Before starting kindergarten at Stanley G. Falk School (Falk) in November 2023, Dean was terrified to go to school. His former schools lacked the structure and specialized resources Dean needed to succeed, and a series of traumatic incidents ultimately led to his removal from five different schools. For Dean and his family, school had become a source of fear and frustration rather than learning.
That changed when an attorney from the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo’s Education Advocacy Program helped connect Dean’s family with Falk. Within weeks of starting school, Dean’s parents noticed a remarkable transformation in his attitude, behavior and academic performance. The anxiety that once defined his school experience was replaced with curiosity, confidence and an excitement for learning.
“When I would pick up Dean after school, he would be so excited to show me his point sheet and tell me all about his classmates and teachers,” said his father, Dean. “Since he has started going there, his love for school has grown so much.”
Dean’s mother, Lindsey, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the profound impact Falk has had on their family. “When we found Falk, it changed Dean’s entire life and perspective on school,” she said. “Falk is absolutely dedicated to making sure every single child feels like they belong and receives the education they deserve.”
Now a second grader, Dean is exceeding grade-level expectations in both math and reading. He has also graduated from several therapies, including one-on-one counseling - a milestone that reflects his emotional and social growth. The school’s 6:1:1 classroom structure has been instrumental in this progress, allowing staff to build strong relationships with Dean and tailor support to his needs.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Dean grow from a shy, five-year-old into a curious and confident second grader,” said Dean’s former kindergarten teacher, Ms. Szczypierowski. “Watching former students flourish is a testament to the meaningful connections we create here at Falk.”
Ms. Clark, who has worked closely with Dean over the past year and a half, has also witnessed his transformation firsthand. “I’ve seen such great progress and growth in Dean’s social skills, independent thinking and academic excellence,” she explained. “The 6:1:1 structure at Falk allows us to really get to know each student and their needs, which is one of my favorite parts about the program.”
Dean’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when a child is placed in an environment designed to support their unique needs - one where they are seen, understood and encouraged to succeed.