Students Who Have Changed My Life

As you may know, I teach severe intellectually disabled medically fragile students at Camden Elementary School of the Creative Arts. These students have many challenges they have to overcome, yet everyday, they surprise my assistants and myself with the things they do. They bring so much joy and laughter everywhere they go. With a heavy heart and many tears, I share with you that four of my students will be leaving me this year because they are either turning 21 or are currently 21. This means they are aging out of the public school system. I have wanted to do something very special for these four students of mine because they have truly changed my life. Three of these students I have taught for 15 years, and one of them I have had the privilege of teaching for five years. Through the years I have had them in my class, these students have given back to the community in many different ways. Some of these ways are packing food bags for Sacks of Love, sewing and presenting 36 quilts to the residents at the Kershaw Health Karesh Long Term Care in Camden, making “Cheer Cards” for Food for the Soul, donating to Toys for Tots at Christmas Time, packing care packages for the American Soldiers who are overseas, adopting a Homeland Security Division and making Trail Mix for them, making dog treats to give to the Kershaw County Humane Society, and making and presenting a birdbath to the new homeowners with Habitat for Humanity. Because of everything these students have done to give back to the community and touch the lives around them, I want to do something to thank them. I have been racking my brain for the past year trying to figure out exactly what I want to do to allow my students and their parents to make memories that will last a lifetime.


I have decided I want to give these four amazing students a once in a lifetime “Senior Trip” to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I decided on Walt Disney World because the amazing sights and sounds there would be very stimulating for these children. I have been in contact with a wonderful woman who helps with booking reservations. She has given us an extremely good deal so all these children and their parents can make this dream of mine a reality. We have booked a three-night stay at an onsite Walt Disney Resort to make transportation easier for these families. They will also get the opportunity to spend two days in Magic Kingdom and each family member will be able to have one Quick Service Meal per day. Because they are staying onsite, they will get free shuttle rides to and from the resort and Magic Kingdom throughout their stay.


I am now asking for your help. For this trip to be made possible, we are trying to raise enough donations by April 15th, 2018 so each family will only have to pay $50.00. You see, all of these families have tremendous medical expenses, and it is very difficult for them to be able to take a family vacation. With your help, together we can make this dream possible and give these four families the trip of a lifetime. To really see how these students can impact the lives around them, please feel free to stop by my class anytime.


Thank you so much for your support. We look forward to seeing you soon!


Mrs. Renee Thompson