A few months back my husband came into my office and asked me if I remembered the Gow School. I am originally from Buffalo NY, I grew up in a town called Elma and the next town over is called South Wales and that is where the Gow School is located. I remembered the school but like when I was a kid I never knew what that school was, just that it was a private boys school. My husband said, "did you know that it is a dyslexia school?" No, I did not. My heart skipped a beat and I got very excited. I googled the school and started reading their website and I was getting goosebumps. I then went on twitter and started following them. My husband suggested I ask for a tour but I was hesitant to do that because I knew my kids wouldn't be going there and I didn't want to waste anyone's time.
Fast forward a couple weeks and someone who maintains the twitter account had posted a congrats to one of their students about getting accepted to Syracuse University. I liked the status, because that IS indeed awesome and that night not only did the school follow me back but I received a dm (direct message). After a few messages I was invited to see the school.
Last week I finally got back to Buffalo and I experienced a day I will never forget. I will share their website with you shortly but the website does not do this school justice. I was blown away. I met with Mr. Matt Fisher and he sat with me and explained the philosophy of the school, about Mr. Gow and why he started the school. He showed me the cards they use for their Reconstructive Language program and then I received a tour of the campus.
Our first stop was the original building on the campus and what I saw inside there was something that still at this moment when I think about it I get goosebumps again. I wish I had a picture to share because to me this was the most amazing photo, it was a picture of Peter Gow and Dr, Samuel Orton. Next to the picture was a handwritten letter from Anna Gillingham Yes, Dr. Orton and Anna Gillingham of Orton-Gillingham. I stood there in awe. Read here about Peter Gow. From there I was shown more of the classroom buildings and an amazing robotics lab.
There were so many signs all around the school about RAN, which is what I am very interested in, and I am hoping to read more about their research soon, but this picture caught my eye and I want to share because it is so true. If I could I would also add, brave.
At lunch I got to eat with two boys who were in their first year at Gow. I asked them what they loved most about the school. The one student answered first and the second was quick to agree. He said to me, and I am paraphrasing a little, "I like how the teachers here really do understand my learning differences. In public school the teachers didn't understand but here they do and they really care." If I could have one wish granted it would be for all teachers to be trained and to REALLY understand how a dyslexic student learns, and how they feel in school. Our students work so hard and feel like no one understands but these kids, they do feel understood.
I could go on and on about this school and honestly I have been afraid to write about my experience because I know I can't do it justice but for the rest of my life I will remember that day. To know that a school like this exists just makes me feel so good.
One last thing, they have what seems like an AWESOME summer program. You can find out more here. If you can, check it out.
Fast forward a couple weeks and someone who maintains the twitter account had posted a congrats to one of their students about getting accepted to Syracuse University. I liked the status, because that IS indeed awesome and that night not only did the school follow me back but I received a dm (direct message). After a few messages I was invited to see the school.
Last week I finally got back to Buffalo and I experienced a day I will never forget. I will share their website with you shortly but the website does not do this school justice. I was blown away. I met with Mr. Matt Fisher and he sat with me and explained the philosophy of the school, about Mr. Gow and why he started the school. He showed me the cards they use for their Reconstructive Language program and then I received a tour of the campus.
Our first stop was the original building on the campus and what I saw inside there was something that still at this moment when I think about it I get goosebumps again. I wish I had a picture to share because to me this was the most amazing photo, it was a picture of Peter Gow and Dr, Samuel Orton. Next to the picture was a handwritten letter from Anna Gillingham Yes, Dr. Orton and Anna Gillingham of Orton-Gillingham. I stood there in awe. Read here about Peter Gow. From there I was shown more of the classroom buildings and an amazing robotics lab.
There were so many signs all around the school about RAN, which is what I am very interested in, and I am hoping to read more about their research soon, but this picture caught my eye and I want to share because it is so true. If I could I would also add, brave.
At lunch I got to eat with two boys who were in their first year at Gow. I asked them what they loved most about the school. The one student answered first and the second was quick to agree. He said to me, and I am paraphrasing a little, "I like how the teachers here really do understand my learning differences. In public school the teachers didn't understand but here they do and they really care." If I could have one wish granted it would be for all teachers to be trained and to REALLY understand how a dyslexic student learns, and how they feel in school. Our students work so hard and feel like no one understands but these kids, they do feel understood.
I could go on and on about this school and honestly I have been afraid to write about my experience because I know I can't do it justice but for the rest of my life I will remember that day. To know that a school like this exists just makes me feel so good.
One last thing, they have what seems like an AWESOME summer program. You can find out more here. If you can, check it out.
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