Hand In Hand Options Program Culture

Mission

The Hand in Hand Options program provides a quality Catholic education for students with Intelletual and Develomental Disabilities, giving all children a means to achieve spiritual, intellecutual, social, and physical development. 
 

Vision

Through the mission of the Catholic Schools Office and as a apostolate to the univerisal Church, the Hand in Hand Options program provdies an exceptional faith-based experience accessible to all families in Middle Tennesse.  Operating in a fully inclusive culture, students become lifelong learners and all members of the school community bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Extracurricular Activities

Students in the Hand in Hand Options program have complete access to clubs, teams, and activities.  To be fully engaged in the life of the school, Hand in Hand students participate in school performaces and are encouraged to join athletic teams and after-school clubs with their peers.  Immersion in the community's fellowship-building activies is at the heart fo the HIHO program. 

Curriculum Structure

The content of the Hand In Hand Options program is based on the individual goals of the student, and is not contingent upon adherence to the diocesan curriculum standards.  The Hand in Hand teachers will provide direct services for Mathematics, Reading, Language, and Study Skills.  HIHO students will be immersed in their grade level classes for the other subject areas and will engage in modified lessons relative to the same content studied by their peer group. 

Inclusion

To build independence, students in the HIHO program will navigate the school without ongoing and direct support from the Hand In Hand teacher.  At minimum, HIHO students attend Homeroom, Mass, Religion, Special Area classes, lunch, and recess with their grade level peers.  HIHO students also attend class field trips; parents may be required to atend off campus functions with their child, especially in the event of overnight stays. 

All children are made in the image and likeness of God.  In our Catholic schools we celebrate the gifts God bestows upon each child, and seek to nurture their growth in an environment rich in faith and driven by the truths of the Gospel. The benefit of living these truths draws the entire school community together and affords opportunity for each of us to bear witness to Christ.