Hello! My name is Amber Blanchard. Our daughter, Gabby, is a 6th grade student at ADS. We have felt embraced as a family here at the school from the moment that we walked through the doors. There are many reasons that we chose ADS, one of which was the personal attention we received during our process of choosing and transitioning to a new school.
ADS took time to customize a summer packet for Gabby to work through in preparation for her first year so that she was beginning the school year in line with her peers. They single handedly took charge when our former district failed to update their systems that Gabby was enrolled in a new school– very high touch, very much appreciated. As a working mom, I very much appreciate the continuous feedback and support that we receive from ADS.
This support and familial atmosphere was also exemplified in the Guardian Angel Program. I love that we began our school year with the Guardian Angel program, which matches an ADS student from a grade higher and encourages them to get together prior to school starting so that new students and families can get acquainted and most importantly the new student already has a familiar face as well as a sort of mentor.
I used to say I was heading home to my second job navigating the mounds of homework that Gabby used to face each night. I used to feel like our daughter spent most of her school year behind a computer taking practice tests. Now I feel like 500 pounds has been lifted from my shoulders, as Gabby has learned to better manage her time, is much more engaged and excited about her studies. It is now a joy to come home and hear about her exciting day. The main thing that I have noticed in a short period of time, is that Gabby has regained her confidence as a student, and her love for learning.
I wanted to share two quick stories about how I’ve seen her reconnecting in these ways: Volleyball: Gabby wanted to try Volleyball – so glad that ADS had this available. Being a part of this sport has helped her to learn the game in a fun, no pressure environment. Had it not been for the supportive environment that ADS provides, and from the encouragement of her peers, I’m not sure she would have put herself out there to try something totally new to her. That’s when I knew that she felt comfortable in her surroundings. Being part of the volleyball team also helped her with her executive functioning skills, as she has figured out how to prioritize her schoolwork and continues to improve her time management.
Another quick example is Gabby is really living one of my favorite adages, which is that “perfection is the enemy of done.” As we roll up in carpool one morning, I asked her, “why is everyone bringing their math projects in today? Could you get extra credit for turning it in early?” I was starting to get that feeling, like herewe go again, but then she said, “yes, mom, we could’ve turned it the math poster today and gotten extra credit, but I got a 100 on my test, so I figured it was a better use of my time last night to study for my science test.” After the frog hopped out of my throat, I simply said, “great job, Gab, I know you’ve got this.” So I’ll end by saying that, simply, ADS has been amazing – and on behalf of our family I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the administration and their faculty & staff and to all of Gabby’s teachers who have made her feel so welcome and supported. There is a great quote from Simone Weil that says, “the joy of learning is as indispensable in study as breathing is in running.” As a mother, it is wonderful to see that joy and the light of learning rekindled in my daughter.
Amber Blanchard
Alumni Parent - Class of 2022