Bloomington High School North, Nikean, 2006, Page 33

Description:	For The FutureStory by Beth KiddJust as in every class at Bloomington North,the students in Victoria Waltzs Special Needsclass are individuals with a variety of abilities,needs, and backgrounds.The majority of her students are autistic,who are high functioning and have good verbalskills. There are also students with Downsyndrome, spinal bifida, visual impairments,and various emotional handicaps.The most challenging aspect of teachingthe class, said the 11-year special needsteacher, Victoria Waltz,is that everything hasto be individualized.There are a variety of skill levels among thestudents, which makes finding group activitiesdifficult.Nonetheless, every day she directs thespecial needs fitness program, in which all herstudents do a variety of activities includingtennis, swimming, golf, soccer, roller blading,and strength training.The program uses a wraparound method,using exercise, speech therapy, andcommunity services, in hopes that thestudents will develop skills that continuebeyond high school.Several of the students leave school to helpout at businesses and facilities aroundBloomington such as Bloomingfoods, OliveGarden, McDonalds and the Eye Center.Katie Mills and Brandon Ramos, deal withthe emergency food services, where they fillorders and determine what families the foodgoes to.I like the fact that the kids are working,because it allows them to learn responsibilityand make mistakes, and they can get an ideaof what they want to do after high school, saidNancy Kalina, special needs teacher.Life outside of school often presents specialchallenges. Half of the students live in grouphomes, facilities where students are not withtheir families, but people with similardisabilities.As a result, they must not only deal withtheir disabilities but also social challengesthat go along with not having the traditionalupbringing.What do you likeabout being a peertutor?r I likehelping themlearn thingsand gettingto experienceit withthem.-BritneySaters,sophomore I like itbecause youget to be apart of theireveryday livesandactivities.-AlyssaReeces, juniorI like thatyou have thechance tointeract withpeople youwouldntnormally(wouldnt).-CourtneySloan, seniorVictoria Waltzs students swimin the pool during theirphysical therapy time. Thesestudents particiapte in awraparound program wherephysical therapy is one of themany activies they do.Sophomore Brandon Bamosjumps off the diving board. Thestudents also participate in golf,tennis, soccer, bowling, rollerblading, strenth training andseveral other physical activitiesduring the school year.Special Needs 33
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomnorth/id/5837
Collection:	Bloomington High School North

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