Comments from class participants, parents or guardians
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"I am taking four classes! I like cooking class, it was out of this world. We go to different houses. The drawing and art work is a fun experience. At Zoo Boise the bird make me laugh x3!" Jeff |
"My son Jeff had the good fortune of having Karen Gillette as his teacher in the WORC program in high school. She is a gifted teacher and truly brought out the best in him and his classmates. Jeff is now 26 years old. Since leaving the public school system it has been difficult to fill the void and provide educational support that is interesting and meaningful to his everyday life. With the expertise that Karen has developed through years of working with our young people, she has put together classes that are exactly what we have been looking for! " |
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"I think the best part about the classes is it is a good way to get back into learning. What I like about cooking is we get to choose the recipes. We get to choose what book we want to read. We learn to be more independent without someone hovering over you." Kylee |
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"I have been very impressed with the classes Kylee has taken. She is more independent and sure of herself. She has really enjoyed the classes and the interaction with her peers" |
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Tracy (Parent) |
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"I like coming because I like learning neat things about chores and making stuff. I like being at BSU. I like being independent." Tyler |
"After high school Tyler was fortunate enough to be placed in a program taught by Karen. I can truly say that she changed our lives by seeing Tyler’s potential, and expertly, yet so kindly, drawing that potential out of Tyler . My husband and I were thrilled when Karen started her classes for adults with special needs. Now Tyler can continue on his journey of becoming more independent, and so enjoying the process. Karen is truly one of his favorite people." |
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"The best part is getting together with friends. The cooking class was fun. I like the Moving Toward Independence class because it focuses on what we are good at. " John |
"My son has enjoyed participating in Karen's classes this summer. It has helped him socially to be a part of a group and learn new skills while having fun with others. Karen is a patient, kind, and caring teacher. She is knowledgeable of the needs of special young adults and offers classes of interest to help build their skills." |
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"Art class is fun to do drawing, painting and photography. Reading class is good because I can listen to the story." Ryan |
"Karen, I know you do a wonderful job, it is just great to hear what you cover - I love it all - you take the classes beyond 'expectation'. I am soooo impressed and happy with the program." |
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"My favorite class is cooking because I like to cook with everyone and Pat Mac too! He taught the class because he is a good cook. The best part of reading is listening and answering the questions." Rachel |
“Kudos! Your choice of coursework and person centered approach in the presentation of materials both engaged my daughter and affirmed her developing skills. As a result, she increased her confidence in all aspects of preparation and participation with respect to social dining. Needless to say, she is excited to attend classes this fall. Thank you!” |
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"Fun 101 is my favorite class because we spend time together with friends. We went to the zoo and art museum. I like to learn!" Laura |
"After leaving the school system, one of the biggest challenge we have faced is keeping Laura in "social circles" with her peers. The classes Karen Gillette offers is a great way for Laura to have fun, learn, and most importantly,an opportunity to interact with friends." |
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Judy (Parent) |
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" I enjoyed the book in reading club even though it was hard. We are going to pick an easier and shorter book next time. I listened to the book on my Kindle. The discussion helps me remember what happened in the book because sometimes I forget." Kristen |
My daughter Kristen loved the intellectual stimulation provided in the book group’s discussions. She really values being treated as a young adult with important insights to share – and so do I! |
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"The best thing is Karen because she is a sweet teacher! I love to read and the reason I took the class was to see my friends who supported me!" Sarah |
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"I like math class because Karen is nice teachng me money skills. I like women's health, it is pretty fun and all the girls make me laugh!" Pranali |
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"The class helps me to help myself. I liked talking about hygiene. I like sitting next to my roomie and my friend Rachel." Kate |
Kate has grown socially by participating in Karen's program. These programs feed the enthusiasm the participants are instilled with and keep them connected with their peers. They also have the opportunity to grow socially with friends they have a history with and feel comfortable. To see the growth in their socail communication skills is a tremendous reflection of the abilities and love Karen has for these folks. |
Charlie and Diane (Parents) |
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"Taking men's health was really fun. Learning new stuff that I didn't know, especially about women!" Reuben |
Reuben has been out of school for over 10 years but has never lost his desire to learn. We’re so grateful to you for seeing a need and filling the void for our adult children. He has already learned so much from your classes. It’s great to see him so excited about all of the opportunities you’re offering. Thanks so much for being there.
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"This is a good class that I learned a lot. Hygiene was my favorite section to study. I really enjoyed the relationship section too." Shawn |
Yoga is one of Shawn’s favorite activities. The greatest gift for us with yoga is Shawn’s physical and verbal response to the sessions. For the evening after the yoga his language skills quadruple. He offers observations’ and comments about what is happening around him as well as more specific detail of events of the day. We are ecstatic with the results. Thank you Karen for your love and respect for your students, and their family. |
Nancy and Steve (Parents) |
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"I had Karen in the STEP program and I really enjoy taking classes with her. I liked the Women's Health Class. It was a good class." Jessica |
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"I liked the class. It was fun to do and I hang out with my friends." Paul |
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"You have been a great math teacher. It was fun taking one of your classes at BSU. Pat is a good teacher. " Lauren
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"Thank you! You are an awesome teacher, the kids you teach are very lucky to have such an ardent supporter and champion." |
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"I love Life Skills and we talked about manners at home and in public and to become independent. I like to hang out with my friends and they love me very much." Kendra |
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"I like manners. Jeff and Kenda and dog Buddy. I love them." Brianna |
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"The reason I am taking classes is because I haven't seen Karen for a long time. I like reading and cooking. I meet new people and I get to see my friends." Hava |
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Facilitating personal growth, independence and lifelong learning for individuals with disabilities. |
