Student Spotlight

Contagious is the best word used to describe Daniel Chung’s giggles. When Danny giggles, you can’t help but to join him. Most times he is giggling at a silly sound or friend. He is happy to come to school and loves pulling anyone near him even closer. Danny communicates with gestures. He looks up for yes and down for no. He loves being asked silly questions like are you sitting on a pineapple or is your teacher really a hamburger? He is learning to use a communication device to help him better express his needs. Danny is also using a stander throughout the week and is practicing standing and pivoting to help with his transfers. 

Danny loves being in school, attending therapies, and loves trying new things. He is a happy young man, who makes our classroom even brighter just because he’s there.

DANIEL CHUNG

TOMMY DUONG

Tommy Duong is the kind of student that you will go out of your way to see every day. He is constantly smiling and talking. He can be often heard shouting “come on down,” or “aaaww thank you!” His appreciation for others around him is evident in every kiss he blows and gives to the hand of those around him. He is quick to congratulate himself on a good job (even if he’s wrong) or apologize for a friend who may have made a mistake. Tommy is answering questions with some prompts and the support of symbols, he is helping to direct self care, and understands calendar terms such as the days of the week and the months of the year. Tommy is using a stander every day and can be found taking steps in his pacer in the hallway a couple times a week. Tommy is a staple of our school and has been attending CLC since early childhood. He loves music and will gladly sing Limbo Rock to anyone who would like to hear him sing “La, La, La.” Tommys is the epitome of who a CLC student is. He is a gentleman, a kind friend, and a joy to be around.

Daniela started at CLC on May 24, 2021. She quickly acclimated to the classroom and transitioned beautifully from her Mom at drop off to the classroom. She quickly made friends with the other girls in the class and enjoys all classroom lessons.

When Daniela began, she only spoke Spanish but we repeat any English words that were said to her. In August, she began speaking only English in the classroom and her communication skills have flourished since! She knows her colors, her numbers and shapes. She can tell you the days of the week and can sing the months of the year. She loved putting her hand in a pumpkin last month and enjoyed telling me about Halloween. She LOVES putting together puzzles and is currently working on completing a 48 piece puzzle all by herself! Way to go Daniela!

DANIELA FLORES

ESTEBAN ENRIQUEZ

My name is Esteban. I started CLC when I was 8 years old. I love CLC because I can see my friends and teachers. I really benefited from the therapy I had over the years. My speech pathologist Miss. Marlene is the best. She helped me learn to read, spell, write and hold proper conversations. Occupational therapy helped me write, use a computer, and problem solve. I like our clubs and enjoy participating in them. I was in chorus, hoops, boy scouts and enjoyed the dance team for a little while. I enjoyed watching my friend on stage dancing at her recital. I enjoyed Papa Puff’s tasty creations. I liked going on the field trip to the Tilles Center to see Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo show, The Black Violin and many other shows. All of my teachers were great. I liked the Pre-Voc program and working at the Lion’s Den school store, breakfast/lunch delivery and the M.O.V.E program.

When I was a kid I enjoyed a sleepover at the museum. I also liked when I went skiing with my school. I liked going to all the proms and the victory games. I am looking forward to going on the 2021 party boat trip around the great South Bay with my classroom. We are also waiting on our Adventureland senior class trip. I will be meeting our school’s facility dog, Freddie before I graduate. After leaving CLC I am looking to get into a work study program.

I entered CLC when I was three years old. I enjoyed the opportunities that CLC has given me. I was given the opportunity to take Ballet and dance classes and perform at yearly recitals. I was part of the CLC Chorus and sang at many of our events and concerts. I even had the opportunity to dance and sing at the Tilles Center when I was younger. I also went skiing with my classmates. I had the experience of camping outdoors, and sleeping overnight at a museum. I enjoyed participating in the Victory Games with my classmates for many years. We always had a Pep Rally before and an awards ceremony after the games.

I loved seeing the accomplishments of my classmates and friends. One of my favorite field trips was to the Tilles Center to see the Black Violin. One of my teachers took us on many field trips so that we could experience the many things life has to offer. Thankfully for me I had her several times during my stay at CLC. I was very blessed to have a rockin ‘staff for my last school year. They are working hard at making this bitter sweet year a positive and memorable one. We are preparing for a Party Boat Ride around the Great South Bay. This will be my first experience on a boat. CLC has given me many first experiences over the years. But what I am truly thankful for are all of my friends from CLC. Hopefully we will have our last adventure together at Adventureland. My goal after graduation is to take every opportunity I can to experience life to its fullest and take on all the challenges that may come my way.

HADIYA HICKMAN