Spectrum Academy Extravaganza

WOW!! WE had a great night! Spectrum Academy had their fund raiser last night. We gathered, had items donated, and even made our own items to sell for the funding of the new high school for 2010-11. It was a great success. WE sold everything that we had. The program's went well, and so many were so involved and they did a great job. Many teachers spent many hours outside of class creating, framing, typing, and assembling all of the great baskets. The were all sold and it was a great night.

I do want to share with all of you that it Spectrum Academy is not just a school or employment for the Giauques. But it is the community in which so many children have the opportunity to share, express themselves, and grow. It is a place where so many have their lives changed for the good. We have so many here that have been given up on in so many other schools. It is common to hear stories about children who were cast aside, asked to leave, sat in hallways, or sat in the office for the most part of the day instead of learning. It is difficult sometimes to help these students to find control, but they do it and then the learning begins. It is like magic.

Now please look at how your children learn. Look at how they pay attention, observe, and then apply. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders first have to learn how to fight through and control the sensory overload (the smells, sounds, textures, or lights) before they can hear the voice of the teacher. Some students just blurt out, some have difficulty with getting started, and some have 6-8 second processing delay...so what I've just talked about takes 6-8 seconds to process................................................................................................................................................ there, now I can go on..................................................................................................................... Are we getting this?

Anyway, schools like ours are very unique. Hummm there are only 3 in the nation (charters schools with this population). Well, we are working to make many more.

I thank you for the support that you give to all of us. I pray that next year many of you will take the invitation to come to Spectrum and support us during this fundraising activity for the following year. Next year, Garrett will be selling his own art work. Some will be printed on t-shirts, made into pins or buttons, and some will be framed artwork.

I hope that you will join me for next year with this great cause. We have one more event on May 2--next sat..we help Autism Speaks raise money with our walk. If there is anyone that can join us, please let me know. Come and join team Giraffe and help to raise funds and awareness for Autism.

THANKS!