Two years ago when visiting my grandson Alon, I discovered that he had fallen through the cracks in his public school system and was reading at a first grade level, though he was heading into fourth grade. I knew he was losing ground when we sat together and refused to read aloud; I witnessed him closing down emotionally. His school struggles began to impact his behavior at home, with family and friends.

My grandson, Alon Zaken, is a ten-year old boy with a very big heart, is extremely smart,  and has some extra special needs getting back up to speed with both his confidence and academic skills. 

Alon's mom, Nina, who works single handedly to support Alon and his brother, has worked repeatedly to find a learning environment for Alon where he can thrive. After two years of meetings, and advocacy, we were finally able to get Alon tested. We learned Alon had specific special learning needs that were not being accommodated. Our family set Alon up with a caring and dedicated after-school tutor and we accessed all the possible resources at his public school, but by the end of the year it was clear that our efforts were not enough; Alon was really struggling and he needed immediate support.

That's when we found Pinnacle Academy , a school dedicated to helping children like Alon. I moved from California to Florida to be closer and helped Nina pick up the children from school, which was a 45 minute drive each way from their home so she could work a full day. Alon was awarded a scholarship and I dedicated my year to finding a way to cover the balance of fees for Alon’s education.

After one year we have seen a real change in Alon’s academic abilities and emotional health. He is now enjoying reading again, is much happier, and is finally becoming self-motivated in his schoolwork. We consider this past year to be a great success for Alon, and are confident that going to Pinnacle Academy has been a saving grace in his life.

Facing the next school year, we struggled to figure out how we can send him back to Pinnacle Academy (as I have exhausted my funds). The school also will no longer be taking payment plans this year, which adds to the hardship. We even considered putting him back in public school, but realized this could be detrimental, after having a special meeting with his teacher. She expressed great concern over him losing ground again, and strongly recommended that Alon needs at least another year, in order for him to continue on his trajectory of positive growth and building a foundation for a successful future. She also worried that he could deteriorate if placed too soon back in the public school system, which had failed him.

I am reaching out to you, my friends, family and community, to ask for assistance and financial support to gift Alon and help allow him to continue to attend one more year of Pinnacle Academy, a specialized private school for children with special needs, for his 2016-2017 school year.

Our goal is to raise $10,982 for Alon. Your gift will contribute to paying the $500 registration deposit, $7000 school fees, $3000 after-school care, and the purchase of a recommended computer program to assist his specific learning needs which costs $482.

We are hoping to  pay the balance this summer, as school starts in mid-August. Any funds over $10,982 would help Alon buy his school uniform, needed school supplies and sign-up for after school sports (he loves soccer and football).

Thank you so much for listening to Alon's story. Please share our site with anyone who you think might be interested in helping Alon on his journey. Thank you from the bottom of your hearts for your financial contribution to Alon’s education and emotional development.

We understand that not everyone will be able to contribute financially, and so we warmly welcome your positive thoughts and well wishes with open hearts and our deep gratitude.

If you have any questions please contact me through GO FUND ME for more information.

Warm wishes and love to all!

Grandma Shell