Last Week of School

Wednesday is Raquel's last day of school until the end of August. Since I chose not to enroll her in summer school due to high class sizes, I'll be trying to find fun activities to keep her busy. She definitely likes to get up and go in the morning.

I continue to fight with the district, so this summer I will have her assessed by another school district - and start the whole process all over again. As much as I hate to move her away from her current teachers, we all know that this isn't the right class for Raquel. Yes, she's getting one-on-one attention for the most part, but therapy is non-existent, and her being surrounded by silent kids is not helping her communication skills. Regardless, it will be a sad day on Wednesday when we say good-bye. Teachers that deal with special needs kids are truly special themselves. It can be so hard with Raquel sometimes, and I always think of her teachers wanting to put themselves in the position to help her and the others and make a difference in their lives. I don't think special ed teachers get the credit they deserve. Their big hearts are not taken for granted - at least not in this house.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've learned about more and more options being available to me. I've also learned that just because certain individuals are associated with a district doesn't mean they necessarily agree to district politics. And yes, I did say politics. When I voiced my concern about the district failing to return my phone calls, I was told that was considered "breaking down the parents," meaning that if you are rejected over and over again, you eventually get sick of trying. But the main thing I've learned is that I have to be Raquel's biggest advocate and push, push, push - for everything. No information is volunteered, but if you educate yourself and ask the right questions, more and more resources suddenly become available. And I'm happily given the information - I just have to inquire first...