It was a weird "tea"
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| Fri, 08-25-2006 - 10:34pm |
I went to David and Nathan's school today for the "tea" that we were invited to, to meet the teachers of the full-inclusion program. Last May, I was assured that that this new program would be run by autism specialists.
Well, we get there, and it's in this backstage storage area. The area is suitable for small IEP meetings, but it was really crowded and awkward today. There were parents and teachers, and one little boy. The inclusion teacher introduced herself, as well as the teacher who will be taking over in a couple months when teacher #1 has her baby. I took a seat at the table, and had a few limited conversations with various teachers, competing with the three other conversations going on, and my two kids stimming all over and tugging at me, "Mommmm, I'm ready to goooooo." After a while, a parent said, "So, are we waiting for XXXX before we get started?" The answer was a cheerful, "Oh, no. This is it. Very informal."
Well, geez. I asked where the full inclusion classroom would be (I was assuming we were invited to SEE it, duh!), and the teacher didn't know yet, but knew it would be in one of the portables. Okay, a lot of construction has been going on for the past year or so for earthquake retrofitting, so she's forgiven...but portables tend to be hot and stinky with buzzing lights. Perfect for ASD kids with their sensory issues. NOT.
I thought it was really weird that these autism specialists invited their AS and HFA students and parents to a totally unstructured social event. Why not live a little and meet at a casino, or have a rave downtown? The whole thing has left me with "Twilight Zone" music in my head. Doo-doo Doo-doo Doo-doo Doo-doo.
On a more positive note. We got to meet David AND Nathan's general ed teachers, and visit their classrooms. I have high hopes for both.
School starts Monday. Oh, boy!
Evelyn

oh what FUNNNNNNNN
Hey, here the portables usually have good AC and I would love for Cait to be put into one of the new portables they are putting on her school campus in December. They stuck her class in the Green room (dressing room for theatre stuff) between the band room and the gym. Talk about sensory night mare.
Seems that our special kids always get the left overs. Can tell where the priorities lie.
Renee
Hmmm... Not exactly confidence inspiring. School starts on Monday and on Friday they don't know where the classroom will be?
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