Back to School Time

It’s back to school time once again and Positive Tomorrows is starting the year learning about the challenges presented by a new group of students.  They come with so many challenges ahead of them, such as academic obstacles and more emotional baggage than most adults. 

Jonathon is one of our kindergarten students.  He and his mother are homeless due to domestic violence.  Academically, he is extremely-well prepared.  He can read and write at an advanced level for his age.  However, his health is a different story.

Jonathon suffers from a number of health issues including asthma, severe allergies and sleep apnea.  He has severe separation anxiety, probably related to trauma earlier in his young life.  Some days, Jonathon does well in class; participating openly, laughing and playing.  Other days, his anxiety is so over-whelming that it is difficult for him to re-gain composure.  

Jonathon, more than anything, needs to feel safe.  The flexibility of Positive Tomorrows is the perfect setting for him.  He is able to be in class with his peers, make friends and learn.  When his anxiety becomes an issue, a patient, nurturing teacher sits with him until he feels safe again. 

His story reminds us of another student we met last year at Positive Tomorrows.  An older student, Justin, has similar health issues but also struggles with weight.  At age 9, he weighed well over 250 pounds. 

Justin’s mother, teachers and our case managers worked together as a team and by the end of school, Justin had lost weight, gained control over many of his health issues including his sleep apnea and was beginning to blossom.  He began openly singing in music class and our music teachers found him to be extremely talented.  He was invited to attend the Canterbury Chorale Society’s summer youth camp. 

Justin is a returning student this year.  His teacher, Kelly Orser, says that he is a changed young man.  He used to be shy and now is showing signs of leadership.  He feels better and his improved health is highly evident in his behavior in school.  All of the investment in Justin last year paid off with improved emotional and physical health. 

This year, Justin can focus on his academic development, so he is well on the road to success in school and in life.  Jonathon is just beginning his journey, but thanks to our donors and friends, Positive Tomorrows will be here to help.