Parent Testimonials
The peer mentoring program at WMS, mean everything to our family. Vienne has always been a happy, social child but more reserved with one on one interactions. Since joining the class at WMS she is more engaged and focused on tasks both at home and school, and displays a desire to participate more in social settings. The modeling of both typical peer relationships and appropriate social interactions is evident in her willingness to "step out of her comfort zone" more and more everyday. Vienne has gained academic and social skills that will impact her life for the positive in countless ways in the future. We are so grateful for Vienne's classmates, her exceptional peer mentors and all the amazing staff at WMS.
Rochelle & Gary P.-parent of a 7th grader
“Our son has made tremendous progress in school both socially and academically over the two years he's been at WMS. His success is in large part due to the peer mentoring program that is an integral component of the DLC model that Mrs. Charette runs.”
Michele & Rob S.- parents of an 8th grader
“One of the most important things about the peer mentoring program is that is lays the foundation for an accepting community by bridging the gap between students who have different learning abilities and those who do not.”
Lara P.-parent of an 8th grader
The peer mentor program that Melissa has craft-fully grown at WMS, has made all the difference this year for our son Mose. He is eager to go to school each day and never has an issue getting on the bus, something we struggled with at least once a week in our previous school. Mose has made connections with Gen ed peers that wouldn't be possible without his peer mentors coming into the special education setting and assisting with instruction and engagement. We have been in town outside of school hours and run into peer mentors multiple times who share excitement at working with Mose every day. This shows me the benefits are not only for our son with Down Syndrome, but also his general education peers who may not have had other opportunities to interact and connect with our son. I can't say enough good things about the peer mentor program at WMS!
Jennifer & Billy K.- parents of an 6th grader
As a result of the peer mentor program, Zayn has gone from being "a kid in special education" to just "one of the kids". He interacts with typical peers throughout the day, in and out of the classroom, learning the social skills required to hang out with friends and be part of the school community. Since being in this program, his social and communication skills have grown dramatically, and he really loves school. I sincerely hope that this model will be adopted throughout the state.