FERNAN: Best place for Jasper, others

My son Jasper is in the Life Skills class here at Fernan Elementary. I believe that everyone in the class is an amazing and caring person. Jasper has been at this school off and on for five years. The years he wasn't in this school was because we had moved. I purposely looked for housing within the Fernan district because of the fact that it is a superb school. Jasper has really grown and I attribute a huge part of that to the school and its employees.

Jasper is non-verbal and non-ambulatory, not unlike a few other students here. He also has a feeding tube and a shunt. The aides know how to use them properly and I have no worries about his care while he is in school. The aides in the classroom treat Jasper like a normal kid. He is taught at a level he can understand but isn't spoken to like he is unable to understand. I know when Jasper has worked hard during the day because he falls asleep as soon as he gets home. He comes home with a smile and it's very chatty when he comes through the door. He doesn't make words but he is so excited, that I know he is telling me about his day.

I drop Jasper off every weekday at his classroom. I discuss with the teachers and the aides about any concerns I have. This has made for a great relationship between me and the staff. I believe this is another reason that I have no worries about his care or his safety within the walls of Fernan Elementary. I know for a fact that his teacher and many aides in the class all have my personal cell phone number so I can be reached at any time. I have been called on a few occasions to have updates on my little boy. They have called me to let me know he has no appetite or that he was seen by the nurse. In every instance they have shown compassion and professionalism. Honestly, I wish that he could stay in the Life Skills class forever. That is how much I appreciate the people that help my son daily.

ERICA BLESSING

Coeur d'Alene