The CONNOR GRIFFIN FAMILY TESTIMONIAL
In 2012, our son, Connor was twelve years old and beginning his sixth grade year in mainstreamed elementary school. Every day, we dropped him at the curb to go to class, was a kick in the gut. We would wait to hear who said or did what when he would trudge to the car in the afternoon. Connor is aspergers, and although on the mild spectrum, he suffered daily from that ‘handful’ of kids that just couldn’t seem to keep their manners in check. Many details and stories that I wouldn’t waste time or energy telling anyone about, but the time had come. We had to find a better fit for him.
Our search began in our hometown. Looking for specialized schools that would fit his needs, and yet not make him feel like an outcast. We were willing to drive however long and/or far necessary and pay what we could to try to make his education a fruitful one, hopefully with some fun and friends thrown in. Needless to say … nothing ‘fit’!
At the end of our rope, a friend recommended a school that was brand new to my ears, and eyes! WiloStar3D! An ‘on-line’ school. “Hmmm, well let’s take a look. Thank God”, literally!! Our son’s education took a turn we never dreamed of. This was something completely out of our wheelhouse. We never dreamed that we would be able to receive this kind of connection (no pun intended) . A connection with teachers, classmates, and a new kind of education that was a fit from day one. Hands on, and a new learning adventure everyday!
That was seven years ago. Our son is now nineteen, and graduating with his class of 2019, with pride and dignity. The help he received from everyone at Wilostar3D, from classes that were tailored for his needs, to a staff that goes so far above and beyond to make sure that, as long as the effort is there, failure is not a word in their vocabulary! Strange, that even though he hasn’t ‘yet’ met anyone face to face, he has friends and a support system that we believe will go far beyond his graduation. He’s ready to take that next step – becoming a fully functional part of society. We’re all ready for that next chapter, but “WOW”, what a ride! Thank you Wilo, thank you ……….( long list of AmAzInG individuals) for helping to make Connor’s school years a time to treasure!
With Grateful Hearts! The Griffin
Trips both locally and farther way fosters a sense of connections not seen when only participating in online learning experiences. Students studying Colonial America may wish to visit Jamestown or Colonial Williamsburg and document it using their smartphones. Students take part in interactive presentations and meet historical figures or tour the Kennedy Space Center! High school students can complete local marine science labs in partnership with many excellent aquariums. These are only a few of the wonderful learning adventures our students experience as part of our experiential learning requirement!
