Letter From Reg and Janice Malley

May 2005

To all of you at High Road Academy,

It is with emotions of joy and sadness that I write this letter. This is my first experience having a child graduate from High School; those of you that have experienced this must know somewhat how I feel.

There are not enough words that can express our true appreciation to all the people that touched our lives over the past five years.

The Principle Dr. Gaske, Vice Principle Ms. Goering, Teachers, Teachers' Assistants, and Office Manager Ms. Moses and Ms. Mitchell are of the finest quality anyone could imagine.

Prior to Brian's admision to HRA, he simply existed in a public classroom. He suffered from depression, the inability to function academically, had very low self esteem and poor social skills. We felt hopeless.

The program at HRA helped Brian overcome all of these issues and today he is a totally different person. Brian will soon receive his diploma and has plans to continue an educational program after High School. He is self confident, has great values and no longer has any signs of depression.

I feel it necessary to mention each one of his teachers that had such an important role in Brian's success. Mr. Cooper was the first teacher to welcome Brian into the school. Brian came to HRA in the spring semester of 2000, a fragile 13 year old. Mr. Cooper helped Brian settle in his new environment and supported him while assessing Brian's needs. Second year at HRA Ms. Grandison's most precious accomplishment was that she repaired Brian's broken spririt. Once he had his spirit back it opened his eyes and his mind to a new world. Oh and Ms. Fabian! WOW, we connot say enough about her teaching methods and with constant encouraging words. Ms. Fabian and Ms. Bezner, (her assistant) had so much faith in Brian tha he had no choice but to accomplish everything she wanted him to do and more. He did most of it with a smile in his heart because that is how she made him feel.

Mr. Phillips and Mr. O'Brien in 11th grade continued the process with their gentle manners. Brian respected these two men and had a great learning year. Brian met his IEP goals with the help of these teachers and had a very successful year.

Now Brian is in his 12th and final year with Mr. Mac. I reflect back on this year and think "Mr. Mac, God Bless You!" Mr. Mac had the challenge of teaching a group of seniors that thought they had it made this far and could float through their final year. Much to their surprise Mac was able to get through to these young men.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of you at HRA.

Sincerely,

Reg and Janice Malley

 

HIGH ROAD ACADEMY

Phone: (301) 483-8605 | Fax: (301) 483-3182 | Email: cooperhra@yahoo.com

Webmaster: perwolden@yahoo.com