We are
writing on behalf of my son CJ. As a
toddler we noticed some interesting traits in CJ’s learning. We were thrilled to see that, while still in
diapers, he could turn on a computer, click on the internet icon, go to the “my
favorites” drop down window and select and play an online Thomas the Train
game. What a head start into the
computer age I thought. Although he
excelled in some areas, in other areas he lagged way behind, particularly in
letter/number recognition, and in speech.
Christina
tried a number of different teaching techniques, and learning programs. All had the same outcome, they proved to be
ineffective in CJ’s learning, and only made the teacher and the student
frustrated. With much effort on both
CJ’s and his teacher’s parts, even simple 3 letter words could not be read
consistently. One particular hurdle that
could not be overcome, and a sign of things to come, was that with much
practice CJ could not distinguish the difference between the letter B and D.
More
signs of learning disabilities emerged and we had CJ evaluated by a neurologist
that specializes in learning
disabilities. The doctor diagnosed CJ
with these severe learning disabilities;
Dyslexia:
A
reading disability that occurs when the brain does not properly recognize and
process certain symbols. CJ had shown many sings
consistent with dyslexia.
Dyspraxia: A
neurological disorder that can affect planning of movements and co-ordination
as a result of brain messages not being accurately transmitted to the
body. One example of how this has affected
CJ is that he cannot ride a bicycle yet.
Expressive language disorder: A
communication disorder in which there are difficulties with verbal expression. When talking to CJ, one can usually tell that
he is following the conversation, and knows what he wants to say, but it takes
him a comparatively long time to respond.
These
are things that he will struggle with throughout his academic career. The specialist admonished us to research
private schools. He told us that the
public and charter schools are not equipped to handle his complex disabilities,
and felt they were not an appropriate learning environment for CJ.
We
were excited to find a local private school that specializes in dyslexia, and
associated disabilities. The name of the
school is New Way Academy in Scottsdale.
CJ is currently enrolled in an academic summer school program there, and
was recently accepted as a student to begin in the fall.
As
a means of funding the tuition for the private school we are asking family and
friends to make donations through the Arizona
Private School Tax Credit Law on his behalf.
The
great part about donating is, it is not a deduction from your taxes
but a credit! Meaning, every dollar you contribute will
come back as a tax return when you file your Arizona state income taxes.
Years
ago the concrete foreman on a job I was working on approached me with a similar
request. It sounded too good to be true
and I was a bit skeptical, I called my tax preparer to ask about it, and was
surprised to find out it was just as he had said, a dollar for dollar tax
credit.
Here
are a few things to keep in mind:
·
For 2012 married couples paying Arizona State
income tax can redirect up to $1006 ($503 for singles) of their state tax
liability to a private school instead of the State of Arizona. This is a dollar
for dollar credit!
·
Donations for the 2012 tax year can be made
until April 15th 2013. I know
it sounds crazy, but you can wait until your tax preparer figures out what your 2012 tax liability is, then donate
that exact amount, then get it all back in way of a tax return shortly
after.
·
Donations are anonymous.
·
The Tuition is very expensive; we could use
all the help we can get.
- Those who already donate to public
schools via the Arizona Public School Tax Credit can also donate to the
Arizona Private School Tax Credit.
- We are working with Arizona Private
Education Scholarship Fund, which has been established to process the
funds in accordance with the law and direct them toward the tuition bill
of a student in the form of a grant/scholarship.
·
Once you donate
you will get a receipt you can file with your taxes. When you
file your Arizona state tax, indicate you made the donation and you will
receive the money back with your return.
This is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for you and a
grant/scholarship for CJ toward his tuition at New Way Academy, a wonderful way
for you to direct your Arizona State tax monies towards education and a
tremendous blessing for us, as we are able to provide CJ with the help he
needs.
The easiest way to donate is to go online to: http://apesf.org/ ,
select the “TAKE THE CREDIT” button near the upper right hand corner, then fill
out the needed information.
Under the “recommendation” area:
Select “A SPECIFIC STUDENT”
First Student’s Name:
Clinton Rowley (CJ)
School Attended: New Way Academy code # 01075
Leave the other fields blank.
Alternatively the
enclosed brochure contains a donation card for you to use if you want the mail
in method.
Also
please pass along this information to anyone you think may be interested in
donating.
If
you have any questions about donating to CJ’s school, please contact me at
(480) 699-5051
Any
amount is appreciated,
and we want to thank our family and friends for being supportive.
Sincerely,
Christina
and Clint Rowley
To
read more about School Tax Credits:
