An Alternative Agenda

10 | IN-DEPTH

University. Since then, she has learned the rules from her sister and is looking forward to her 12th year playing, as well as her last year playing for Ladue.

“Her favorite thing in the world is to play eld hockey and be on the team,” Andy Katzman, Molly’s father said. “She loves her teammates and her coaches, Lindsey Porter and Stephanie O’Neal. They have been incredibly supportive of Molly and we are beyond grateful. One year the Ladue team went to watch Lily play eld hockey and Lindsey took the team to Northwestern. It was one of Molly’s highlights at Ladue.”

Similarly, senior Ainsley Bierling found camaraderie and made lots of memories through the Sparkle E ect; a national, all-inclusive, cheerleading club for students across America. Bierling has PURA Syndrome, which can cause developmental delays as well as intellectual di culties. Through Sparkle she has made friends with both students with disabilities and students without disabilities. She has also learned to foster school spirit.

“Ainsley requires assistance with all aspects of daily life,” Jen Bierling, Ainsley’s mother, said. “Ainsley’s disability also impacts her ability to speak, but she understands everything and is social. Being a part of Sparkle is one of her favorite parts of school.”

Additionally, Aman Patney, a freshman with Down Syndrome, is also very passionate about his hobbies. He has played the drums for four years and takes weekly lessons from the School of Rock. In fact, he even performed his drums in the talent show at Ladue Middle School

“[My favorite song to play on the drums is] Payphone,” Patney said.

Ladue o ers a place for students with disabilities to be passionate about the things they love and learn with their peers. The community created through sports, clubs, teachers and even just being with other students in the hallway is what makes their high school experiences memorable.

“We just need to remember that Charlie, and kids like Charlie are a part of Ladue rst, or a part of Ladue also,” Sara Brunnquell said. ..\. P

Students with learning and other disabilities share their experience at Ladue in the Special School District

START DAY!

YES

NO

ARRIVING AT SCHOOL

GOOD JOB ON THE TEST! YOUR HARD WORK PAID OFF, 98%. Disabilities aren’t a one size fits all situation, so neither are accommodations. Some students walk with a teacher when arriving and others walk to class alone.

Students’ days are a mixture of SSD classes, where they work closely with teachers, and general education classes which include elective classes.

illustration by |JOANNE SUNG WORKING IN SSD CLASS

[I GO TO CLASS] AND I PUT MY STUFF DOWN AND PLAY ON THE COMPUTER “

FOR A WHILE AND SEE MR. FORTUNE. MOLLY KATZMAN (12) Accommodations come in many forms.

Some students do all their work online or need an adjustment period when they are in a new space.

WORKING IN STANDARD CLASSES

“CHARLIE IS IN SSD FOR MATH, READING AND WRITING. HE’S

IN GENERAL EDUCATION FOR

P.E., MUSICAL THEATER,

COMPUTER ANIMATION, SCIENCE

AND HISTORY WITH AMAZING

ACCOMMODATIONS.

SARA BRUNNQUELL (PARENT)

WE FOUND OUT ABOUT A CLUB THAT CHARLIE IS GOING TO PARTICIPATE IN; ITS CALLED SPARKLE. THE TEACHERS AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CONNECTED US WITH THE PEOPLE WHO ARE RUNNING SPARKLE THIS YEAR SARA BRUNNQUELL (PARENT) CONTINUE DAY? GO TO CLUBS GO HOME

GOOD GAME!

GOING HOME...

GOING TO CLUBS & SPORTS “

Jack Hansen (11) joined the basketball team in 8th grade and has played ever since then.

THANKS FOR PLAYING GOODBYE!