As school doors open across the diocese this month, students and faculty at diocesan high schools are preparing to welcome their newest members. For freshmen with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this back-to-school season brings special joy and the hope of finding the same sense of belonging they experienced at their Catholic middle schools.
Jared “Jack” Knight, who has Down syndrome and hearing loss, joined the fifth grade at St. James School in Falls Church a few years ago. “We were so happy to have found such a loving community for Jack,” said his mother, Wendy. Her son is now a rising freshman at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington this fall.
At St. James, educators Diane Black and Jennifer Hicks worked alongside peers to create a tailored program focused on life skills, math and full classroom integration for subjects such as science, religion, P.E. and art. Susan Rinaldi, director of expanded services at O’Connell, helped St. James model part of Jack’s routine after O’Connell’s successful peer mentor program.
By eighth grade, Jack was a beloved member of the community and had shaped the school culture. During the traditional Spirit Day basketball game, the entire student body gathered in the gym. As Jack took the court, the lower grades burst into chants: “Jack! Jack! Jack!” After he left the court, the crowd kept calling, “We want Jack!”
His mother noted that while Jack’s academic goals look different from those of his peers, Catholic education offers him something priceless: the opportunity to become his best self within a loving community. “St. James and Bishop O’Connell focus on the whole person, beyond just academics,” she said. As for Jack, he is excited to make new friends and play Special Olympics sports.
At Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Options Program freshman Claudia Hollas is preparing to walk the same hallways her father, Richard, once walked as a student.
Claudia, who has a rare genetic mutation known as Auts2 that causes developmental delays, joined the Basilica School of St. Mary in Alexandria in second grade — just as the school was formalizing its Mater Dei program under the leadership of then-principal Janet Cantwell and Father Edward C. Hathaway, rector.
The school tailored coursework to meet Claudia where she was. Whether she was presenting her eighth grade science project — impressing her family with her grasp of complex terminology — or participating in the annual faculty versus eighth grade basketball game, Claudia was continuously wrapped in encouragement. “It gives you so much peace knowing that our Catholic faith values all children,” said her mother, Caroline.
This summer, Claudia has been busy pet-sitting with former middle school classmates, some of whom will join her in high school. She is excited to continue seeing familiar faces, including her neighbor who serves as a peer mentor and assisted Claudia during her shadow day.
Seeing Ireton’s spring theater production of “Hello, Dolly!” — which featured a cast member with Down syndrome — was an inspirational moment for her. “Seeing the girl proudly participating on stage inspired Claudia,” Caroline said. “She loves drama and theater, and she can’t wait to try out.”
For Timothy “Patrick” Williamson Jr., the move to the Options Program at Saint John Paul the Great High School in Potomac Shores is a milestone he has anticipated all summer.
Diagnosed with Tubulinopathy, a rare genetic condition causing intellectual disability and autism, Patrick joined St. Anthony of Padua School in Falls Church in fourth grade and was quickly embraced. “We had four children there, but everyone knew Patrick best. He loved greeting kids, teachers and priests as he walked into school each day,” said his father, Tim.
An active altar server at St. Louis Church in Alexandria, Patrick’s two passions are his Catholic faith and sports. His favorite eighth grade memories are receiving the sacrament of confirmation and playing CYO volleyball with his classmates.
Knowing Patrick’s challenges, the coach encouraged his parents to sign him up. Patrick surprised everyone by scoring winning points in matches, marking each victory with enthusiastic celebrations that delighted the crowd.
At Saint John Paul the Great, Patrick plans to be an altar server at school Masses, join the Rosary Club and serve as manager for the soccer team, a role created after special educator Emilia Foster connected with the coach. Having already assisted during the summer tryout, Patrick has found a sense of purpose on the field. “He has unique gifts to contribute, and JP is giving him the stage to do that,” Tim said.
Creating learning environments where children of all abilities are embraced as integral members of the school family requires the whole community to do its part. To help these necessary programs flourish, the nonprofit Porto Charities invested $366,000 this year alone in direct grants to Catholic schools, along with an additional $40,000 dedicated to professional development for educators, so that more stories of inclusion can unfold every day.
Yet, while funding provides the framework, the true heart of this mission lives in the students themselves.
As Jack, Claudia and Patrick step into their freshman year, recent graduate Isaiah Bertulfo, who has autism and ADHD, offers a glimpse of what the next four years can bring.
Isaiah recently graduated from the Options Program at St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly. With the help of peer mentors, he made the transition into general education math, sang in the choir for three years (including choir trips), and served in student government for two years.
“PVI taught Isaiah that he could partake in anything he set his mind to,” said his mother, Jasmin. From decorating his locker on his birthday to welcoming him into every activity, the staff and students showed Isaiah continuous love. “He’s going to miss his high school community,” she said.
During his senior year, Isaiah took great pride in guiding an incoming shadow student around campus. To the new freshmen entering the Options and Expanded Services programs across the diocese this month, he offers these words of encouragement: “As you begin your journey in high school, remember that God is with you as you learn, work and have fun. Look forward to meeting new friends and be sure to join the after-school sports and activities that interest you. High school will be great from freshman year through senior year. Live Jesus.”
Williamson is communications coordinator for Porto Charities.
