Student Spotlight: Damien’s story

Student Spotlight: Damien at KAPS Academy

When 7-year-old Damien, a first-grade student at KAPS Academy of Escambia, enrolled at the school in March 2025, he struggled with emotional regulation, behavioral stamina, and transitions throughout the school day. He needed frequent breaks and relied heavily on a coping bag. Recess often led to behavioral incidents, and staff contacted his mother, Alexis Reed, multiple times per day.

Student Spotlight Shows Remarkable Growth

Since those early days at KAPS, Damien has shown remarkable growth.

“He can now complete full school days without breaks, participate in recess without incidents, and engage successfully with peers and staff,” said Christopher Wooten, executive director at Achieve Academy of Escambia. His referrals have dropped dramatically, and he has demonstrated consistent stability and self-regulation. This progress reflects a substantial and positive behavioral turnaround.”

Family Perspective in This Student Spotlight

Damien’s mother says KAPS has done an excellent job working with her son and adapting to his individual needs.

“Because Damien has autism, it can sometimes be challenging to connect and break through with him,” she said. “However, the team at KAPS has met him where he is and successfully adjusted to both his learning style and behavior.”

Growing Confidence and Independence

Reed notes that Damien has also gained confidence.

“In his previous school setting, he frequently received negative feedback. Since being at KAPS, staff have worked intentionally to build him up, and it shows.”

She noted that his coping bag, which he uses when he feels overwhelmed, is now rarely needed. “Even when he does use it, it is not frequent. He has not had the need to use his coping bag recently. This shows meaningful progress in his ability to regulate his emotions and behavior independently.”

Reed said the skills Damien learns at school are helping at home. He is following directions more consistently and demonstrating improved behavior. His patience has increased, he is less easily frustrated, and he does not become overwhelmed as often as he used to.

Building Strong Relationships at School

Damien has also built strong relationships at school.

“Damien absolutely loves his teacher, Ms. Sinkfield. He goes home talking about how much he enjoys her class and how much he cares about her as his teacher. He also has a strong bond with Mr. Osborn, whom he considers one of his best buddies on campus. Outside of Ms. Sinkfield, Mr. Osborn is one of his favorite staff members.”

Reed also praised KAPS for academic support.

“His teacher recognized he was not being sufficiently challenged and began increasing expectations and providing more rigorous lessons. This added challenge has made a major positive impact on his behavior and engagement. We are very grateful for the growth we have seen and the supportive environment KAPS has provided for Damien,” she said.

How KAPS Academy Supports Student Growth

Designed to help students in grades K-5 who are experiencing behavioral challenges in a typical elementary school environment, KAPS Academy of Escambia County provides the opportunity to develop social, behavioral, and academic skills in a safe, supportive, and nurturing setting.