Fridays hold a unique significance for my daughter, Leah, as it’s the day she attends a mainstream school. During the rest of the week, from Monday to Thursday, Leah is enrolled in a specialized school tailored to her needs. In earlier years, Leah was a full-time student at our local community school, just like her brothers and many of our friends’ children. It felt like an automatic choice for her to join this Jewish school, following in the footsteps of her siblings, and we didn’t give it much thought at first.
As we began to understand Leah’s unique needs, we hired a full-time aide to support her in the classroom, which worked reasonably well for a couple of years. However, by second grade, it became clear that a specialized school would be a better fit for her, marking a difficult emotional transition for our family. Leaving behind our cherished community school, where my husband and I actively participated in fundraising and parent committees, was not easy.
As observant Jews, we had aspirations for Leah to immerse herself in our culture, learn Hebrew, explore Jewish texts, and understand our history. Transitioning to a specialized school felt like a loss of those dreams, highlighting the reality of Leah’s long-term needs. Nevertheless, we were determined that Fridays would remain special, allowing Leah to learn alongside her Jewish peers.
Every Thursday night, we prepare for her day at Yavneh, laying out a different uniform next to her bed. Leah switches to the same school bag her brothers use, joyfully filling it with her favorite toys to share with her classmates. While Leah gets ready for her school day, her classroom prepares for her return as well. Her desk is set aside, with pencils and paper placed on it each Thursday afternoon, ready for her. I’ve learned that the teacher selects a buddy each week to help Leah and ensure she has a friend during recess. Rather than feeling like an obligation, children eagerly compete to be chosen as her buddy.
On Friday mornings at 8:15 a.m., I anxiously pull up to the school gate, hoping someone from her class will appear to guide her to her classroom before my two-minute parking expires. Thankfully, a fifth grader often appears, beaming and extending a hand to help Leah into school. Occasionally, I receive messages from other parents informing me that their child is excitedly announcing Leah’s arrival in the car, reinforcing my belief that Fridays are the highlight of the week for Leah and her classmates.
Leah is included in birthday celebrations and is a valued member of her class. Parents have reached out to inform me that their children are thrilled to be in the same class as Leah for the following year. On the rare occasions when a child says something unkind to Leah, I hear that her classmates quickly defend her. Even when Leah experiences meltdowns and struggles to return to class, her peers rally around her, encouraging her to join in — and it often works. They recognize that Leah may not be able to complete the same assignments or remain in class for extended periods, yet they accommodate her without hesitation.
These children may not be perfect at times, but it’s evident that Leah brings out the best in them. They have learned vital lessons about empathy, patience, and inclusion. Parents have expressed their gratitude for the positive influence Leah has had on their children.
I sometimes find myself pondering the future for Leah’s classmates as they grow into independent teenagers. I envision WhatsApp groups, outings to the beach, and Saturday night parties. The gap in independence skills between Leah and her peers will likely widen over time, and in quiet moments, I mourn the social opportunities she might miss.
Yet, I take comfort in knowing that despite their differences, Leah’s classmates will always watch out for her. Their affection for her vibrant personality will endure as they grow. Regardless of the paths they take, Leah remains an integral part of their group, cherished and included in this community.
So, no matter what the future brings, Fridays will always be a day of joy and connection for Leah, a symbol of her belonging and the love that surrounds her.
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In summary, Fridays serve as a cherished day for Leah, allowing her to connect with her community while reinforcing the values of inclusion and friendship that her classmates have embraced in their interactions with her.
Keyphrase: Fridays for Children with Special Needs
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