Paul and Danielle show appreciation to staff and faculty.

Hi. My name is Danielle and my son’s name is Paul. I am a native Californian residing in New Jersey for the past 9 years, to secure and maintain services for my son Paul, who is on the Autism Spectrum. We have resided in 4 different states on the journey to secure full services (California, Nevada, Georgia, and now New Jersey). All of the states taught us something, but New Jersey is where we find FULL services and resources for my son. As a result of our fight and a host of beautiful souls along the way, my son is an out-of-district private school student and has been since 7th grade.

Currently, my son attends Spectrum 360 in Livingston, where the small class size (6-8 kiddos), differentiated lesson plans, and additional resources (reading specialist, speech & occupational therapy) have helped and continue to help him excel. I am SO thankful that we have found a home, community, and caring individuals to foster his education by educating the whole child.

As a parent first and the PSO Vice President second, I see firsthand just how much work goes into making this specialized school run year after year. My son is a senior at Spectrum 360 and it took work, years, dedication, and a lot of leading with love to get him to this point.

Thanks to the WHOLE staff, my son has flourished academically and has even been able to play basketball on his school’s team (something I didn’t think was in the cards for him). Every time I come to the school, everyone has something pleasant to say about my son. He is handled with care and consideration from the bus aide to his teacher, coach, nurse, and even the front office. So, I want to give back to each of the 227 staff/faculty at his school who made New Jersey and Spectrum 360 our last stop for education and resources.

On May 9th, we are hosting our staff appreciation luncheon during teacher appreciation week. It is my personal goal to provide a $25 gift card to each member of the staff to show my personal appreciation to them, as my son ends his senior year and moves into the young adult program.

With your help, I can make my goal possible. 227 gift cards at $25 each is the $5675 goal that I have above. If I can get 227 people to donate $25, my goal will be reached. Please consider helping me to give back to the many, many staff and faculty, who have given SO much to my son and me, as he exits high school into adulthood.

Now let’s show these educators, front office, back office, janitors, coaches, one-to-one aides, and kitchen staff what one mom with a big heart and even bigger appreciation is capable of. My appreciation and thanks are extended in advance.

Cordially, Paul and Danielle