I called the school Robin will be attending next year today to find out what we needed to do to re-enroll him, if he could take CSAP tests with their 7th graders and to find out when 8th grade orientation is. Of course the dates for CSAP are March 7-9 and 14-16. Robin's having his ear surgery the 6th. He'll have to take the tests during the make up dates. Even if he's feeling up to it the second week, his ear is going to be packed with gauze and he'll be uncomfortable. I talked with the school counsilor and she said to re-enroll him we just need to bring his records up for them to review. I told her we'd been concentrating on things other than academics this year, but I'd bring her what we have. She said to just bring the books we've been using and that they'd take his CSAP scores into consideration on placement. I'm going to have his therapist write a letter, because I feel that his weekly therapy should count towards something. He's come a long way this year with behavior and social skills. I'm also going to get a copy of his karate attendance card for PE. I did tell her I'd like to have a staffing for him before this school year is done because I want everything in place when school starts next year--like if he's going to be in a self contained classroom again, or any accomidations he might need. He wants to be mainstreamed. I think he'll need that "safety net" at least as an option, though. I also want him in PE. That's one of their extras and not all the kids get it. I told the counsilor that he needs that as an outlet during the day and she said that wouldn't be a problem. So she's mailing me some things and she'll call me when CSAP's get closer. Should be interesting. He's really enjoyed being home this year and like I said, he's made great progress. But I feel he needs to go back to a more "normal" schedule and he's just not going to get that here at home. Especially with all the distractions of the day care kiddos. He also wants to play football. That's his motivation for going to public school. I won't tell him this, but I could probably get him on the team as a homeschooler. That'll be my little secret.

By Tink on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 12:05 am:

It sounds like you made the right choice last year, in your decision to homeschool. What growth Robin's made. And it sounds like the school is working with you, in the best interest of Robin. That's so great.

And...I would keep that little nugget to myself, too!

By Lauram on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 06:22 pm:

Isn't it interesting how all they asked you for were the academics?! He's probably grown more this year than he has any other because of your focus.... GRRRRRRR..... (BTW- I highly doubt they will look at the psychologist record or karate record as you would like them to- I get where you are going with that though! ) Good luck.

By Cat on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 10:44 am:

Laura, you're right. He has grown more this year than probably the past 3 combined. Funny, the day after I talked to the counsilor the resource room teacher called me and said the school district seems to have lost his IEP--on their computer at least. He said he'd try to hunt down a hard copy of it. I told him I had it if he couldn't find one. (I have a 1" folder that's PACKED with IEP/meeting notes) One of my daycare moms teaches in this district and she said the district is a lawsuit waiting to happen as far as special needs kids are concerned. It almost makes me want to keep Robin home another year, but he's just not progressing with his academics as I think he should. There are so many distractions here during the day. The only thing we do consistantly every day is grammar and journal. He also needs to be able to practice his social skills more than just in the neighborhood, at karate and at church. He needs to be around kids his age. We could do without all the negatives school brings (they learn a lot of bad things from peers there, too), but that comes with the territory and kids have to learn to deal with "the real world" too.

Cori and Laura, thanx for the support.

By Lauram on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 01:28 pm:

Losing an IEP is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Don't beat yourself up. You can't do it all. It takes a village....