We're having an "Emergency Staffing" tomorrow. Robin's IEP is grossly outdated and they're realizing that. A school psychologist will be there (he actually did some of Robin's testing a few years ago), the principle, school counselor and I talked to the director of special services for our district and the parent liaison so the parent liaison will be there, too (he's familiar with Robin--we've been working with him for 5 years). I just talked to everyone this morning except the psychologist so hopefully everyone's expectations will be clear at the meeting tomorrow morning. Robin's been sent home about a half a dozen times already, and suspended twice (for a day each time). I kept him home today because with the problems he had yesterday (he tried to leave the school--the principle was actually able to convince him to stay!) and the fact that I can NOT leave the house today (having stuff delivered for the basement) I figured it would probably be best to keep him home until the meeting. Robin also said the principle told him yesterday "I don't know if we can help you here." I talked to the principle about that and he said that was an extreme paraphrase. Basically he told Robin that *Robin* needs to work and want to be there and help himself and if he can't do that they may not be able to help him. They are hiring a SPED teacher to start next week and they think that will be a great help to Robin, not for the academics, but just the one on one. I was so upset this morning when I talked to the counselor I just lost it. At least I got it out of my system before she talked to the principle and he called me back. I'd rather cry on the phone with her, ya know? lol Hopefully I can keep it together tomorrow. *sigh* I want to ask *WHY* can't my kid just be like everyone else's kid, have the "normal" kid problems without the extreme and drama, but I know better. I still think it, though.

By Tarable on Thursday, September 4, 2008 - 12:50 pm:

{{{{Cat}}}}} I think your your last statement sums up a lot!!!! I feel that way a lot. I will be thinking of you and Robin tomorrow and keeping my fingers crossed that things go the best way possible for y'all!

By Rayelle on Thursday, September 4, 2008 - 04:00 pm:

I will be thinking of you. ((HUGS)) I've been dealing with a lot of unwanted opinions and advice from family about how my son needs discipline and what is going on with him since he has been so out of control. I've been wishing it wasn't something I had to deal with either.

By Tink on Thursday, September 4, 2008 - 04:06 pm:

Oh, Cat, {{{Hugs}}}. I think all of us that frequent this board have thought that, at least a time or two or twelve. I really hope this meeting goes well and that some kind of game plan can be agreed upon by everyone, including Robin. I know you had such high hopes for this school that this must be discouraging. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, for wisdom and strength.

By Kaye on Friday, September 5, 2008 - 07:15 am:

Cat I just saw this. I will say a little prayer for you today.

It sucks to have a kid that makes things harder on himself. It isn't fair that life is tough enough without having an issues. But I guess we have to suck it up as parents and remember that whatever we feel, it isn't happening to just us, it really really sucks for them too! That is why we have to be strong and fight those battles.

I hope this meeting goes well and you make some good choices that will help continue to grow and teach Robin.

By Bemerry84 on Friday, September 5, 2008 - 07:59 am:

Good Luck at the meeting today, hope all goes well.

By Cat on Friday, September 5, 2008 - 12:47 pm:

The meeting went well. They came right out and said they do not want Robin to leave that school and the psychologist said he thinks staying where he is is the best placement for Robin. They want to help him. They're going to redo his IEP, including redoing some testing (they told Robin "so he can show them just how smart he is". lol We're also going to shorten his days for now, so I'll be picking him up at 2:10 every day (they get out at this time on Friday's anyway). He'll do his enrichment class (health right now) at home on the computer. They said they've noticed Robin doesn't get into trouble in the mornings, only in the afternoons so hopefully this will help. He's doing well in all his classes so far (a C, 2 B's and 1 A++ in biology--104.4%!!!). The principle and the psychologist really have a good rapport going with Robin and he likes them and all his teachers. He just tends to shut down at times. We're going to sign releases for Robin's therapist to talk with them, too (the one that's a friend of mine--he'd already agreed to that). So we'll see what happens from here. It wasn't as bad as past meetings. They really do seem to want to work with us. This school just may work after all. Robin needs to get his head on straight, though.

By Tarable on Friday, September 5, 2008 - 02:13 pm:

That is great that they want to help him and are willing to work with you and him. I am so glad for you that it went so well.

By Kaye on Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 10:15 am:

It is nice when a school works with you.

I wonder if his afternoon meltdowns are because of medications? Sometimes, especially adhd meds, when they leave your system you have a crash. So i just wonder if that could be a cause, not sure how to improve it, just a though.

VEry nice about the shortened day. Really school is way too long anyway!

Keep us posted on how it goes.

By Cat on Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 10:58 am:

Kim, Robin's not on any medications for ADHD. They're contradictory to the bipolar and make him aggressive. If we can load him up on caffeine he does great, but he has to be willing to drink it. I don't know what's up with his afternoons. Hopefully this shortened day will help. He'll only be in school about 6 hours. Wish I could have 6 hour work days! lol

It was so nice having the principle, the parent liaison and the psychologist all say that this school is the best placement for him. It's an alternative school! If Robin can't make it there where the heck is he supposed to go??? Hopefully they'll follow through with things. That was the trouble before. The schools would say we're going to do this, and that and the other thing, and they wouldn't follow through. OR they'd follow through to the bare minimum ONCE and say, nope, that's not working. We'll have to wait and see. Thanx again for all the support.

By Happynerdmom on Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 11:19 am:

I'm so glad the meeting went well. It's such a good feeling to feel that people really care about your child and are willing to try anything to help. It does seem that they will try their best, but as you said, only time will tell. It sure sounds like a good start, though!

By Rayelle on Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 04:32 pm:

I'm glad things are lokking like they are on track and that people are willing to work together for your son's success.