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JEFFERSON CITY - School is a place to learn and play at the same time, but for some students learning to survive is the greatest lesson they learn.
At H. Kenneth Kirchner State School for the severely handicapped, the tests aren't over history or even chemistry, but skills the students learn stay with them for the rest of their life.
"They're learning a lot of new skills like how to scoop and walking and just to feed themselves," said teacher Linda Bledsoe.
Bob Campbell walks the halls everyday as Kirchner's principal, but on one day he walked a bit prouder.
"I came in here and told Shelia, I said, everything looks great but we are missing the two most important things, and she said 'what's that?' and I said, the kids and the teachers," explained Campbell.
It was an important day because members of the Missouri State School Board walked the halls with Campbell to see just how extraordinary the school is.
"This is an excellent example of what a state program does for kids who really are severely handicapped," stated state school board member Peter Herschend.
Campbell wasn't nervous when he heard these visitors were coming.
"Basically what I told my staff is, I want you all on the day they come, I want you to do what you do everyday and what you do so well. I said if you can do that then they will walk out of here feeling good about our program," said Campbell.
The staff does just that, showing the board example after example, including 6-year-old Jacob learning to walk. There is no shortage of smiles, no shortage of hugs and praise.
"We never try to set up a situation for a student to fail, we always try to give them opportunities of success," explained Campbell.
The school has 34 students, most with multiple disabilities, this year ranging in age from five to 21. But as Campbell says, feelings are not disabled, and every little step is a giant milestone.
The only thing that will change when the board leaves is the fact that the halls will be clearer, everything else remains the same. Students will keep learning and playing, Jacob will keep walking and Campbell will keep loving his job.
"It's been a great morning and I'm so grateful for everyone being here," stated Campbell.
Life challenges us in different ways, but at Kircher, overcoming even the smallest challenge can be a huge success.
"I'm excited to come to school every day and I have a lot of pride," stated Campbell.
The school helps students who are able to work ease into the work place when they are ready to leave Kirchner once they reach 21.
Reported by: Lauren Whitney
Posted by: Beth Hoag
Published: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 5:18 AM
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 3:00 PM |
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