Graduation Speech : My Senior Project Helped Me At Nazareth, Inclusive Education Majors

Throughout my life, I feel as though I have had many encounters with special education. Growing up, my grandmothers close friend had a daughter that had down syndrome. She was extremely sweet and loved company. Her parents had six other children who were grown and lived on their own. However, she lived at home with her parents her whole life. In elementary school, I do not remember many encounters with special education students. I do remember some kids being taken out of my class for part of the day, but that was my only experience during that time.

Usually high school students meet with the counselor and follow a determined set of coursework in order to graduate high school. However, if a student has been identified as a special needs student, the process of signing up for classes is not as simple as for other students. When trying to earn a high school diploma, special education students encounter difficulties not faced by their peers. The first step is for parents, school staff, and the student to meet and determine the best option for the student in order to receive a diploma. Determining the student’s path is called an IEP, individualized education plan. All special education students have an IEP that identifies the courses they will take in high school and the plans they will pursue after graduation. Students may choose from four paths: the traditional pathway, the career pathway, the occupational pathway, or the certificate of completion. The traditional pathway, which most advisors put the student on at first, allows the student the option of going to college. The next is the career pathway, which does not require a student to have an eligibility ruling for special education but still is another option if the student cannot obtain a high school diploma through the traditional path. Third, occupational pathway is a way to receive a diploma and not have to achieve as many credits or pass state test, but is still a difficult process. The last option for special education students is certificate of completion.

I was welcomed to Southeast Elementary by Mrs. Becca ElsaMiller. The environment as you walked into her special education classroom felt very open. As soon as I walked in I could tell that the students felt accepted in this classroom. I enjoyed the way that the adults were referred to by their first names. I was referred to as Ms. Caroline and that made me feel like I wasn’t as far off from the students. I saw a lot of trust and good connections among Mrs. ElsaMiller and her students.

As a Catholic community we must seek to live the life that Christ has shown us, to serve rather than be served. Our daily lives must begin and end with the love for God. And with our strong faith community, we can achieve greatness in all that we do.

Brandon is a middle grades student with special needs, who is on occasion placed in a Special Education classroom and program during school hours. He has always struggled in school with in-classroom assignments, but seems to struggle more when being place in a general classroom setting. When asked to do course work, Brandon ignores the teacher on purpose and does what he wants, and think that he can get away with it because of his special needs.

I mentioned something to you last week about continuing to mentor for next semester at Kennedy middle school and you told me that I needed to ask the school for permission. Who would I need to contact in order for me to continue to mentor next semester?

Hello, I am Sadè Stanton, a 2ND grade teacher at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. Per our conversation, the second grade team will be coming to the King Center on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 10:00am-12:30pm. This will be approximately 80 students, 5 teachers, and 10 parents. If there are any further questions, please feel free to contact me at (404) 748-2261. If you need to contact the school, the number is (404)802-3900. Thank you in advance for what I know will be an amazing experience.

Hi Ms.Barks, I am not sure if you remember me ( EAP 121,Winter 2015),just want to tell you I am done with ENG 101 and to thank you for the permit!!! It was very interesting expirience ( Bixby was my teacher),however I passed and moving on.This is my last quarter in Edcc , I am taking summer off and will be attending Shoreline community college this fall.Again,I just wanted to thank you for being supportive of me and allowing me to get closer to my goal!!!. I was very fortunate to have you as my teacher!!! Have a great summer!!!

The announcement calling all of the students to the gym rings through the staticky PA system of Ansel Parker Elementary School. Today is the day that Miguel Adriano would be here. Yes, THE Miguel Adriano. The world famous soccer star and multimillionaire will be here giving a speech. Most kids would be excited. But, let’s just say that the mothers of these kids would rather be meeting Miguel than the kids.

I will never forget where I came from. Benton Harbor Charter School was home for me. It hit home for me knowing that I had a wonderful teacher that cared about my education, and my life outside of school. Whenever I would come to school she’ll be the first to say “good morning kiddo” Just hearing that made me feel great like I was important to her. Ms. Alexander, you gave me the courage to stand up for myself and to never shut down when times get hard. When I’m feeling down you always have a way of putting me in a better mood. You knew what I was up against in the future and you kept pushing me to meet my goals.

So … snaps fingers … wow! This is a lot of people. Well, first off, congratulations everyone; you all made it this far. Hopefully you will be able to make through this speech. According to page ten of the Chisago Lakes High School Student Handbook, all of you have earned at least 28 credits in a variety of disciplines throughout the last four years. And for those English nerds out there, I do have a properly formatted works cited page if you would like to fact-check me. Don’t worry.

Hey Lisa, My name is Eric Jefferson. This is my first semester at UMD and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I'm a transfer student from Prince Georges Community College and I would love to take your class next semester, but unfortunately I didn't have time to audition this week. Is it possible If I can audition for your class next tuesday

Hello, and welcome to Escondido Christian School (ECS). In this essay I will be giving you some tips and tricks on how to survive Jr. high! Jr. high is definitely more difficult than elementary school, but ECS is very good at helping you grow in your faith and your knowledge. At ECS you will learn three very important things that will help you get through school. These three things are education, organization, and socialization.

How are you doing? This is Will, the tall black guy you would sometimes see in service. I'm writing to say goodbye. My project in Carson City came to an end and I've moved back to Texas. Thank you so much for making me feel at home at Hope. Your messages kept me going while I was in Reno. God used your words to truly bless me and also show me where I need to improve. Sorry I didn't get a chance to say goodbye in person, but everything happened so fast.

Good afternoon fellow classmates, beloved family members, wonderful staff of Palm Beach Lakes Community High School, and dedicated Palm Beach County School Board Members!