Calming school disturbances:
Innovative program brings respite to students diagnosed with emotional disturbance
Van barreled through the school front door on his first day. Onto a school table he sprawled. Contorting his body into a ball, his head sunk into his sweatshirt.
Warnings of odd behaviors preceded Van’s entry. Tales from past schools tainted his enrollment.
Promises of a new start cushioned the arrival
Statements of refusal spewed from his lips following pleas to attend class. Punches and kicks hurled at the coaxers. He showed no mercy.
Classes continued as Van slept. Lethargy consumed his body. Eight hours later, the bus ride completed day one.
The cycle of fighting and sleeping continued as the days turned to weeks. Shrieks of protest echoed in the hallways.
A mass of arms struggled to calm the disruptions. Heads peeked out of doorways.
The chaos endured
Meetings with the parents ensued. An agreement was generated. Van had to earn his free time at home. Completion of classwork earned computer time at night.
Behaviors stagnated as Van seemed unfazed. Brags of late nights of video gaming justified his need to sleep. In his mind.
