Our meeting with the school today

[Claire]

We had our meeting with the school this morning, so now a decision has to be made, and as usual some the things they said is making me wonder.
First off we didn't let them know that home schooling was still not our first option.
We we're ask if we could let them know before the end of June so they can approve the budget. Of course that is their main concern. Only one thing may make us change our mind and we need to really think about this one.
Next fall they are having the kids over 13 that are in Adam's class travel to Iroquois Falls (30 minutes away) and taking in the kids from Smooth Rock Falls (30 minutes away also)
That would mean that for the first time Adam would have 2 little boys his age in the class with Down syndrome also.
They are adding one staff. So all together they will have 8 kids 3 EA's and one teacher. This year they have 9 kids from the age of 10( Adam) to 21, 3 EA's and one teacher.
Adam being the only DS child in our community really has me wonder this time, I would love to have Adam have some friends with Down syndrome, not that anything is wrong with a typical child being his friend, but he is getting older and some of these friends will carry on soon and he may be left with maybe no-one around.
Also having more parents that live what we live , fight with us for their rights may be good. I know one of the moms and her son Brady, and she has already called me and was disappointed that Adam may not be attending next Fall. She is a good advocate too for her little boy. We usually meet once a month when she comes shopping to our town and have the kids get together.
Anyways got lots to think about this month.

[damarasmom]

Good luck with your decision! It does sound like you have alot to think about. At least things are changing at the school, and it sounds like a positive change.

[CC]

"have 9 kids from the age of 10( Adam) to 21"

WOW having a 10 year old in a class with one that is 21 is something that would just NOT happen here. That is way to much of an age difference.

Just a thought but is there any way you can check out the 2 different programs that will be merging together in the fall to see what the population of kids will be like, to see if you think it would be a good fit for Adam.

BEST of Luck with whatever you decide.

CC ~

[Chris too]

Oh, do try it. What a great opportunity for Adam! And I agree that more parents with similar issues will have more pull. I don't know the laws in Canada, but here you can pull your kid out of the system any time you want - even in the middle of a school year - to school at home. If you still aren't getting any satisfaction by December, just don't return him in January. As long as you have some sort of schooling going one while you wait for curriculum to arrive, you'll be fine (depending on your laws). It's so easy here in Indiana. I think this is too good an opportunity for Adam to pass up the chance. And it won't be set in stone will it?

[Claire]

We are trying to figure out the positive of both home schooling and school.

And yes CC Adam the youngest 10 then one is 17 with dual diagnoses, DS and Autism and is wheel chair bound does not communicate at all and tube fed, one is 15 and is Autistic and has a working dog, then they're are 2 not sure what age but older then Adam (I think around 14) both Autistic and twins with Triple X that are 21 and it is their last year of school. Then the rest are part time in the class with 1/2 integration in regular classes.
So like I said it isn't easy for the teacher and EA's too, but that is not my problem.
I worked in a nursing home before my stroke and even if my back ached I still put on a smile and took good care of my clients. You have to be professional. They have the degree not me.

We figured that with all the different needs and difference in ages Adam is not getting 1/2 of the support he should be getting.
I think that since they have made a completely different and versatile program for next year and that Adam will actually have little friends that have common needs like him, it is important too. I am really happy about this, Adam is 10 years old and has never had a friend with DS. Also for us the support of other families.

So we will probably send Adam to school next September , and like Chris too said, if it doesn't work out we can keep him home after Christmas. It is the same here in Canada we can pull Adam out as we wish at any time.
Today the principal was so tacky it was plain to see she was telling us exactly what we wanted to hear, so when she said " OK so should we set a date for the IPRC or do you still want to home school"?" I replied, we can set a date for the IPRC and her face got all smile (Their precious budget right?) then I added " Because whether or not Adam returns to school, or stays home next Fall the law says you have to prepare his goals for next year." ;D ;D ;D
I haven't let the school know about any decisions and don't plan on it until the end June after the IPRC. I also said I wanted to see everything about these wonderful programs they are talking about before we make a decision. I'll just let them sweat a bit, after all, we have all had our share of sweating because of this wonderful system they call integration.