Well Northern Voices, another success story walks out—or should have walked out—your doors this Spring. These past 5 years, we have patiently watched as other NV friends cracked that TASL 5 code and were dubbed “ready.” We’ve watched and been encouraged as these finished products, these polished chatterboxes, are sent on their way to amazing mainstream academic experiences, knowing it was where we were headed, if we could just stay the course, continue the work, and trust the curriculum. Now it’s our turn to be on our way, and we look ahead to kindergarten in the fall with a high level of excitement but an almost equal level of sadness. Excitement over Carley finally joining the world she’s been working so hard to master since she was 1 year old, sadness over the realization that in her future academic tenure (which, based on her amazing genius we assume will be at least 25 more years…thinking doctor!), she will likely never encounter teachers more loving, more faithful to what it means to be a teacher, or more determined to facilitate her specific growth and success than the teachers at NV. Each one has played a crucial role in moving not only Carley, but our family, forward; over the years, these teachers have continually and seamlessly banded together to ensure every goal was met and every concern addressed. We cannot emphasize enough the greatness that NV offers. We are very much aware that we have gained a one-of-a-kind, exceptional experience; in all our initial research into paths for families with a child with hearing loss, not one came even close to offering what we were seeking for Carley. After 5 years, the boxes have been checked (or, slashes connected😉) and we are finally able to mark those “emerging” speech skills as “acquired.” NV has also kept Carley busy learning everything preschool to ensure she hits the ground running come kindergarten. Most importantly, the NV staff has worked hard to provide Carley an understanding of her challenge and needs, always promoting those skills and tools she will require in order to continue growing in self-confidence and self-advocacy. One emotion eluding us at this bittersweet juncture is worry that we are not ready. While knowing that work remains, we also know Carley has outgrown the NV program and is fully ready for this next phase, because NV, if you stick with them, does not turn out unprepared students or families.
So as we walk out NV’s door, we eagerly prepare to walk through another…sure to be one of many, though we will always remember that first most important step through NV’s when hope and determination took hold. We wish we had known that our last day at NV would be our last. We would have taken more than a moment to reflect on the many wonderful memories and friends we’ve had the privilege to know. We have been saddened to miss out on our final months as a NV family and worry about the future of NV during these uncertain economic times. As a family we have gained so much, and we cannot imagine and truly fear the loss of NV as an option for other families with children with hearing loss. For that reason, we ask one more time for your support of this unmatched school’s largest annual fundraiser. If you are able, your donation to the Walk for Talk would mean wonderful things for another Carley, for another family, for an amazing school.
Thank you NV. You have successfully prepared Carley and our family for the wild ride ahead, and we will NEVER forget you.
Please enjoy a few videos documenting Carley's journey in the last 5 years.
WHAT: Virtual Walk for Talk, to support Northern Voices and its students
WHEN: Saturday, August 15th, 2020
WHERE: Choose your own Adventure!
Where do donations go?
Northern Voices is a non-profit organization that relies on tuition, donations, and grants for funding. We want to make sure that Northern Voices continues to give children their voice and need your help! Below is information on how your donation can help:
- $50 -Program support for our students
- $175 - Donate 1 Day of School
- $300 - Donate 1 Month of Teletherapy
- $500 - Donate 1 Week of School
- $1,000 - Donate 1 Family Scholarship
Please remember, 100% of your donation will support current and future Northern Voices students, as Carley is on her way to Kindergarten!