Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
at the end of the bell curve
I feel like I need to play catch up, and document things here, in case I ever forget, or just in case anyone is still reading despite my lack of posting.
The schedule here is maddening right now, it is the end of the year, which means extra school activities, extra extra curricular activities, and the like.
The last school meeting we had, I did not document as of yet. In good news the high ability learning team for the district came, per our request. I also had my SIL come because she has her Masters in curriculum and is a second grade teacher as well. There were at least 9 people in attendance including the school psychologist who administered SR's IQ test, and checks in with him from time to time. The principal, the vice principal, SR's homeroom teacher, a councilor, etc...you get the picture. I let DH be in charge, and he shared that position with the school.
I am fatigued emotionally after 2 years of impromptu, and planned meetings expressing my expectations etc. I had to pass it over, I have become cynical, frustrated, and am not ready to play nice any longer. I have mentioned here before, you can poke sticks at me for a while, I am actually conflict avoidant (I swear). However after 2 years of feeling poked at and unheard, I was not feeling like the best advocate.
What DH did do was make them aware that we are not idiots, we can read policy, and we are aware clearly that this child has fallen through the cracks academically, and otherwise.
The high ability learning ladies had some great ideas, and recommendations, and we will continue to work with them. They are professionals in the area of these types of children, and knew exactly what he needed, and would enjoy.
He will qualify for 2 mentors (again)next year of his and our choosing. We are currently looking again at math and science. He did take the 5th grade math AYP the other day sight unseen, and managed an 83%. His science mentor will have to provide complexity and novelty for SR, which will be challenging unless the mentor is really excited about teaching. SR also took the IOWA the other day, and although I am certain academically he is able to skip a grade or 2, emotionally he is not there. Kids like SR are very very asyncratic. Professionals in education are not used to working with children like SR, because the percentages are low. He is considered profoundly gifted, which means there are FEW real life experience with these types of children. (Please read) He can become overwhelmed with details, and noise, and sitting in a classroom with other children. although he has improved tremendously. He also does not want to be advance to another grade, it causes him anxiety, and he is concerned about bullying, and friends. When we asked the ladies that are the high ability if they had any peers in the district for SR, they announced they might have one similar thinker, not similar interests, but similar thinking and processing. We found out he tested higher than any other child in the district.......I need to keep thinking of that in order to process this.
They will differentiate his curriculum to suit him, and will educate all staff that have contact with him. (this has been a problem) He (according to current policy) will have access to a councilor on a regular basis. He will be able to study life sciences, and Earth sciences, continue his research, and present information. He will also be mentoring in the special needs classroom, and I think that community service in school will help him feel useful, and he really does genuinely have concern for others, his empathy is amazing.
You are also looking at the new chairs and co chairs of the PTO committee on high ability learners. We want to help educate parents of these children, and the staff to work together. DH will also be on the board of community review for policy for high ability learners.
PN is getting tested this fall as well.....
There is another meeting this week, where I am hoping to find out more, and make sure they have the ball rolling, I do not want it to stop.
The schedule here is maddening right now, it is the end of the year, which means extra school activities, extra extra curricular activities, and the like.
The last school meeting we had, I did not document as of yet. In good news the high ability learning team for the district came, per our request. I also had my SIL come because she has her Masters in curriculum and is a second grade teacher as well. There were at least 9 people in attendance including the school psychologist who administered SR's IQ test, and checks in with him from time to time. The principal, the vice principal, SR's homeroom teacher, a councilor, etc...you get the picture. I let DH be in charge, and he shared that position with the school.
I am fatigued emotionally after 2 years of impromptu, and planned meetings expressing my expectations etc. I had to pass it over, I have become cynical, frustrated, and am not ready to play nice any longer. I have mentioned here before, you can poke sticks at me for a while, I am actually conflict avoidant (I swear). However after 2 years of feeling poked at and unheard, I was not feeling like the best advocate.
What DH did do was make them aware that we are not idiots, we can read policy, and we are aware clearly that this child has fallen through the cracks academically, and otherwise.
The high ability learning ladies had some great ideas, and recommendations, and we will continue to work with them. They are professionals in the area of these types of children, and knew exactly what he needed, and would enjoy.
He will qualify for 2 mentors (again)next year of his and our choosing. We are currently looking again at math and science. He did take the 5th grade math AYP the other day sight unseen, and managed an 83%. His science mentor will have to provide complexity and novelty for SR, which will be challenging unless the mentor is really excited about teaching. SR also took the IOWA the other day, and although I am certain academically he is able to skip a grade or 2, emotionally he is not there. Kids like SR are very very asyncratic. Professionals in education are not used to working with children like SR, because the percentages are low. He is considered profoundly gifted, which means there are FEW real life experience with these types of children. (Please read) He can become overwhelmed with details, and noise, and sitting in a classroom with other children. although he has improved tremendously. He also does not want to be advance to another grade, it causes him anxiety, and he is concerned about bullying, and friends. When we asked the ladies that are the high ability if they had any peers in the district for SR, they announced they might have one similar thinker, not similar interests, but similar thinking and processing. We found out he tested higher than any other child in the district.......I need to keep thinking of that in order to process this.
They will differentiate his curriculum to suit him, and will educate all staff that have contact with him. (this has been a problem) He (according to current policy) will have access to a councilor on a regular basis. He will be able to study life sciences, and Earth sciences, continue his research, and present information. He will also be mentoring in the special needs classroom, and I think that community service in school will help him feel useful, and he really does genuinely have concern for others, his empathy is amazing.
You are also looking at the new chairs and co chairs of the PTO committee on high ability learners. We want to help educate parents of these children, and the staff to work together. DH will also be on the board of community review for policy for high ability learners.
PN is getting tested this fall as well.....
There is another meeting this week, where I am hoping to find out more, and make sure they have the ball rolling, I do not want it to stop.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
I am taking cheesecake...
We have yet another meeting at the school tomorrow.
The last meeting was very hard for me to figure out. I normally am a great read, but take an educator who has been in practice for 16 or so years, who is trying to cover his ass, and placate at the same time...I left feeling almost exactly like I did going in.
Also note I PROMISED myself I would shut my mouth, and let DH handle it. 4 minutes into it, I was biting at the bit. I was good, and just spoke my heart....
We met with the principal, (who we found out) was one of the writers of the "gifted and talented policy". We asked him about his policy, and pointed out the several discrepancies between what they told us they would do, their non communication of the policy, and how the policy is a great policy, but only when being adhered to.
I will not go into it too deeply here, because frankly there is too much information, and my brain as far as this is concerned is MAXED out. If they followed the policy, we would have a child who was enjoying school, and not bored.
Every meeting I have had, every single time I have mentioned re: my son, well in almost 2 years, it feels like it fell on deaf ears.
Hence the reason I have let DH, take the drivers seat on this. He is diplomatic, a team player, and extremely good at developing policy. He had the principal stumped a couple of times, and I even saw the poor man turn a shade of almost green when my husband pointed out a specific failure.
It really comes down to a couple of things. Just because someone is credentialed, does not mean they will care, or will know how to implement a plan, and common sense.
I am unsure what happened to common sense but I am amazed daily by the lack of it.
I will also add here, we have a case of a child who is misunderstood by his teachers, and heck most folks, and from what the school psychologist has mentioned, it might be that way until college.
That means my child is coming home and reading Scientific American because he wants to, he is curious, and understands concepts that frankly most adults have trouble with...
and tonight the poor kid had to fill out a homework sheet about people pulling an over sized carrot out of the ground with the assistance of a mouse, and cat.
No wonder he is frustrated, and acting out. He wants to study biology, physics, chemistry....and they are giving him homework about a carrot......
and they wonder what his problem is.
Pray for us. DH has been working very hard...very very hard on this power point for tomorrow. He knows the policy like the back of his hand...
I am going to try and keep my mouth closed and let him keep this staff on task, I have nothing new to tell these people. I have said my piece....
PRAY
The last meeting was very hard for me to figure out. I normally am a great read, but take an educator who has been in practice for 16 or so years, who is trying to cover his ass, and placate at the same time...I left feeling almost exactly like I did going in.
Also note I PROMISED myself I would shut my mouth, and let DH handle it. 4 minutes into it, I was biting at the bit. I was good, and just spoke my heart....
We met with the principal, (who we found out) was one of the writers of the "gifted and talented policy". We asked him about his policy, and pointed out the several discrepancies between what they told us they would do, their non communication of the policy, and how the policy is a great policy, but only when being adhered to.
I will not go into it too deeply here, because frankly there is too much information, and my brain as far as this is concerned is MAXED out. If they followed the policy, we would have a child who was enjoying school, and not bored.
Every meeting I have had, every single time I have mentioned re: my son, well in almost 2 years, it feels like it fell on deaf ears.
Hence the reason I have let DH, take the drivers seat on this. He is diplomatic, a team player, and extremely good at developing policy. He had the principal stumped a couple of times, and I even saw the poor man turn a shade of almost green when my husband pointed out a specific failure.
It really comes down to a couple of things. Just because someone is credentialed, does not mean they will care, or will know how to implement a plan, and common sense.
I am unsure what happened to common sense but I am amazed daily by the lack of it.
I will also add here, we have a case of a child who is misunderstood by his teachers, and heck most folks, and from what the school psychologist has mentioned, it might be that way until college.
That means my child is coming home and reading Scientific American because he wants to, he is curious, and understands concepts that frankly most adults have trouble with...
and tonight the poor kid had to fill out a homework sheet about people pulling an over sized carrot out of the ground with the assistance of a mouse, and cat.
No wonder he is frustrated, and acting out. He wants to study biology, physics, chemistry....and they are giving him homework about a carrot......
and they wonder what his problem is.
Pray for us. DH has been working very hard...very very hard on this power point for tomorrow. He knows the policy like the back of his hand...
I am going to try and keep my mouth closed and let him keep this staff on task, I have nothing new to tell these people. I have said my piece....
PRAY
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
And now we are advocates
The school is clearly not following their talented and gifted policy. They are certainly not following the policy for "extremely highly gifted".
My dear husband, has been in the war room, our dining room table, with school and district written policies surrounding him.
We meet alone with the principal in the morning. Pray for me to shut my mouth, DH has this....
If it were up to me, there would be a lawsuit, and a loss of jobs, accredidation....
DH is far more diplomatic.
My dear husband, has been in the war room, our dining room table, with school and district written policies surrounding him.
We meet alone with the principal in the morning. Pray for me to shut my mouth, DH has this....
If it were up to me, there would be a lawsuit, and a loss of jobs, accredidation....
DH is far more diplomatic.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I wish there was a nerd school
full of boys with buttoned up shirts, pocket protectors, people that think math jokes, and puns are funny, chess clubs, you get the picture...
because he would be thrilled.
In case you cannot tell we are getting ready for a come to Jesus meeting with the school. My gut hurts, my teeth are clenched and I want to scream.
DH has been made project team leader of "you could not do your job, and now you have made more work for everyone".....
because he would be thrilled.
In case you cannot tell we are getting ready for a come to Jesus meeting with the school. My gut hurts, my teeth are clenched and I want to scream.
DH has been made project team leader of "you could not do your job, and now you have made more work for everyone".....
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Pollen, wind, hospitals, and help with laundry...
Where to begin? Things are just plain ole busy here. DH and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary...we are officially looked at as old and seasoned married folks by kiddos that are in their 20's. How did we celebrate? He in Hawaii for work, and I here @ work. Good times folks.
We thought we would both be able to go to Hawaii, but no. He has a military school to attend there. He planned on going, and I planned on going with him, but the powers that be said "no", we do not think you need to go. Wammo 2 days before the classes started "hey Mr. you are going pack your bags." Neither of us thrilled, but hey that is the Army. In good news SpouseBuzz is headed to Hawaii in November, and we intend on going. I pray to God, nothing gets thrown in the spokes.
The dog and I can tolerate one another now, if he gets about 1 1/2 hours to tear ass around. He is protective of the children and I and smart. He knows how to play dead when shot, sit, whoa, roll over, shake, stay, and flush birds. He also is a hunter, and brought me a very stinky headless snake @ the dog park the other day. Thanks Poncho, what I always wanted. He is also about 60 pounds now, and his paws are as big as my hands. WE have had no incidence of peeing or pooping in the house. Which was one of the reasons I did not want a dog in my home. So far he is a good dog. He is learning hand commands, he LOVES flushing birds, and hunting, and instinctively goes on point. He is lovely to watch when he is doing something he enjoys.
My MIL is in my home. To some of you this is an eyebrow raiser, but to those who know me, and my love of her frankly it is not anything alarming. So far so good. It has cut chaos . Imagine coming home everyday to find laundry done, and dishwasher unloaded etc...Imagine being able to run to the store without planning it like a damn 7 week cruise. It is awesome....In odd news I had no idea how exhausted I was until I was able to relinquish some of these things to another party...in fact my mind is still a bit mushy, hence the no blogging etc. I have unplugged a bit and noticed, I am tired...
I am trying to prepare myself for spring...still. Winter was horribly long, about 90 days of snow on the ground...ick. It was like groundhog day all winter long, cold blustery....find your hats, gloves, boots...brr, ick.
SR had to make his first ER visit the other night. Pollen count is high, wind is insane and blowing 40 mph for days...SR,a and my allergies flared up. His eyes super itchy, and well he got some small debris in his eye...I tried to irrigate it with some saline...could not get whatever it was out...so the ER did it. He charmed the staff, with his knowledge of biology, and saline solution, proper names for all medical equipment. All is well he has some gentimyicin gel...and is on the mend.
Cora is good....doing well in school. No injuries, did not like taking her bike out the first ride of the year. Loves having her grammie here...
I have a list to tend to...it gets longer everyday.
We thought we would both be able to go to Hawaii, but no. He has a military school to attend there. He planned on going, and I planned on going with him, but the powers that be said "no", we do not think you need to go. Wammo 2 days before the classes started "hey Mr. you are going pack your bags." Neither of us thrilled, but hey that is the Army. In good news SpouseBuzz is headed to Hawaii in November, and we intend on going. I pray to God, nothing gets thrown in the spokes.
The dog and I can tolerate one another now, if he gets about 1 1/2 hours to tear ass around. He is protective of the children and I and smart. He knows how to play dead when shot, sit, whoa, roll over, shake, stay, and flush birds. He also is a hunter, and brought me a very stinky headless snake @ the dog park the other day. Thanks Poncho, what I always wanted. He is also about 60 pounds now, and his paws are as big as my hands. WE have had no incidence of peeing or pooping in the house. Which was one of the reasons I did not want a dog in my home. So far he is a good dog. He is learning hand commands, he LOVES flushing birds, and hunting, and instinctively goes on point. He is lovely to watch when he is doing something he enjoys.
My MIL is in my home. To some of you this is an eyebrow raiser, but to those who know me, and my love of her frankly it is not anything alarming. So far so good. It has cut chaos . Imagine coming home everyday to find laundry done, and dishwasher unloaded etc...Imagine being able to run to the store without planning it like a damn 7 week cruise. It is awesome....In odd news I had no idea how exhausted I was until I was able to relinquish some of these things to another party...in fact my mind is still a bit mushy, hence the no blogging etc. I have unplugged a bit and noticed, I am tired...
I am trying to prepare myself for spring...still. Winter was horribly long, about 90 days of snow on the ground...ick. It was like groundhog day all winter long, cold blustery....find your hats, gloves, boots...brr, ick.
SR had to make his first ER visit the other night. Pollen count is high, wind is insane and blowing 40 mph for days...SR,a and my allergies flared up. His eyes super itchy, and well he got some small debris in his eye...I tried to irrigate it with some saline...could not get whatever it was out...so the ER did it. He charmed the staff, with his knowledge of biology, and saline solution, proper names for all medical equipment. All is well he has some gentimyicin gel...and is on the mend.
Cora is good....doing well in school. No injuries, did not like taking her bike out the first ride of the year. Loves having her grammie here...
I have a list to tend to...it gets longer everyday.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The sun
Is shining snow is melted, and I finally have lillies sprouting long leaves out of the rocks, and mulch...thank goodness, the entire state almost went mad.
What has been keeping me away from my blog?
I am now a proud Auntie, of a little boy, he is sweet, and teeny. How I forget how teeny they are. I got to spend some time with my niece.
My Mother in law is now living here. It has cut chaos, seriously.
My job, busier than ever, business is BOOMING, grew 3,000 almost overnight. BUSY. Job security, and much more hours. I am working about 40 hours a week now. It works out ok, Gma can pick up and love on grandbabies....she missed them so.
My friend Guard Wife, now has a new addition to her family
So many babies born in the last few weeks...my heart grows.
Easter is upon us, going to attend Good Friday service, and Easter service, happy.
SpouseBuzz went well in Texas, even if I spent 22 hours in airports. I could have driven there. all of the spousebuzzers continue to amaze me.
DH and I are planning an trip to Las Vegas for our 19th wedding anniversary this year. People keep saying "19 years, and kids that are 8 and 6..that is odd?" We plan on laying as low as we can in Vegas...
DH doing the PS90 or whatever workout, me I should be doing something.....swimsuit season, well it is here....frankly it takes months for me to get used to the idea.
I have never been more glad to see winter go....
What has been keeping me away from my blog?
I am now a proud Auntie, of a little boy, he is sweet, and teeny. How I forget how teeny they are. I got to spend some time with my niece.
My Mother in law is now living here. It has cut chaos, seriously.
My job, busier than ever, business is BOOMING, grew 3,000 almost overnight. BUSY. Job security, and much more hours. I am working about 40 hours a week now. It works out ok, Gma can pick up and love on grandbabies....she missed them so.
My friend Guard Wife, now has a new addition to her family
So many babies born in the last few weeks...my heart grows.
Easter is upon us, going to attend Good Friday service, and Easter service, happy.
SpouseBuzz went well in Texas, even if I spent 22 hours in airports. I could have driven there. all of the spousebuzzers continue to amaze me.
DH and I are planning an trip to Las Vegas for our 19th wedding anniversary this year. People keep saying "19 years, and kids that are 8 and 6..that is odd?" We plan on laying as low as we can in Vegas...
DH doing the PS90 or whatever workout, me I should be doing something.....swimsuit season, well it is here....frankly it takes months for me to get used to the idea.
I have never been more glad to see winter go....
Sunday, March 14, 2010
LISTS...
Why is there always a list here? things to buy, things to do? the list seriously needs to be tackled NOW, otherwise I will be loosing sleep over it.
I need a follow up mammogram, YAY. (My Aunt Mother's side is a survivor)
I need a colonoscopy, nothing says fun like sitting on a toilet for days, and having a camera inserted in your anus. (My Mother died from colon cancer that metastitized pretty much everywhere) No choice in this one, because I am turning 40. Holy Crap, I am turning 40.....
Need to write a letter to our bank in Arkansas for the third time to get the title. This process gives me a headache...one letter, and the phonecall should have been enough.
Check on the red and white game tickets you bought your Dad. I bought 10 expecting to get them in the mail, but am having DH go to the UNL office this week to check.
Need to buy some glass jars to store food in, I am not storing anything in plastic any longer.
Need to organize the pantry.
Need to order some Hosta bulbs. I do not have enough here.
Also I am looking for a larger car, I downsized 2 years ago, and love the car, it is good on gas, but it is too small. Looking at the Nissan Murano. something to fit 5 comfortably...anyone?
Need to get some frames painted, and replace some glass in a frame....
and the list continues.
Headed to Fort Hood this week for SpouseBuzz, ready to see my friends, but also need some major decompression time....going to turn my hotel into a sensory deprivation tank...of sorts.
I need a follow up mammogram, YAY. (My Aunt Mother's side is a survivor)
I need a colonoscopy, nothing says fun like sitting on a toilet for days, and having a camera inserted in your anus. (My Mother died from colon cancer that metastitized pretty much everywhere) No choice in this one, because I am turning 40. Holy Crap, I am turning 40.....
Need to write a letter to our bank in Arkansas for the third time to get the title. This process gives me a headache...one letter, and the phonecall should have been enough.
Check on the red and white game tickets you bought your Dad. I bought 10 expecting to get them in the mail, but am having DH go to the UNL office this week to check.
Need to buy some glass jars to store food in, I am not storing anything in plastic any longer.
Need to organize the pantry.
Need to order some Hosta bulbs. I do not have enough here.
Also I am looking for a larger car, I downsized 2 years ago, and love the car, it is good on gas, but it is too small. Looking at the Nissan Murano. something to fit 5 comfortably...anyone?
Need to get some frames painted, and replace some glass in a frame....
and the list continues.
Headed to Fort Hood this week for SpouseBuzz, ready to see my friends, but also need some major decompression time....going to turn my hotel into a sensory deprivation tank...of sorts.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Had to take the kids to see Fred Wesley
Took the kids to this tonight...
Very fun, SR even got out of seat and danced.
Very fun, SR even got out of seat and danced.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
the windows are open, and I look like a voodoo princess
with my dust wand and bottle of lysol dancing through the house madly...trying to rid this house of stale, germ filled air....
You will not win germs. I am not a pig, and I clean...this is a loosing battle germs.
You will not win germs. I am not a pig, and I clean...this is a loosing battle germs.
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