IEPs and Such

We finally got Big Sis' Study Group meeting scheduled for next month. I've been researching IEPs and some of the 'To Dos' and 'To Knows' about the IEP process and being my child's advocate etc. As much as I want to believe in my heart that the school and the district have my child's best interest in mind, I have a voice in my head telling me that may not be the case.

Schools have no money, therefore they will avoid spending it if at all possible. She is on an inter-district transfer. They like transfers because that brings their school additional funds, unless you have special needs like IEP, modified curriculum or Resource, then you cost them money. It is very clear that any transfer can be revoked at any time. I understand that completely, but if it comes down to that I will not be leaving quietly. And- what I mean by that is I will do everything in my power to make sure I know my rights as a Parent, but more importantly, I will know what rights my daughter has to an education. One that will be taught in a way that allows her to learn.

After all, isn't it their JOB to teach children? Or is it only their job if the child learns in the way they say they should?!!! Ahhhh, this is so frustrating!

But I can tell you this... Sometimes I wonder what God's plans are for me. How will God use me to make this world a better place? I think God is answering me... Things can get tough and the situation forces me to use the skills God has given me..and sometimes it forces me to be still and listen.

Things are happening. I'm not sure what yet, but I trust God knows what he is doing and he blessed me with this for a reason. Yes I said blessed. Blessed because I am growing- in spirit and in strength. I have everything I need. He gave it to me a long time ago, I just didn't know what I was supposed to do with it....Now I know.

I am happy to say that with the exception of a few minor bumps Big Sis is doing very well adjusting to the 4th grade and her new Teacher. We are very excited for what this school year has for us and can't wait to share it with you.

Family Staging Area

I've been working on getting a 'Family Board' and a staging area like the one mentioned here.

So far I picked up a dresser from Goodwill for $25 and a bulletin board from Walmart for $8. I bought some chair rail to make a more substantial frame.
(I guess I didn't take a picture of it, you can kind of see it on the side there.)




And some goodies like post-its, star stickers, labels, tacks, paper clips and clamps! How fun! I'm always excited when I find a good idea that I think will help our family function better.



I'm hoping to get this done today so I can post the 'After' pictures tonight.

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My next project will be transforming this junk closet into my craft closet. Wish me luck!

When too much...is too much!

Kids need structure. How many times have I heard that? A billion...at least. Well, this is especially true for kids with ADD. They need clear choices and clear rules and boundaries, so I am learning. Big Sis is no exception to this rule. When school started I bought her a pack of mechanical pencils and made the mistake of not explaining that once they were gone, that was it. This conversation never occurred to me until I realized within two weeks there were no more pencils! Where they went, I have no idea. (And neither did she!)

I have found that our clan functions more efficiently, in fact, flourishes when we have tighter more structured boundaries. It all boils down to minimizing choices or options. We're not robots and we don't expect our kids to be either. But too many choices can be overwhelming. For us, it's best to give the kids what I call the 'this or that' option. 'Do you want pink or purple?' Not 'Here's the box of 150 crayons you choose.' That's kind of a silly example, but you get the idea.