Santa Teresa High School - Compendium Yearbook (San Jose, CA)

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here at best of us be- come even better a id the J dering eyes, few announcements, begins instructing day's lesson plan. Ti scenario of a day iri cial education class. Contrary to what most people think, Santa Tere- sa's special education program is aimed at helping those with minor learning disabilities rather than iso- lating the students from the real world.” The somewhat stereotypical view of Special Education as a program for severely handicapped students is completely false. Led by Leslie Suckow, Lana Ellis, and Jerry Rome- ro, the goal is to aid the student in overcoming his or her particular dis- ability. Some examples of these, which can all be cured, are dyslexia and other reading and writing prob- lems. For example, actor Tom Cruise's dyslexic reading disability has not prevented him from becom- ing a leading celebrity, and the same potential success holds true for ev- eryone in the program here at ST as stated by Mrs. Suckow. Most of the students have an average or above average I.Q. The only thing that holds them back is their minor dis- ability which can be minimized. That's where our help comes in! The students usually spend a few periods in the specialized classes while the rest of the day is in the reg- ular mainstream courses. Vice prin- cipal Karalee Roland, head of the de- partment, believes this new ap- proach to the program allows the student to feel less sheltered. Before the kids felt as though we were isolat- ing them from the rest of the student body. Now, however, they are able to interact with everyone else which makes them less self-conscious around others concerning their dis- ability. One of these students, Frank Giuliani is now a member of the Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary and on his way to gradu- ation. Without the program, I wouldn't have had the motivation to overcome my handicap. It's helped me tremendously! By Tanya Pine. ATTENTION. PLEASE! Mrs. Suckow lectures the class as Mike Tindall listens intentively. Paying dose attention saves the students a lot ot time behind the X oks at home. Many ol the kids lack concentration so we focus on teaching them to learn better study skills. Photo by Tanya Pine. Academics

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TAKING A NAP Viet Nguyen naps at the Decathlon ovemighter. These ovemighters arc designed to get all oi the team members together to study as a group. Viet was a member ol the National Honor Society, as well as the California Scholarship Federation. Pho'.o by BOTTOM ROW: Robyn De Herder MIDDLE: Coach Bill Sheehy, Arvind Suthor. Michelle Choppers, Viet Nguyen TOP: Andy Mac Lennon. Catherine Hedden. Lisa Sevcik, Jason Bennert, Mike Young, Renata Zalizynak. Pho TAKING A BREAK FROM TESTS Mike Young rests between tests at the competition. Mike was one ol the Honors level competitors. Mike was also a member ol the Notional Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Photo Decathlon

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KICKIN’ BACK ... Eric K regel gels comfortable while chatting with classmate Richard Herrera. Each take some time . out to catch up on the latest gos- A. ip. Richard admits that “the class is work, but we all try to find time to talk with our friends when the teacher al- lows! Photo by Tanya Pino. Special Education 4T