The ninth grade guidance counselor was amazing with Kiki. She listened to everything that Kiki had to say and several times complimented Kiki on expressing herself well. Then called in a kind and cheerful administrator so that we could move Kiki out of the classes that she was concerned about and into classes that Kiki will enjoy much more. We didn’t even have to rearrange any of Kiki’s other classes. Kiki walked out of there with a spring to her step and new confidence in her eyes. Now she and I both know that her counselor is an excellent ally.
For Link we’ve scheduled a round of testing just to see where he is currently. We’ll then take those tests and have an IEP meeting to discuss what to do for him for this year. I strongly feel that he needs to be out of resource. It is what he wants and I want to see how well he keeps up. I think he will be fine. This is a good year to test before Link heads off into the wilds of Junior High. I also met with Link’s doctor today. We’re keeping the medication status quo, but I think Link feels better about it because the doctor took time to really listen and talk directly to Link rather than just talking with me.
Gleek’s teacher spoke with me on the phone and it sounds like they are beginning to develop the structure and relationship that they need to get through the year together. I still need to keep tabs on this to make sure that both of them continue to feel good about the relationship. I may need to volunteer in the classroom at some point during the year so that I am more in touch with what is going on there.
I may be running out of “benefit of doubt” to extend to the new elementary principal. His extensive letter on exactly how parents are allowed to pick up and drop off kids has been followed up with a long letter describing the shiny new discipline policy which involves the use of a time out room (under a different name.) I agree in principle with most of the changes he is putting into place, but the implementation of the policies will determine whether this is a beneficial change or a dictatorial regime. My kids miss their old principal already. I sympathize, but I’m waiting to see how things shake out. I am also curious about how the teachers feel about these new policies. The teachers will be the ones doing the implementing.
We still have lots more adjusting to do. More than I expected this year. But I’m going to sleep better tonight.