Ms. Dirzius’s Support During This Unsteady Time

Ms. Dirzius has been a constant emotional and educational support over the past month to both staff and students. She entered the remote learning environment with energy, enthusiasm and an immediate focus on problem solving. She has actively been involved in all levels of this new educational process: gathering materials, participating in synchronous learning events, assisting with technology issues, creating new documentation systems and mailing asynchronous packets. Our whole team has benefited from her expertise and support. She responds to their needs and questions without hesitation and never has a limit on her ideas and solutions. She tackles any [...]

Ms. Dirzius’s Support During This Unsteady Time2022-01-18T00:27:45-05:00

Mr. Landry’s Positive Attitude

Kyle joined us in the Fall of this year, entering the Special Education field for the first time since completing his BA in Psychology. He has a strong commitment to youth with special needs, having been involved in adaptive karate locally. He quickly has become an integral part of the BEST Academy community. He is willing to work with any student, building strong connections with even the most complex students. He is eager to learn and constantly active and involved. Kyle’s coworkers have recognized his willingness to learn and support in any situation. He responds quickly to any area of [...]

Mr. Landry’s Positive Attitude2022-01-18T00:34:15-05:00

Adam’s Smile Lights Up A Room

Adam had many sensory challenges when he joined BEST Academy. Over time, he has accessed coping mechanisms to assist with visual and auditory stimulation. His favorite activities are washing dishes, finding the water soothing, and taking walks. For his comfort, we have purchased He has taken these skills and been able to transition to a new classroom recently, readily accepting new peers, new sounds and sights. Adam has taught us a great deal. He let us into his unique world and allowed us to share our world with him. He has a smile that will light up a room! This [...]

Adam’s Smile Lights Up A Room2022-01-18T00:34:55-05:00

Amanda Is Invaluable

Amanda is always happy to assist with any need at any time, exuding confidence and kindness. She never seems hurried or concerned, making each student feel special and important. These traits were increasingly evident this month as she was more active throughout the school building as she filled in for Nurse Mike’s absence. This Fall, she accepted an additional responsibility as one of our three Qualified Professionals. This role supports our campus RN by addressing basic first aid needs, assisting with medication regimes and generally being a constant voice of calm and positivity. In the past month, Amanda has been [...]

Amanda Is Invaluable2022-01-18T00:34:55-05:00

Andrew’s Successful Improvement

Andrew was chosen as student of the month for November in yellow room. He entered transition at the beginning of this school year and moved with us in the month of October. He has handled these many changes so well. This month he has attended gym with our class and for the past two weeks, he has worked at 99 Restaurant. He washes the tables and is even beginning to set up the silverware. He demonstrates a willingness to work hard there. Andrew has demonstrated such an improvement in his patience and understanding when those around him say [...]

Andrew’s Successful Improvement2022-01-18T00:28:48-05:00

Kyli’s Impacted On Our Students

Kyli is a dynamic, creative and energetic staff member. She assists students gain coping mechanisms for times of difficulty, allowing them to increase their confidence and independence. She orchestrates Social Skills, creating environments in which friendships can grow. She provides professional developments for our staff, so all members of the team can expand their knowledge base and more competently educate our very unique students. She is also a constant support to our families emotionally, while connecting them to community resources for long-term guidance and enhancement of their quality of life. She is an endless bounty of energy and [...]

Kyli’s Impacted On Our Students2022-01-18T00:28:54-05:00

Azreal’s All Knowing Smile

Azreal has boundless energy and exhibits the ability to truly enjoy and appreciate our students. Over the past month, she has been an amazing resource and support for new staff. She has also been increasingly engaged in classroom meetings and other professional developments, exhibiting a desire to learn, collaborate and support. Azreal has had a significant presence throughout the school community. Her laughter can be heard throughout the hallways, creating a sense of fun and stability. She is always eager to help in any situation and is open to growing and learning about new students and new educational tools. [...]

Azreal’s All Knowing Smile2022-01-18T00:28:56-05:00

Noah Shares What He’s Thankful For

Noah was selected for student of the month because he is helpful, flexible, and kind to others. He is always willing to help others both students and staff. He is involved with class activities like morning meetings, music, and related services with peers. He is flexible about conflicts that happen throughout the day. For example, if another student needs a TO room and he is having a break in there he will give it up without a problem for the other student. Every Thursday the class does yoga with the PT teacher. At the end they go around and share [...]

Noah Shares What He’s Thankful For2022-01-18T00:28:56-05:00

What Would We Do Without Mr. Noriega?

We are very fortunate to have a number of veteran staff who fulfill many roles with grace, calm and kindness, focusing solely on the best interest of the students, not seeking accolades or comfort for themselves. Their skills and experience lend themselves to be able to support with a wide variety of students as well as coordinate activities that benefit the school-wide community. Mr. Noriega is always willing, at a moment's notice, to join a situation, change his daily plan and participate in student discussions. He has even turned his car around and returned to school when he [...]

What Would We Do Without Mr. Noriega?2022-01-18T00:29:30-05:00

Yaziel’s Activities

Yaziel Ramos was selected as B.E.S.T. Academy’s October Student of the Month. Yaziel has been very involved in many activities in the school. He enjoys working with our PT in the motor-sensory room and has been increasing his ability to socialize and extend his physical activities. Yaziel has "risen to the occasion" when presented with tasks, accordingly to Amy Farmer, Education Director. Yaziel has been able to complete tasks around campus such as delivering items and working with our snack cart! Learn more about BEST Academy today!

Yaziel’s Activities2022-01-18T00:29:40-05:00