Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Getting back in the swing of things

Wow, it really has been too long! I've been busy (and am still dealing with) some issues with my son's school. Gah! They are mostly small issues that have just been going on for a long while and building up. He is still basically doing well at school educationally, but the school is not following his IEP in the areas of services and socialization. I haven't figured out if they just don't think those things are important, or if they think parents just don't follow these issues - they are wrong either way! Add to this the fact that we lost our director of special services and finally got a new one - but only an interim director who will leave in April! -- and the psychologist for my son's school (who was also his case manager) left to take another job -- well, you get the idea! It's a big mess.

We are about to take all of our documentation (and I document EVERYTHING) to the state and make a complaint. Thankfully, I can show in paperwork that I have followed all the rules of making complaints to the right people, making requests in writing and waiting out the "x" amount of days for follow-up like I am supposed to do. We'll see how that goes.

In other news, I wanted to make sure everyone had heard the news that Elsie and Pooka have moved to a new site. If you don't sign up for their newsletter to have heard what happened, they had some issues at the beginning of the year renewing their site. So it is now at www.pookapages.com. The store will be opening back up shortly, and it sounds like the whole site will be better than ever! Their Imbolc edition is now up. The Elsie and Pooka newsletter is so worth checking out if you haven't already! Especially good for the younger pagan children.

Also, Pagan Moonbeams is moving to a bi-monthly newsletter. The January/February edition will be out any day. They will be skipping March to work on their new format, but will be back at the beginning of April for the April/May issue. Be sure to check it out! This is such a great resource for pagan parents, especially parents with kids who have gotten a little too old for Elsie and Pooka. Plus, they have an awesome section for pagan children with special needs!

I hope to be back here on a regular basis soon. And back to checking out all the wonderful blogs that I've not had time to read!

26 Comments:

iluvlucy8 said...

hope things get back to normal soon for you!

yellowdog granny said...

wow, I sure hope you get some results from all your documenting..that should help..i can come bip someone if you need.

Spirit said...

glad to see you back. I was sad to see you go "private". Hope things smooth out soon.

CelticBuffy said...

I hope things get better with your son. As a former school speech therapist, I have seen first hand how lazy teachers will do the least thinking that parents don't pay attention to the details in the IEP. It's one of the reasons why I'm a FORMER ST. It was becoming too rampant in one of the schools I worked with. Keep fighting for your son!

mighty jo said...

good luck with everything. my thoughts are with you.

Anne Johnson said...

Feeling like a soul sister. I'm learning just now that most of my daughter's teachers don't even know she has an IEP. Even the INCLUSION teachers!

Anne Johnson said...

Feeling like a soul sister. I'm learning just now that most of my daughter's teachers don't even know she has an IEP. Even the INCLUSION teachers!

H~ said...

Wow! Reading this makes me really pleased with the resource department we have at my school. At the beginning of the year I get this lovely green binder with all the kids and their IEP's and another document that outlines individual strategies. Plus, our resource department is there to help us implement those strategies, etc. to meet their needs. It's amazingly helpful since (trust me) as a teacher I have more than enough to do. I'm sorry to hear that the your son's school has become disorganised to the point that your son's needs have been neglected. Also, well done you for documenting everything and following proper procedure. It will all be better for you in the end. Good luck with it all!

enelya said...

Good luck with figuring everything out..It must be so frustrating when you just want the best for your kid. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Have a good Imbolc despite everything

love, Nancy

Jamie said...

Hey, I missed ya.

I was going to email and see what was up, but I lost your email again when my comp crashed.

It stinks that things aren't going so well in the IEP dept... but go you for having all the documents. That will be a huge help and hopefully they get their act together. It is wonderful to have a child who does so well academically but that just isn't the whole story.

Divaeva said...

glad things are getting back to normal for you - we sure do miss you! Be well! *hugs*

Caroline said...

I sure hope it all works out with your son...good thing you document everything. Be sure to write again soon...miss your posts!

intothedawn said...

I figured if life got in the way, and I remembered stuff was going on with your son's school, wondered if it was that. Sorry to hear its gotten worse, but it sounds like you've got things well under control! Sounds like you're ready to kick butt and take names.

But, OH! I sure have missed you!

Walk in the Woods said...

I've missed you!

Sacred Suzie said...

Oh I have missed you! I'm so glad you're back but am sorry to hear about all the drama. Paperwork stinks. I hate it. You're right though, always make copies. I hope the drama settles down for you and your family.

Wendy Hawksley said...

Very glad to see you back again, and hope all the craziness settles down for you and the family!

Linda said...

I haven't commented before, just lurked, aside from some of your Halloween contests! I enjoyed your blog, and was so disappointed when I couldn't see it anymore. I came by today to check, and hooray!

Good luck with your son's school.

Nydia said...

Oh, I'm happy you're back! I imagined it must have been something to do with the school... It's good that your eyes are always opened and your mom radar is working so well... Some people underestimate the most important things!

Kisses and big hugs from us.

Carlene said...

I'm sooooooooo glad you're back! Yours is my fav pagan blog. I'd really hate it if you went away for good. Did I say I was glad you are back?!?
Good luck with the school craziness. Sounds like you've got it covered. Maybe these changes are for the good.
Welcome back!

Tori said...

I hope things smooth out soon! Schools with massive employee changes tend to mess things up, but I wish the best of luck to you.

Thanks for the update!

Grammy said...

I am glad you are back I missed ya. Glad too you know how to deal with the school system.

SacredAngel said...

It's great that you've got a game plan for the school stuff. Your son is lucky to have a mom so determined.

As far as the blogging and being busy goes I think it's just winter. I've been so sluggish and slow.

Luciana Onofre said...

Indico teu blog ao Prêmio Dardos, te convido a passar no Crianças Pagãs e colher o selo.
E repassá-lo a blogs que incentivem a cultura na net.

O que é o Prêmio Dardos?

"Com o Prêmio Dardos reconhecem-se os valores que cada blogueiro emprega ao transmitir valores culturais, éticos,literários, pessoais, etc. que, em suma, demonstram a sua criatividade através do pensamento vivo que está e permanece intacto entre as suas letras, entre as suas palavras. Esses selos foram criados com a intenção de promover a confraternização entre os blogueiros, uma forma de demonstrar carinho e reconhecimento por um trabalho que agregue valor à Web.”

Besos,

Luciana


http://criancapaga.blogspot.com/

Chaos and love said...

we just found the Pooka pages. It is indeed a wonderful find.

Clarity comes out of chaos. What a treasure you are for your son.
I could say I understand, but he is not my child. However, I do understand the love for a child. That visceral need to keep them loved and safe.
Peace

Vixen/Apron Frenzy said...

Fight hard, momma! There is no one who does a better job fighting for their kids than you sweetie. I wish you luck and perseverence.

Glad you are getting back into the swing. Have a wonderful weekend.

Sage Moonstone said...

I wish you all the best with the school district! We are still fighting with ours.. you are so lucky you understand how the system works, I had to hire a lawyer (and we really can't afford one..). But in the end the kids need the help and we have to get it for them the best way we know how!

Email me any time if you need to let off some steam about the crappy public school system.. I know exactly how you feel!

Hugs ~
Sage