When inclusive practices give good results

Dear Serena,

How are you? We haven’t seen each other since May and we’ll meet in July, but in the meantime I’d like to tell you about my last day at school, which was also my last day of middle school.

We didn’t have a lesson last Thursday because there was the year-end party. We went to the gym with all of the other third-year classes to see the finale of the volleyball tournament in which class 3C played against the teachers’ team. I rooted for the teachers, who won, and I was very happy. At the end of the match, we went to the auditorium to see a talent show organized by some third-year kids. After that, we went to the schoolyard for goodbyes until 11:15. I was sad because I knew I’d never see my classmates again, but I was also happy because I’ll go to Sigonio in September.

I’ve been thinking about all the things I did these last three years at school, and I have lots of fantastic memories, some more beautiful than others. I’ll certainly never forget the third-year boat trip we took with 3D and 3G on the Brenta Reiver from Padua to Venice. I liked that a lot. It was the first time I ever went. I especially liked the trip back because we laughed a lot and I had a lot of fun with my classmates.

Last year I took a theater course with my class. It was very exciting, especially the final show, called Fire. In second and third year I took two music courses that ended with recitals. In early November I started using a cane, with Martino’s help. I’ll continue these lessons next year as well, and they’re very important because they’ll help me move around by myself. In the last few weeks of school I started walking around the building alone, which I really liked. The difference is that before I didn’t have the cane, and I always had to be accompanied, while now I don’t need anyone to hold my arm. Another thing I learned in these three years was to use the PC and the braille bar, and this let me become more independent in my studies. As for the laboratories, I really liked clay modelling and cooking, because it was an opportunity to be with the other kids and learn to do new things.

I’ll always remember Prof. Bosi’s lessons. Sometimes she was strict, but other times kind and willing to help all of us; I’ll also always remember Prof. Loiola and his beautiful music and keyboard lessons. And I’ll absolutely never forget my classmates from these three years. I’ve had two important, very nice, and good guides. I always felt at ease being with them and talking with them. In first year, we’d go to the coffee shop and the fruit market. I always felt listened to. I’ll never forget Valeria and Daniele, and I’ll miss them in high school. These three years just flew by, but they’ll always be in my heart. I hope I can tell you more this summer, face-to-face, at camp.

A big hug.

Previous | Next