middle school transition

“Just Gonna Sit Here”

~ NickyB. ~ 28 Comments

I’m Just gonna sit here and be thankful for the “calm season” we are having with MJ. 

He hasn’t had a meltdown in weeks.

He has transitioned from elementary school to middle school effortlessly. 

His behavior has been great at school.  

His grades are good in all of his classes.  

He has made friends in his classroom. 

He comes home with stickers and rewards for doing well.   

He is excited to go to before care in the morning.  

Though he struggles with HW, he does eventually complete it.  

I’m just gonna sit here and be thankful for this “calm season” with MJ. 😊

  
First middle school picture of MJ 💕💕. He was squinting a bit because of the camera’s flash.   

So Far…

~ NickyB. ~ 13 Comments

Week 3 of school is now over.  MJ is doing well 😊. I spoke to his teacher and she informed me that he is doing a great job in class and commented on how “smart he is.”  She has given the students diagnostic tests and will be grouping the students based on the results.  

One of MJ’s stimming behaviors,  is having an object in his hand up in the air and continuously waving it back and forth.  The issue is that he has been doing that with his pencil. That of course could be dangerous and we need to find something to replace the pencil.   I am probably going to find a fidget toy or “squishy ball” in hopes that he will use it instead of a pencil.  I’m hoping that whatever I get him doesn’t break his concentration in class.   

The special needs before/after care has been awesome.  There are several adults in the room and the kids are always doing some kind of hands on activity.  MJ is genuinely happy to be  there. 

 He is safe.  

He is learning.  

He is making friends. 

 I’m so thankful for all of this and I pray that it continues.    

I’m also praying that this long weekend is better than last week’s.  😏

What Are They Thinking?!?!! Preparing MJ For Middle School (part 3)   

~ NickyB. ~ 39 Comments

Are They Serious?!?

As many of you know, MJ will be entering  middle school soon.  I recently called the school to inquire about their “meet and greet” for incoming sixth graders.  I was informed that they would not be having a meet and greet. Instead, they are having a parent orientation meeting! I don’t know about you but I don’t give two fiddle sticks about an orientation!  What I care about is a smooth transition for MJ. It is imperative that he meet his teacher and see his classroom before the first day of school.  Upon hearing the news, I immediately emailed the ESE specialist at the school.  I waited 2 days and noticed she hadn’t even read my email! I decided to call her and to my surprise she picked up the phone on the first ring.  I informed her about my email and my concerns.  I asked her “what day and time is good for a quick meet and greet?” She did lots of “iffing and butting” until she finally said “I understand your concerns and we will work something out.”  We ended the phone call after that statement but I am not satisfied.  In another week I will be politely sending a follow up email and phone call if I have to.  I honestly try to be as nice as I possibly can because these individuals will have direct contact with my son. I don’t want them treating him badly due to my behavior.    I have seen how some unprofessional people treat students after dealing with the issues of their parents.  Whatever happens, mark my words…My son WILL meet his teacher before his first day of middle school. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE.