For a child who has been bullied for years, the thought of a new start and an accepting environment is life changing. For one of the families that now attends Saint Bernard Catholic School because of the new School Scholarship Program, this is the case.
This is my fifth year as principal at Saint Bernard. I know from experience that the joy and enthusiasm you see from children when they are in the right academic and social environment for their individual needs is extremely rewarding. The new voucher program has allowed parents across the state of Indiana to decide what environment best fits their children’s specific needs.
Of the 117 children who attend Saint Bernard, 20 are in attendance thanks to the voucher program. One particular family had three children in public schools last year. Two of the children faced repeated bullying at school and their educational experience was suffering significantly because of it. They dreaded going to school and their grades were dropping.
This year, when the voucher program became law, this family visited Saint Bernard to see if it would be a better fit for their children. The kids fell in love with the school during their visit and the family decided to make a change they believed was in the best interest of their children. The children now enjoy going to school, their grades are back up, and they have formed new and enriching friendships.
The voucher program has given everyone a new opportunity. Families eligible for the program can now make independent choices based on their children’s needs, while families that already attend Saint Bernard get to share Saint Bernard with new families and develop new and diverse relationships.
Any teacher will tell you that every child and every family is different. The voucher program allows us to value each other’s differences and help each child succeed. Saint Bernard may not be the best fit for every family, and I respect that. However, I want each family who is interested in coming to Saint Bernard to have the opportunity to do so.
The educational and emotional needs of a child are of the utmost importance. By empowering parents to decide what school will best meet their child’s needs, more children will be set up for success in their future. I am excited about how the program has grown in a short time, and I look forward to watching the voucher program continue to help Indiana families and children meet their educational objectives.
