Thursday, March 12, 2009

Putting the puzzle together. . .

Last Friday Todd and I met at the middle school for a quick tour. I have to say I am so glad that I went. It didn't look nearly as scary to me as I thought. I, of course, knew it wasn't the same, but middle school conjures up images of darkness, crowds, yelling, and bullying. For some reason these are not very good memories.


We met the Psychologist in the main office and the assistant principal came out and introduced herself to us. It was so welcoming and the message of the day, was definitely "whatever he needs we'll do it". It was all about making us feel better. It didn't seem or feel condescending in anyway, but very authentic. She asked lots of questions about him as we walked around the 7Th grade wing of the school. There are still lots of questions about where he will fit in. They have co-teaching in regular ed classrooms, resource rooms, teacher consultants, REACH, which I keep hearing about and not remembering what the heck it is! It is still a puzzle to me, the outside pieces are all put together and I'm starting to fill in the middle. What will he do for his two electives? Band will be one, but what will we do with the other hour? He could do this, he could do that. Speech. How does it all fit together?


I can say that I know it will work out. We'll figure it out, we always do. It just takes me longer than some (like Todd) I was still asking questions at the end and Todd said, "she told you it was this this and this." But I can't keep it straight. He hears it once and remembers it. For me it doesn't work that way. Until all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place I keep moving them around here and there, checking to see if they fit. Right now there are still pieces of it missing for me, but I can see the other side and know eventually I'll slide that last piece of the puzzle into place and the satisfaction I'll feel will be wonderful. Hopefully I'll feel that way March 25.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Middle school is so much to take in, for parents as well as kids. Both of my boys are in middle school now, and while it has definitely been challenging, most of the staff really strive to work with the special needs kids. I hope the transition goes well for you!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see Tanya's comment, b/c I was just going to refer you to her blog. I cannot imagine how BIG this is for you and for Daniel. At least it's comforting to hear "whatever he needs we'll do it." I'll be praying for the transition!
You're a good mom - making sure you are clear on things and have as many pieces of the puzzle in place as possible.

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