The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for everyone.

Everything that we know and do has changed. Your “old normal” of just jumping in the car and going to the grocery store, to the movies, work, school or even to church, has changed.

This is not only hard on us as adults, but for our kids, this is a whole new world. With so many parents trying to navigate how to become teachers and the kids trying to figure out our “old school” ways, it’s definitely a learning curve for us all.

As a parent to children with autism, this has been especially stressful. Routines have been changed, which means that our kids have an even harder time trying to adjust.

I am so thankful, though, for the teachers and staff at Open Door. These folks work every day with kids with multiple disabilities and so they know and understand the importance of routine with our kids.

In the month that we have been out of school, the teachers have not stopped helping the kids and their families. I personally have had phone calls from the principal and from my child’s teacher multiple times asking how not only my child is but how our family is holding up. My son’s teacher makes contact with us daily to see how we are doing and to say “Hello.”

Teachers have been sending school work home to our kids when needed and have opened up online groups to help with schoolwork. They have kept up with the families and tried to help locate food pantries, supplies or other resources that are available to any family that is in need. Numerous Open Door teachers have recorded themselves reading stories or doing fun activities that the kids at home can do. Most of all, they care about their students and their families. They stay in touch. They don’t just worry about the academics. They care about the physical, mental and emotional well being of the students and their family. 

No one knows when life will go back to normal. When we do, it’s nice to know that the teachers and staff at Open Door will know where they need to meet each student and what they need to succeed.

They never stopped doing their jobs. Many are working just as much, if not more, in their creativity and passion of helping their kids.

With the uncertainty of funds and how the election will go, many people would have left or not have put so much work into their jobs.

With Open Door School, this isn’t just a job for them. It’s a passion to help those who need help the most and for that, I want to thank Lawrence County DD, staff and teachers at Open Door.

Go Jets!!

From a thankful parent,

Karen Reed