Most rising 6th grade students and their parents are a little nervous as students make the leap from elementary to middle school.
Kami Vasquez felt that way when her son DJ was about to start 6th grade at Chase Middle school this fall.
“I was very nervous at first because, you know, new school, big school, new things,” Kami shared.
Alora Bryan, a Designed Instruction (DI) teacher who is also new to Chase this year, recognized that DJ was a more reserved, quiet student in her class and looked for ways to engage him.
“We went through a progression of trying to figure it out what sensory things met his needs. And eventually we ended up with the United States flag,” Ms. Bryan explained.
As it happens, Chase paraeducator Andy Flanagan is a former Air Force service member with Air Force Honor Guard experience.
“We thought it was important as part of a staff to be able to show DJ the respect and honor of the flag and be able to fold it properly and hang it properly,” Mr. Andy noted.
It’s a privilege for DJ to help raise a special flag that he can see outside from his classroom window. Seeing it helps him focus and participate in the learning that’s happening inside with his teachers and classmates.
After only eight weeks into the school year, DJ has made huge leaps in his learning and engagement at school, starting from rarely speaking to growing into one or two words here and there to now having conversations in full sentences.
His mom Kami has also seen improvement in his reading and writing. “He’s doing a lot better this year than he has in a while.”
Ms. Bryan emphasized consistency in developing this supportive structure for DJ has been critical.
“The one time we don’t deliver, we've broken our promise to him, and then he's not going to trust us anymore,” she said.
Educators like Ms. Bryan and Mr. Andy are committed to partnering with caregivers to find unique ways to support students
“Not all students learn the same way,” Mr. Andy said, reflecting that the experience of honoring the flag with DJ has been a rewarding experience for him as well.
“I think we want this for every child that comes under our care,” Ms. Bryan said. “We want to help them communicate, help them navigate the world, make sure that they have all the tools at their disposal, because the world is hard enough for them already.”
Spokane Public Schools is committed to providing personalized support and resources to ensure every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. Learn more about Special Education Supports & Services.