Op-Ed: From “He Can’t Learn Here” to Thriving

by Shmuli Evers

A thank you letter to the teachers that believe in my son.

There was a time when the words “your son has ADHD” felt like a life sentence. We were told by his first school that their environment wouldn’t be suitable for his needs, and medication was suggested as a way for him to thrive elsewhere. Devastation doesn’t even begin to describe it. But then, a journey began that restored our hope, all thanks to a remarkable group of educators.

This article is for every teacher, therapist, coach, and anyone in our community who has believed in a child like mine. Your unwavering support is the reason my son thrives in his learning. You helped him discover his love for writing, nurtured his potential, and instilled the confidence to achieve his goals. 

Today, he’s graduating high school with flying colors, writing stories, and aspiring to be a published author. 

Thank you for believing in him when others doubted.

The challenges were real. Traditional methods didn’t resonate with him. But we knew we had to find an environment that would. We had to look for another school that had smaller classrooms, so that he wouldn’t fall between the tracks. We were lucky enough to find Lubavitcher Yeshiva Ocean Parkway and Darchai Menachem who brought out the best in our son. Their teachers saw the spark beneath the surface. You embraced his unique learning style. You fostered his curiosity and encouraged his strengths.

One teacher, in particular, stands out. He instilled a sense of wonder in his classroom, giving the kids superpowers (permission slips for a trip to the moon included!) This, along with the support from other educators, broadened our son’s creativity and love for learning in a way we never thought possible.

We also decided to explore alternative approaches. My wife took on the monumental task of revamping our son’s diet. It was a full-time job – matching school lunches, making all food from scratch, even snacks (see her Blog). We opted for a low-carb, gluten-free approach, eliminating processed foods and artificial coloring. It wasn’t easy, but we were determined to find what worked for him. 

To his therapists, a special thank you for providing him with the tools to thrive with his ADHD superpowers. You helped him understand himself and navigate the world with confidence.

As his mind grew, so did his desire for academic challenge. After 8th grade, he felt he needed more, and transitioned to a mainstream Yeshivah, the Mesiftah of Chovevei Torah. It was not the easy route, he had to push himself incredibly hard to achieve his new set goals, but his Rebbies there believed in his potential just as strongly as his previous educators, nurturing his drive and helping him achieve what we thought would never be possible.

Words cannot express how grateful we are for your unwavering support. You, along with my wife’s tireless efforts and the dedicated educators at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Ocean Parkway, Darchai Menachem, and the Mesiftah of Chovevei Torah, ignited a love for learning in him that burns bright. You didn’t just teach him – you empowered him.

Today, my son stands tall, a testament to the transformative power of dedicated educators, a parent’s unwavering love, and finding the right environment for your child to flourish. You believed in him when others doubted, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

This journey has been a testament to the strength of a supportive community, especially the powerful partnership between home and school. It wasn’t always easy, but the effort has been richly rewarded by witnessing our son blossom. To other parents navigating a similar path, let me offer a message of hope. There are incredible educators out there who will cherish your child’s unique brilliance. Together, families and schools can discover effective approaches that support each child’s needs. Most importantly, the unwavering love of your home creates a foundation that empowers your child to reach their full potential, no matter their label.