Why Did You Start This? (Part One)

Technically, Charlotte was a senior last year.  Class of 2026.  She walked across the stage at her high school’s graduation ceremony, even though she didn’t receive a traditional diploma.  Charlotte received an alternative diploma.  This means instead of passing the reading/algebra/science requirements for a traditional high school diploma, she spent her high school years working just as hard on alternative reading, math and social skills that will set her up for success in her life. 

Although this is a different path, it is certainly one worth celebrating and honoring the same as other high school graduation accomplishments.  We were fortunate to receive the most amazing celebration gift at the end of her senior year.  Charlotte’s teachers, support staff and honestly the entire high school community honored Charlotte and the other graduating senior from her class in just the most wonderful ceremony you could imagine. 

Charlotte’s teachers spoke about her interests and strengths.  There was at least one student with a tear in their eye listening to the words that were said, and after the ceremony, there were students waiting in line to sign her yearbook. This doesn’t happen everywhere and I know it wouldn’t happen without the community that has been created at her high school over many years. 

The peer tutors that sign up to be in Charlotte’s class are future teachers, OTs, PTs, SLPs, direct support professionals and day program transportation staff – people our world greatly needs.  When her teachers share Charlotte’s interests with the student population, they help students see how much they may have in common with her and her classmates.  Without someone standing up and saying these things, high school kids wouldn’t have a reason to know this. My husband and I have said that in our own high school experience in the 90s, we didn’t even know whether students like Charlotte were in our school, much less have the chance to know them as part of the community.  Many thanks to Charlotte’s teachers for telling the community that Charlotte enjoys karaoke, dancing, and watching basketball. And many thanks to her high school community for listening. 

When you receive an alternative diploma, you can continue going to public school until you are 21.  Charlotte is lucky to be able to return to her same high school again this fall and become the first (at least as far as I know) special ed student in the district to be enrolled in a co-op program.  She leaves school early every day to work at her t-shirt business and work on her job skills.  The co-op program is a privilege that “typical” seniors can participate in and hopefully this means other students like Charlotte will choose to participate in this option in the future as well.  We are so proud of Charlotte and what she has accomplished, and we are so grateful that a school community as supportive and kind as hers has wrapped their arms around us.