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Reflections from the Students of Cotting

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Reflections from the Students of Cotting Reflections from the Students of Cotting COTTING SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT My Kingdom - Song by Julie B. I walked into this world full of miracles A little scared, not knowing where to go But you welcomed me into your kingdom Willing to help me to grow. And once the gate closed behind me I knew I could never look back ‘Cuz now I’m home. Yes, now I’m home Oh, I’m home. I’m finally home! Faces follow me as I walk to the kingdom I see the people of the world there at the door. My sisters and my brothers So many people who care. And once the gate closed behind me I was free falling with love I dare to be ME. I dare to be ME. I dare to be ME.... I’m finally ME! To hear Julie’s song about Cotting School, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q_971ouErw In Their Own Words Each day Cotting student writers express themselves through different media for academic endeavors. Each voice is powerful and unique. In this, our 2011 Annual Report, the students speak. As you read these pages, let what each student says confirm what we at Cotting already know: we serve exceptional students. Whether their thoughts are delivered via pencils, pens, augmentative communication devices, or a parent’s voice on tape, each student’s contribution focuses our attention on his or her compelling message. The song Julie wrote about starting at Cotting School (opposite page) is the first of many examples. We invite you to turn these pages to gain deeper insights and an appreciation for our students’ many talents. 1 L to R: David Manzo, Anne Phillips Ogilby and David Cushing To the Cotting School Community This year I witnessed a smooth transition on our Board of Trustees as Chairman Anne Phillips Ogilby completed her term and passed the baton to David Cushing. A forward-thinking strategist, Anne balanced the immediate needs of Cotting School with a clear vision for the future. Our trustees, staff, students and families benefited from Anne’s extraordinary and visionary leadership. Since her Chairmanship began in 2000, Anne worked diligently to help Cotting maintain our co-founders’ commitment to excellence and innovation in all areas of our work with children with special needs. During Anne’s tenure, Cotting achieved significant milestones, such as accreditation by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a new playing field, a fitness center, and other major improvements to our campus. I welcome David Cushing, who has a longtime commitment to the mission of Cotting School. In addition to his role as a dedicated Trustee, David chaired our Development Committee. David knows the value of close ties with Cotting students. As a high school student, his son, Charles, spent one summer as a classroom volunteer and another as a Program Assistant. It was a time during which David watched Charles “blossom and gain rich insight into a more vital definition of life.” I’m deeply thankful for Anne’s leadership and look ahead to working with David in the 119th year of the “experiment” begun in 1893 by our inaugural Board of Trustees. Cotting School is fortunate to have a cadre of dedicated Board members whose leadership is the envy of our peers. David W. Manzo President 2 Two Fully Funded Fellowships With gratitude for the extraordinary generosity of the many donors who made these initiatives possible, Cotting School is pleased to announce the completion of funding for two major initiatives, The Cotting Fellowship, ($2 Million) and The Augustus Thorndike Fellowship ($350,000). From L to R: Jeanine Dowd, Cotting Fellow 2009- 2011; Erica Schlank, Cotting Fellow 2011-2013; and The Cotting Fellowship selects one recent Brenna O’Donnell, Cotting Fellow 2010-2012. college graduate in Education to teach at Cotting for two years under close mentoring. After successful completion of the two years, the Fellow is given a generous stipend toward a Master’s degree in Special Education, our way of giving back to the field. It is our hope that, going forward, Fellows will be ambassadors of the School, bringing their training, innovation, and passion for learning with them. Given annually, The Thorndike Fellowship Thorndike Fellows Priscilla Egan and Laura Newton recognizes a member of the faculty or staff of Cotting School who exemplifies excellence in service to children with special needs. While this Fellowship recognizes the extraordinary work of a particular member of the Cotting School staff each year, it simultaneously acknowledges the thoughtful, dedicated efforts of the staff as a whole. 2010 Thorndike Fellowship recipient, Laura Newton, expanded the Cotting School Community Trip Curriculum. 2011 recipient, Priscilla Egan, further developed the Middle School’s Science Curriculum. Please see page 21 for the list of donors who have so kindly made these Fellowships a reality. 3 4 Not Just A School by Mena B. Class of 2011 Cotting is not just a school; it’s a community. The support that encompasses the school is indescribable. At my previous schools, I felt my disability was holding me back, whereas at Cotting it is my motivation to grow. Between the encouragement of my peers and my own inner drive, I have accomplished more than I could ever hope. Cotting’s positive energy is contagious. Anyone can play basketball, no matter what challenges he or she may face. What truly separates Cotting from other schools is the students and staff within its walls. Everyone is so friendly and accepting. My previous school experiences always tended to lack something. I always felt left out or judged because of my disability. When I changed to home schooling, I didn’t have many social interactions with kids my age and the few I was still connected with seemed to slowly fade away. At Cotting I have found my identity. I have made many friends and feel confident in myself. I have learned more than what one can read in a textbook. I will carry all of this with me as I take my next step in life. Teaching Mena - Brenna O’Donnell As soon as I met Mena, she shared her desire took the SATs, submitted college applications, to go to a four-year college after graduation. planned for her personal care needs, found With the assistance of other staff members, accessible housing, volunteered at a hospital, we created a curriculum that would challenge got her learner’s permit, and proved to all who Mena in all academic areas while preparing her knew her that she was college-level material. for her future. She entered Bridgewater State University in the fall of 2011. She wants to be a writer. Mena enrolled in English 101 at Middlesex Community College’s dual enrollment program, 5 Nonverbal Communication Says a Lot! Students at Cotting use a variety of means of communication in their daily interactions. Some students speak, some use both their own voices and assistive devices, others use augmentative communication devices that provide them a voice. All of our students know the importance of nonverbal communication in expressing themselves. Owen shares news and information via a “Step-by-Step,” a series of recorded messages made by his caregivers, along with lots of expression that reinforces his message. Answering yes/no through eye gaze, picture support and nodding, Owen has told us what he likes about Cotting. Why I Like Cotting by Owen L. I like that my teachers talk to me and ask me questions. I feel proud when I answer. I can talk to my classmates. I can play in gym class. I feel important in school. My choices matter to the class and my teachers. I love having Ms. Alada for a teacher. I like to joke around with Ms. Wini. I love gym. I love my OT, my PT, my CT. I love using my computer. I do Show and Tell. I don’t always like doing work in the classroom. I would rather talk with my friends. Teaching Owen - Alada Caughey and Winifred Birmingham Owen knows a lot; his head is full of ideas. his friends and hanging out with them during There is so much Owen wants to convey. the school day. When he wants to engage us, The “Step-by-Step” communicator gives him his eye gaze is determined, intense. He is fun to the opportunity to independently share work with and very expressive. information. Owen truly enjoys chatting with 6 7 8 I Can Be Independent by Chris C. Cotting helps me be independent. I like being on the basketball team and the track team because I have the opportunity to go to Special Olympics. Cotting has the best communication therapists (CTs). When I was in my old school I had a chin switch, which was very hard for me. When I came to Cotting the CT who was working with me gave me a head switch which is easier for me. Cotting is a good way for people with disabilities to be independent. Cotting lets me be independent because the physical therapists help me find new assistive technology. The Cotting staff helps me research my future plans. I like playing in the night games and playing against the staff. I liked going on the S.A.LS.E.* weekends because I like to do things with my friends independently. Cotting has helped me to be more independent. After Cotting, I will continue to be independent. * SALSE (Summer Adapted Living Skills Experience) is a 5-week summer program for our oldest upper school students to study transportation, housing, vocational opportunities, community resources and recreation/leisure.
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