ExploRIII 2014 Volume 2 | Page 31

y, py, py! p p ap Ha Hap H It’s common to hear the word “happy” when students, staff or visitors speak of Julie Schlote’s Life Skills class at Troy Buchanan High School. “I once had a student who started his day with me who said ‘how can you not have a great day when you start your day in here,’” she recalled. Schlote has approximately 10 students in her Functional Life Skills class, which teaches students with special needs functional academics, independence and social skills. Two paraprofessionals assist Schlote in her class. She also has a few students, every hour, helping in her classroom and modeling social skills and behavior. These student helpers are through the A+ program, the Community Youth Volunteer (CYV) program and her Academic Lab class. Schlote tells the student helpers her class isn’t for everyone. “I tell the kids this may not be for you and that’s okay. It isn’t for everyone,” she said. Schlote has seen few students leave though. In fact, her happy class has inspired four students, to her knowledge, to pursue a degree in special education. TBHS graduate Kyle Hamilton, Class of 2012, is pursuing a special education degree from Southeast Missouri State University. He had Schlote’s Academic Lab for both his junior and senior year. Prior to his experience in Schlote’s class, Hamilton wanted to become a nurse. He said he always wanted to help people. “I really wanted a career that I liked because I did something good,” he said. Hamilton believes becoming a special education teacher can make a big impact in someone else’s life. 2013 TBHS graduate Tanner Fast agrees. Prior to working with Schlote’s class, Fast wanted to go into education, but it wasn’t until after a year in her classroom that he decided special education was for him. “I think my students get as much from it as the kids that come into our classroom,” Schlote said. A+ Accredited Lender with BBB We make our customers feel at home with the home loan process. Michelle Leesmann, Loan Officer OFFICE: (636)390-8400 CELL: (314)808-3170 FAX: (636)390-8401 E-MAIL: NMLS #: [email protected] 953851 ADDRESS: 1001 Jefferson Street Washington, MO 63090 Company NMLS #223109 CORNERSTONE MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAMS Opportunity is knocking! Take advantage of our competitive fees and low rates. We strive to help our clients achieve their financial goals by offering an innovative mix of mortgage products. 1 PURCHASE & REFINANCE LOANS 5 USDA RURAL LOANS 2 FHA (FEDERAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION LOANS) 6 INVESTMENT LOANS 3 MHDC (MISSOURI HOUSING DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION) LOANS Contact us to learn more! 7 FHA 203(K) LOANS 4 BEYOND HOUSING LOANS 8 VA (VETERANS AFFAIRS) LOANS Call us to start your home loan process! Apply online & get pre-approved today! Call us today to discuss your options! Questions? Contact your Cornerstone loan officer! We are here to help. Connect with us today! Contact us to see if you qualify for this loan today! Call me to lock in a great rate now! 31