December 2024

Dear TROY ,

We made it through December !! I think most of us, students and staff alike, finished the semester on fumes but looking back at all that was accomplished, it was completely worth every ounce of effort ! And, to top it off, we celebrated the achievements of four students who became GRADUATES !

TROY School has had longstanding relationships with these four graduates, three of them having been with us since they were in middle school. We have truly enjoyed watching their growth and maturity over the years and they have proven themselves ready for the next phase of life. Kohen recently completed a certification program in welding through Ivy Tech Community College and is working part-time in Fort Wayne, hoping to go full-time in the coming months. Mason is currently working part-time for a Columbia City business but is completing the process to enter an HVAC apprenticeship with a local service provider. Tangie is working part-time for a Columbia City business and has had several interviews for full-time opportunities in the area. Sawyer also has work experience under his belt and is currently working with a vocational job coach to find a full-time opportunity that is the right fit for his skills and personality. Although it will be difficult to bid farewell to these graduates who have been part of the fabric of TROY School for quite some time, we are cheering them on as they embrace their futures.

As we head into the final days of 2024 and look back over our year, we cannot help but feel truly blessed to be part of this community. We honestly could not do what we do at TROY School without YOU believing in us, supporting us and loving us.

Your unwavering support is crucial in allowing us to make a difference in the lives of students who need us the most.

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR & looking forward to connecting with you in 2025 !

With Gratitude ~

Cindy Baker

Executive Director, TROY School

cindy@troyalternativeschool.com

TROY'S IMPACT: A PARENT PERSPECTIVE

Hello, my name is Rachael, and I am the mother of a 2024 TROY School graduate. I would love to tell you firsthand how TROY has truly been an answered prayer and success story for my son Cayden. When Cayden was a young child, we knew we were going to have challenges with attention and hyperactivity. My husband and I did everything we could to channel his energy into family activities and sports. During elementary school Cayden was easily redirected, and teachers would give him grace by allowing him to turn in assignments late. We did get Cayden evaluated and on the appropriate ADHD medication while in elementary school but when he got to middle school Cayden had difficulty keeping track of his classes and assignments. We had a 504-plan set up in middle school that allowed us to closely monitor his progress. The school, my husband and I did everything we could, but Cayden continued to fail academically, and it started to affect him mentally.

In high school, Cayden continued to struggle, and we had him evaluated for an IEP. The vice principal wanted me to consider sending Cayden to TROY. I told him I thought TROY was for troubled youth. He explained to me that it is for students that have difficulty in a traditional school setting and for students that have had some issues with discipline, as well. Cayden started his journey at TROY, and it was the best thing that could have happened to him! TROY not only guided Cayden academically, but they also supported him mentally. While at TROY, Cayden discovered a love for music through participating in their music program and also enjoyed outings in the community to work on service projects with other students. The staff supported my son like he was their family. Cayden had smaller classes that gave him the ability to succeed! During his senior year, Cayden was able to wrestle and golf for Churubusco high school. All these things would not have happened if it were not for the opportunities Cayden had while attending TROY.

Cayden graduated in May 2024 and is currently working at Dow Chemical getting certified in different areas of production. I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH for the opportunity that my son was given at TROY because of your support. TROY School offers youth in our community a smaller, more intimate learning environment where accommodations are made to meet students where they are to help them succeed and graduate.

Rachael Kirchner

Stories like Rachael & Cayden’s beautifully illustrate how your support is redefining success for students who struggle in a traditional school environment.

In these final days of 2024, we ask that you consider partnering with TROY School to ensure our students receive the education and tools they need to succeed in life, just like Cayden!

Never doubt the incredible difference YOU make in the lives of our students!

We are sincerely grateful for YOU !!

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