A new story for students facing challenges: Independence school will focus on autism, behavioral issues - cleveland.com

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INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Greater Cleveland will soon have another educational option for kids with autism, emotional needs and various behavior issues. Independence will be home to the fifth New Story Schools facility in Ohio when it opens in early 2022.

Located at 600 W. Resource Drive, the future charter school will accept students ages 5-21 from throughout Greater Cleveland.

Jason Guild, senior director of New Story Schools in Ohio, explained that the school’s general approach is based in behavioral science, which provides professional staff the tools necessary to work with students facing a wide array of challenges.

“When you work with a foundation of behavior science, you can work with students that are in kindergarten, non-vocal and learning how to communicate with a text device, and you can also work with advanced students who are studying for college prep,” said Guild.

Guild is less concerned with the ways in which students are typically characterized and more interested in addressing the specific needs of each child.

“We don’t want to label kids. … We just know there are behaviors we don’t want and there are behaviors we do want,” explained Guild.

The school will feature educational, therapeutic and recreational spaces, as well as a dozen classrooms. A diverse group of professionals will work to meet the needs of students.

Guild stresses that the new facility intends to be a partner with other area schools, rather than a source of competition.

“The goal is to help the kids get caught up and then get back to their home districts,” shared Guild.

Berry Thompson will be head of the Independence campus. Thompson was a standout swimmer at Cleveland State University and is clearly proud of his hometown.

“I went to Cleveland State. I’m a Cleveland native. It’s everything Cleveland for me,” said Thompson.

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Thompson worked in mental health services as a treatment specialist and adult case manager. He then spent two years as a middle school math instructor in the Cleveland Metropolitan Schools as part of the Teach for America program. Thompson will earn his master’s degree just in time for the New Story School to open.

The building that will house the school is currently undergoing major renovations.

Remarked Paul Volosov, president and chair of New Story, “Making this necessary investment in the Independence campus allows us to make a positive impact on more and more families each year, which is especially critical during the growing mental health crisis we know is impacting children in this country.”

Guild concluded by expressing his enthusiasm for the new location.

“We’re super excited to be a part of the Greater Cleveland community. We’re excited to work with kids in the Cleveland area.”

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