A Remarkable Journey- One Dad's Story

The Joy School's annual luncheon featuring special quest Kimberly Harrison, PHD and Alumni Speaker Charlie McIntyre is coming up at the end of this month. Don't miss your chance to laugh, cry, learn, and celebrate all the ways The Joy School continues to change lives year after year, student after student.

Here is one of the speeches from last year's luncheon that reminds us why we do what we do.

"Like many– our involvement with The Joy School came as a total and complete surprise. It came at the convergence of multiple other unexpected events— namely, Covid, the disaster that was remote learning, [kindergarten in particular], and the near complete isolation from our support group and social network—brought about by quarantining. [Fun Times]

So, shortly after failing miserably at remote kindergarten—at a public school—my wife was able to secure Noah a spot in a very small, private kindergarten class at a nearby school.

Through in-person, masked learning, in a setting where a handful of kids were spread out across the entire large classroom—it was still evident that something was off.

Something was off in Noah’s ability to recognize letters and associate them with their sounds and read the most rudimentary words.

At about the same time, his tutor, who had been working with Noah since he was 5, also mentioned she felt things were not quite right. She suggested we meet with an associate of hers—a specialist in learning differences.

We did. We had Noah evaluated and received a dyslexia diagnosis. In disbelief, we hobbled through the remainder of kindergarten.

As first grade began, we were hopeful that yet another private school—this one with a dyslexia specialist—would check the box and get our son back on track. Six weeks into first grade, after numerous phone calls, parent-teacher conferences, and then parent-teacher/principal conferences, it was suggested that they could not provide the very specialized, focused curriculum and attention Noah required.

On top of that, an even more urgent message was coming from our son himself. Our beautiful, fun-loving, and previously happy boy—was miserable. School days, particularly mornings, were fraught with anger, sadness, and resistance. He simply didn’t want to go to school and didn’t want to learn. He called others his “smart” friends and clearly felt inferior. It was apparent this learning environment was NOT working and was affecting his confidence and self-esteem. He was already a defeated little boy, six years old—and not even halfway through first grade.

I stand before you today with an immense sense of gratitude as I share with you the remarkable journey my son, Noah, has embarked upon at The Joy School. It’s a journey that exemplifies the transformative power of skill, empathy, and dedication to the education of children with learning differences.

 

Like many others, Noah faces the dual challenges of dyslexia and ADHD. Thanks to the unwavering support and expertise of the teachers, specialists, and staff at The Joy School, Noah is not only overcoming these obstacles but also finding ways to adapt and thrive beyond our expectations and his own.

At The Joy School, they work tirelessly not just as educators but also as mentors and advocates for every student and family who walks through their doors, fostering an environment of inclusivity, understanding, encouragement, and fellowship.

In fact, The Joy School has provided Noah with more than just academic support; it has become a nurturing community where he has forged friendships with fellow students who face similar challenges. These friendships have been a source of strength and camaraderie, reminding him that he is not alone in his journey.

In closing, I want to thank The Joy School for being such a positive force in our lives—such a game changer. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, helping shape Noah into the remarkable young man he is becoming.

And to Noah my son I want you to know how immensely proud I am of you. Your determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit inspire me every day. I love you Noah more than I have the words to convey."

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For more inspiration, join us for our annual luncheon at The River Oaks Country Club on February 25th. If Noah's story resonates with you, sign up for a parent tour to learn more about how The Joy School might shape your child into the man or woman they are becoming.