Chris Van Valkenburgh

I am an AACPS: Parent, Bodkin Elementary School & Chesapeake High School

I would like to thank Teri Lawn, Megan LeMasters Weibe, and Jenn Girardi Figueroa for the straight A’s on my daughter’s report card. When Bridgette was 3 she wouldn’t speak a word of English, just her own made up language. The teenagers at Chesapeake High School who took the early childhood education course were told by their teacher Mrs. Figueroa that they weren’t allowed to let Bridgette get away with pointing and mumbling, she had to speak if she wanted something. Those high school kids, under the direction of their amazing teacher did an outstanding job. When Bridgette finally got to Bodkin Elementary school she still had serious problems with language, reading and writing. The speech and reading teachers along with her fabulous Kindergarten teacher, Megan LeMasters Weibe worked tirelessly to get Bridgette the help that she needed. When Teri Lawn came to Bodkin she was also part of the team that helped my beautiful little princess better understand what she was reading and how to interpret it.

I was just informed the other day that next year when she goes to middle school she will be placed in all advanced classes. If it were not for these amazing women and all the other teachers along the way that have touched our lives this story could have ended much differently. My daughter is one of the many children that has benefited from the special education programs that AACPS offers. Please continue to support these teachers and these students. There are so many children like my daughter that can excel, if they are given the help they need. As for all of the students at CHS that took the early childhood development class and worked with my daughter – THANK YOU!!!