Twas the night before Christmas and all through the schools....

[Guest guest]

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the schoolsNo students were present to break any rulesThe budget was written and every dime spentwith no one quite sure where it all went The school board was snuggled all safe in their bedsWhile visions of budget increases danced in their headsWhen all of a sudden there arose such a clatterThey leaped from their beds to see what was the matter Away to the board room they went in a dashto see who it was that threatened the cashAnd there before them - who did appear?With issues they thought finished this year Once more before them plainly to seeWere parents of children they called "Special Needs"We've done this before and we were quite clearSo once again tell us why you are here One of them stepped forward and it soon was apparentThat this person before them was one informed parent.The presentation was prepared with great thought and careWith federal law quotes that brought them great glares With a voice loud and clear they were all called by nameThese are not new laws and the meaning is plainIDEA ADA LRE and 504It is time to remind you just like before We wish you good tidings great hope and good cheerThe time for inclusion is finally hereWhy won't you listen to this our plightTo be included is not privilege but right We want them included right from the startTo become part of the whole and not kept apartWe want them included and yes all means allDon't make them feel different, don't make them feel smallFor such a long time the seed has been plantedwhy do we still struggle for what to others is granted"No not right now but we'll tell you when"We've heard that same story again and again So on this the holiest of nightswe say inclusion is not a privilege but a rightand on this issue we firmly do standthe rights of our children we do now demand As the meeting concluded ending the nightIt was heard.........MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL EQUAL RIGHTS