Bruce Leising, Special Educator bruce.leising@wsdpanthers.

org (517) 841-8318

Western Middle School MiCI Program

May 8th, 2017

To whom it may concern:

For the past year, I have had the pleasure of working with Sam Memon at Western Middle School.
Sam has been a student volunteer in my classroom and I have come to know him as a confident and
exemplary student who has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and teachers. As a
special education teacher, I work with students who are academically challenged. Through a project
of his own design, Sam has volunteered to teach my students the game of chess. This would be a
daunting task for anyone, but particularly so with special education students. In working with my
students, Sam displays a level of sensitivity and patience that is rare among young people as well as
adults. He uses an adapted version of the game with instructions built into the various pieces. He
employs strategies to break the game into small, manageable tasks with increasing complexity. Sam
thoroughly assesses each students unique needs and provides meaningful accommodation. Most
importantly, he understands that positive relationships are a critical part of the learning process.

Sam Memon is a well informed resource who understands the component tasks of learning and can
apply them seamlessly to his instruction. He approaches difficult situations with optimism, hard work
and good humor. Sam is an innovative and responsible young man who makes a positive difference
in our school and to the development of his peers with special needs. He is well prepared for a
leadership role and would greatly benefit any organization fortunate enough to include him.

Sincerely,

Bruce Leising