The Beat of Belonging: Ivan’s Story

Ivan and friends at Our Lady in Festus.

If you ask Ivan about his favorite thing in the world, he won’t hesitate. You might hear him say, “Donut;” one of the newer words in his vocabulary, or he might walk you over to the smart board and start marching. This is how Ivan lets you know he wants to watch a marching band video; his favorite pastime.

As his teacher cues up the video, his eyes light up, and his arms start moving like a drum major calling the band to attention. Then come the feet, marching along to the beat.

At just 11 years old, Ivan knows every move from the Ohio State halftime shows. Born with Down syndrome, Ivan struggles with academic tasks like reading and math—but give him a beat, and he becomes a leader.

A leader who belongs in Catholic school.

Before coming to Our Lady, Ivan was homeschooled. If he went to public school, he would have been in a separate classroom away from his friends and siblings. Most importantly, Ivan's family longed for a Catholic education centered in faith alongside his peers.

Initially, being part of a Catholic school seemed out of reach. He had been turned down from another Catholic school before approaching the principal, Mrs. Tracy Kempfer, at Our Lady in Festus. She called One Classroom to get some guidance and Ivan was joyfully accepted. Three years later, inclusion at Our Lady is paving the way for other children.

“Inclusion has been great for us from all sides,” said Kempfer. “Seeing Ivan’s personal transformation and that of his neurotypical peers has been rewarding. When he came to us, he was not very verbal. He has grown in his ability to communicate, his classmates accept and love him, and he is especially good with the younger kids.”

Principal Kempfer in no stranger to the pressures facing Catholic school teachers and administrators. As a 17-year veteran as both a teacher and administrator, she appreciates that One Classroom has enabled her and more principals to say, “yes.” One Classroom’s training seminars on inclusive strategies and adaptive tools have facilitated Ivan’s full participation at school. Through One Classroom’s grant program, Our Lady has received the financial support to help fund paraeducators.

“We are incredibly grateful for Colleen, One Classroom’s Director of Programming,” she said. “The resources Colleen and One Classroom provide are essential. The training and grant dollars have given us the flexibility to welcome children we couldn’t before. This has enhanced our school environment while adhering to our doctrinal obligation of making a Catholic education attainable to all families who seek one for their child.”Intentional inclusion matters.

With the help of One Classroom, Our Lady has developed a learning plan with specific goals developed just for him. He joins the general education classroom for most of his day. He prays alongside his classmates. He participates in enrichment classes like art and music, and is part of the band. If he needs a buddy to help coax him in from recess, that’s what he receives. If he wants to take a break he goes into the gym to run around or ride his bike.

Ivan isn’t watching from the sidelines; he’s in the parade.

Ivan is experiencing the power of the Body of Christ in a more full and profound manner. He has friends and a community, and access to the sacraments. Our Lady celebrates Ivan for who he is; honoring his interests, nurturing his gifts and giving him space to shine.

Ivan still watches marching band videos on occasion, but now he dreams even bigger. Because he knows he belongs. And thanks to One Classroom, so does everyone else.

Ivan brings daily joy to his classmates.