by Colleen Whitcombe
The journey to the Craig School was not an easy one for our son. He struggled for years in a public-school that was not equipped to provide an appropriate and supportive learning environment. The years of struggle chipped away at his confidence and self-esteem. He was frustrated and confused, and the experience left our son feeling unsupported, misunderstood, alone, and well, different. For our son, being "different" meant being "dumb." Undoubtedly the most heartbreaking thing to hear your child say about themselves. Perhaps our son wasn't the first child to come to The Craig School feeling "different." But once they get to Craig, they become a part of a truly supportive community of teachers, coaches, and specialists working together to help them '\ succeed. And along the way, they often discover many marvelous gifts and talents that accompany their so-called differences.
THE TALENTED CRAIG SCHOOL STAFF utilize various methods and strategies to guide students toward achieving individual success. Our son was introduced to one of the many incredible strategies, one that he probably uses the most, on his very first day. I like to say, this was the day he was introduced to 'the binder things in life.' The Craig School Binder System. For our son, staying organized, even with the best organizational methods at our fingertips, is no easy feat. Keeping himself, his schoolwork, homework, various reference sheets, permission slips, etc. organized has always been a massive challenge for him. Figuring out a system that works can be the biggest hurdle, then actually sticking to a system is another story altogether. If this sounds familiar, it's time to embrace "The Binder Things in Life!" Each year the Craig Team thoughtfully assembles a color-coded binder for every student, (no one feels "different") and ALL students use the organization binder in the same way, in each classroom. The secret ingredient is that ALL teachers are totally unified in reinforcing its daily use. This simple yet brilliant system is more than a fundamental organizational tool, it's a proven method Craig Students develop to BE, and STAY organized on their own. I see it as a way of life. A true skill that will serve them a lifetime.
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