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Post by chasesmom on Jun 18, 2006 13:44:01 GMT -5
Okay folks...it's official, the school district has booted my Chaseman from their school. Yes I did file for a due process hearing, however in the meantime, life goes on and the ISD has decided to build a completely unheard of new program for Chase and three other children with very similiar behavior problems such as his. There will be a great teacher, or so they say, and FIVE aides, four one on ones, and a floater, to get things and in case someone is out. So if you were given the chance to build your child's dream program, what would you put into it? The problem is we are meeting tomorrow late afternoon to develope this..not alot of time for suggestions hmmmm, I think they did that on purpose. So anyone who wants to brainstorm or who has already done that and wants to give over some ideas, let me hear them and remember, Chase is going to be 14 in a couple weeks and the other boys that will be in his program are all the same age. I dont know whether to be happy or sad yet.
Thanks for any help you give,
Robin
PS..for those of you who understand my life right now, when it rains it pours
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Post by rowdyro on Jun 18, 2006 15:41:07 GMT -5
Hey bud of mine;) Long time no chat:)LOL
I know there is only "1" Chase in Michigan..... But you say there are several who exhibit the same behavors and are all the rage for this new "Program". So they final after all the years of trouble handling Chase decide to RUSH into finding a solution.... HMMMM....The meeting is Tomorrow:(.....Ya think after the last few years with him that they would at least give it a little thought, time and effort, ya know not to rush things. Friend of mine, good luck and my fingers are crossed for good things for these young men.
Fourteen ya say:) Man this will be one heck of a firecracker day:)
Ro
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Post by momofrussell on Jun 18, 2006 19:30:27 GMT -5
Robin... my first suggestion would be to make sure a behavioral specialist is ON CALL and at ANY and ALL meetings for your son and all the kids if need be. I would suggest they do PBI's, Positive Behavioral Intervention plans... and any/other behavioral plans in place and STICK to it or they will be out of compliance.
I will write more later... I am getting in trouble for being on.. gotta go!
A.
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Post by Emilysmom on Jun 18, 2006 19:35:37 GMT -5
Robin~
First of all, do not let them make you feel pressured. This new program was their idea and you might need a bit more time to give them your input as to what needs to be included! BUT.......since you are going to meet tomorrow, I would go with as many suggestions as you can think of in writing. I'm going to think very positively and believe with all my heart that this program will be JUST RIGHT for Chase (and the other boys too!), and that this will be an awesome year of learning/growing/maturing for Chase...........and a year where he will be VALUED as a student and treated with dignity.
No matter what else they include in this program, I would push hard for an emphasis on READING and improving his reading comprehension. That has always been a strong point for him, and they need to build on it and just sit back and be amazed by what he accomplishes! Hopefully, they can also add some ways to make reading comprehension FUN and FUNctional for him.
Also, you have had so many behavior analysis's done by Maurice Moses (is that the right guy?), and he has been very insightful with what Chase might be needing/thinking/etc. I think a great idea for this new program would be for them to USE all the ideas he has given the school in the past!!! I think he had such GREAT ideas, and it seemed that no one ever tried to follow them. That would be a really important thing, I think. And, I would request consultations with him throughout the year as well.
And.........and I'm not sure how to say this, because it's upsetting to me since we are going through this too........but I would want them to find a way to focus on the GREAT things this new program can accomplish and to maintain that positive spin on all of it, rather than to have ANYONE look at this as a program that was developed because Chase "failed" at the other programs. HE didn't fail. The system failed him. This IS going to be good for him, and I would want everyone to be on the same page about how they are doing what is RIGHT for him. I hope that made sense!
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Please let us know how the meeting goes.
HUGS,
Susan
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Post by CC on Jun 18, 2006 20:10:06 GMT -5
YIKES Robin not much time to plan this Hmmm K, not sure if this will help or even if what you are looking for but here goes... Chris will be 14 next December too  You know Chris is not in the typical public school any longer but the program he is in really has been pretty darn beneficial for him. One of the things they have been preparing him for is working, job training or whatever one districts may call it. This September when he goes back he will actually be going off campus to do a job for a little part of the day. Actually I am very excited bout this cause Chris is much more of a hands on type of kid. BUT what they will be starting out doing is taking the class to a few different places so they can experience different types of things as a group with supervision. They also take him out places so that he can learn to buy things with real money, get change and how its done appropriate, KWIM For me the best of bestest programs for my guy is lots of physical activity, OMG he truly has learned better bout things like math even by doing something physical vs making him sit at a desk. He also needs lots of routine OMG this boy of mine loves routine. Personally I can't stand routine but he needs it, loves it and does really well with it. I have always been a big one in looking for a program where Chris is not the lowest or the highest functioning. I love him to be in the middle cause it gives him room for growth and and also room to feel some confidence KWIM So I guess what I am saying is, I really think the kids that make up the program can be a biggy too. Hmmm I have a feeling girl I have been no help BUT you can bet I will be sending MEGA Good thoughts your way for tomorrow  Love you girl  CC ~ |
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Post by ALLISA on Jun 18, 2006 22:59:41 GMT -5
Robin....I, too hope you will look at this as a postive step in a right direction for Chase.....from my experience, I think districts try REALLY hard to KEEP kids in the school, because the alternative is sooooo expensive....some parents fight and sue to get their kids placed out of district because a small highly personalized space is a much better and desirable fit......
All that matters is that Chase is happy and will flourish ......I agree that you need more prep time.....and perhaps you should look into other desirable private schools.....hey....they are the ones that are saying that they FAILED to meet his needs......
I couldn't begin to imagine a "dream program" for a 14 year old boy....as I have a 6 year old girl.....so....I'm sorry that I can't help out in that department......
BUT.....
Please don't waste tears on a school that was unable to give him what he needs.....there will be a fabulous fit for him somewhere and then you will see Chase shine. There are plenty of chances for interaction with peers.....after school sports, playground, etc....but Chase participating and not being distracted is what REALLY matters for school time.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that you are happy with the outcome of the meeting.....lots of hugs and best wishes from the East Coast !!
Allisa
PS.....is it really possible that Chase is almost 14....yikes.....didn't that fly by ??
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Post by rowdyro on Jun 19, 2006 21:29:55 GMT -5
Robin,
Just checking in. I know the meeting was today and everything probably needs to be sorted in your head. ANything you can tell us and our the 4 young men in Michigan on the road to a GREAT PROGRAM?
RO
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Post by chasesmom on Jun 20, 2006 10:20:21 GMT -5
Wellllll, the meeting went tooo well so that alone scares me, I have learned that when things are promised that sem too goood to be true, they usually are so we will wait and watch and see. Remember though, we have already filed for the due process hearing and he is saying that is the ace in the hole to get his program up and moving and it is out of our school districts hands and now the ISD is running the show. So here is what we do know so far, or should I say what they have promised.....
Each child will have their own five by five three sided cubicle so they will be uniterrupted by their peers and they will have their own brand spanking new computers with programs in their cubicles. There will be no gym class as they will be taking swimming at both the college and at the YMCA and using the weights and machines and tracks, and are looking into tae kown doh and the hockey lessons they teach near the college ;D for physical type things.Each child will have their own time to do their own lessons but it will not be a book learning type school, instead it will be a script type lesson with the students (of who there is three) with a maximum of only five allowed, and they will do alot of role playing, what to do and say in certain situations, they will be doing cooking, cleaning, going out shopping, the goal is to have them out of the classroom by January at least 60% of the time. He wants them volunteering, he jumped on my suggestion of Chase helping to clean firetrucks or sweeping at the police station, he is big into that kind of stuff he says, so we will see, it all sounds good. He hadnt thought of this but added it to the list when I said it was very important for our kids to learn how to dance like their peers do and they dont have friends to hang out with to learn, so he put that down as something for them to work on and for music to be a motivator for the boys. They will still be using Chase's behavior specialist from down state as he is wonderful and can work with all the boys he feels. There is going to be weighted vests, medicine ballls, dimmers on the lights, carpeted sections for parts of the floors, the only big issue remaining is where this is going to be housed!!!! They have no location yet!!!! So cross your fingers please and say a prayer, my family could use some good news in these hard times we are having.
Thanks and hugs to you all, Robin
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Post by ALLISA on Jun 20, 2006 10:42:12 GMT -5
Robin, that sounds sooooo amazing...I will keep my fingers crossed on them finding location for it !!
I hope you are feeling upbeat and satisfied with it .....would write more...but supposed to be working....
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Post by momofrussell on Jun 20, 2006 11:02:08 GMT -5
Robin.... maybe this is what they need.. the turn around in the right direction. And you know what... GET IT ALL IN WRITING!!!!! Seriously... I don't know if they did or not.. but I would follow up with a letter so they know where YOU are coming from.. what you understoond from the meeting, expectations, ect.. and then politely ask they put everything in writing. Then, hopefully they will comply.. and if they don't... you have it in writing... and it's easier to prove the non compliance. I sent you another PM.... Hugs my dear!!!! A. |
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Post by SuziF on Jun 20, 2006 11:15:21 GMT -5
Robin, do you think they'll maybe be able to rent some unused space from the local school district or community college ? The IU here rents space for a special classroom at the one elementary~ that's when Meri's ESY is.I've tried calling you a couple times but got no answer....
Suzi
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Post by Debi on Jun 21, 2006 12:00:40 GMT -5
Hey Robin.. nothing like the challenges as our little firecrackers get older, eh?? (I am SO aware that Chase can be l4.. if GABE can also be a freshman at HS next year!!)
Just from what you know so far.. this DOES sound like a great program for Chase. At least where I am coming from for Gabe and the kids from this age group at the school where I work some of these elements sound ideal.
For example I think it's great that they have some "low demand" place to kinda retreat too.. the amount of staff to help and lots of "physical" stuff to do.
I am so pumped for Gabe to attend HS cause this teacher seems to have such energy and great ideas. Altho the class will be a bit larger than I like she is SO into having the kids DO it for themselves which I think is something that Gabe not only needs but WANTS. They have a lot, lot, lot of vocational stuff planned and honestly I think this is something Gabe has wanted to do since elem. school. The teach also says that for about 20 mins. a day she has the kids bring in THEIR CD's (the music they want to listen to) and they just hang out, dance and be TEENS. So I see elements of good things for both our boys in the two programs.
I would agree.. get the programming details in writing.
AND.... just in case I can't get online (waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I miss you guys so bad I could just puke lol) .................Happy B'day very SOON to the best reason to celebrate the 4th of July.. Chase!!!!!
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Post by chasesmom on Jun 21, 2006 14:52:28 GMT -5
Debi..the same to sweet Gabe, I ant believe how fast our boys are growing into men!
Suzi.... I already told the special ed county director I am going to pitch the biggest fit if he chooses the local district for this program because.....remember now, this is the very district that said they dont want my child attending their school, so they can kiss my donkey where the sun never sets on him if you get my meaning. I am not sure if pitching the biggest fit is adult like behavior, as a matter of fact I am sure it isnt but I spent several meetings having to sit and listen to them list all the negatvies about my son and how this would be so beneficial for him to start over with a clean slate elsewhere because he has/had a reputation that no one was going to forget and ther would always be talk if he stayed at Carrollton so I will just not agree to our district and I know they willwant this new program housed there as it would bring alot of much needed money. Chase never had a fair shake and it just angers me so. Stay tuned as I trust no one where Chase and school is concerned.
hugs, Robin
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Post by Jackie on Jun 21, 2006 16:04:02 GMT -5
I am IMPRESSED...of course I really don't know Chase, but it sounds like a terrific plan...and you are right...it will be ...IF they carry it out...so guess that's YOUR role...LOL...but I will cross my fingers, toes , eyes , and...hmmm ears? that it works for you all.
Jackie
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Susan, Proud mom of Michael (32), Justin (25) Emily (22ds), and Jordan (20).
You know Chris is not in the typical public school any longer but the program he is in really has been pretty darn beneficial for him. One of the things they have been preparing him for is working, job training or whatever one districts may call it. This September when he goes back he will actually be going off campus to do a job for a little part of the day. Actually I am very excited bout this cause Chris is much more of a hands on type of kid. BUT what they will be starting out doing is taking the class to a few different places so they can experience different types of things as a group with supervision. 
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