Letter from the Director of Education
It is the mission of Noorthoek Academy to provide a continuing education in the arts and sciences to students with learning challenges and other intellectual disabilities, with the purpose of expanding horizons, exciting curiosity, and encouraging self-expression.
Our Fall semester took us on an adventure to the country of China. Students studied the ancient dynasties, religions, geography, and customs. This collection of poetry highlights some of the Chinese culture. Students were particularly inspired by the landscape, wildlife and music of China.
Winter semester was one of the more powerful semesters in my time of teaching at Noorthoek Academy. Students learned about the disability rights movement and the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We explored the struggle that people with disabilities faced in their fight for civil rights. Learning about heroes in the disability rights movement like Judith Heumann and Ed Roberts empowered students to continue to advocate for themselves and others. One of the prominent themes that you will see in this poetry collection is that words have power. Language around people with disabilities has been hurtful in the past. Students identified harmful words, statements, and beliefs and how language continually changes. Students were inspired to share their stories and their successes with their classmates and now with you.
The poems you will read in this edition of the Elizabeth and Katherine Crouch Poetry Blog are reflections of what has been learned this year. The title My Voice comes from two poems by the same name written by Kylee V and Quan N. Both poems paint a picture about how each of these remarkable people found their voice and used it to change their circumstances and world. It is my great honor to introduce the poems from Noorthoek Academy students during the 23-24 academic year. I truly believe that if you listen closely to the words within that you will see inside the heart of each student and hear their voices. They truly have much to say. Please enjoy!
