No Go Again....
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| Fri, 04-27-2007 - 12:48pm |
And this time it was all really weird, as the school had seemed rather guardedly enthusiastic about the possibility that they might be a place where Malcolm could come to school. He actually did very well for his visit IMHO, considering that after all the prep I had given them about his sensory issues etc. --- well, they seem to have made it very hard for him. Teachers didn't know why he needed gum or wanted to wear his hat in class -- I had specifically discussed this with admissions director --- and, well, Malcolm STOOD UP FOR HIMSELF!!! But he was very put off by the teachers and found the rules they kept telling him about nonsensical lol. He also found the schoolwork boring (although he did it!). He was very disconcerted by the constant changing of classrooms and teachers, and it doesn't sound like the many teachers did very much to help him feel relaxed --- I did not know about this changing rooms BTW, never mentioned to me in advance, and of course new to Malcolm. He hated it.
And saddest of all, he had been given a kid guide to spend the entire day, I thought that would be great --- BUT the kid was rude to him!!! Malcolm distinctly didn't like him. But he did stay with him, although I do believe he may have asked several of the teachers if he could change kids. This may not have improved the kid's behavior to Malcolm...
We still could get a "yes" from this school, but I expect not. Malcolm apparently had a sitdown with the admissions director at the end of his visit and told her all the reasons why he didn't think this was the right school for him!!! And he was sad about it on the way home, but I reassured him that it sounded like he had done his very best and that his feedback was very important to me and we would keep discussing everything with him as we went along.
Yet another "NO", so discouraging. We are almost out of schools. But man, I am so proud of my boy!
Sara

((Sara))
Good for Malcolm sticking up for himself. How dare the "guide" be rude, that would of been discussed as well.
It's funny how you preped him, he did well, and you disclosed to the staff his "quirks" and they dismissed it.
UGGGG
Sending positive thoughts
Nora
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/irishwildrose/pp2.jpg
Oh crumbs Sara,
What a disappointment!
I am so sorry the school doesn't understand simple concepts such as telling the teachers about a student's needs; -or indeed telling a student what to expect.
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Yes, Paula, I think there might have been a bit of that, but also I think they were just sloppy in their communication and they would let him sink or swim and go from there. His girlfriend also did a visit there and she didn't like the school either and the school did accept her, but I think her mom is not sending her there --- but she has a few other nice choices for her daughter, unlike us...
AND if this school does want to try again or have Malcolm have more visits, sadly I think Malcolm will not want to do it! But of course DH and I will have to have much more pow-wow-ing before we give them our boy for any more days. If he were given a new nicer guide, if there could be more preparation and help provided during the day, etc. We'll see.
He really had a hard time and felt like noone there was particularly nice, he said the teachers weren't "pretty" -- which for him means engaging and likeable. Rules were quoted at him all day and when he asked for explanations of the rules, people said "That's just the way we do things here". He DID follow the rules, but he was deeply unhappy about it all... And with the kid guide being rude, some real impulsive, social problems there BTW, but noone seemed to be keeping an eye on things and this is with 6 kids in class and they are supposed to be working on social skills there.
Anyways, yes UUUGGGHHH.
But yes, he didn't lose his temper, he tried everything including gym class and tag at recess (!) and drew a gorgeous picture in art class and did all the classwork easily and took off his hat anyways and told the other teacher "But I need the gum or else I chew on my shirt collar!!!" and the teacher ... relented.
And here's the amazing thing. I got all this information from Malcolm about what happened on the ride back home.
Hooray for Malcolm!
Sara
<<<<<>>>>
Sounds like Malcolm did great at the visit! WTG!!!
Bummer about the school, though. I'm sure you guys will find someplace where Malcolm can flourish.
I'll be thinking about you!
good luck
Chrystee
My goodness, Sara...your post left me with such mixed emotions. I'm so sorry that it wasn't the answer you were looking for, but so happy that Malcolm handled it so incredibly well!
(((((Sara & Malcolm)))))
Amy
Yes like Amy said such mixed emotions! But you know, its obvious its not the place for him, he knows that and its great that you have given him control over the matter. And its great that he was able to respond to the negative stuff so well.
I don't know If I could of, even being an NT!!! lol
Lainie
Sounds like Malcolm is really clued into what is best for him....no doubt 'cause him Mum and Dad have helped with this enormously:) Don't fret, just wasn't the right place and better to know now. Hang in there, thinking positive thoughts, lighting candles and sending white light!!!
Dee
I'm sorry it didn't work out. The changing of classes in Kyle's middle school is what was so hard for Kyle this yr. Its just too much. Malcolm did great though. It really wonderful he can advocate for himself!!!
Samantha