New school year: 1 week down

In 4 words: so far so good.

Shea seems to be making the transition to kindergarten with vim and vigor. Happy, enthusiastic, literally exploding off the bus with joy! This may be the high water mark but I am feeling much relieved.

The IEP manager told me about the first full day where he comes from kindergarten, has lunch with his bubble of special kids and then even had a mini snooze in the bean bag chair for about 15 minutes! Then bounced right up and had a good 2nd half of the day. Priceless.

Tomorrow is the first birthday party of the year and I already have the wheat/gluten free brownie ready to go.

Well. Like I said: so far so good.

Molly said yesterday, "I like middle school!" Yow! She likes her teachers and she likes her classes and she likes being able to bike to school and she like having a locker and she likes being a big kid.

Being a musical novice again is tough as she has joined the band and is learning to play the flute. This is in addition to violin and voice. Hm...

My butterflies are settling down although I still wish I could be a fly on the wall to check out the social dynamic. But instead I subtly ask things like, "How was lunch? Who did you sit with?"

The answer? The nice girls. The brainy girls. The not too much in a hurry to grow up girls.

Well. Like I said: so far so good.

Gotta good alarm clock?

God I love to sleep in.

Scratch that.

God I love sleeping in and being able to read in bed for a bit until Shea wakes up and comes downstairs to get a snuggie in the big bed. Ahh...the calm before the storm. A somewhat guilty pleasure but payment for those long summer days with the kids.

Soon, very soon, that all goes away.

School starts on Tuesday; six days from now. And Middle schoolers need to be at school early. Like 7:50 early. Ok, almost 8:00 but she'll have be up by 6:45 AM.

That is too early!

And, all because they don't have enough buses to do all the kids at the same time. The high school and middle school are first then the elementary run is done. The little kids start at 9:00.

Doesn't that suck!

A lot of parents are annoyed. It remains to be seen just how annoyed I am. I will report back.

But, we are on the hunt for a good alarm clock.

Back to school: time to revisit the IEP?

I know it's only August but school is just around the corner. Each new school year bring new teachers, friends and experiences for all our kids’ especially kids with special needs.

Although the formal IEP meeting happens around your child's birthday, a special parent can request a meeting to revisit the IEP at any time.

Yes! That is correct. At any time!

So, as the school year begins to crank up, don't be shy about asking to revisit the IEP. Many things can happen over the summer; new developments, behavioral issues, allergies, new strategies and ideas from the child's specialists. Or you as a parent might just need reassurance that new members of the team are in sync with the goals.

Don't be afraid to contact your child's case manager and ask for an IEP update meeting. As always when dealing with anyone on your child's treatment team, be gracious and polite but be firm. Do not get angry. Be clear about why you want to have the meeting. And, if it is necessary, continue to say that you have the right to revisit the IEP at any time.

The goal is whatever is best for your child. You are your child's strongest advocate so be strong and actively participate.