To whom it may concern, Let me first, take a moment and thank Mr. Maxwell Slakoff in all of his efforts of going above and beyond with the students. As a parent of multiple youth he has taught, my acknowledgement goes beyond one year of his teaching. My first encounter with Mr. Slakoff was when my now freshmen son Christian decided to participate in the marching band. My son was nervous and so was I but, Mr. Slakoff reassured us that with time everything will be ok. Throughout that time he has demonstrated such patience , compassion, understanding for his students. He was such an influential part in how my son has progressed with such dedication and determination not to give up when things get tough. My son has learned how to read music on a level that those of his peers and upper classmen can't. Mr.Slakoff has turned a child on the spectrum of autism more social able and communicative amongst others. My son has graduated and is exceling in music and education in High School. Nevertheless, he has continued the same efforts with my other son Eli who is currently a student. He continues to show the same compassion, patience, dedication towards my other two children under his teaching. He strives to reach each student on their level to help them excel to their fullest potential and expertise. It has been an honor and pleasure volunteering for your program the last four years and I look forward to many more to come. Thank you, for all that you do and continue to strive for in the school and with the students. It's rare to have teachers that care as much as you do. Thank you, Unique Sanders