Hello everyone. We are writing on behalf of our son Aiden, who has an intellectual disability and is presently on the verge of transitioning from elementary school to middle school. Following is a synopsis of our family’s current dilemma.
To date, commencing upon the middle school level, Westhampton Beach School District (WHBSD) outsources all of its “alternate assessment” students. For those of you unfamiliar with the term - “alternate assessment”, this label refers to the educational path of those students who, due to various forms of disability, are unable to pass conventional curriculum requirements. Notably, the standard rationale proffered by the administration, attempting to justify the exodus of “alternate assessment” students has been that our community simply lacks the “numbers” necessary to warrant the requisite dedication of resources. Equally notable, this justification has stood as a prehistoric edifice preventing not even a single “alternate assessment” graduate of WHBSD - ever. This is a culture and history that my family is seeking to change, and it is a pioneering goal predicated upon the belief that in doing so, not only will Aiden’s best interests be served, but also the greater values and spirit of our community at large.
Over the next few weeks and months, Aiden’s formal educational plan will be presented to the WHBSD. Notably, my family believes that if given the opportunity, the dedicated and talented staff of WHBSD is certainly capable of properly educating Aiden. Tangentially, we are excited about the prospect of Aiden being afforded the opportunity to continually develop all of the community relationships that we know are invaluable. Pointedly, Aiden’s potential attendance within WHBSD represents not only a wise choice for him, but also for our community at large. Indeed, it is only through the interaction with the less fortunate can the cherished values of community, compassion, duty, kindness and integrity become uniquely manifest in all of our children.
In light of the foregoing, our family has started the “KEEP AIDEN HOME CAMPAIGN”. In as much as the School Board is a representative body, charged with enforcing the wishes of the community, it is my hope that they will discern the wisdom of pursuing a path conventionally shunned. Notably, other districts embrace the challenges of providing for their “own”, and it is time for our district to adopt such a similar and noble posture. For those of you who agree with this assessment, we would ask that you simply execute the attached petition and additionally draft a separate letter to the co-attention of WHBSB President – Susan Mensch and WHBSD Superintendent, Michael Radday, expressing your support. Thank you for your time and consideration.
God Bless,
Christian &
Terrie Killoran
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
January 15, 2015
January 15, 2015
The district has yet to respond to our formal request for a meeting. Send an email to the school board members today and demand that they keep these students in their home community.
Reached 100 supporters
January 7, 2015
January 4, 2015
We are approaching one hundred signatures and the district administration is finally paying attention to our momentum. Take ten seconds to text three friends the link and urge them to add their names before the next board meeting. We need this surge to prove that our community demands local education for every student.
130 Comments
As a retired NYC assistant principal of special education, I can attest to the ability of schools to maintain NYSAA students within community schools. "Outsourcing" is laziness.
Aiden should be educated in his home district with familiar teachers and surroundings. Let's keep financial obstacles out of the way of properly educating students with special needs, like Aiden!! Educate, not Segregate! Social and emotional education are just as important, if not more, than district protocol!
This is shocking to me! The tiny Remsenburg_Speonk Elementary district can provide for these children on site but Westhampton Beach UFSD cannot?
Aiden has every right to be a part of his home school community, and it is up the district to provide for his needs. "Alternate assessment students" contribute to their peers in ways 'conventional' students are unable to. Keep Aiden Home!!!
Keeping Aiden's education in his community is of tantamount importance! He needs to continue the relationships he's had since he was little to give his educational experience continuity and consistency. WHBSD needs to step up and set an example on how a community "takes care of its own".
Nothing is more vital to children whether they have intellectual disabilities or not, than to be with the friends they have established & in this case the security of familiar surroundings.
Inclusion is mandatory, not elective!
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Hello everyone. We are writing on behalf of our son Aiden, who has an intellectual disability and is presently on the verge of transitioning from elementary school to middle school. Following is a synopsis of our family’s current dilemma.
To date, commencing upon the middle school level, Westhampton Beach School District (WHBSD) outsources all of its “alternate assessment” students. For those of you unfamiliar with the term - “alternate assessment”, this label refers to the educational path of those students who, due to various forms of disability, are unable to pass conventional curriculum requirements. Notably, the standard rationale proffered by the administration, attempting to justify the exodus of “alternate assessment” students has been that our community simply lacks the “numbers” necessary to warrant the requisite dedication of resources. Equally notable, this justification has stood as a prehistoric edifice preventing not even a single “alternate assessment” graduate of WHBSD - ever. This is a culture and history that my family is seeking to change, and it is a pioneering goal predicated upon the belief that in doing so, not only will Aiden’s best interests be served, but also the greater values and spirit of our community at large.
Over the next few weeks and months, Aiden’s formal educational plan will be presented to the WHBSD. Notably, my family believes that if given the opportunity, the dedicated and talented staff of WHBSD is certainly capable of properly educating Aiden. Tangentially, we are excited about the prospect of Aiden being afforded the opportunity to continually develop all of the community relationships that we know are invaluable. Pointedly, Aiden’s potential attendance within WHBSD represents not only a wise choice for him, but also for our community at large. Indeed, it is only through the interaction with the less fortunate can the cherished values of community, compassion, duty, kindness and integrity become uniquely manifest in all of our children.
In light of the foregoing, our family has started the “KEEP AIDEN HOME CAMPAIGN”. In as much as the School Board is a representative body, charged with enforcing the wishes of the community, it is my hope that they will discern the wisdom of pursuing a path conventionally shunned. Notably, other districts embrace the challenges of providing for their “own”, and it is time for our district to adopt such a similar and noble posture. For those of you who agree with this assessment, we would ask that you simply execute the attached petition and additionally draft a separate letter to the co-attention of WHBSB President – Susan Mensch and WHBSD Superintendent, Michael Radday, expressing your support. Thank you for your time and consideration.
God Bless,
Christian &
Terrie Killoran
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
January 15, 2015
January 15, 2015
The district has yet to respond to our formal request for a meeting. Send an email to the school board members today and demand that they keep these students in their home community.
Reached 100 supporters
January 7, 2015
January 4, 2015
We are approaching one hundred signatures and the district administration is finally paying attention to our momentum. Take ten seconds to text three friends the link and urge them to add their names before the next board meeting. We need this surge to prove that our community demands local education for every student.
130 Comments
Aiden is a valuable member of his community and deserves to be part of his home school, surrounded by others who know him and encourage his success. As a parent of a child with special needs I have found that my son thrives when he is included not excluded and the community benefits, they learn important values about tolerance, acceptance and diversity
As a retired NYC assistant principal of special education, I can attest to the ability of schools to maintain NYSAA students within community schools. "Outsourcing" is laziness.
Aiden should be educated in his home district with familiar teachers and surroundings. Let's keep financial obstacles out of the way of properly educating students with special needs, like Aiden!! Educate, not Segregate! Social and emotional education are just as important, if not more, than district protocol!
This is shocking to me! The tiny Remsenburg_Speonk Elementary district can provide for these children on site but Westhampton Beach UFSD cannot?
Aiden has every right to be a part of his home school community, and it is up the district to provide for his needs. "Alternate assessment students" contribute to their peers in ways 'conventional' students are unable to. Keep Aiden Home!!!
Keeping Aiden's education in his community is of tantamount importance! He needs to continue the relationships he's had since he was little to give his educational experience continuity and consistency. WHBSD needs to step up and set an example on how a community "takes care of its own".
Nothing is more vital to children whether they have intellectual disabilities or not, than to be with the friends they have established & in this case the security of familiar surroundings.
Inclusion is mandatory, not elective!
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Aiden is a valuable member of his community and deserves to be part of his home school, surrounded by others who know him and encourage his success. As a parent of a child with special needs I have found that my son thrives when he is included not excluded and the community benefits, they learn important values about tolerance, acceptance and diversity