The 2020 Dutchess BOCES Salt Point Center Athletes Polar Plunge team with Erin Scott and Chris Thompson in front. Chris’ dad, Eric, is behind him.
Teachers see hundreds, maybe thousands of students in their lifetime and also interact with their parents. Typically, once the school year or time in a school ends, they don’t see each other again.
Teachers see hundreds, maybe thousands of students in their lifetime and also interact with their parents. Typically, once the school year or time in a school ends, they don’t see each other again.
But some relationships endure - especially those forged at a school like Salt Point Center where students have special needs and they and their parents often work one-on-one with teachers.
Special education teacher Erin Scott first met Chris Thompson when he was in the sixth grade. He had been in a classroom setting that wasn’t working for him, his father, Eric, said.
“He was having difficulties in class - he had a lot of issues. He was miserable and it was showing in the classroom,” Eric Thompson said. So, Eric and his wife, Michele, met with school officials and the decision was made to transfer him to Scott’s class.
“The first day he was in Mrs. Scott’s class he got off the bus and it was completely different,” Eric Thompson said. Scott’s classroom was smaller and more laid back - and it had fish.
“He loved fish. During the summer I would take pictures of fish and send them to Chris’ dad,” Scott said of how the relationship began to develop.
The Special Olympics truly solidified the bond between Scott and the Thompsons. Scott was involved in the program and asked Chris if he wanted to play basketball.
Much to the surprise of his parents, Chris said yes and joined the basketball skills competition.
“Through that he started to open up. He would be more vocal, more vibrant,” his dad said.
Scott noticed the change, too.
“When he got to the Special Olympics with us he blossomed. His self-esteem grew, he helped us with the younger kids and he had friends,” Scott said.
Chris remained in Scott’s class - and joined the Special Olympics basketball team, sticking with it until he graduated from eighth grade last year. His team even made the regional and state tournaments.
“He was getting along with his teammates and that is key in life,” Eric Thompson said.
Chris and his dad also joined Scott on the Polar Plunge team to benefit Special Olympics for the last two years.
Scott maintained contact, writing to Chris’ dad throughout the summer, inviting Chris to participate in the Special Olympics summer bowling program, which he did.
“He was asking his family to take him to the alley to practice. He even asked them for a bowling ball,” Scott said.
Thompson said the family’s relationship with Scott was different.
“With Mrs. Scott it (the relationship) blossomed into something else ... It was more like a friendship. I know how she feels about him,” Thompson said. “She encouraged him to be his best. Mrs. Scott definitely brought him out of his shell.”
Thompson said basketball helped his son, “grow as a person - being part of a team, running around - he enjoyed it. I enjoyed watching it.”
Now that Chris is at Arlington High School, Scott still keeps in touch, especially during this pandemic, emailing support and suggestions of websites Eric can use with his son. Of course, Chris is still a teen and a bit shy, so he chose to let his father do all the talking.
“Chris was a fun kid. His family is so supportive; there was a lot of communication between home and school,” Scott said. “He’s one of those kids you don’t forget about.”
Chris Thompson and Erin Scott pose for a photo at the 2020 Polar Plunge.