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Post by Chester on Apr 20, 2007 16:02:14 GMT -5
I'm frustrated!!
We moved about a year ago. Our neighborhood school had a public school preschool program that JT could be included into. I made the assumption, I guess you could call it that, it actually never entered my MIND, that this same school wouldn't have a Kindergarten program for him!!
So we've got 5 weeks left of school, and they have NO idea where he'll be going to school next year. They're trying to see where there are spaces open.
Long story short, I"m going to throw a huge fit if not only he can't attend our neighborhood school, but bus him past another school, to attend another farther away.
My catch all along has been that my family is going to attend the same school. So if JT is going to another school, the other school needs to take his sister too. They're telling me that I missed open enrollment, so Grace can't switch schools. I've been asking them where JT is going long before open enrollment began......Can you hear me banging my head on my desk.
I see school board meetings in my near future. Anyone have any suggestions?
Dawn
UPDATED: This whole ordeal has gotten uglier by the day. Still no ARC planned and there are 4 days left off school. What I've been told is that there is a "procedural problem" and we fell through the cracks....WHAT, I've been calling once a week for 3 months to see where we're at!
Since the original post, I've had an ARC for my older son (not DS, but has an IEP). What a mess, it's his transition to Middle school and the middle school teachers didn't show up.
It's been one thing after another, and they just keep adding fuel to my fire. I keep giving them every opportunity to get their act together so that I don't have to tell the state advocate, "go ahead, they're yours". They just can't get it together. What a mess.
Dawn
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Post by Connie on Apr 20, 2007 16:49:30 GMT -5
Dawn, I always had the same dreams for my children as you do yours. To attend the same school (even though I wasn't sure the school's wall were strong enough to handle all 4 at one time...LOL). Last year when Collin started Kindy. He started at our local school but, they did not have a full-day program which I felt Collin needed and they would not allow him to attend both the morning and afternoon kindy class because then they would have to offer it to all the other kids with special needs. Well they ended up offering another program so he could call all day but that ment him not going to school with his brothers and being bused across the county. While not thrilled with the idea of him not going to school with his brothers and being bused so far this has turned out to be a true GOD thing. And now. I am so upset that next year he is having to go back to our district school (even though it is a wonderful school). Even though I was complaining earlier this week about the principal Collin's school and teachers are wonderful and have are so upset to think he's not going to be with them next year.
What I'm trying to say is while not what you planned it may and can turn out to be more than you wished.
Connie
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Post by Kristin on Apr 20, 2007 21:57:25 GMT -5
Clarice and Marcy attended the same pre-school/daycare, but other than that have been at different schools. Marcy will be in the neighborhood school, and Clarice will attend a neighboring school. While having them at the same school is convenient, Clarice needs to be where she learns best. We inquired about the SDC class at our neighborhood and were told it would move too fast. We toured the other school and really like it. I think the decision needs to be based upon where she will learn best. Our school district does on-site daycare, so we did get the district to bus Clarice to and from the neighborhood school's daycare, so they will be in daycare together. This will allow Clarice to spend some time with the neighborhood kids.
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Post by CC on Apr 20, 2007 22:50:35 GMT -5
Dawn ~
Just a thought here. You said
"I"m going to throw a huge fit if not only he can't attend our neighborhood school, but bus him past another school, to attend another farther away."
Please keep in mind that Sib's going to the same school can be good as long as the appropriate program is in place for all, KWIM If the programs they offer is not the RIGHT one for all Sib's then you may want to take a breath and look at what programs they are offering
Just wanted to share with you that when Chris was leaving Preschool, which he did in our home district, and was getting ready for Kindy there was NO program in our home district that would work for him. I stated to look at other programs out of distinct and still could not find the right one for him I had a one on one meeting with Christopher's case manager and said Hmmmm any chance we could just start one here in town, I mean why not since its needed why pay another distinct??? BINGO got her thinking which got her moving and BAM we did and the whole idea happen over the summer and we started a full day Kindy for ones with Sp. Needs that some could be mainstreamed and some stayed in the Sp. Ed Class. Worked out perfect for Chris for a few years then he moved out of district at Colin and my request.
Although I get what you mean and yes it would have been nice if Chris was in our home school all these years as our daughter was, the program was not working for him any longer and them being in the same school to me was not important as finding the right program for Chris KWIM
Just a thought, disregard any and all if you want, just wanted to share
Best of Luck to you
CC ~
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Post by Chester on Apr 20, 2007 23:06:25 GMT -5
Thanks all. Your comments help, but I'm still not pleased. There are 3 schools in our district that have fmd classes. Our neighborhood school is not one, the neighborhood next to ours has one, but it may be full so he'd have to go even further.
I totally understand that he needs the right program, it would be different if it were my choice to send him to another school because of the wonderful opportunity for him. This is our only option.
I'm still on the moral grounds of it all. I can not stand the message that shipping kids to the school that has an open slot sends. I am not happy about the message it sends to JT's neighborhood friends. I can't stand how easy it is for the district to spread a family across a district without asking for input. I am not working, so that I can volunteer at school and make sure the kids get to do after school activities. School is top priority in our lives right now. I am not crazy about doing two family nights, two conference nights, two pto's etc. etc.
I'm totally stuck on the philosphy, I think it stinks.
Dawn
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Post by matthewsmom97 on Apr 21, 2007 1:56:24 GMT -5
I had the same thing happen to me awhile back. I was so thrilled when we had moved. I was excited that the elementary school was just the next street over and elated that my grandkids and Matt would all go together just like they did at the old school. I went to enroll him and was told that a program had not been implemented for special needs students. That he would have to attend another school about 20 minutes away and they would be happy to provide transportation. I had visited the school previously with one of my grandchildren and never gave it a thought to ask about Matt. Especially when I did SEE a child with d/s in one of their classes. I assumed wrong. Their reasoning was that since Matt signed and did not speak very clearly that he had no place amongst children who could talk and be understood. He attended that other school and the teacher there just wanted to collect a pay check. She had no interest in any of the children in his class. I'd inquire as to his work, well what did he do today. So on and so forth. It was rough. Finally my message was heard loud and clear and Matt began bringing work he had done and some homework. My son had been discriminated against due to his language delay. Well, I contacted the school super, wrote letters, and then threatened "that I'll be seeing you in court." There was a couple of months left for the school year. I decided to move back to our old school district when school let out. I was able to get out of our signed contract on the house, which by the way was beautiful! Just before the end of school I received a letter from the school district informing me it was a mistake on their part and he could indeed attend summer school there and of course regular school. Well, it was too late. I had already began moving where I am at now. He went back to his old school even though I am NOT down the street anymore but he has the same bus drivers and I am pleased. I love his teacher and her aid. Even though I am not in my dream house I am home because my son is home. Good luck to you.
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Post by momofrussell on Apr 21, 2007 8:34:04 GMT -5
Well... I don't have time to post right now Chester BUT.. I DO have alot to say about this and what they are telling you... and I am a bit bothered by it.. to say the least! LOL (A says with a devilish laugh) I will try to post more later.... A.
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Post by Emilysmom on Apr 21, 2007 17:02:17 GMT -5
Well Dawn, I could be wayyyyy off base here. Remember that I've had only ONE experience with "placement" issues over the years because Emily has been at the same school for 8 years now. So, I could be rusty on this! BUT, I would think that the way this should be approached is that JT's needs are to be addressed first...........you look at his strengths and his needs and work on his goals and THEN you figure out WHERE his needs can best be met. And his neighborhood school should be the FIRST choice. See if there is a way to make that work first. Seems like they are making a blanket statement that all kids with disabilities have to go to a different school..........and I thought that way of thinking was a thing of the past!
Let us know how this goes, Susan
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Post by cindylou on Apr 21, 2007 21:33:37 GMT -5
Dawn- I'm still stuck on the moral issue and will continue to be. The law supports a child attending their NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL in the regular ed setting first. IT IS the least restrictive environment and should be offered first. It is technically against the law to say that they cannot attend that school. Period. I would tell them you're hiring a good special ed lawyer. They should be able to provide modifications and support and include JT in his neighborhood school. I don't care what special programs they do or do not have. Kaylee's kindergarten - 6th grade experience included no "special program" rooms--just ERC rooms for pull out one on one teaching. Adaptive PE was brought in FOR HER. OT and PT were also.
It is completely within your rights to demand that he be allowed to attend his neighborhood school. They should provide all modifications and support needed for him to be successful in the regular classroom. I had to fight this batte just this past spring with Kaylee going into middle school. I won. I didn't have to hire an attorney, but dropped the name of one I had contacted.
Personally, I think JT should be allowed to attempt it. If he needs half days..or all day kindergarten (which we have in our district) then you write the IEP to meet HIS needs.
I'll get off my soap box. The school should give him a chance--and yes Dawn--it compeletely sends a message to his sibs and neighbors and community that he doesn't belong with them. (This is nothing against any of your guys' choices for different placement--I'm just saying that if Dawn thinks he should be given a chance--they she should go for it...)
cindy
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Post by CC on Apr 21, 2007 21:45:03 GMT -5
Dawn ~ I should have asked you first before I went on a ramble earlier LOL but you said "that this same school wouldn't have a Kindergarten program for him!!" WHY are they telling you that?? Are they saying he can not be "included"?? Hope you don't mind me asking but I read this again and though Hmmm why in the world if they have a kindy program to begin with your son can not go?? The first time I read your post, I thought you meant they had no Kindy program at all BUT now I am thinking they due and they just won't let your son in, is that what you mean?? CC ~
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Post by momofrussell on Apr 22, 2007 6:46:33 GMT -5
See.... Cindy and CC hit the nail on the head for me.. and WHY I didn't have time to post... I get so frusterated for you parents everytime I read that "my district said they can't for my child" kinda posts... when in fact what they are saying it kinda illegal!!! So.. that is why I haven't posted... I sometimes have to be in the mood not to go off on districts in my posts and offer a solution instead LMAO A.
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Post by laurasnowbird on Apr 22, 2007 17:38:54 GMT -5
I agree wholeheartedly with Cindy. If your preference is to have him attend his home school, then the most "appropriate" placement would be the school he would go to if he had no disability - but with the addition of needed supports and services.
I think it might be a simple matter of letting them know that you know the law.....nicely. Speak softly and hold your big stick in reserve, LOL!
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Post by Chester on Apr 22, 2007 21:19:02 GMT -5
CC and all~ Right, Our School District is County wide, out of all the elementary schools there are only 3 that have "special ed". "They" are saying that JT will be placed where there is an opening. "They" are saying our neighborhood school is not an option, the one next to ours may be (depending on how many kids move up to the middle school, which would open up a space), but they are opening another "classroom" in a school that already has "special ed" (so that would make 4 classrooms in 3 schools) The school they are making the new classroom in is a whole bunch of neighborhoods away and that is more than likely where an open spot for JT will be.
They're telling me they'll need to wait for assessments to be completed....(my words, aka to label him to see if he qualifies for a special ed spot). So once the assessments are completed they will tell me where there is space, it doesn't go by his specific needs or the quality of the program has to offer, it is simply a "special ed spot".
Don't worry A, there is nothing you can say that will make me feel bad about the school. I'm gearing up for this one. Before kids, I was a teacher, I don't plan on going back, I got totally burned out on the garbage like this.
Being new to this area, I've been doing my research and checking everyones stances before I let them know that I'm not taking this one sitting down. Guess you could say I'm testing the waters. What I can tell from other parents, is that they didn't know it could be any different. My experience and training tells me it should be different.
Thanks again....I'll keep you posted. I have a list full of phone calls to make tomorrow. The principal at our neighborhood school is brand new to this district also. She's not in agreement either, she is meeting with the special ed. director tomorrow to try to convince him to open the 4th classroom in our school. She's got a lot of requests in right now, but I appreciate that she's trying. Still doesn't take care of the bigger issue....
Dawn
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Post by laurasnowbird on Apr 23, 2007 21:55:01 GMT -5
Something else just popped into my head relative to what Cindy said.....it is true that the law supports your child attending the school that they would have attended if they had no disability. It further says that they must try that with supports and services before another placement is considered. If the school district is telling you that they WON'T put him in his home school, they must provide PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE of their intent to deny that placement. Here's a link to some good info about how PWN works: www.fape.org/pubs/FAPE-24.pdf
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Post by Chester on Apr 24, 2007 10:15:23 GMT -5
Thanks a ton Laura....perfect!
I got a ton of info off of wrightslaw too.
I'm not throwing fits anymore, there is another little boy with DS in JT's preschool class. The other Mom and I just compared notes.....basically B.S. they've been telling us different things to keep us "calm".
So we're going to be calm and enroll both of our boys in our neighborhood school, just like any other child would.
The other Mom is sweet, sweet, sweet and said something to the effect that she couldn't believe there haven't been other kids with DS or Autism or CP or....living in our school district before, I told her that I know for a fact that there are, they are all bussed to other schools. Ouch.
Dawn
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