Hello everyone! As the title of my post today suggests, I am breathing again! My son had his transitional IEP last Monday and it went even better than I had hoped!
It started oddly enough with them sending me to the wrong building for the meeting. My IEP notification had on it for me to go to our school department's Special Education Office. The meeting was actually at his school, across town. The lady at the office said she told them to wait as long as it took for me to get there! Luckily, I was able to reach my husband and he took me right over.
Once there, the normal room for IEP's was taken. The teacher's lounge, which is the back up room, was being used for lunch. We ended up basically in a closet that had one desk, one chair and a computer. They couldn't even find any extra chairs to bring in! It had to be the strangest meeting to date that I have ever been to. The result , though, was wonderful.
It turned out that the program that his teacher wanted him transitioned to would not take him without a diploma. There were two other alternatives but she turned them down as not appropriate. It was decided to keep him in his school for one more year to finish up his credits so he could get a diploma! Apparently, all he needs is to do a computer class. He loves computers, so I am not really concerned there. So now I am cautiously optimistic.
I do feel bad about one thing. His teacher said he was one of four boys scheduled to leave this year. She said if there was one boy who was to stay on for another year, she was glad it was my son. Does this mean that the other three are leaving without diplomas? I hope not. All I can say is stay in touch with your child's teachers. Let them know through your messages that you know what the laws are concerning your child. Be as active as you can. My son also made honor roll 9 out of 16 semesters. He proved to his school that he is willing to do his all with what the good Lord gave him. I think it all made a difference.
Next week is the last week of school for us. I'm looking forward to a little more sleep! I'm also looking forward to having fun with my garden plot at a local community garden. Yes, sadly, one cannot live on cookies alone! I'm growing green beans, peas and spinach all for the first time. I read somewhere this week that normal people need to try small amounts of new foods at least 12 to 15 times before they get used it. Our kids can take even longer. I'm determined to get my kids on one vegetable this summer!! I'll let you know how it goes!
Hugs all around, and I hope I've helped just a little bit!
Nancy
