Applewood Academy Leaves No Child Behind: Michelle’s Story
The staff at Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning (AAPL) believes that no child should be left behind. It’s a special place where each and every child, regardless of individual challenges, can find the support he or she needs to thrive and succeed. Nobody knows this better than Susan Hall. Her daughter, Michelle, is autistic and extremely sensitive to environmental stimulation. She speaks only through her iPad using Locabulary, a communication app. “We are very pleased with the efforts the school has made to help Michelle not only...
read moreA Day in the Life of an Applewood Student
A warm and bright self-described tomboy who loves to laugh, Shelby gets excited about shoes. “I think I have 20 pairs,” the 16-year-old said. “Mostly runners and hightops. I don’t wear flip flops or girly shoes.” Today, Shelby is a student at Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning in Belleville. Three years ago, she’d been handed multiple fighting-related suspensions at another school. It was that need for change that brought her to Applewood. “I love Applewood because it’s not as serious as...
read moreToo Much to Handle: Learning To Ask For Help At School
Just over a year ago, Travis was being kicked out of school on a daily basis. A seven-year-old with a lot of aggression, he was sent home every morning for hitting, kicking or even biting his teachers. The local school board had done everything that they could; Travis needed a different type of intervention. He was transferred to Applewood Academy, a school created to ensure kids who need special attention have the therapeutic help they need as well as access to high-quality education. “Travis didn’t know how to communicate when he was...
read moreCoping Skills Lead To Success In The Classroom
When Thomas first came to Quinte Children’s Homes a couple of years ago, he was generally shy and withdrawn. However, he also had some significant behavioral issues. Those same issues came up in the classroom when he started attending Applewood Academy. “Thomas had a lot of aggressive behaviour and conflicts with other students,” explained Angela Cross, who leads the elementary program for Applewood. “But he’s made a lot of progress in the past year; he’ll be returning to public school in September.” Dealing with aggressive...
read morePulling Things Together To Reach His Dream
Steven just didn’t like school. Ever. “I didn’t see the point,” he said. “And it was boring.” Now in grade 11, Steven has been a student at Applewood Academy for about two-and-a-half years. Applewood is a private school that combines therapeutic support with high-quality education for youth who have emotional and behavioral problems. When he started attending classes at Applewood, Steven reacted the same way he had at public school: Skipping classes and not doing any work. Now in grade 11, however, the 17-year-old has found his...
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