St. William Catholic School, Walled Lake, Michigan

by Ruth A. Matheny

"You have given our children something that we only used to dream was possible." Those words addressed to Principal Linda Jackson of St. William Catholic School in Walled Lake, MI, capture both the goal and the reality of St. William's Resource Room.

"You have given our children something that we only used to dream was possible.” Those words addressed to Principal Linda Jackson of St. William Catholic School in Walled Lake, MI, capture both the goal and the reality of St. William’s Resource Room.

Now in its fifth year, the Resource Room concept came in response to a concern for some children in the school who were having learning difficulties but who were not disabled specifically. In most cases they didn’t even qualify for special education services from the district. Initially the program involved the service of a retired teacher who worked with those students on an as-needed basis.

But Principal Jackson of this K-8 school soon recognized the need not only to assist children who were struggling, but to provide a curriculum and program that allowed all children to come to St. William Catholic School. As the school’s mission statement declares, “We believe in academic excellence, the individual dignity of each student, and his/her right to develop wholeness of body, mind, and spirit.” The result is a more fully serviced Resource Room coordinated by special education teacher Anne Donato with assistance from classroom teachers and aides. Now in its third year of operation, it is seen as an indispensable success by teachers, parents, and students alike.

With special education students, as with all students, the goal is to provide total classroom inclusion including the support classes of art, music, physical education, library, and computers. St. William recognizes that all parents want their children to be in a loving, caring environment where they are near other children of their age and where they are offered opportunities to succeed.

The decision as to which children are in the Resource Room is a team effort involving the principal, the Resource Room teacher, the classroom teacher, and the parents. No one student is in the Resource Room all day and every day. A flexible schedule allows students to come in and out as needed. Weekly meetings evaluate successes, concerns, and schedules. Parents are regularly involved in discussions and decision making. As of now, there is no set limit as to the number of students in the Resource Room at one time. Ideally, notes the principal, “I would love to see our current students needing less and less service each year by increasing their inclusion time in the classroom.”

Parents are enthusiastic in their responses to the program. Parent Phebbie Sant declares the decision to send their son, who was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, to St. William as “probably the best decision we made.”

Report Paul and Chris Matthew McElmeel, whose son is a special needs student, “The personal attention, professional expertise and dedication to full inclusion have helped our son thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.” And they add, “We...feel very blessed to be part of this wonderful school that doesn’t just teach Catholic values, but lives them each day through your dedication to all children.”

Parent Vilma Mazi expresses her family’s appreciation of the school on “multiple levels—academics, social/ethical teaching, as well as with the community.”

Christy Eischen chose to send her special needs son Joshua to St. William “because he is an integral part of our family and he will be considered as an important part of the St. William family.”

The special needs children really are vital members of the total Catholic-school community. They participate in Mass and prayer services, perform in concerts, and enjoy lunch and recess with their student buddies as they grow in keeping with the school’s mission in “body, mind, and spirit.” And, summarizes Principal Jackson, “We have all learned so much from them in terms of compassion, relationships, and the importance of each child as a valued child of God.”

Source: Today's Catholic Teacher, April 2010

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