Baldwin Family Blog

We got to celebrate Jonah's graduation from the Discovery program tonight and it was so special!! Discovery has been such an instrumental part of Jonah's elementary years. Discovery is an educational therapy program offered at CHA, to help kids learn & reach their full potential. Jonah was in Discovery from 2nd-6th grades, and I can't begin to explain how helpful it was for him. It wasn't always easy--extra homework & rhythmic writing were not fun for Jonah (or mom)--but it was so worth it & he now has the tools he needs to succeed at whatever he does in life. The truth is, he would probably always benefit from Discovery, but we know that he is equipped and ready to thrive on his own now!

Jonah is smart, determined, funny, sincere, kind and consistent. We are SO PROUD of his character and work ethic! He is thriving in 7th grade this year--all A's and B's!! This is about way more than grades though--this is about overcoming obstacles, having courage, persevering, and not giving up when things are hard.

Mrs. Sherrer is absolutely amazing and we are so thankful for her! She has been with Jonah from the beginning of Discovery and we love her. Each of Jonah's elementary teachers have played such an important role in shaping Jonah & we are eternally grateful for each of them! What a priceless gift to have most of them there tonight! This picture of Jonah with all of his teachers is just the sweetest thing ever...and watching them cheer and celebrate with him brought me to tears.

Brian was so very sad to miss this special night--he was in Alaska planning a mission trip--and it just couldn't be helped. Part of the Discovery graduation ceremony each year is a video from the parents, talking about their child's experience in Discovery. It took me 2 days and at least 8 tries to make it through the video without bawling my eyes out!

We invited some of Jonah's friends and their moms to come, and it was so sweet of them to take the time to support Jonah. Isaiah, Owen and Finnick were all there to cheer him on!

We started to do Jonah's Discovery graduation last year, but the timing just wasn't right. I'm so glad we waited--other than Brian not being there, this was just the perfect night. I know it is something that will stick with Jonah forever.

YAY, for NO MORE Rhythmic Writing!!!

WE LOVE YOU JONAH, AND ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!!

Hello my name is Brian Baldwin & this is my wife Candace. We wanted to take a few minutes to share what the Discovery program has meant to our family and to Jonah specifically.

When Jonah was in 1st grade, we began to see that learning to read and processing was a bit of a struggle for him. In February of that year, Mrs. Crabb and Mrs. Hanes met with us and told us about the Search & Teach program. As a mom, the thought of Jonah struggling just really broke my heart so we quickly became committed to putting him in the Discovery program. A month or so later, Covid and distance learning happened, which further solidified the need for educational therapy once 2nd grade began.

We love the Discovery program--most of all because it has benefited Jonah in so many ways--it's taught him how to think, to learn independently, and how to process things better. It has helped him to be organized, and I think what we love most about it is that it has given him a sense of confidence and a voice. In the 4 1/2 years of Discovery, we have seen so much progress with Jonah and the confidence and tools that he has been given to succeed academically. It has been a joy to watch him thrive this year in 7th grade especially.

Mrs. Sherrer, we could never say thank you enough for all that you have done for Jonah. Even on the days when Jonah would come in and not be really enthusiastic and maybe complain a little bit about rhythmic writing or the other tasks you put before him, you always loved and encouraged him to keep going. From incentives like inviting his friends to have lunch in your office with him if he met his goals or bringing his favorite candy bar and root beer on his birthday, you made learning fun for him and you taught him that he can do hard things. I know that Jonah misses you very much! Rhythmic writing...not so much! =0) We love you and you'll always be special to us!

Jonah, I am so proud of you! We spent a lot of hours at that chalkboard upstairs, saying "left--right--left--right." I never thought I would actually miss that, but I find myself now missing those quiet moments with you. Your future is so bright and I will always be here cheering you on! Congratulations Jonah, I love you so much buddy!

Jonah, we are so proud of you, man! Your work ethic and determination is something that we can all learn from. So way to work hard, way to excel at school! Even when there are challenges ahead, we know that you are equipped and ready for them. Phil 1:6 says "He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion unto completion until the day of Christ Jesus." So Jonah, God's gifted you--in so many ways-he's given you talents, abilities, He has a great plan for your life & we are thankful that you are our son!

So Jonah, WE LOVE YOU!!