ASHLAND —
Community members gathered at the C.B Nuckols Community Center for an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for the I Believe I Can Learn school in Ashland Monday evening.
The facility is now a school for autistic children that will offer therapy services along with education. The public was invited to walk through the school, and children who will attend the school, along with their parents, were given an opportunity to interact with the teacher, Kelli Chandler, and the aide, Kayla Thompson. A clown and puppets provided entertainment for the children. Inflatables, games and refreshments were also available.
The private school will cater to autistic children ages 5 to 10 and will host a class of six students this school year. Jackie Martin, executive director of the school, said she hopes they will be able to expand and add another class next year.
“We hope to challenge students to meet their God-given abilities,” Martin said.
Adam Cruse of Rush said he and his wife are grateful for the school.
“We’ve been looking for something like this for a long time,” Cruse said.
Cruse and his family recently moved from Louisa to Rush to be closer to the school so his son, Clay, 5, could attend.
“He was in a program in public school, but he needed more guidance than that,” he said. “I think he’ll do well here. He already likes his teachers.”
“I think it’s (the school) everything all in one that the kids need,” said Andrea Hensley of Ashland whose son, Logan, 6, will attend the school this year.
Hensley said her son used to go to Catlettsburg Elementary, where he was learning, but his behavior problems weren’t being addressed. Because the autism school also offers therapy, she said she hopes they will be able to help him in that area as well.
“He (Logan) could have a bad day at school then have a good day at therapy, so we’re excited to try this,” Hensley said.
Mandy Kidwell, co-founder of the school, said she hoped the open house would help spread awareness. She said she had met four of the six students already, who seemed to like the school.
“They teach me more than I teach them,” Kidwell said. “Our children are always happy, and they never judge me. Who wouldn’t want that job?”
The first day of class will be Wednesday, as the school operates on the Ashland Independent School System calendar.
SHANNON MILLER can be reached at smiller@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2657.
Local News
Related Photos
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Clay Autz, 5, visits with teachers Kelli Chandler, at right, and also seated on the the floor of their new classroom is Kayla Thompson. Kevin Goldy / The Independent
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Jackie Martin, Executive Director of the I Believe I Can Learn, autism school during its ribbon cutting ceremony at the Debord Terrace Community Center, Monday. Behind her at left is teacher Kelli Chandler, and at right, aide Kayla Thompson. Kevin Goldy / The Independent
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