Update on the little boy - that I wrote the school board about

luvmykids wrote: I don't know how many remember me writing the school board last year about a little boy in the twins' class who was supposed to stay in a "box" taped off on the classroom floor. I never did get a response but I am happy to report that he is again in their class but now has a special ed "advocate" who spends time with him in class each day. It's a new program the district has to help integrate kids who are borderline....not quite special ed but not without some problems, and so far it seems good...from what I've seen and heard from the twins, she helps him for a few hours each day. He has a desk and the same work as the other kids but she is there to do some one on one, helping him with his work, reminding him of classroom rules and behavior, helping him focus.

I haven't seen his mom or grandma around this year but he looks very happy and when I asked the teacher about him she very genuinely said "He's a great kid!"

Boo&BugsMom replied: I remember that. It just broke my heart. So good to hear he is doing well and is happy!

msoulz replied: Who knows - even though they did not respond to you, that letter may have been the catalyst for this boy getting some help. Either way, it's great news for him and your kids too.

Kaitlin'smom replied: well I am glad they are helping him and even though you personally did not get a response it seems they did react. good job!

Crystalina replied: I remember the story. So glad things are looking better. Good job!

lisar replied: I remember you telling us about that. Its good to know he has someone with him all day to help him.

Sam & Abby's Mom replied: I remember you posting about him. That is awesome he's finally getting some help instead of being put in the corner.

Calimama replied: I remember too. I'm so glad this year they are doing more for him.

Bamamom replied: That's great - I hate to see kids treated badly for things they can't control.

MommyToAshley replied:
I agree. Even though they did not respond to you, your letter may have been what intiated getting this little boy help. I remember the story and I am glad he is getting the help he needs.

boyohboyohboy replied: with school starting up I was just thinking about this kid the other day, but couldnt remember who posted it to ask!
I am so glad that he is getting some help.
and you should be proud to have been involved.

jcc64 replied: Wait, what box- I missed that post. Was it some sort of punishment, behavior modification thing? I'm gathering that he had some self-control issues that were not being properly handled by the classroom teacher?

The situation you've described is called inclusion, which is all the rage in public education right now as school districts look for ways to cut rising special ed costs while simultaneously trying to meet the needs of at-risk kids. The jury's still out on how effective a strategy it is- imo, it all depends upon the skills of the classroom teacher.
Kudos to you, Monica, for advocating for this little guy.

cameragirl21 replied: I remember that poor little boy, so nice of you to speak up for him. I firmly believe your letter contributed to the changes, you are a wonderful person, Monica, not that I ever doubted it before.

luvmykids replied: Jeanne, in a nutshell, he was in the twins' Kindy class last year and obviously did have some "issues" (I hate that word, btw) and the teacher was HORRIBLE to him. She taped off a corner on the floor and he was supposed to stay there, just about all day. She said awful things about him, in front of him, here's the original thread if you want more details old thread

eta: Thanks for all the nice comments guys

TANNER'S MOM replied: I am glad that something was done. We have had that program for along time here. Tanner's friend Payton has an assistant too. His mind is okay. But he needs someone to help him carry his books and to walk from class to class. But it is very important for him not to be in a special ed class b/c he is very smart and he needs the regular classes. The school tried to make him go in the special ed classes at first, even though he has no learning disability due to them getting more funding.

sparkys2boys replied: I remeber that so well Monica, it broke my heart that they were treating him like that poor kid, what a way to start your schooling

Glad to hear that the system is meeting his needs better this year and that he is happy! WTG for you for giving that little boy a voice to Monica, I am proud of you for standing uo for him

stella6979 replied: Good for you Monica for speaking up. You've obviously helped make this kids world a little brighter and he may just thrive more because of it.

Brias3 replied: I definitely remember you telling us about this!

Sounds to me like you played a big role in where he's at today- even though there wasn't a response, it seems like things have changed for the better!

Glad to hear he's doing well and to you for standing up to the plate!

AlexsPajamaMama replied: Thanks for the update, Monica. Im happy to hear the teacher this year has positive thoughts about him and he is getting the attention he needs

punkeemunkee'smom replied: I remember that all too well Mon! I am so glad to hear that he is being helped and (it sounds like) genuinely carde for by his new class/teacher! You are an awesome person to have gone to bat for him like you did!