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Post by mattandchris on Aug 13, 2004 10:13:55 GMT -5
In 2 weeks my son starts high school. I am a bit nervous. The last two years have been like riding a rollercoaster. Does anyone have a child in high school? Any advice? I know we are going to need it.
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Post by chaknine on Aug 15, 2004 22:13:40 GMT -5
We did not have a lot of success with highschool! It was hard and I hope you have a better exp. than we did. Communication was a big issue!! There were so many teachers and they kind of have the attitude by this age they think the kids should take full responsibility for home work ect.. does your child have an IEP or 504? This site may help you with highschool and Iep's and 504. There are some mom's who are starting kids into highschool and they may be able to help. Also there is a school psychologist that may be able to help you in the education area. adhdrefuge.proboards18.com Hope that site will help!!
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Post by mattandchris on Aug 15, 2004 23:55:30 GMT -5
Middle school was a real pain and I am hoping high school will be better. Lack of communication was the biggest problem and I am afraid high school will be the same. Matt was not dx'ed until the end of 7th grade (not that the writing wasn't on the wall, however he is extremely bright and that was how he got by) He does not have an IEP or 504- we were denied over and over. I was basically told he would need to be failing first-therefore his education would be significantly effected by his ADHD. I wanted things in motion before that were to happen. Our school has block scheduling. Does anyone have experience with that-I worry about Matt sitting in a classroom for such long periods of time. Thanks for the heads up on the other site. I will check it out.
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Post by chaknine on Aug 16, 2004 8:37:20 GMT -5
I know there was a discussion about block scheduling on the site I listed. They maybe be able to help. They have a strong education area on that board. This board rocks on the meds area though!!! I have not found a better med site yet!
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Post by sassysmom on Aug 16, 2004 11:56:14 GMT -5
Last year was my daughter's first year of high school. It went OK, not great. Med starts and stops didn't help. At the beginning of the year I made sure her guidance counselor and all of her teachers were aware of her situation and made allowances for her according to her 504. I made sure I went to all teacher meetings. I sent notes to them when I had to, even met with the asst. principal when she had problems with another student. I wasn't obnoxious but I made it clear that we were involved. She has a pattern that she repeats every year: First term, honor roll. Second term, not as good; third term worse; last term plays catch up. She's a procrastinator and she hates to read so she doesn't do herself any favors. We are constantly on her back about homework. She's had a math tutor for 3 years. By the end of the year we were very proud of her grades, A's, B's and one C. You're right, it is a rollercoaster! By the way if you need a 504, have him tested/diagnosed by a neurologist. We had all the tests done and it's easier to get what you need when you have the proof in hand. Your kid should not have to fail in order to have some minor classroom accomodations made for him. Good luck and here's to a great year!
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Post by mattandchris on Aug 17, 2004 0:15:01 GMT -5
chaknine, I did try that sight and it is helpful. It did take a while to find info because there are a lot of sections. I'll keep going back there, the more suggestions and help the better. sassysmom, wow, my son has the same pattern as your daughter as far as grades. He loves to read and at times that has caused him a problem. The school finally gave him a tutor last year to help with his organizational problems. Hopefully we can find help once he is at the high school.
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Post by chaknine on Aug 17, 2004 6:48:32 GMT -5
I agree it is a helpsul site, I use both reguarly!! They are fine with people using both sites btw!! The more knowledege we can accuire together the better!!
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Post by mattandchris on Sept 1, 2004 21:49:58 GMT -5
We made it through the first day of high school. I think it went fine. We will see as the weeks go by and if he is able to keep up. I am a bit worried about the block schedule-he has 3 full block (about 80 minutes each) and 2 "skinnies" which are half that-one is band. It's the last block- Algerba that worries me most. Math for such a long time at the end of the day. I'm hoping......
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Post by Mayleng on Sept 2, 2004 7:53:00 GMT -5
Good luck, I hope it keeps getting better.
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Post by mattandchris on Sept 6, 2004 22:23:38 GMT -5
Okay, we made it through the first week of high school. So far, so good. Matt is pretty positive about his classes (2 computer classes may help) He has even done homework. He hasn't said the classes seem too long for him. I know that there is some pressure-all classes are 9 weeks long. Not much time if he messes up. He was writing a poem about school and did share that the pressures of school weighs on him and it can be frustrating. I know that I will need to really pay attention and keep him focused. I will be keeping my fingers crossed and try to (as Matt says) have a little faith in him.
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Post by TerryB on Sept 7, 2004 6:03:54 GMT -5
Fantastic!
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Post by sierra on Sept 15, 2004 13:06:16 GMT -5
Lordy! Block schedules. What will they think of next? It's like they go out of their way to design school so that's it's practically impossible for a kid with no challenges. What are our kids supposed to do?
Bean Sprout would be wandering the halls with a blank look on his face. Back to school was bad enough without shaking the schedule all up for high school.
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Post by sportsmom on Sept 16, 2004 8:38:31 GMT -5
I'll admit---I didn't have any idea about block schedules and so far this year (being our first yr in high school) (for my non-adder but with LD that is) I think it is ok. Actually it gives the kids more time to work on their homework and to be able to ask the teacher any questions they may have. Then we also have a block that is TA. It is not as long as the reg ed block because it is a split lunch hour but the kids can also get extra help in there if they need it---that is if they are not one of the lucky ones that have to work on the year book ;D
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Post by mattandchris on Sept 17, 2004 22:41:03 GMT -5
I am just going to keep you up to date on how we make it through the first couple weeks of high school. So far Matt is doing okay with the block scheduling. He is able to get a lot of his work done right in class, which helps on most of the homework. he was having some trouble picking up his speed in keyboarding. I was wondering if his meds hadn't kicked in, so I give him a supplement which is suppose to increase his focus. He did say that his words per minutes did increase. I do know that he was just given a 6 week project in civics to go along with the elections. I know that projects like these are difficult for him to stay on track of. I'll just have to pay attention. I won't mind since I do have strong political opinions which I do like to share with him So after 2 1/2 weeks things seem to be going better than i thought they would have. ;D
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Post by Mayleng on Sept 17, 2004 22:43:31 GMT -5
Thanks great news.
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Post by mattandchris on Oct 6, 2004 12:09:33 GMT -5
a*g Things are not going so well any more. He seems to have hit a wall so quickly and fallen back into the same patterns he has had before. Matt is no longer turning any work in. I felt like crying last night , I am so frustrated with and for him. He gets that this really counts and that he needs his grades to be good. I really don't know how to deal with this in the high school. Each teacher only sees a kid for 9 weeks, so there is little time for slip ups. If he can be honest with me I might be able to get him back, but without a 504 or IEP, I just don't know where to turn. I could use any help I can get. a*yo*e
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Post by Dakotah on Oct 6, 2004 12:56:45 GMT -5
Mattandchris you can do this. Forgive me as I did read the past posts on this thread but not very closely. First-and I know you are already doing this, look at meds. Could a little tweek in his Strattera help? Adding a stimulant? Second- when and where is he "falling apart"? Is it specific classes or specific times? Looking at time of day could reflect meds. Looking at class could be frustration with the course/teacher? Third- why isn't he turning in work? Not done or forgets? Could he carry a small notebook in his pocket that he would check before each class as to what he needs to do or turn in? The two of you could write in it the night before. I wonder exactly what his dx is? You can get an IEP for "Other Health Impairment" and ADHD falls under it. Maybe he needs to be in the spec. educ. system to fall under that catagory. Call his advisor and have a sit down now beofre it is too late. Ask the questions you are wondering about. Good luck! If you can find the right person within the school system, you may get more help than you thought was out there. It took me several tries to fall upon the right person within our school system before I started getting the answers/help we needed. My ds is only six. My advice maybe too "elementary" for you and I apologize if it is.
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Post by mattandchris on Oct 6, 2004 13:32:07 GMT -5
Your advice is helpful. I don't think it matters what age our kids are. The classes he is having trouble in are right away in the morning. Both are computer classes, which he loves. I think one may be a little beyond him. He really wasn't suppose to be in this class but I thought he was doing fine. I think Matt just gives up when he gets behind and no longer tries. He does have a notebook, but that would mean that he would need to actually look at it. I will be trying to find someone in the high school to help me. I have tried to get an IEP before for him and have been denied over and over. I guess I will just keep looking until someone over there will help. Thanks for the help and advice
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Post by Dakotah on Oct 6, 2004 14:02:25 GMT -5
I hear you on the having to actually look at the notebook issue! It sounds like you have some room to move with his Strattera. Go for it! Keep trying to find someone. Advisor, special educ. team, school psycho. Ask specifically what qualifications a child needs in order to receive an IEP. A child needs to meet two criteria in order to be eligible for an IEP under Other Health Disabilities. 1) signed documentation by a physician in regards to ADHD 2) In comparison to peers the condition affects the student's ability to complete educ. tasks as by documented by three of the following: -excessuve absenteeism (linked to medical treatment) -specialized health care procedures -medications that affect learning -limited strength -limited endurance -heightened or diminsihed alterness (maintaining focus) -impaired ability to manage and organize materials -impaired ability to follow directions
If you can get documentation from teachers to support catagory 2 in three areas- you're son should qualify for an IEP. It depends on how hard you want to push and if he is interested in getting Spec. Educ. help. Okay- I will let this go now. Schools don't offer this info. freely sometimes. Just wanted to give you an FYI.
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Post by mattandchris on Oct 6, 2004 14:17:31 GMT -5
:)I always know where to go when I feel like . I can always count on someone to help me out
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Post by chaknine on Oct 6, 2004 23:12:17 GMT -5
There should be an at risk child team at your school, ask who is on it and also find another mom who knows the system and have her help you!! Good luck and keep us posted!! Also try going to schwabb learning site. Make a post and tell them this board sent you and you will receive help. ( you would get help reguardless of the site mention, but Mayleng has her foot in the door there)
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Post by mattandchris on Oct 7, 2004 10:53:15 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone. I don't know what I would do without all of you
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Post by mattandchris on Oct 11, 2004 14:33:13 GMT -5
We have conferences tonight. fcr*ssing I am so stressed out over this
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Post by Dakotah on Oct 11, 2004 15:04:55 GMT -5
You can do it! We have one tonight too!
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Post by Dakotah on Oct 12, 2004 8:24:49 GMT -5
mattandchris how did it go?
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Post by mattandchris on Oct 12, 2004 9:11:10 GMT -5
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be . First Matt let me know where any problem areas were. Of course one of the teachers I really wanted to talk to wasn't there. I'll email him hoping I can get some answers. Some actually had some very positive things to say. They all know he is smart but just doesn't do all the work he is suppose to or in math he doesn't show his work, would rather do it in his head or on his calculator. We still have a lot to work on but if I stay on him and if he gets a medication change-which I talked about in another post- I think we may be okay p*ace
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Post by chaknine on Oct 12, 2004 18:36:26 GMT -5
Glad things were not as bad as you thought!! Hang in there and maybe with the med change they will get even better.
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Post by brazos on Mar 25, 2005 9:11:41 GMT -5
I am usually reading here. This board is chocked full of great information. My oldest has tanked in 3 classes. My real concern is he was doing fine, and these teachers have completely followed the 504 and been very open with me. That is my true concern, the other teachers that I suspect don't modify he is doing fine in.
His friend who is not ADHD tanked too, so it may be hormones. I have no idea how to really tell. He is on stattera and has stopped any little bit of ritilan because of another problem. I pulled him from Tennis, I have an appt with his Dr on Wednesday.
I just started him on Omega 3 yesterday.
Does anyone just see Hormone raging? They all seem alike to me.
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Post by Mayleng on Mar 25, 2005 10:06:54 GMT -5
I can tell that hormones are affecting my normal 12 yr old (not ADHD or LD ) who has been having trouble in school and with attitude/mood problems (at home) since he turned 12 . He is not the same boy I know, and is more trouble than his younger ADDer brother. He has been barely passing some of his subjects, and it is a matter of putting in effort on his part. His mood can change at a drop of a hat. Very frustrating on me. I fear he maybe grounded for life at this rate. ;D Many of his friends' moms tell me the same thing is happening with their kids.
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Post by brazos on Mar 25, 2005 10:43:53 GMT -5
That is what chaps me, he has been so great at times. He has tanked from time to time. These teachers I know give him extra time, have kept up emails to me. They have done their fair share! They even give me copies of test reviews and project requirements. For an ADHD mom they have been great and he is messing up. He says that he is trying too hard to please the non compliant teachers, but he has lied to me and his dad separately about grades at school, so we really don't trust him. I will say our high school gives every teacher the opportunity to modify any kid and they can go to content mastery if they ask or if the teacher feels they need it. So he is in a much better enviroment than last year. He has been to content once or twice. The HS seems to want to keep us more informed than the JS, they sent this stuff by mail. They know kids don't cough up the stuff that is not good. So I looked on Stattera thread, he is a big boy so he may need 100 mg of it. He is at 60 now, but he started on stattera 2 yrs ago maybe?? He is saying it is not working, but right now I am not believing anything from him. Excuses, excuses that is all he seems to want to say. I wrote out rules for him until we see marked improvement, his dad was very helpful on them. TD has been doing farm work, saying he was completely caught up. We need his help on the farm, but Dad says he can not help if he doesn't do his school work or is honest with us. Dad asked him away from me if he was on task,"school is great", was his reply. I thought Dad was going to come unglued when he read the notice. I am sorry for venting, I just know when they start the lying about performance you can't trust them. If he truly has a problem with a teacher now oh well he made his bed. I feel so much better! Thanks to this board for letting me vent! Better than therapy!
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