BOP Charter Academy

📚𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 📚

Each Saturday, we share a book that we can’t help but talk about—stories that have stuck with us and reflect the heart of our school’s mission.

This week: 𝟓𝟒 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐖𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 by Caela Carter.

Shortly after being diagnosed with ADHD, I picked up this book—and it hit home in ways I wasn’t expecting. It’s an honest, compassionate look at the inner world of a neurodivergent child navigating school, friendship, and family. Gwendolyn knows she's smart and capable, but everything feels just out of reach. Someone is always upset with her, even when she’s trying her best.

This is a powerful read for parents—especially those looking to open up conversations with their kids about diagnoses, labels, or the feeling of being different. It gently shows how kids can start to believe they are the problem, when in reality, the world just wasn’t designed with them in mind.

It also speaks to the struggle of caregivers trying to support their child while juggling advice from “experts” that often contradicts what they know to be true.

I saw myself in Gwendolyn—and I know many of my students would too.

🖤Shantell

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱, 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

At Beyond Ordinary Pathways, each of us carries personal stories—both as students and as educators—that shape our vision for what school could be. These stories aren’t about blaming teachers or schools; they’re about recognizing that even with dedicated educators, the system often leaves kids, teachers, and parents behind.

Today, Helen is sharing one of her experiences—not to criticize, but to open the conversation about why 𝙧𝙚𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨.

𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 as a paraprofessional for the district and was placed at a large elementary school. If you don’t know what a para is, my job is to assist students by implementing the strategies outlined in their IEPs. There are sometimes no resources or training programs for paraprofessionals, that was my case. The most direction I received was, “This child needs help in math. Make sure they get the work done.” In other words: compliance.

No training. No professional development.

I would walk into classrooms and kids would point at the student I was assigned to. There was no sense of dignity, no confidentiality. I quickly realized the social divide that the students I worked with were facing.

This story is about a second grader—we’ll call her Sadie. She had long, beautiful black hair in a new hairdo every single day. She wore lots of pink and loved everything to do with makeup, nails, and ponies. She was fierce and knew exactly what she liked and didn’t like. Sadie was also a dual language learner, and Spanish was her first language.

I was assigned to help her in math. She had undiagnosed ADHD and struggled to follow the teacher’s instructions during lessons. The classroom followed a common structure called “I do. We do. You do.” In this classroom, that meant students were expected to sit at their desks, follow along with the teacher as she worked through the front side of a worksheet, and then complete the back side independently.

After a few days in the classroom, I started to notice some things.

Instructional time meant the teacher stood at the front of the class filling out the worksheet on the board. Students were expected to copy her work. That part alone took up most of the math block, leaving very little time for kids to work through the problems on their own. Multiple students were falling behind and losing focus.

And Sadie wanted nothing to do with me. She avoided me to no end. Refusing work at all costs.

I began helping other students in the classroom, and the teacher quickly reprimanded me for “abandoning” Sadie. But the truth was, Sadie wanted so badly to fit in. Having an unfamiliar adult sit next to her during class made her shut down. I wanted to build a relationship with the entire class that way she didn’t feel singled out.

I couldn’t move around the room—I was expected to stay by her side—but she was embarrassed and refused to engage with me.

So, my solution was to do math work with her in the hallway.

And she was a completely different student out there—outgoing, bubbly, kind. I was somewhat pleased with the result: she was learning. But she was also isolated. Her peers were still in the classroom—many of them still struggling—and she was missing out on being part of the group. Pulling her out created an unnecessary divide between her and her peers.

There are ways to solve this issue. Why not incorporate more movement into the classroom—for both students and teachers? Instead of requiring students to stay seated at their desks the entire time, why not allow them to get their wiggles out while working? The teacher could move around the room while instructing, which would help build connection with each student and keep them more engaged.

Why not encourage co-teachers or support staff to divide and conquer when assisting all students? That way, no child feels singled out—or worse, left out entirely.

What about collaborative learning? Small groups? Partner activities? These simple changes can make a huge difference. Sadie’s confidence was so low, she would give up halfway through any assignment. She wanted to make friends in class, to feel like she belonged. If she had felt like part of a community, I truly believe she would’ve been more motivated to learn alongside her peers.

Sharing stories like this is important because it shines a light on a deeper issue: school systems are often built to serve only one kind of student. The rest are left to struggle through—or worse, slip through the cracks entirely.

Come visit us at the final Kids on the Plaza!

Don't miss the final Kids on the Plaza of the summer!! We're wapping up this nine-week series with a whole bunch of FREE kids-activities and fun in the sun! ☀️
Downtown's favorite emcee DJ Brandon from will be hosting games, competitions, and an awesome dance party for the little ones.

We'll have free art activities hosted by Kris Grauvogl and is bringing their Scoop Bus! Alysse from will be painting faces, our friends at will be giving away goodies plus we have tons of greats vendors lined up with free activities for the kiddos including , , , , , Community Preschool, , , and The Little Gym.

Join us from 12:00-2:00pm in The Foundry Plaza, in Downtown Loveland. The splash pad will be on and is bringing their activity trailer! Don't forget to stop by for a kid-friendly sack lunch for $6! This lunch includes a sandwich, fruit, kids drink and a fresh baked cookie!

Thanks to our incredible One Sweet Summer event sponsors that made this series possible: , , , & our official beverage sponsor 👏👏👏

📚 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 📚

Each Saturday, we share literature that speaks deeply to who we are and what we value as a school.

This one is for the grown-ups—educators, caregivers, and anyone who wants to raise readers who love to read.

This week’s pick: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗿 by Donalyn Miller.

This book is a powerful reminder of what reading can be—joyful, meaningful, and woven into the rhythm of daily life. It’s about creating a reading culture, not just a reading curriculum. Miller challenges the idea that reading has to be tracked, logged, or limited. In her classroom, reading becomes the heartbeat—stolen moments of stories, real conversations about books, and space to fall in love with reading again.

For students who struggle to read, literacy instruction can start to feel like punishment. The texts are often too simple to be interesting, and the spark starts to fade. This book reminds us that while we must teach foundational reading skills explicitly (and we will—more on that later!), we must also protect the joy of reading.

We’ll be building a school where both matter: the how and the why of reading. And The Book Whisperer is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when we keep the heart of reading alive.

🖤 Shantell

𝐖𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 — 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮!

Are you interested in a school that supports the whole child — one that embraces all brains, fosters connection, and uses flexible, creative approaches to learning?

Filling out an 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡 isn’t a commitment — it’s a way to say:
✭ “This sounds like something my family might need.”
✭ “I want to stay informed.”
✭ “I care about new options for education.”

These forms help us show that there’s a real interest in our model as we work toward approval. They also ensure you’ll be the first to know about next steps, events, and opportunities to give input as we grow.

You’ll be able to:
* Share input
* Join events
* Receive updates before anyone else
* Be part of something powerful from the start

Visit https://forms.gle/32omjXqzF6NFB19H6 to fill out your form.
It takes 2 minutes and makes a big impact.

Let’s build a school that goes 𝚋𝚎𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚢 — together.

📚𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐟- 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲📚

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝 by Jory John was the first book I read from this wonderful series, and it quickly became a favorite in my classroom. I had so many students who connected with the seed’s story—kids who saw parts of themselves in the idea of being labeled “bad” and what it means to try and change.

It’s a funny, accessible book that opens up important conversations about identity, choices, and how we grow. The illustrations are fantastic, and the message is one that sticks with kids long after the story ends.

🖤 Shantell

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗯 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝘀 -- 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹

We decided to draw ourselves as blobs and share what makes us unique as learners, so you can continue to get to know our team better!

As humans, we all have different needs as learners. Some of us need to move to focus, others need silence. Some love learning through doing, and others need time to reflect first. We’re all different—and that’s something we celebrate.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 (𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝) 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫? We’d love to hear!

When a Blob digs in their heels, it’s not defiance—it’s fear or overwhelm.
These quick strategies can turn a “no” into a moment of understanding and connection.

Stay calm: “I can see this feels big.”

Avoid power struggles and pause before reacting

Offer choices within limits

Ask: “Is something feeling too hard or confusing right now?”

Come back later to problem-solve together

When behavior gets big, stay grounded.
That book-throwing moment? It’s communication.

Instead of reacting with punishment, we respond with calm, connection, and tools for regulation.

Here are a few simple strategies you can try next time the energy in the room explodes:

Keep your body calm and voice low

Give space but stay nearby

Say: “Looks like your body has big energy right now. Want to stomp it out or squeeze something?”

Offer a break, not a punishment

Debrief after the storm

𝐖𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 — 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮!

Are you interested in a school that supports the whole child — one that embraces all brains, fosters connection, and uses flexible, creative approaches to learning?

Filling out an 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡 isn’t a commitment — it’s a way to say:
✭ “This sounds like something my family might need.”
✭ “I want to stay informed.”
✭ “I care about new options for education.”

These forms help us show that there’s a real interest in our model as we work toward approval. They also ensure you’ll be the first to know about next steps, events, and opportunities to give input as we grow.

You’ll be able to:
* Share input
* Join events
* Receive updates before anyone else
* Be part of something powerful from the start

Visit https://forms.gle/32omjXqzF6NFB19H6 to fill out your form.
It takes 2 minutes and makes a big impact.

Let’s build a school that goes 𝚋𝚎𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚢 — together.

📚𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐟- 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲📚

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚 by TJ Klune is one of my all-time favorite reads—and one of my go-to comfort books. It’s a light, joyful story on the surface, but it gently explores deep, meaningful topics: what it means to belong, how we define family, how systems can limit us, and how we find the courage to challenge those limits.

I adore the children in the book—they are beautifully written, unique, and unforgettable. And the two adult characters at the heart of the story captured me completely.

This is the kind of book that reminds us of the power of acceptance, kindness, and seeing beyond labels—values that feel deeply connected to the community we’re working to build at Beyond Ordinary Pathways.

If you’re looking for a read that will make you smile, make you think, and stay with you long after the last page, I can’t recommend this one enough.

Let us know what you think!

🖤 Shantell