X

Opinion: BOCES program changed son's for the better, says Madrid resident

Posted 3/16/18

To the Editor: In response to the Feb. 14-20 Letter to the Editor "Parent Questions Safety Precautions at BOCES" in North Country This Week: The BOCES Life Skills program and workshop has changed the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Opinion: BOCES program changed son's for the better, says Madrid resident

Posted

To the Editor:

In response to the Feb. 14-20 Letter to the Editor "Parent Questions Safety Precautions at BOCES" in North Country This Week: The BOCES Life Skills program and workshop has changed the life of my son for the better.

The classroom teacher and shop teacher in the program he attends bring so much joy, pleasure and knowledge to his life.

My son has learned so much in those classes. My son and I talk about safety in the shop and in everyday life, and I feel the teacher has taught him many safety skills and general skills that he can use in his everyday life.

Before this class, I don't think that I would have ever allowed him to handle a hammer and now I feel confident that he could use tools with minimal supervision.

The teacher in that room has an abundance of compassion and knowledge of safety, and has passed this on to my son. This program, and specifically the workshop component, has allowed him to feel normal and confident. By giving my son the opportunity to make projects for his family and the community, he has gained a sense of purpose.

My son had limited skills at school, which made it hard for him and he didn't like school until he started the BOCES Life Skills program at Potsdam. Before, he found no pleasure or joy in going to school and it was as all so stressful for him.

However, since he began attending the BOCES program, he has learned so much and felt so confident that it totally exceeded my expectations.

I thank the BOCES Life Skills program at Potsdam everyday for all they do for their children in that class. The teachers are amazing and their whole lives revolve around these children. Thank you to the staff at the BOCES Life Skills program for putting children FIRST.

Teresa Burnor

Madrid