BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Staff Writer

The annual Sparkle Awards is a jewel of an event, usually held in March to celebrate everyone during an always emotional evening full of support and encouragement.
That’s just one thing Clarkston Community Schools special education works on.
“We are very proud of our special education programs and the broad range of services we provide to students and families,” said Kathy Christopher, executive director of student support services. “We have extremely skilled and passionate staff who support our children. The biggest challenges are state- and federally-mandated policies and procedures that consume a large amount of staff time, taking away valuable instructional time with students. Funding is also a significant challenge. We service students with complex needs, requiring a broad range of resources. State and federal funding does not adequately cover expenses incurred.”
Christopher added the general fund currently subsidizes over $3 million to cover special education costs.
“Clarkston is known as a district that puts kids first, and we believe that connections and relationships come first,” said Andersonville Elementary teacher Nichole Cruce. “The most rewarding part about working with children with special needs is the unique connections we get to make with each child. It is so rewarding to observe their growth socially, emotionally, and academically.”
And working with children with special needs goes beyond the classroom.
“Clarkston is a tight-knit educational community full of teachers and administrators that truly want what is best for students,” said Pine Knob Elementary teacher Allison Stoyek. “We use creative and innovative ways to support our families and students that give skills that go beyond the school day. We are following the lead of our district leaders to educate students mind, body, and soul. I believe the most rewarding thing about working with children with special needs is the deep-rooted, positive relationships we develop with students and families.”
“The relationships we build with our students is the most special bond,” Independence Elementary teacher Kim Strader noted. “We are not just a classroom of students – we are a family and the kids know that we will support them through the good and the difficult times.”
Still, there are obstacles and challenges.
“The most challenging part is developing lessons each day that meets the needs, and highlights the strengths, of all students in the classroom,” Cruce said.
“A challenge is the limited community resources for a number of our students with more significant needs to access, including mental health needs,” added Clarkston High School social worker Carolyn Clarke. “This would include things like public transportation, child psychiatry services, as well as expanded opportunities for vocational and recreational activities for teens and young adults.”
Yvonne Skillman of the Adult Transition Program said another challenge is the lack of opportunities for students after they leave the school environment, while Dolls birth to 2 teacher Michelle Rice said balance is a factor.
“The most challenging part of being a special education teacher is all of the other demands that take away from time with students,” Rice said. “There are enormous amounts of paperwork which can be very time consuming, but there is nothing better than seeing the joy and amazement in a parent’s eyes when they see their children loving school and making progress. The children and families are the very best part of being in education.”
Andersonville Elementary teacher Stephanie Simony is in agreement with her colleagues in that providing special education services in Clarkston is second to none.
“Clarkston really works hard to meet the kids where they are at,” Simony said. “We have a full range of leveled programming to best support the students’ needs and to give them an opportunity to strive to their highest potential. I always have felt that my students challenge me to be more patient, creative, and thankful. They are the ones who make my job rewarding.”