Stockbridge schools find ‘LINKS’ to success

By Cindy Lance

Hunter Alvarado has participated in the LINKS program since its implementation. Pictured above with escort Anna Baird, Alvarado was crowned the 2018 Coming Home King for Winterfest on Feb. 17. Photo credit: Frazzini Photography

Students with disabilities often face extra challenges in the classroom. But the Stockbridge Community Schools district discovered that some extra help and emotional support from a classmate can make a big difference.

Parents Greg and Mary Mezo are “impressed with all the things and programs that Stockbridge Community Schools offer.” They called the LINKS program the “best so far” that they have seen in action.

John Twining, the school social worker, along with other staff, including Mary Waterhouse, worked to implement the program.

“LINKS are the students who help students with disabilities, especially students with autism and cognitive or emotional impairments,” he said. “We call the students they help ‘buddies.’”

Twining said LINKS students attend classes with their buddies and provide social, emotional and academic support for success in the classroom—and the experience benefits both parties. 

More than four years ago, the Mezos, previously of Grand Rapids, researched schools and decided to settle in Stockbridge because of the support of the staff and commitment to students with special needs.  Photo credit: Frazzini Photography

LINKS students receive a high school credit, learn about disabilities and the helping professions. 

Buddies are able to attend classes that they might not otherwise be able to take, and they are able to learn, firsthand, the social and academic skills necessary to succeed in the world.

“Many students who have completed the LINKS program have gone on to study in the field of teaching and special education, as well as physical therapy and other helping professions,” Twining said. “Some LINKS are not interested in these fields, but simply are learning the skills of mentoring and about autism and emotional or learning disabilities.”

As for the buddies, most “become increasingly independent and need far less LINKS support as they progress into their junior and senior years of high school,” he said.

Twining describes the most satisfying and rewarding part of the program in one word: magic. “Seeing the independence of these buddies grow, as they learn alongside their peers in the least restrictive environment, is amazing,” he said. “These students stay in their communities and are part of the general education student body.”

Alvarado’s parents, the Mezos, said the “community has embraced LINKS and the students it serves, and LINKS is good for everyone, a win-win.” Photo credit: Frazzini Photography

More than four years ago, the Mezos, previously of Grand Rapids, researched schools and decided to settle in Stockbridge because of the support of the staff and commitment to students with special needs. Their son, Stockbridge High School senior Hunter Alvarado, has participated in the LINKS program since its implementation. 

His parents describe him as a “shy and kind boy that, like so many others diagnosed with autism, was capable of so much more.”

While he is still shy, this program has helped him socially, they said, adding that the buddies understand Hunter and his triggers and help him through those situations.

As for Hunter, he was crowned the 2018 Coming Home King for Winterfest on Feb. 17.

The Mezos said the “community has embraced LINKS and the students it serves, and LINKS is good for everyone, a win-win.”