August 4, 2007

• Almost there

  I got a late start leaving Albuquerque yesterday. I went by the school that Michael will attend and met with the Spec Ed coordinator. As I described the situation we dealt with last year (in as kind and polite terms I could, I don't want this new person to get the impression that I harbor hostility toward educators) his reactions and comments sounded like the things that I've been saying.

  When I told him about the decision to remove michael from Spec Ed last year he said, "But you have a DIAGNOSIS that falls in the list of specifically legislated areas that automatically place a child in Sped Ed. An autistic person's need can't be met without modifications to a system that is designed for average kids with no communications challenge ..."

  Hallelujah!

  The conversation went on for quite a while with me describing Michael, describing the kinds of accomodations I hoped for, and answering his questions about our past experience. In the end he said, "You will find that New Mexico handles Spec Ed very differently than they do it in Colorado. You're gonna like it here."

  AND he said that we would have the first team meeting BEFORE THE SCHOOL YEAR STARTS!!!!

  Since Federal Law states that the assessments and meetings must take place within 60 days of a parent notifying the school of a need, I'm used to Colorado's policy of scheduling the meeting on day 59. What a difference!

  There are things that are going to require some adjustment here. So far they are all good things and my adjusting has been the need to stop looking at everything like it's too good to be true.

  I made it as far as Oklahoma City last night. My car needs new tires, an oil change and a brake job. I simply have not had time to stop and take it in for these repairs. So I rented a car for this trip. (Yeah Thrifty!) I'm driving a Dodge Charger and I have to say that this is fun.

  But the seat is higher than I'm used to. My feet dangled for 8 hours yesterday as i made my way east and by the time I reached the hotel my shoes didn't fit anymore. My feet looked like cantaloupes on the ends of my legs. i tried to sleep, but the swelling was painful and the need to visit the restroom was frequent. I'm glad my travel today will be shorter.

  According to mapquest, it's only about 5 more hours to Branson. And then I'll be reunited with the boys.

  Tucker called yesterday and said, "I miss you mom, are you on your way? I can WAIT to see you again. I want hugs and smooches."

  Michael said, "I'm packed. Aunt Cheryl put all my stuff back in my suitcase."

  Aunt Cheryl said, "I think I won the gold medal of packing, I'm ready to give lessons."

  

  • 7:48 am
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