Meet Nakita Lewis, Integration Charter Schools employee, and proud Lavelle Prep mother! #HumansofICS

"I used to travel from Staten Island to Manhattan to ensure my children attended a charter school that I believed would be the best fit for their educational needs. The school was strict, but not overly so, and it offered foreign language instruction. However, my eldest child began showing signs of ADHD, which made it difficult for him to sit still for long periods. Unfortunately, the school wasn’t equipped to support his need for movement, and I began receiving daily calls about his behavior. Often, I’d be asked to pick him up or he’d be sent to the principal’s office, causing him to miss valuable instruction time, which ultimately affected his grades.

After my child was accepted at Lavelle Prep, I spoke to a teacher about the possibility of enrolling his sibling, and that’s when Principal Curran overheard my concerns. She provided invaluable guidance on how to address my son’s challenges, and shortly after, he was moved into the 3rd grade. His teacher, Mrs. Salem, was a game-changer. She recognized his need for movement and incorporated tasks throughout the day that allowed him to expend his energy. The school also offered movement breaks for all students, and within a few months, my son’s behaviors began to settle.

Now in his third year at Lavelle, my son’s tics are much less frequent, and his grades have exceeded my expectations. The school worked with me to develop a 504 plan, which has allowed him to thrive both academically and socially. I’m so grateful for the support and understanding that Lavelle has provided."