. They are posting pictures with their swag gear announcing the colleges they are attending. So many of them are off to the next steps in their lives. Ready to spread their wings and fly, they are off to College. For Matthew, this return to our school District, is as big as being accepted to college. He is truly over the moon, jumping up and down and so proud of himself.
He wants a Bethlehem sweatshirt- which he will absolutely get! He wants a chance to be on every team and to participate in every club! He will be in school for the next 3 years and then as he turns 21 he will graduate. It seems very fitting that he is returning to Bethlehem and truly will be graduating from BOCES. He has earned this major step in life. It may not be college, but it is a huge step for Matthew and one that he and I are over the moon proud of!
