School Update

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-05-2004
School Update
1
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 10:51am
I appreciate everyone listening to my rant yesterday. When I got home last night, I realized that I was just being a baby and being jealous like a high-school kid. No mom wants to see her child struggle. I wish school could be easy for Katie, but it's not. I just get frustrated because we both try so hard. But I know the whole person. Her problems in school do not define her. She is smart, and just an awesome kid. And when I was in church last night I prayed that we will overcome this hurdle, and hopefully, by the end of the year, she will be reading as good as anyone.

Tara, you are absolutely right about skating now and struggling later. And I know it was just sour grapes on my part. It's just that when you grow up with 4 sisters, there is always a measure of competition there amongst us. And everyone wants to brag about their kid. So, I just have to brag about something that Katie is good at -- like her athletic ability. She's only 40 pounds, but she is fast. She had the fastest time in gym class when they ran the quarter mile (boys and girls) and she was the only kid able to climb up and down on the rope hanging from the ceiling, and she did it twice. I think I have a future track star on my hands!LOL As for the after-school program, the kids do have time to do their homework. Katie will usually do her math pages there because she is good at math and doesn't need any help. She struggles with reading and grammar and individual help isn't always avaiable. The teacher told me today that in her special Tuesday and Thursday after school reading program that Katie did not sit still at all and got nothing done. As for my son, he could do all his homework at the after school program if he wanted to, but he's Mr. Social, and he would rather play with his friends and bring his homework home. Basically, he can get his homework done in about 1/2 an hour and it usually isn't a struggle. It's always a struggle with Katie.

Catherine, thanks for the information on ADHD. We had a doctor's appointment yesterday, and we are going to change her medication from Ritalin to Adderol and see if that works better for her. I am very fortunate that Katie has a GREAT teacher. In fact, her teacher called me this morning. Her teacher told me she knows Katie is smart, she just can't focus. So if we can work on the focus problem, maybe things will improve. We are in constant contact with each other to get Katie on the right track. Compared to what I had last year, this is a hugh improvement.

West, you are so sweet. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I really needed that this morning.

I just have to not worry about what everyone else is doing and concentrate on my two kids -- appreciate their differences and love them for the way they are. Thanks again for listening.

Donna

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2001
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 3:01pm
Donna, I'm sorry it's taken a while for me to reply to you. As you can probably guess, it's been hectic here. I feel for you. I really do. I know exactly what you are feeling. To see pain or hurt in your childs eye is not fun. To see frustration. To hear your child say "I'm dumb" or "I'll never get this" is devastating.

I went to the school today to meet with the Principal-for all the good that did. I was told that no, there were not any resources for me to utilize within the district. That they dont provide tutoring to kids who are struggling. I asked about President Bush's "No child is left behind" law. See, that only pertains to schools that are on "watches" and, luckily, our school isnt.

I've decided I'm going to get Joshua tested, on my own, at an outside facility. I saw his teacher from last year and showed her the report card. She was near tears and said "I can't believe the test came back as it did (last year)". I've had 3 teachers who are Masters degrees in Reading, tell me he has all the signs. I will fight this.

But I know my children are good, smart, respectful and are trying their hardest. I know I am not a failure. I'm doing all I can for my kids, and that's all I can do.

And you are a great mom too. Give your kids a huge hug and let them know how much you love them-no matter what!!!

Hugs

Deb

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