Calais School elementary students are gifted beads as part of the school’s pilot Beads of Courage Program. This new pilot program is the first of its kind- providing emotional support and encouragement in a therapeutic special education school.

The one-of-a-kind program is implemented through Calais’ Animal Assisted Interventions program. As students at Calais work with the school’s Animal Assisted Interventions dogs and handlers in various related service areas, the beads will be used to recognize and celebrate their courage. The school’s counselors, therapists and teachers have begun to play an integral role in the program.

“The Beads of Courage program has been a wonderful and uplifting addition to our classroom,” said Special Education Teacher Franchesca Grey. “Each bead tells a story and shows just how courageous our students are. The beads help them recognize that there will be some bumps along the way, but they have the strength and courage to overcome any obstacles they may face. My class wears their beads proudly and they look forward to sharing their journeys with others in the years to come.”

The inspirational program is not a competition for who has the most beads. The significance comes from the meaning behind the bead, why it was gifted and the journey of each participating student. Calais Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) Coordinator Tiffany Shevchik, who is a Beads of Courage Program Ambassador, explained that students are gifted beads for their courage for working towards personal goals (academic/therapeutic), individual participation and group participation.

“I am honored to implement The Calais School’s pilot Beads of Courage program for students with special needs. The personal journeys reflected by each students’ collection of beads gives them a sense of pride and confidence.” said Ms. Shevchik.

Students string their beads and wear them on the backpacks or as jewelry. The beads also provide a means of connecting students to their peers in new ways -students are making friends and sharing their stories.

“The personal journeys reflected by each students’ collection of beads gives them a sense of pride and confidence. I continue to be impressed with the many moments of courage witnessed between students. These moments can range from communicating very difficult conversations, tackling difficult educational goals, and showing kindness/compassion to one another at their own free will.” Shared Ms. Shevchik.

The BEADS OF COURAGE® programs use beads as visible and tangible art forms that carry intention. Beads of Courage believes that every time a bead is given courage is honored, suffering is alleviated, resilience is strengthened, and the experience of human caring is affirmed.

The Calais School’s pilot Beads of Courage Program not only encourages peer to peer connections among students, it also allows Calais faculty and staff to develop deeper relationships with students.  The school is working to expand this program to the entire school in the near future.

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