Hi everyone.
I haven't been on here in awhile. To be honest I felt like I had hit a stalling point in regards to my ds's school situation and I felt we needed to take some time to see how things panned out. I know how hard it is to keep histories and info straight so here is a small recap. I am a sahm of three kids that had concerns about her middle son that was in 1st grade and a teacher about to go on maternity leave.
The teacher went on maternity leave much sooner than anticipated. The class had alot of upheaval and a very ill fitting sub that kep telling them she wasn't coming back the next day. After 2 weeks of my son coming home complaining of how mean and unfair the sub was (very unlike my son to complain) I emailed the principal and requested a meeting. I didn't think it was fair to complain about the sub and ask that my son's academic needs be met without at least meeting the sub.
I am happy to say I have been pleasantly suprised on how things are panning out. The sub I met Friday was a new sub who had just moved to the district and knew immediatley why I was concerned. She seems a much better fit and plans on staying until the teacher comes back from maternity leave. Hooray.
I had a meeting with the principal this morning. I explained the situation and she right away implemented a plan to differentiate for him with an eye towards grade skip at the end of the year if needed.
I told her we were not wanting a mid year grade skip but were open to evaluating the situation. Ds is happy and we feel his education has two parts that needs addressed academics and social. There has been alot of upheaval with the sub situation and if that hadn't been rectified we would most likely have pushed for a grade skip to take place immediately.
She called the gifted and talented coordinator while I was there and they discussed tests and set up a meeting for next week to specifically address my son's situation with the sub and what they will be using to differentiate. She also set up a meeting with the other 1st grade teachers to see how they are addressing the needs of their high acheivers, etc. About this time I want to pinch myself because things are going so well. She agreed that this should be work he is doing instead of not on top of the too easy work. She is setting it up for him to be able to do it independantly and we should see some differentiation starting the first of next week.
This is the first time I have felt truly understood and heard in regards to my son's academic needs since he started Elementary school. I know we have a long road ahead of us but I feel so grateful that they are open to his needs at the moment. We discussed how the school system doesn't really have anything in place for advanced kids and alot about teaching in general.
What a great way to start Thanksgiving week.
I couldn't have been half the advocate for my son if I hadn't found this board. You all offered me support, resources and much needed prodding to get my son's needs addressed. Thank you.
