My little guy is SUCH a trooper. Since that first day he's adjusting and settling in, he still asks for his old school and old teacher but he walks in so well and goes right where he's supposed to be, it just makes me want to cry because I know that inside it's hard for him but he's learning to adapt.
I've gotten a REALLY clear perspective now of what's really going on, too, and I do believe he will stay at this school so for that I'm very glad. His 2 therapists worked wiht him all last year and know him well, and after spending the day at school with him yesterday each spent a long time on the phone with me. They explained that the teacher needs some more help understanding what proper expectations are of Luke. That he CAN do all that's being asked of him, he knows all his "stuff" (academics) and is very bright. It just has to be asked or directed in a way that makes sense to him, and they are going to provide her with not only suggestions but lots of actual THINGS that will help... he already has a picture schedule and all the basics, just a little more tweeking needs to be done for him to continue to fall right into place.
The director and I met today and that went well. I was made aware that one group of parents were complaining that Luke did not allow for their children to be able to learn anything. Well, let me tell you, they don't know who they are dealing with. I'm not only his Mom, I was a preschool teacher and first grade teacher, and I'll go toe to toe on them with that anyday. Imagine with me, it's the SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL, these kids are about to turn FIVE YEARS OLD, okay? So if your kid gets beat up on the playground, heck yeah, you march into the director's office and complain. But do you complain because a child was talking and not sitting still during circle time?? On the SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL? Give me a BREAK!!!!! The director completely took my side and said that the parent rep's are also in support of us, it is the mission of this school to accept special needs kids as much as they are able and they want this to work. So that made me feel better. I wrote a letter to the parents of the kids in his class, introducing ourselves, and giving a brief description of Luke (strenghts and weaknesses) without using any labels. Ruthie thought it was a great idea and so it will go home with all the kids today, maybe that will help.
Thanks for all the support - it's exhausting being the advocate for your child but who else will do it? I'm his mother!
-------------------- Take care,
Michelle
...the greatest of these is LOVE. (I Cor 13)
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