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"What I like most about Cotting is how the students and teachers are extremely kind and friendly.” - Peter G.

Peter is a happier, more confident and more capable person as a result of his time at Cotting School. He has a social life that he didn't have before. He has friends to talk to and hang out with. Going to the prom, the three-day ski trips, and playing basketball with his ‘Falcon’ teammates, have been as important to him, and to us, as what he's learning in the classroom. We've also seen the academic progress that Peter has made, and the pride he feels, because the work is all his own. Our biggest regret was not finding Cotting sooner.

Peter's also really blossomed as a result of Cotting's community work program. He's developed such good work habits and wonderful relationships with his supervisors and co-workers at a local library.  We feel that everything he has learned at Cotting is preparing him for the best possible launch into his adult life.

Peter has since graduated from Cotting, moving from Cotting student, to Cotting graduate, to intern, to employee!  Because of his participation in Cotting’s Project Bridges work program, the inclusive open-mindedness of the library’s director and staff, and Peter’s continuing efforts to do his best, Peter is currently an employee at the library.

Opportunities in life matter, and we are grateful that Peter has benefitted from the academic, social, and work opportunities that the Cotting School provides to all its students.

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You might know Bill Ironfield as the new Performing Arts teacher at Cotting School, but then again, you might not. You might have heard him on the guitar, performing with one of several local bands over the years. Perhaps you received a package from him during his bicycle messenger days, or better yet, enjoyed a Charles River tour while he worked as a gondolier. Of course, you might have crossed paths with Bill more recently as a farmer, or this past year as a Program Assistant at Cotting School.

“I wanted to do everything else before I searched for what I really wanted, and that was teaching art or music,” explains Ironfield. Special education wasn’t on his radar until he spent some time in a local afterschool program with children in grades K-5. It was his girlfriend, Annemarie, who suggested he consider working in special education because of his temperament and personality. Ironfield is ready to pair his passion for music and performing arts with his desire to teach.

Ironfield’s calm, collected, and thoughtful manner is a great fit for the Cotting community. He has an exciting outlook for his curriculum:   “My vision for the Cotting Performing Arts classes looks like a variety TV show because everyone is involved in some way. For some it’s audiovisual, for others, video, or performing, or singing. I want to ensure that everyone finds a place here.”

A gift to our annual fund ensures that Cotting students are able to learn about the performing arts from passionate teachers like Bill Ironfield, and explore, create, and find their own place in the world.  Click here to make your gift.

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We are so grateful for everything Cotting School has done for our granddaughter, Rachel.  We cannot say enough about the dedicated staff, adapted curriculum, and supplemental services that have enabled her to thrive.  Cotting has made a world of difference not only for Rachel, but for our entire family.

Rachel’s public-school system was wonderful, but her needs were simply not being met.  She would remain in one classroom all day, excluded from many activities.  Cotting is just the opposite; Rachel is among her peers here and is included in just about everything from dances, to sports, to industrial arts.  In her classroom, she has better access to her curriculum because the faculty encourage her to use her augmentative communication device.  Not only is her experience in the classroom more inclusive, she has her therapeutic and medical needs met all in one place.

Cotting’s positive impact is felt at home, too.  Her mother has noticed that Rachel communicates more with her iPad at home and has shown improved focus since enrolling at Cotting.  Now that she is more independent, Rachel is showing improvement in following directions and routines.  Perhaps most importantly, we are all less worried knowing the Rachel is happy, and that the Cotting staff is supporting us right along the way.

Tuition does not fully cover the cost of a Cotting education.  Please join us in making a gift today to ensure that Cotting can provide excellent instruction, cutting edge technology, and supplemental services for all students.

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