DownSyn Forum

[SherryinWI]

Emailed our local school about Kindergarten registration because the information wasn't posted on their school public website and Nate brought home information for the current school he is attending Early Childhood at which the registration day with meeting the teachers and such is next week!

The local school called back and stated that their school was not having a registration day because they have already 60 children in the 4 year old Kindergarten class already coming to their school next year so they have the childrens information. Nate should be on her census but he is not so she is sending me a packet to fill out. I asked her some questions about possibly meeting the Speech therapist and reading specialist along with the teachers and classrooms at his local school so I can make the best choice for Nate next year. I told her Nate had Down syndrome and she automatically replied that he would be better fit at the school he is currently at because they have closed classrooms and that their classrooms are open with no doors. I am quessing she is making the assumption that all children with Down syndrome are runners and explorers. I told her that it would not be an issue for Nate not having doors on the classroom and that he was not a runner but I do want to see that the personalities of the SLP and reading specialist and such would be a good fit for him for the next 6 years! These individuals will make a huge impact on Nate! I want the right support in place for him.

She then proceeded that with the large population of students that they were very good at meeting everyone's differences and needs. So she scored okay with that in my book but I still felt like she is pushing me to not send Nate to her school. Which is fine because I do want the input to help make this decision and I am quesitoning if this big school...the largest one in the district will be the right fit. However, if he is to have friends in the neighborhood he will need to go to this school. Is EC school is a bit farther away, but the school is small and has some advantages. I need to meet the teachers and SLP and reading specialist at this school too! I have to speak with his teacher soon. If Nate wants to attend a school that isn't is neighborhood school technically you have to apply by Feb 1st!!! I am hoping we can keep this open for Nate till we have his IEP in June for September.

Does anyone have their child in an open classroom environment that has no doors? They have pods with 4 classrooms per pod and and open area with computers, and such. The pods have movable walls. It is a pretty new modern school with lots of technology! The school has a blue roof! They have a census of around 650 students. Next year the 6th grade will be taken out of the school to go to middle school. So it will be K-5 to 5th grade. Our new K-4 program is held in various daycare and preschool settings in the city and from my understanding will continue next year as well. Do you think this setting would be okay for your child?

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Sherry
Evan 12, Olivia 11, and Nate 8*

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[ecki]

I know we made sure Kayla had a "seat" at ALL our school options before we made a final decision (which ended up being 2 weeks before school started because our preferred private school decided to accept her at the last minute). It was a lot easier for our special ed director to cancel a placement than to try to get her into an already full class.

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Ecki



MomMom of Kayla (Ds/Autism 4/5/04) and Laurie (PDD-NOS 7/12/01)

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[SherryinWI]

Thank you! I am going to keep the option open. I spoke with his current teacher and SLP and they have provided me reasurance that his homeschool will be perfect for him. The SLP next year that would be working with him is very qualified and had worked with his current teacher for 7 years in the past. He may have a problem actually getting his current school to let him stay there because the ratio of Exceptional Need Students and Limited English learners is already really high for the incoming Kindergarten class and they have a small population with very full classes. The district is stll on the fence about closing the biligual school just down the street from them and waiting another year to do so...but this could impact Nate in being allowed to stay. Good to know this upfront....gives me time to get use the idea of Nate being in a school with around 650 students. Mommy just getting worried about sending her boy to school! I so want it but I also want to protect him and keep him home with me longer. He just seams so little to be going to Kindergarten.

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Sherry
Evan 12, Olivia 11, and Nate 8*

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