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FLC: Special Among Special Ed Programs
shareDecember 2, 2024
December 2 is National Special Education Day, and it’s easy to see how exceptional Friendship Christian School’s Focus Learning Center (FLC) is. Students with a variety of intellectual disabilities, such as autism and Down Syndrome, receive a targeted education to meet their specific needs in a small-class environment.
Landon, Tara, and Stephen Peed
“We don’t see our students as having a ceiling. It’s amazing what they can do; they surprise us with their potential,” said Specialized Learning Center Director Renee Hemric.
“Landon has always enjoyed school, but his enthusiasm for learning has reached new heights thanks to the FLC program at FCS,” said parent Tara Peed. She added:
“Not only has he grown academically, but his confidence has soared, because he is seen as a child of God who can accomplish anything. Our hearts will be forever grateful!”
A Day in the Life of FLC
FLC students get a robust academic experience with self-contained classes at their academic grade level in Math, English, Bible, plus History and Science (alternating years). They take yearly placement tests to determine their current academic level. Technology is also incorporated, as students use laptops for math and reading fluency along with learning how to create PowerPoints.
Like their middle school and high school peers, FLC students follow the bell schedule and join them during chapel, lunch, and special events like pep rallies and monthly high school House meetings and competitions. Some students also are in typical art and band classes as well as participate on athletic teams like Cheerleading or Cross Country.
“Even though it’s a self-contained program, the FLC students are definitely part of the Friendship community,” said Mrs. Hemric. Other students know them by name and the interaction is mutually beneficial.
Career training and independent living skills are a huge part of the program, following Wake County standards for an occupational track. Gardening and floral arranging, barista expertise, customer service, and household management are just some of the skills FLC students learn.
“Cheryl Boehme has accomplished beyond what I thought we could do,” expressed Mrs. Hemric. Mrs. Boehme helps drive the program, expanding opportunities each year. Mrs. Pacheco, who joined the team last year, also adds her expertise in special education and crafts to teach the students academic and vocational skills.
The FLC took a field trip to downtown museums and government buildings.
The group takes educational and vocational field trips such as government buildings and museums in Raleigh; the Durham Life and Science Museum; a plant nursery; and businesses that employ people with disabilities such as Bitty and Beau’s Coffee Shop in Wilmington. They also take fun-focused outings, like bowling or the park.
For career and life skills, they role play workplace situations, including customer service, counting money, and accepting electronic payments. The students run their very own coffee business, the Friendly Java Cafe, which students and staff eagerly support. Mrs. Hemric said it’s amazing to watch the older FLC students naturally mentor and lead the younger students.
Fitness and fine arts help round out FLC school days. To enhance physical fitness, Mrs. Baxter leads stretching exercises specifically modified for those with special needs. Mrs. Hemric leads group games to teach teamwork and how to win and lose well. Mrs. Baxter also teaches art and music, helping students express their creativity and improve fine motor skills.
Family involvement is another huge ingredient for success of the program. “We have the best parents!” exclaimed Mrs. Hemric. “We need extra support to make our program work. From big events to field trips, they love being with the group and serving alongside us.”
Preparing for the Future
Students in the FLC aren’t simply biding their time, but are training for life as adults. They can earn a diploma in the Occupational Course of Study focused on post-school employment and independent living.
“When they graduate from our program, they’re ready for the workforce or to continue their education,” explained Mrs. Hemric. Graduates have gone on to successfully work in service-related jobs, such as food services for retirement homes, hotels, or specialty restaurants like ice cream or coffee shops.
Maddie and Heather Lisk
FLC graduates have also attended and completed college programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, like Shepherds College, a Christian college in Wisconsin that offers programs in horticulture, culinary arts, and technology. Wake Tech and NC State also offer similar workforce-preparation programs.
“The FLC is staffed with amazing professionals who meet every child where they are and provide incredible opportunities for each student’s growth,” said parent Heather Lisk. She continued:
“From running the coffee cart, cooking and baking, woodworking and crafts, social skills, team building, music and art — the experiences along with the educational classes are setting our children up for a brighter future in life after FLC. We are so grateful that we found the FLC program for our daughter!”
FLC’s Humble Beginnings
While many schools provide educational accommodations, Christian education for students with intellectual disabilities is few and far between. Mrs. Hemric said when she meets teachers from other schools, the heartfelt desire is there, but staffing needs and resources for such programs are high.
Friendship’s FLC program maxes out at about a dozen students each year, only offering spots for sixth grade and up. From the pastors at Friendship Baptist Church to FCS administrators, it’s taken a lot of support, prayer, and will to expand the special education programs.
Friendship’s Specialized Learning Center is divided into two areas: 1) the Focus Learning Center for 6th-12th grade students with intellectual disabilities and 2) the Academic Success Center (ASC) for students grades three and higher who may have a documented learning disability, ADHD, or processing deficit who need accommodations and modifications.
The foundation of FCS’s special education program began 30 years ago. Mrs. Spruill, a current teacher with the Specialized Learning Center, was part of those very early years, pulling out students for classroom modifications. Two decades ago, Mrs. Lisa Joyner was brought to FCS to establish and expand the Specialized Learning Center.
As the program grew, Mrs. Hemric came back into the classroom at Dr. Joyner’s request. She saw that Mrs. Hemric, who was a previous elementary teacher, offered unique skills while homeschooling her children in multiple grade levels simultaneously.
Mrs. Hemric got her master’s in special education and now directs the SLC, as Dr. Joyner currently serves as Christian education department chair at Veritas Baptist College and is a popular presenter in the special education arena.
“The Lord definitely called me to my place in this program,” said Mrs. Hemric. “From the parents to the students, it’s a joy to love them and help them succeed.”
“We get to pray with them, mentor them, and share our bond in the Lord,” she added. In addition to Mrs. Hemric, Mrs. Boehme, Mrs. Pacheco, and Mrs. Baxter, other dedicated SLC staff include ASC teachers Mrs. Spruill and Mrs. Meng.
A Unique Purpose
The Focus Learning Center reflects the school’s educational mission to learn, love, and serve like Christ, all for His glory. As Psalm 139:14 proclaims, all students are fearfully and wonderfully made and offering a Christ-centered education for these students’ unique abilities is a kingdom calling.
In addition to a well-rounded education, FLC students learn to serve others while gaining important life skills. Their love for Christ and each other is evident among the staff and students. Across the campus, all in the Falcon community benefit from interacting with others who are differently abled.
Mrs. Hemric said the FLC program could be summed up with the words 1) Focus — a program dialed in to each students’ specific needs and 2) Purpose — helping students succeed with their God-given abilities.
If you’d like to see the FLC students in action, join us for the FLC Christmas Bazaar this Wednesday, December 4, at 8 a.m. They’re selling handmade craft items, coffee, and pastries.
