Re: School Open House

September 2, 2005

Hi Chris

So you're off and running, eh? We don't start until Tuesday and it will be a

hard year for my son, too, in Gr. 10, since he's going full-fledged academic

level (university-bound in Canada). Last year he was in a less-demanding

'applied' level for English. Not this year. In other words, we've pulled out one

of his 'crutches'. Should be interesting.

I was impressed that one of your son's teachers would offer the safety of her

room should he need time away. It's great that she could see this as a need he

might have. My son would never use it, but at least you'd know that this teacher

has some insight and understanding of his stresses.

I'm wondering how you manage to 'explain' your son on an open house night. The

few times I've gone, I've felt so rushed that I couldn't imagine getting into

the whole complicated explanation. Have you ever tried setting up a meeting with

the semester teachers? That's what we did last year, and will likely again. At

the beginning of the semester my dh and I meet with them and the special ed

consultant and bring our 'Summary of Sam' sheet that describes his behaviour as

it relates to the classroom, what to expect and what's motivating him. So far,

the teachers have seemed open and curious. I've found that few really take the

time to look at my son's IEP otherwise, even if I mention that he has one. This

way, they're a captive audience and they're forewarned. And later, should

difficutlies arise, they've got this 'background paper' - Summary of Sam, to

refer back to.

I like your idea, though, of suggesting they watch for changes and keep in

touch. That's so important.

kimz

September 2, 2005

Hi Kim,

When started 9th grade there, we had to meet to set up his

504 Plan, as here it doesn't transfer on over to the high school. I

guess because the set-up is different or something, don't know. So

was told at end of middle school, we'd be writing up the 504 Plan

again in 9th. So I met with 1st semester teachers, the school psych

(who covers several schools) and the guidance counselor. Pretty much

we just carried on over all from middle school, but still had to

write on a new Plan. Oh, and that was when I added the Aspergers

diagnosis also, that he'd gotten the last of 8th grade. Then I met

with 2nd semester teachers for 9th.

I know I didn't meet with 10th grade 2nd semester teachers for a 504

meeting, I'm trying to recall did I meet with 1st semester 10th

grade.... I decided at some point since he was doing well, not to

meet and see how things went. So I didn't plan to set up an official

meeting this year (11th) either, but do want teachers to be aware he

has a plan since he is going to be worked so hard (hasn't had this

much work at one time the prior 2 years) and he's not on medication.

I didn't figure they'd know yet he had a 504, really would have been

surprised if they had (past experience!).

(Of course in middle school, there were many meetings, that's when

all the problems were. Had never heard of a 504 Plan until then.)

Apparently this was a last-minute open house so unless kids told

parents or something, no one knew, so it wasn't that crowded. So I

lucked up in being able to talk with the teachers a bit with no one

to hear.

Hopefully nothing will turn up this year, but if problems arise that

the 504 addresses and a teacher isn't following the 504, the school's

principal will be hearing from me as it's THEIR responsibility to

follow it, just as important as an IEP. It'll depend on what mood

I'm in as to just how I'd deal with it, LOL! Sometimes I'm ready for

a good " fight " and other times I'm in a nicer mood! Whenever

issues have arose with , I think of all those other kids in

school who aren't getting their needs met and feel like making sure

the school personnel get trained quickly in what their responsibility

is.

I'm already a bit " miffed " at the state school system in that they

give a Writing Test to students in certain grades where the scores

show if they are at Level I, II, III or IV. II or below is failing.

Well, the test is only for " school accountability " and doesn't affect

the student. Well, if they are not at a III then they are not at

grade level. doesn't get III's. Actually &

each got a II last year. So, again as I did in 7th grade when

failed, I asked what was the school going to do about it,

they're not on grade level, college is in a couple years, etc.

Well...guidance said I'll just have to let this year's English

teacher know so she can work with them, blah, blah, blah. Doesn't

even say WHY they failed the writing test. Ha! Anyway, I feel the

school accountability stuff is just...garbage I guess, high schools

don't address it; and middle school didn't, just had retake

it and we never found out if he passed the 2nd time. I think 4th

grade might work with the failing students. The state gives the

writing test in 4th, 7th and 10th grades. Oh well, if I'm in

my " fighter " mood one day, I might write a letter to the state! The

end-of-course tests count against the student though, have to pass

those.

Enough venting, LOL!

's taking more " honors " courses this year too (this semester)

so I'm sure your son and he will both be working hard. It WILL be

interesting for both of them (and us!). Only my kids are now beyond

my knowledge in their classes, as I didn't take the college-bound

courses so my math, science, etc., classes didn't go as high as

their's. I will be NO help!

> Hi Chris

> So you're off and running, eh? We don't start until Tuesday and it

will be a hard year for my son, too, in Gr. 10, since he's going full-

fledged academic level (university-bound in Canada). Last year he was

in a less-demanding 'applied' level for English. Not this year. In

other words, we've pulled out one of his 'crutches'. Should be

interesting.

September 2, 2005