ELI GOTTSCHALK | HOLY CROSS
Our family has chosen to send our children to Holy Cross because we know they will receive a Catholic education that will help reinforce morals and values that are dear to our hearts. When it was time for our son, who has a physical disability, to enter school, we were elated that our local Catholic grade school saw the importance of equity and inclusion for all individuals within the learning community. As we arranged for services from both the Catholic school and public school, feelings of frustration and guilt were rising to the surface. Our principal understood and communicated that they have the ability to “think outside of the box” to help provide a Catholic education. She helped us feel accepted and our minds were at ease. We have completed Pre-K and Kindergarten with the help of HFSNF. Our son has help with transitions from walker to wheelchair, to the playground, and other activities throughout the day.
We have two other children in the Catholic school and to separate them would be extremely difficult, not only because of different buildings and timing, but for the simple reason that a Catholic education reinforces morals and values that keeps our family on the same wavelength. This past summer, Eli attended summer school in a public setting. I was reminded of why we attend Holy Cross and how grateful I am that our school has been willing to help meet his needs so he can thrive and learn in a Catholic community setting. We are looking forward to the upcoming school year, to watch each of our children soar, learn new academic concepts and to grow in their faith. We wouldn’t have that without the Holy Family Special Needs Foundation.