Please help Grey learn

Hi!

I am reaching out because I can't afford to give Grey the education he needs.

Do you know him?

If you do, you are aware that he is a loving son and caring big brother. His ability to turn a phrase or knowledge of obscure trivia probably has entertained you. He can scale any tree and enters challenges with a gusto often seen in superheros.

superman

Last year, his first year in middle school , resulted in him hiding in lockers and closets to avoid being harassed and physically harmed. He even resorted to hiding under a car to avoid a group of kids who constantly taunted him and threatened him. At the beginning of the year another student broke his finger.

Constant anxiety and fear won't allow for learning.

Grey is bright but his light is fading.

on the ferry

He was so excited to go to middle school. He loves learning and having meaningful conversations with other people who are passionate about, well, passionate about almost anything really. Reading, botany,history,poetry, singing, playing instruments,drawing,coding, cooking,hiking,physics,chemistry.... the list goes on.

adored big brother

He is incredibly inquisitive. Sadly, the lack of staff have made this journey impossible. There is a serious lack of staff to encourage compassion and ensure safety among students.

Grey's Nardwar impersonation

He has been excluded from class activities due to lack of supports and rarely had any opportunities to explore any of his interests.

He also has educational and emotional needs that are not being addressed due to lack of funding.

Grey has a wonderful cocktail of ADHD,Autism( formerly called Asbergers) dyslexia ( which manifests itself with extreme difficulties in writing and spelling but not reading- he is a voracious reader!), developmental coordination delays, growth delays and a few other health concerns. To add to this, he was tested and placed as a gifted learner but gifted funding has been cut back in his school district. He also doesn't have a friend base. He's lonely, scared, and unchallenged.

My attempts to advocate for him have failed.

My own unresolved health concerns have ment I cannot work and I am currently on Government disability assistance. Unfortunately, as a single parent with no financial or emotional support from anyone, to say we are struggling is an understatement.

always climbing

I have found a local inquiry based school called Vancouver Island School of Innovation and Inquiry. It means he can explore topics which inspire him. It is very small ( about 30 students) and it follows a parent participation model which means I can be part of his learning environment. Since the school just opened its doors 3 years ago, it doesn't have financial assistance.

It costs about $9500 a year not including transport,supplies,trips etc. I'm hoping to raise enough money to pay for his tuition for this school year. I know it is short notice. I just can't face sending him back to an environment that is harming him physically and emotionally and I'm not strong enough to homeschool. I'm hoping this new school will also put him among a group of learners who will have a similar passion for knowledge and maybe he can build some meaningful friendships. I'm very much isolated due to my health restrictions and taking care of 2 kids so it would be great if Grey could get to know some adults who could be positive role models too.

The natural world fascinates Grey

If you would be willing to help fund a really wonderful kid, I'd greatly appreciate it. Any amount would make a huge difference to the quality of his life now and help prepare him for his future.

Thank you for reading,

Jane