MJ’s IEP meeting was yesterday. I am so happy to report that I had no reason to be as nervous as I was! The ESE specialist, his teacher, speech therapist, and occupational therapist were all in attendance. They had nothing but great things to say about his progress. It was just that….PROGRESS! They were able to compare where he was last year to where he is now. I didn’t have to raise my voice or quote some line from the “parents rights” handbook. I expressed everything that I wanted in his IEP and there were no hassles at all. We were in agreement with his goals for the year, his speech time and OT time. MJ is transitioning to middle school and as I have stated before, I am nervous terrified about this “new start”. I have taught middle school for over 16 years. I realize that I am probably more nervous than the “normal” parent. I see how mean kids can be EVERY DAY. I have prevented several autistic students from being bullied in the hallways. Who do you think I am thinking about every time it happens? MJ, MJ, MJ! How can I make sure he is in an environment where he is safe and protected from potential bullies? For me and my husband, safety is number 1; education is number 2. I have done my research on private schools that are accessible within my area. One school was so pathetic. As I took a tour of the school I noticed that the students were seated but not working. I mean they didn’t even have a book, paper, or a pencil on their desks! I walked into 6 classrooms and only 1 teacher was actively teaching. It was horrible. The worst thing is that this is a private school for kids with autism! I was so disappointed after that visit. I visited another school and in comparison they weren’t too bad but the principal had a difficult time answering my questions and contradicted himself several times. I researched public schools and asked a close friend about one particular public school. Based on her recommendation I visited the school. It was great. I had the opportunity to sit in the classrooms and observe the teachers. I met the ESE specialist, speech therapist and the teacher’s aide. All of my questions were answered and I felt comfortable when I left. We have decided that we will be placing him in that public school. All I can do now is prepare him as best as I can for this transition. I will have to make sure that he tours the school, meets his teacher, and knows where his classroom is before school starts. Other than that I will be praying for his protection while he makes this transition into middle school life…Lord help me!
NickysdayWithAutism 
Yeah! That is so encouraging. Thanks for sharing.
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So happy you were able to find the right school.
Unless the school system you live in doesn’t have the services your child needs, Jersey doesn’t allow you to choose your school. You are able to choose yours?
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Yes we can choose schools if you need to. You can apply for it but have to provide your child’s transportation.
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I see.
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I am so happy that your meeting went well and everyone found a happy medium! Hooray to transitioning to middle school, and I completely understand your fears about the bullying. Dillon is extremely passive and that worries me even with him being in elementary school!
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Thank you for sharing, it is good when you can choose and visit.
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I remember when my son was transitioning to middle school. I was also terrified but with the great support (in particular, he had a really amazing para) and great people, it turned out to be a really good experience. In fact, when we left the middle school, we ask if there was anyway his para could come along but unfortunately no. Hard to believe he’s in high school now.
Just keep doing what you’re doing.
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So great to hear. Thank You!
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Thanks for sharing that!!! I’m also going through that now..
It is nerve wrecking because, I know for me all I think about is the mean kids. These past two years with children messing with him has been rough for us. He’s come home crying daily and it pisses me off. So I hate to imagine what middle school will be like.
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I can’t stand to see the bullying. Thank goodness I’m always aware of what is going on while I’m at work. All I can do is pray and really try to make sure he is safe. I always let his teachers know that his safety is my #1 priority. I don’t ever want to get a call about him being bullied or “Nicky from the 305” will come out!
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I hate it… All I would hear is that Justin took things to seriously and then the principal would defuse the situation and months later we would be back at square one…But it’s funny because recently I had to let them that I’m not only a Teacher with a Special Ed. Background. I’m a School/Mental Health Counselor, so I know all the laws and will do what I need to, to get real results… Once that was said, this year has been a lot better.
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Awesome! I’m glad they know that you are serious about your son’s well being.
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I realized you have to be.. We’re our kids first advocate. If we comet speak of for them. Who will?
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Nicky, I’m SO glad you had a positive IEP meeting! I know it means so much to parents to have their minds put at ease about transitioning to the next level. So good to hear that MJ has a good team!
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Thank you! They really are awesome. I am SO gonna miss them!
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