From Aggression to Achievement: Jacob’s Story

Early Struggles

When Jacob became a student at High Road School in Danielson, CT, his mother, Tiffany, hoped the school could help with Jacob’s behavior and academics. After kindergarten, Jacob began to exhibit troubling behaviors. According to Tiffany, Jacob simply wanted no part of schoolwork and became combative and aggressive—often resulting in him being sent home from school.
Besides impacting his ability to learn, Jacob’s behavior had devastating consequences at home, particularly as Tiffany was undergoing cancer treatment. “I felt alone and upset,” Tiffany shared, knowing Jacob needed a school that understood how to help him stop focusing on self-destructive behaviors.

High Road School to the Rescue

Tiffany witnessed incredible changes in Jacob after enrolling him in High Road School. “I give complete credit to the High Road program and their ability to listen to a parent and to understand a student’s behaviors,” she said. “They were able to read my son like a book and tailor a program to his needs—one that got him back into the school setting and learning.”
Jacob has learned to recognize his emotions and use words instead of violence to communicate. He has also started applying problem-solving skills at home. “We got our son back!” Tiffany said.

Jacob’s Impact

Stacia Ulrich, Social Worker:
“Jacob is such a pleasure to have in school. He is a hard-working, determined, caring young man with a heart of gold. In the last four months, Jacob has earned Honor Roll, Student of the Month, and Gold status—High Road School’s highest achievement.”

Barbra Marcille, Special Education Teacher:
“Jacob is a joy to have in class, and he has made significant gains in both reading and math.”

Ronda Turcotte, Executive Director:
“Jacob is inquisitive, determined, and a pleasure to have around. He has shown remarkable growth in the two short years I have known him. Jacob went from hiding under his cubby to being an outgoing and independent student with an amazing sense of humor.”

“This program has helped my child enjoy learning again and given him a safe place to express his emotions. I give complete credit to the High Road program and their ability to listen to a parent and to understand a student’s behaviors.”
— Tiffany, Jacob’s Mom

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