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Post by LurkNoMore on Oct 26, 2004 10:42:04 GMT -5
Most of you know that my son, C, is ADHD, 10 and in 5th grade. After being in a regular ed. classroom all through his schooling (most of them with a one-on-one aide), we made the tough decision to switch him to the other elementary school in our district into a self-contained classroom. We haven't had our parent-teacher conference yet (it is scheduled for the next couple of weeks) but I am seeing all sorts of positive changes in C. Some may be due to maturity, but I think that most can be traced to the less stressful (and anxiety-ridden) environment. Examples... he is coming right home and doing his homework independently (he has a book report due the end of the week, so we have been breaking it down so it is not overwhelming...he HATES to write! He has even been doing the book report paragraphs independently - writing great paragraphs with lots of "chocolate" (descriptive) words! He is communicating more about school (what they are learning about, what the other kids are like etc). He is proud of himself and noticing his accomplishments! This morning when he was getting ready for school, he asked me if I thought he was happy at his new school this year. I said yes and asked what he thought. He said he was happier. I then asked him what makes him happier...he said something to the effect that he was having an easier time this year. I asked him why he thought that was and he said...there are less kids in his class, so he doesn't get distracted by them, and that he has learned to ignore the noises in the hallway! Just had to share (and still keeping my fingers crossed that it keeps up) ! I'll give another update after the parent teacher conference... ;D ;D ;D
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Post by swmom on Oct 26, 2004 11:00:04 GMT -5
Wonderful news, Lurk. Sounds like you all made a good decision in deciding to switch schools and classrooms.
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Post by Dakotah on Oct 26, 2004 11:07:22 GMT -5
:DYou sent chills up my spine! I am so happy for you and C!
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Post by chaknine on Oct 26, 2004 16:02:00 GMT -5
Great to hear he is doing well and is happy!!! It is nice to see things working out for him!!
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Post by Mayleng on Oct 26, 2004 16:38:03 GMT -5
Lurk, that is great. It must feel good to know you made the right decision, as agonizing as it was for you at that time.
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Post by LurkNoMore on Oct 26, 2004 20:48:08 GMT -5
Thanks for the well wishes everyone. It really is a good feeling to see him maturing. Today, he didn't get all of his homework done right after school because he had a consultation appt with the orthodontist (almost done paying for my daughter's braces and soon C will start up! a*g ) He had some math to finish (that he didn't understand how to do on his own), so my hubby was helping him while I was starting dinner...we saw a little bit of the "homework agony" of last year (but as hubby said...even that wasn't anywhere near what we dealt with EVERY day last year). Another sign of maturity...we had been to the ortho 6 months ago for a consult. At the time, C was not very cooperative (and this ortho is VERY patient...was highly recommended for C by our very patient reg. dentist that knows C is ADHD...luckily, he is the one our daughter was already going to)...he wouldn't bite down correctly (was being a little goofy...but I don't know if it was because he didn't understand how to bite down on his back teeth...) Anyway...today C did great at the ortho (bad news means now we go for x-rays and impressions next month and the REAL consult in Dec. to decide when we start treatment). I was really proud of him (and relieved...because in the past, it has been embarrassing to take him to anywhere new where the people didn't know him)! Just wanted to share (and keeping my fingers and toes crossed that this good period continues)!! y*y
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Post by TerryB on Oct 27, 2004 5:52:48 GMT -5
What fantastic news Lurk. Terry
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Post by d on Oct 27, 2004 8:01:19 GMT -5
Lurk don't you love being at the top of the rollercoaster?
I love that he is proud of himself and noticing his accomplishments! Good for him.
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Post by ryansmom on Oct 27, 2004 8:41:16 GMT -5
Glad to hear things are going well for your son ! fr*ntcl*pp fr*ntcl*pp fr*ntcl*pp
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Post by willoweezie on Oct 27, 2004 8:50:57 GMT -5
Lurk, I am sooo happy for you guys!! We have been on parallel paths since I joined this group and as you know I too agonized over moving to the self contained. I have also seen ALOT of positive improvements in school this year! Most of S's school work is 3rd grade curriculum (she is in 2nd grade, but the class is mixed 2nd/3rd) because the teacher tested her and she did so well that she didn't want her to be bored. From all the daily reports that have come home she is doing soo much better! The class has 5 levels, each with more priveleges and each level requires more "successful" days behaviorally to reach the next level and less unsuccessful days to be dropped back to the lower level. They are rated similar to A,B,C,D grading percentages, with only A and B being considered successful. Yesterday S reached level 4!!! In all for the year so far she has only had 3 unsuccessful days, and at least one of them I believe was med related. We also started an afternoon booster of focalin at school before she goes to the afterschool program and I gave her a tiny extra (2.5 mg) dose when I picked her up and homework last night was sooo smooth! To this day when she has to work on it unmedicated it is an experience like this but last night I actually had this great feeling of contentment watching her focused and cooperative over her homework! Sorry to be long winded, but I just wanted to let you know that I too am finally feeling like I made the right decision. I wish that our neighborhood school could have made more accomodations for her, but they are a gifted and talented/arts and sciences Magnet school, and I really think their mindset is that they are focused on the best and brightest kids who come from all over the county and don't have the time for the 'screwed up kids'. Pretty sad IMHO, but I don't plan on sending her back there for any reason, no matter what happens after this year
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Post by RobbysMom on Oct 27, 2004 9:10:19 GMT -5
Lurk & Willow --- It's always great to hear good news! I'm glad things are going well!
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Post by LurkNoMore on Oct 27, 2004 9:12:11 GMT -5
Lurk don't you love being at the top of the rollercoaster? I love that he is proud of himself and noticing his accomplishments! Good for him. Yup...now I just have to get over that fear that the next big hill will be right around the corner (just when you think you can handle things) and hope that we will continue to see positive things! ;D
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Post by LurkNoMore on Oct 27, 2004 9:18:30 GMT -5
Hi Willow...I was wondering how you and Sage were doing. I've been meaning to PM you, but, of course, didn't get around to it! I'm glad that you are also seeing good results with Sage's new placement...and hope that we both (all) continue to have good days. We don't have to worry about going back to the old school because C will be in Middle School a*g next year! We'll worry about next year's placement later...right now, I'm enjoying the positive things that are happening for C. The only thing I am curious about (which I will wait until the parent-teacher conference to bring up) is when/if they will start mainstreaming him for some academic subjects this year. I don't want to push it (set him up for failure by "rocking the boat"), but also need to know if by middle school he's made enough improvements to mainstream him again (with Resource Room support). I keep reminding myself to take baby steps... Thanks again to everyone for "listening" to me and advising me as we have gone through this process! You all rock...
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Post by swmom on Oct 27, 2004 9:33:47 GMT -5
d - I love the way you referred to this as "being at the top of the rollercoaster." Sooooo appropo.
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Post by theirmom on Oct 27, 2004 9:42:54 GMT -5
I don't know if it is the same everywhere, but our district begins mainstreaming with the "special" subjects - music, gym, art. The kids are usually involved with "fun" things and the structure isn't too bad. It gives all the kids a chance to have fun together. I'm so pleased to hear of everyone's successes. On the few occasions that I've been in the self contained classrooms, I've always come away wishing that the regular classrooms could be a bit more like them. All the kids know what is expected all the time. None of the other students teases or is mean, each action has a consequence... the same consequence. and far fewer distractions. continued success
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Andy
Full Member
Posts: 83
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Post by Andy on Oct 27, 2004 9:44:01 GMT -5
;D ;D Good News! I wish I could say the same about "A" resource room. He was put in there for one day( with 6 other children who has either been held back at least one or two years) and they were all doing the same(inferior) work, Not 5th grade work. He was put in there to give him a "break". We agreed to it verbally, but "A" hated it so much. He was begging me not to send him back there It broke my heart). He was taken out immediately and placed mainstream.
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Post by LurkNoMore on Oct 27, 2004 10:00:16 GMT -5
I don't know if it is the same everywhere, but our district begins mainstreaming with the "special" subjects - music, gym, art. The kids are usually involved with "fun" things and the structure isn't too bad. It gives all the kids a chance to have fun together. I'm so pleased to hear of everyone's successes. On the few occasions that I've been in the self contained classrooms, I've always come away wishing that the regular classrooms could be a bit more like them. All the kids know what is expected all the time. None of the other students teases or is mean, each action has a consequence... the same consequence. and far fewer distractions. continued success thanks theirmom...I did forget to mention that...since day 1 in the self-contained he has been mainstreamed for all specials (there are only 7 in his class, so they split it and have 3 kids go with one teacher's class and the other 4 go with the other 5th grade teacher)...plus, they do all parties with all 3 classes (the Halloween one is this Friday)...fieldtrips and special events (i.e. the end of September they had an "archeological dig" for all the 5th grades)
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Post by LurkNoMore on Oct 27, 2004 10:05:17 GMT -5
;D ;D Good News! I wish I could say the same about "A" resource room. He was put in there for one day( with 6 other children who has either been held back at least one or two years) and they were all doing the same(inferior) work, Not 5th grade work. He was put in there to give him a "break". We agreed to it verbally, but "A" hated it so much. He was begging me not to send him back there It broke my heart). He was taken out immediately and placed mainstream. Hi Andy, we had the same kinds of problems last year (when C was in 4th grade)...it was a nightmare! I had specifically told/asked the teacher to make sure she wasn't dumbing down C's curriculum...he spent 1/2 the time doing his work at his desk while the other kids were doing other things (we had asked her to move his desk away from the other kids ~not at a "table" ~ to give him less distractions while doing his seat work...she took this to mean have him be away for the rest of the kids for most of the day! By the time we found out about it, it was too late...his self-esteem plummeted, he was having social problems (which he never had before) and his academics took a nosedive! One of the reasons we moved him to the self-contained was to NOT have a year like last year and give him the skills and foundation he needs for middle school NEXT year. It really makes for a rotten year when you have a teacher that won't work with you and seems to be working against you! OK...off my soapbox now! Please keep us posted as to how A is doing... {{{HUGS}}}
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Post by Gillian on Oct 27, 2004 10:27:16 GMT -5
Yeah! Nice to hear some good news.
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Post by angel on Nov 16, 2004 22:05:41 GMT -5
Lurk and Willow,
I have been wondering about both of you!!!! I am sooooo glad to hear that it is going well for you!! It sounds like you both made the best decision for you babies!! (I really had faith that you did)
I posted on the med board about Morgan and asked for updates. I came over here to check on you two and I am glad that I did!!!
Willow, how is her new med going?
Morgan switched to public school this year and it is really going pretty good. She has had some medication issues off and on, but for the most part has adjusted and is doing well. Her teacher has been very understanding and detailed in helping with getting her medication right.
It was so nice to hear about you!!!!
love ya, angel
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Post by 2pearl on Nov 16, 2004 22:50:22 GMT -5
gr*upP*rty
It's great to hear such good news! It proves to me that there's hope for us all!
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Post by LurkNoMore on Nov 17, 2004 10:42:02 GMT -5
Good to "hear" from you, Angel...(I did see your post on the meds thread, but haven't been around in a week or so, so needed to catch up to ALOT of new posts)!
More good news! We had our parent-teacher conference yesterday for C w/the spec. ed (self-contained) teacher, the speech path (doesn't give C services but she's in the class full-time), the OT and the social worker. For once, we had a totally positive conference...he has adjusted nicely to his new environment and they are starting to work with him to develop his own coping strategies. One example, the teacher mentioned when he writes his homework in his planner, he doesn't write it out fully like she does on the board, he uses his own shorthand. She said at first, she wanted him to write it the way he was "supposed to" but then she realized that he always does the correct homework and "his way" is obviously working for him, so she isn't going to make him conform to her way. Another thing they are doing, (it's in his behavioral plan) English/Language Arts is an 80 minute block of time...C is in his own reading group (because he is the only one that is reading at the 5th grade level), so they are working with him to use this time to work independently. They started out with 10 minute blocks of time...he is expected to do whatever the assignment is (spelling, vocab. etc) for 10 min. and then he gets a short 3-4 min break...after that he is expected to work again for 10 minutes. As he has success with this, they will slowly increase the time he needs to work and focus on his own. They all said that he is a pleasure to have in class and he isn't having any social or behavioral problems (he has made friends in his class and also has some friends from the reg. 5th grade classes). The OT said the fidget toy that works the best for him is an art eraser (looks and feels like a rubbery clay)...it is inobtrusive for him to play with it in his hands...he also uses a special cushion on his seat (I want to get more information from her on how I can order one for home)...if I find a link, I'll edit this later. She said that he seems to have more trouble with visual distractions...she was working on keyboarding with him and tried 3 different programs...when she asked him which one he liked the best, he mentioned the one that made noise (you could hear the keys typing) and that when he hears it, he can type faster. She suggested the teacher play classical music when they are doing seat work (his 3rd grade teacher did this and he will still do his homework with the classical station on). The social worker brought up mainstreaming him for at least science or social studies (said we can't really have a good feel for placing him next year, until we see how he does in a reg. classroom)...but they are going to wait to do that until he has more success at working for (the at least) 10 minute timespan without getting distracted.
His report card was an A- in science and then B's (B+, B-) in all the other subjects...he got better effort grades, too.
I asked if he packs himself up at the end of the day (she said yes) because I am noticing that he pretty much ALWAYS has all of the things he needs for homework this year (last year, we were making almost daily trips to the school). I think part of the reason this is because she has them write their assignments at the end of the day (so it is fresh in his mind...) instead of doing it as part of his morning routine.
Sorry it's a novel...just had to share! y*y
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 17, 2004 11:46:42 GMT -5
I hit the wrong key so didn't get it all read, but wanted to say this is the right kind of class. I'm glad things are going so well. Donna
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Post by LurkNoMore on Nov 17, 2004 17:26:47 GMT -5
Thanks, Donna...yes, I truly believe that C is FINALLY getting the kind of help/accomodations that he needs. He starts middle school next year, so things will only get harder for him if we didn't do something about it now. I enjoy reading all of your posts! It is great that you are so willing to share your knowledge and advice with all of us!
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Post by angel on Nov 18, 2004 14:01:05 GMT -5
Ok, I got teary eyed when I read your post!!
That is EXACTLY what he needed. What more could you ask for. They are helping him with all of HIS unique strengths and weaknesses and it takes that kind of setting to be able to do that. I am so happy for you. It sounds like they have excellent staff there. More schools need to follow their example!! He would never have gotten all of that (consistantly) in reg. ed!!! This is going to boost his self-esteem and work/study skills immeasurably!!!
YEAH!!!!
angel
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 18, 2004 14:16:44 GMT -5
Thank you very much, I needed to hear I'm helping today or being enjoyed. I'm always so happy when i hear of another child that is getting what they deserve.
I'm getting ready to post a email I sent to derrick's teacher later, watch for it. I think its going in social, its got school too, but its so great for social for him.
donna
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Post by willoweezie on Nov 18, 2004 14:27:44 GMT -5
I feel a bit like i'm sitting on a seesaw right now... I went to have Thanksgiving lunch with S at school today and met most of her classmates. To be totally honest with you guys, its pretty apparent to me that S is the most "normal" (in terms of emotional disabilities) of the group. There were kids melting down over this that and the other thing in just the 5 minutes I was in the class. On one hand, she seems to be OK with her class, likes her teacher and is getting work done and from what I've heard doing well. Maybe she feels good about being the one that's not always getting upset about stuff On the other hand, the class has gone from 7 kids to 11, with a frequently changing subsitute aid, which can't help with the stability issue for any of the kids. It seems to me that there are a number of very different disabilities amongst these kids, from the "emotional" (if you know me at all you know how much I HATE that label) to developmental etc. I'm not sure about how I'm feeling about the whole thing... I am really glad she is doing well, but I am kind of back to how I felt before I made this decision. God bless those kids, but S just doesn't seem as "disturbed" as most of the ones I saw... Maybe I should look at it optimistically, that she will eventually be able to start mainstreaming in some of her classes. I don't know, I was just sort of let down after that visit. Sigh! Sorry for the ramble!
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 18, 2004 19:28:55 GMT -5
Sounds like she will be ready to mainstream soon. The thing is if the program is a good fit, they will be the best place for her to mainstream back too the regular kids. She is learning how to handle all things now.
Donna
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Post by LurkNoMore on Nov 19, 2004 16:20:04 GMT -5
Ok, I got teary eyed when I read your post!! That is EXACTLY what he needed. What more could you ask for. They are helping him with all of HIS unique strengths and weaknesses and it takes that kind of setting to be able to do that. I am so happy for you. It sounds like they have excellent staff there. More schools need to follow their example!! He would never have gotten all of that (consistantly) in reg. ed!!! This is going to boost his self-esteem and work/study skills immeasurably!!! YEAH!!!! angel Thanks, Angel...especially since we struggled so much with the decision to change his placement last year.
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Post by LurkNoMore on Nov 19, 2004 16:26:17 GMT -5
Hey Willow...keep me posted. Do you feel that S is gaining anything by being in this class...there IS something to be said for being the "good kid" this year as opposed to the kid "always in trouble last year".
In C's class (2 girls, 5 boys)...the girls are the "tougher" ones...I don't know their diagnoses but they REALLY have a hard time adjusting to any kinds of change. According to C, they are the ones that usually have their names on the board (for mis-behaving). I know at least one boy is autistic (but he is the one mainstreamed the most) C is gaining self-esteem by feeling he is the smartest in his class.
Have you spoken to anyone about mainstreaming S for even a portion of the day? Have you had your parent-teacher conference yet?
Good luck and I'll be thinking of you!
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