The Bloom Program at Rogers opened its doors in the fall of 2023 to provide students with specialized instruction and behavioral support in a nurturing classroom environment.
Now nearing its first full year of operation, the special education program through Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES has done that and much more.
Families were recently invited to an open house at the Innovation Center at R.R. Rogers School, 41 Hebner St., Jamestown, where the Bloom Program is housed. Attendees were able to meet with instructors and staff, tour the various classrooms, and talk with a number of professionals and organizations also in attendance.
Patrick Langworthy, Bloom principal, said he was eager to meet families and highlight the program’s progress in its first year.
“I think it’s exciting for parents to see the environment where their children spend their time at school,” Langworthy said. “The parents can see our commitment to supporting students and their families. All our staff members here are dedicated and committed to seeing students thrive.”
The E2CCB special education program welcomed its first students in October 2023. It is designed to serve children who require specialized instruction.
Specifically, Bloom provides academic and social skills development, psychiatric care, and specialized therapies in a safe, supportive, and responsive classroom.
Jami Raymond, whose 8-year-old son, Colby, attends the Bloom Program at Rogers, said she was drawn to the small classroom sizes and one-on-one specialized care. Further, she said her son has come to like the teachers and staff at the school.
“We have seen an improvement with him, and we’re hoping that he learns a little bit more,” Raymond said of her son. “We’re hoping that he gets more of the specialized care that he needs.”
Shahon Veney’s 7-year-old son, Zeryen, has been at Bloom since last year. He noted a marked improvement in his son’s communication and learning skills.
“I think the specialized care they have here has definitely helped,” Veney said.
The open house also allowed families to meet with a number of representatives whose organizations provide a range of services both in school and in the community. Among them was Keana Sherlock, a Community Care Specialist with E2CCB.
“What we do is help bridge the gap between schools and the community by helping to link different community services and help as an extra support for families,” Sherlock said. “We do home visits, community visits, and just link to outside services based on the need of the family.”
Available to school districts, Shared Community Care Specialists help establish positive working relationships between students, families, school districts, and community agencies to improve both behavioral and academic outcomes for the student.
To learn more about the Bloom Program at Rogers, contact Principal Patrick Langworthy at 716-672-3244 ext. 3301 or plangworthy@e2ccb.org. For more information about E2CCB’s Shared Community Care Specialists, contact Melissa Rivers, Director of Instructional Support Services, at 716-672-3112 or mrivers@e2ccb.org.
