March 2009

By Regina C.

This month in Family Seven, Austin C., Dave M., Brendan O., and Nick P. have earned shadowing after losing the privilege due to a struggle that they had in which they weren’t helping others. Nat L. has received an anchor, giving him the responsibility of a Residential Assistant.

Family Seven’s unity is beginning to grow again with the help of new students and determination. “After some struggling with many of the students, a lot of the kids are getting serious about integrity, which will help them to start caring about others,” said Family Leader Jan Cheripko.

The girls are uniting and moving forward with the help of Kendra S. who attended the school for nine months until she turned 18 and walked. This month Kendra returned to the school, and is now in Family Seven. “It has been a challenge, but a good one. The family was really welcoming and open-armed to me. I enjoy helping the girls and I’m glad to be back,” said Kendra.

Last month Laura W. joined the family, spreading as much of her experience, strength, and hope that she has acquired during her stay at FFS. Laura was switched back to Family Six, her original family, after giving all that she had to offer. Mary F. was placed into Family Seven from Family Two to give some change in her surroundings as well as a chance offer her help.

By Henry W.

This month Family Six, is continuing to grow. Family Six finally moved back into their family quarters. It had been under reconstruction since January.

Family Leader Thomas “Woody” Wood explained “The new family is beautiful.” Everything was redone. There is a new floor, fresh paint, new cushion covers, etc. Everyone seems to like it.

The new golf season also began this month after three tryouts. Alex B. and Tom S. both made the team. Woody is also the coach of the golf team and is excited for the new season.

Many students are still trying their best to take on new responsibilities to help out the family. Jill M. received buddying and shadowing inside the family.  Philip D. received a buddy, Kyle S. who is younger brother of Family One student Sean S. Jessica B. was also moved this month from Family Two to Family Six to give her a better chance in a new environment.

Family Six students and staff are still united, and show no sign of changing. June is getting closer and “graduation will be a struggle,” said Woody.

Graduation is a struggle for every family. Students lose their friends who they naturally have grown very close to after living with each other for so many months.

By Jon H.

Family Five has been getting along better since their trip to Binghamton, rollerskating, laser-taging, and eating at the Great China Buffet.

Caitlin R. said, “The newer students have been welcomed with a more comfortable atmosphere since the trip. The family does not seem to be arguing as much as we were,” Caitlin explained.

The nine senior members of Family Five have a meeting every Monday evening with staff member and woodcarving instructor John Broce (JB). “This meeting is to be of service and help to the rest of the family,” Pete Jacques explained. “The senior members have been becoming a lot more of a support for us, and are starting to step up,” Patrick M. said. “The newer students are starting to know what the wrong things to do are from the right.” The staff is helping out the students a lot more inside the family, too. “JB has been such a great help,” said Patrick.

Three of the family members made the softball team: Nicole K., Sarah B., and Karen S.

Family Five Leaders Peter and Caren Jacques are going as chaperones to the A.A. Convention, Cherry Hill N.J. on March 27.

Patrick and Megan R. passed their anchors to Victor C. and Caitlin.