"Why I Walk" Project

Every Wednesday until the Walk on June 7th, Spectrum360 will be sharing personal stories from past Walk participants on why they choose to participate in a Walk for a Lifetime.

Why I Walk by Ellen Ashinoff

We are walking in Spectrum360's Walk for a Lifetime to support our son, Brett and his school and community at Spectrum360. Since beginning school at Spectrum360 last year, Brett has worked hard in academic areas but has really enjoyed the vocational programs and community based learning.
Spectrum360 staff and support staff love the kids and provide support and education opportunities throughout Brett's school week.

The past school year Brett started attending the Upper School campus and he was asked to join the Cheerleading team. He loves the group and cheers for all the basketball home games or away. His spirit and smile light up our hearts when we watch him cheer and we are so lucky to have found Spectrum360.

-Ellen Ashinoff, parent of an Academy360 student

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

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Why Do We Walk?


At Spectrum360, we walk for our students and adults and together, we raise money to provide services and programs. Here are some ways to raise $500 in one week!

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

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Why The McGuires Walk by Karen McGuire

Our daughter, Bridget McGuire, is a Spectrum360 LIFER!  She started when she was 3 in Verona and has been a part of Spectrum360 for 18 years. When we first walked into the school, we knew it was the right place. It was a wonderful combination of ABA therapies and a typical pre-school. Each school year, this hybrid approach of autism therapies and typical school has been tailored to Bridget's needs.

Autism is not easy; not for any child or parent. but we have been in the right place with Spectrum 360. The teachers, aides, and all of the staff have been creative, encouraging, kind and loving.

Bridget has loved Girl Scouts, after school programs, working at Petco, learning History, and making friends. She especially loved singing Abba songs in Chorus and performing “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” SOLO at the Holiday Show. We will always be grateful to Spectrum360. It gave our daughter, Bridget, a special place and community of her own.

-Karen McGuire, parent of Bridget, student at Academy360 Upper School

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

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Why Do We Walk?

This week, our “Why I Walk” story shows how fundraising and each step we take helps raise funds. Each dollar raised goes towards different programs at Spectrum360. This week’s story is going to shine a light on respite. In the past year, we had 108 students and clients participate in a respite program. For many participants, a respite with Spectrum360 will be the first time they have spent a night away from home. Respite allows for our students and clients to have an overnight experience with peers, it gives them the opportunity to learn to apply social, self-help and communication skills. This is an important milestone (for the student and the parent) and with the support of professional staff, participants practice social, communication and behavioral skills that are critical to building independence. This is why the Spectrum360 community continues to walk each year.

 

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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Why I Walk by Gabrielle Londono

My family and I are participating to support our son Alexander.  Alex is a new kindergartner at Academy360. Since joining the Academy360 family in July, we have seen leaps and bounds in our son's behavior, speech and overall growth.  We are so lucky to have all the staff at the school support, encourage and drive Alex to be the best to his capabilities. We have never been a part of a school that sees Alex's accomplishments and praises him for all he does, not dwell on what he cannot.  We cannot say enough positive and amazing things about the school and we are overjoyed to share this experience with our extended families as well! Here is a picture of our immediate family for Alex's 5th birthday.

-Gabrielle Londono, parent of Alex, student at Academy360 Lower School

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

 

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Why I Walk by Kristen Olson

The Cammybot Crew is back and continues to walk because...

One, our amazing son, Cameron, who has been at Spectrum360 since he was 5, and who is now 23.

Second, for Spectrum360 Staff (every person who is a part of the Spectrum360 organization). One of those few things is his love for the staff at Independance360. He is so proud to be a part of Independence360 and learn from his teachers and support staff.

Lastly, we walk in support of Spectrum360’s programs that aren’t funded by tuition, fees, or other funds and so those programs can continue to help our students and adults shine.

-Kristen Olson, parent of Cameron, an Independence360 client

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

 

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Why I Walk by Elizabeth Vigna

The top 3 reasons “why I walk” are pride, gratitude and fun.  The walk gives us a chance to put our school spirit on full display; to show our appreciation of the incredible staff; and to share a fun afternoon with other Spectrum 360 families.  It’s an uplifting event that our friends and family - Robert’s Rooters - are happy to support. 

Despite the rain, we really enjoyed taking part in this special event.  Fingers crossed for sunshine this year!

-Elizabeth Vigna, parent of Robert, a 4th grade student at Academy 360 Lower School

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

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If you are interested in sharing your story, please email your story and a photo of your child, a photo of a past Walk, etc, please email rguardado@spectrum360.org.